First released in 1997, the original Spyderco Native quickly set a high standard for affordable, full-service, lightweight folding knives. Designed to offer made-in-USA craftsmanship at an extremely affordable price, it also introduced Spyderco's patented reversible "barrel-bolt" pocket clip.
 
As the Native's following grew, many users expressed interest in an extended version offering more blade length and better ergonomics for larger hands. Inspired by this feedback, Spyderco created a prototype of the Native Chief in 1999. This design maintained the pocket-friendly width of the Native while extending its overall length by nearly two inches. Spyderco took this prototype to various trade shows and customer gatherings, gathering feedback and continuing in-house development to perfect the design.
 
Although feedback was positive, the challenges of creating a longer-bladed knife delayed its release. The development of the Native 5, the fifth-generation evolution of the original Native, played a key role in finally bringing the Native Chief to life. The Native 5's highly refined lockback mechanism, the result of years of research and significant investment in high-precision machinery, set a new standard and was essential to the Native Chief's design.
 
The Native Chief stretches the original Native design by about one-third while maintaining its slim, pocket-friendly profile. The Native Chief Lightweight continues this evolution, replacing G10 scales with a lightweight, fiberglass-reinforced nylon (FRN) handle. The handle features high-traction Bi-Directional Texturing and linerless construction, reducing the knife's weight by 21%. It retains the precision-machined lockback mechanism and includes four sets of threaded inserts for fully configurable mounting of the four-position pocket clip. The full-flat ground blade features Spyderco's Trademark Round Hole for easy ambidextrous opening.
 
Developed in cooperation with Crucible Industries, CPM-SPY27 is a cobalt-enriched stainless steel that enhances the chemistry of Japanese VG-10 with the Crucible Particle Metallurgy (CPM) process. This high-performance blade material, exclusive to Spyderco, balances edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. The Native Chief Lightweight proudly showcases this elite steel in its full-flat ground blade, highlighted by a signature cobalt blue FRN handle.
 
Specifications:
Blade Length: 4.02" (102 mm)
Cutting Edge: 3.52" (89 mm)
Closed Length: 5.08" (129 mm)
Overall Length: 9.05" (230 mm)
Blade Thickness: 0.125" (3.2 mm)
Blade Material: CPM-SPY27 Stainless Steel
Blade Style: Drop Point
Blade Grind: Full Flat
Blade Finish: Tumbled
Blade Edge: Plain
Handle Material: Fiberglass-Reinforced Nylon
Handle Color: Cobalt Blue
Locking Mechanism: Lockback
Pocket Clip: Tip-Up/Down, Left/Right Carry
Model Number: C244PCBL
Model Name: Native Chief Lightweight CPM-SPY27
Weight: 3.1 oz. (88 g)
Made in the USA
UPC Code: 716104017768
 
Discover the advanced design and superior performance of the Spyderco Native Chief Lightweight CPM-SPY27, the perfect extension of the iconic Native series, offering exceptional quality and functionality in a lightweight, user-friendly package.