Alternative to Delica

[Gene K]

I'm looking at an alternative to the Delica. It just doesn't seem a stand out in value in the Spyderco line like it once did.

I'm looking for a local carry folder of 3.0" or less (State Capitol has 3.0" Limit) to carry in addition to my little traveling folder.

1. CTS-XHP is about as tough to sharpen as I'm willing to live with day in and day out in an EDC.
2. My traveling knife (My job requires it) has been a Byrd Robin 1 for 10 years and it works wonderfully for a 2.5" limit without rasing eyebrows in places like NYC or Chicago. It's on my all the time (Pocket carry with removed clip) and can be touched up easily on a small Arkansas Stone.
3. I currently have folders from Custom Stockman (ATS-34) to ZT 0350.
4. Buck 420HC is about as low an edge retention as I'm willing to live with.

It is an EDC so will be subject to the usual stress and possible loss of daily use. That limits me to a Max of $150 (would prefer under $100).

Maybe that's enough info to make suggestions.

I'm currently considering the Spyderco Chaparral FRN.

 

[Barman1]

I would go with the Chaparral or a Native.
Both excellent choices with plenty of handle options to consider.

 

[colin.p]

Para 3?

 

[extrastout]

besides the weak wire clip definitely the chaparral frn. CTS XHP is as easy to sharpen freehand as vg10 for me and you do not need to sharpen it nearly as often. Very easy to touch up. Much better deal with the chap over the delica....besides the clip. Native looks good too on paper and pictures (never had one)

Can not go wrong with a slip joint if your concerned with laws (GEC)

 

[halden.doerge]

Yeah, you’re looking for the FRN Chaparral.

 

[lieferung]

Native 5? Or Chapparal works too.

 

[Boxer .45]

Para 3 is about the same length as Delica in almost all respects. The lightweight will be closer in materials and price. I love the Para3. Its still not a Delica though, nothing is.

 

[KCDR]

+1 for FRN Chaparral is a nice alternative. About Delaca size but thinner. I added a dragonfly for size comparison but also an option.

 

[Spydergirl88]

The Para 3 lw will be released soon, would you consider that knife or do you need something now?
Is the Lil Native too small? I have the DLC comp lock version and I love it.

 

[P2P]

Chaparral is .08’’ behind the edge. Very thin for a production folder.

+1 chaparral.

 

[mitch13]

Native
UKPK
Dragonfly
Delica
All good options.
The ukpk might be a good option being non locking.
Keep an eye on the exchange some good bargins come up. Bothing wrong with a second hand knife from a fellow knife enthusiast
Good luck
Mitch

 

[Colorodo]

The new Ikuchi is 3.2” but it feels like a small knife. I don’t have a Delica to compare to but here is a photo comparing the size to a Manix2 and Yojimbo. Doesn’t look intimidating as the other two might.

 

[Wowbagger]

I'm looking at an alternative to the Delica. It just doesn't seem a stand out in value in the Spyderco line like it once did.

Blasphemy !
The Delica is as good as it ever was; basically one of if not theee best knife for the price out there.
Get some diamonds and never fret about sharpening again.
I love the Green one with the ZDP-189 ! ! !
I carried my VG-10 Wharncliffe today / this week at work

Looking for something better than the Delica
. . . crazy talk

There are still some of the HAP-40 / carbon fiber special additions out there as well
Extra thin and easier on the pockets (smooth polished carbon fiber ) if you prefer that. I like mine.

 

[Wowbagger]

That limits me to a Max of $150 (would prefer under $100).

Oops some how I didn't see that. The HAP-40 is a taste more. But hey it's HAP-40 !
I thought it was to yawn about until I got some.
HAP-40 reminds me very much of M4 in vigorous use and that is a good thing; a very good thing in deed.

 

[JBoone]

I just gifted my delica last night and will be geetin another! Was my first modern folder in mid 90s and am a big fan of the FFG 4 today. I have more expensive knifes but I always need a delica as a go to.

 

[Boxer .45]

I just gifted my delica last night and will be geetin another! Was my first modern folder in mid 90s and am a big fan of the FFG 4 today. I have more expensive knifes but I always need a delica as a go to.

I often go to town with a more expensive or "robust" knife, but every day as soon as I'm home, or even some days to town its just 'Delica Time'. I love everything about it.

 

[bikerector]

Native 5. One of my faves. If the delica had a choil (though you still put a finger between edge and FRN) I would like it a lot. The thumb ramp screams for something on the other side to grip, like that paramilitary series do.

The sage is a heck of a good option as well.

 

[Catman10]

I think the drangonfly might be a good option, depending on the type of use.

 

[Kreyzhorse]

Chapperal would be my suggestion, but I still prefer the Delica.

 

[Therom]

I would say the lightweight version of the chaparral or of the sage 5 (this last one is still to be released)