Anyone else still pine away for molded-clip Delicas?

peacefuljeffrey

peacefuljeffrey

Joined
Feb 24, 2001
Messages
1,308
I don't know, folks, I was dismayed when I first discovered that Spyderco had replaced the molded clip on the Delica with the metal reversible clip. I now have two molded and one metal. I wish that BOTH were still available. I don't like to be locked-out of a choice, the way I am locked-out of the possibility of acquiring another molded-clip Delica, should I ever want or need one.
Also, I just ordered a Delica for a female friend, along with a neck sheath, from KnifeCenter.com, and the sheaths come only for the new metal-clip version, so even if I could get a molded-clip, I'd still have to steer toward the metal. Arrgh. I wish they would produce both concurrently. My brother's metal clip took about two weeks to show wear on the black finish, and now mine has begun to as well. I think the molded clip was better. Anyone agree or disagree?
 
I have 2 Delica's, one with a moulded clip and one with the metal. I think the one with the metal clip looks better and I like the changes to the handle. I also find the one with the metail clip is easier to index between forward and revers grip. I also think the metal one grips onto your pocket better. Still like the moulded one as well but have to say the new one is an overall improvement.

I will agree on one point though, and that it the clip end does show signes of wear on it's corners where a moulded clip doesn't. Not sure of the answer to this one?


------------------
"There is no reality, only perception"
 
I've had both the metal and plastic clips. I find that even though it does show some wear, I favor the metal clips. Two options: Re-paint the clip periodically or swap to a polished clip. I realize it's not as low a profile as the black, but the wear won't show. I found that the plastic clips were somewhat less dependable particularly when worn on jeans (Whick have a fairly thick seam at the pockets) and then on dress pants.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Ben

------------------
"If you're upside down and burning, you probably went too fast."
 
I don't own a Delica, but I have both old and new style Enduras. The original model with the plastic clip feels somewhat more comfortable in the hand; however, as a southpaw, I'd rather have the versatility of the reversible clip. Also, as Ian has already stated, it grips onto your pocket in a more positive way.
The finish on the clip does get scratched, but I try to think of them folders as tools and not worry about it.

BTW, I didn't know that Knifecenter.com had neck sheaths for sale. Will have to go there and check it.

Leo

------------------
"Though the meek shall inherit the Earth, they won't keep it past Saturday night..."

[This message has been edited by Leo Daher (edited 02-25-2001).]
 
I like the molded clips!
smile.gif
They are more comfortable,but the metal ones stay put better.On the other hand I HATE the scratches the metal ones have put on my cars. I like the older Delicas better than the new ones,I don't like the boxey look of the new ones and can live with the looser but more comfortable clip.

[This message has been edited by Lone Hunter (edited 02-25-2001).]
 
Well, having lost my old-style Delica a few years back due to the (molded) clip not grabbbing my pocket tightly enough, I pine away for it, but in a different way.
frown.gif


Also, my molded Endura clip broke off some years ago due to contact (more of a light brush) with a door frame so I guess I've developed a bit of a bias here.

One thing that I have noticed though is that the old school Enduras and Delicas definitely feel more beefy than the new metal clipped models. I've got examples of both Endura styles side by each here, and feel that the old one may well be stronger due to the raised FRN "bolster" on the back side of the knife. Subjectively, the new one feels just a tad more "plastic-y" somehow than the old, although I'm sure that Spyderco has tested the design and found it to be as strong, if not stronger. I also like the "volcano grip" pattern on the old one better for some reason. Bigger volcanoes it seems...
 
I am pretty sure Mike Sastre makes sheaths for the plastic clip versions. Post a want ad on BF and you will find some older models out there. I had a few but they are long gone now.
michael
biggrin.gif


------------------
"For the Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword."
Heb. 4:12

Rest In Peace number 3 Dale Earnhardt
You will be greatly missed!
 
Michael is correct - I still make sheaths for the older plastic clip Delica, Endura, Merlin, and Rescue knives. Even have a few NIB. Added bonus is that even if the clip is broken, the sheath still will hold the knife secure and deploy the same. Just made up a plastic clip Merlin for Blade Art.

Mike Sastre
River City Sheaths
 
I like the metal clips much better. I had a problem with the molded ones.....My jeans waist band would stretch them out and they wouldn't "clip" on so good anymore. I must have lost at least 3 molded clip delica's because they fell off my pants.....I've never had that problem with the metal clips.


Jody
 
Another vote for the old plastic clips.
They don't scratch car doors or furniture.
The Spydies I have with metal clips seem
to fit in a jeans pocket too tightly.
Doc
 
Hi Jody, nice to see you on this forum too.

Another point about the new style Delica is the grip on both sides of the handle rather than on just one side on the earlier models. I think this in combination with the change of shape gives a more secure grip overall.

------------------
"There is no reality, only perception"
 
as a lefty, I have to rate the reversible metal clip as yet another major advance for Spyderco.
Moreover, accidentally bend a metal clip and it's easy enough to get a replacement. Break off a molded plastic one and you've got a real problem.
 
I am also a southpaw, but leave the clip in the right hand position. I keep the knife in my left pocket and draw left handed in reverse grip opening the blade with a flick of the wrist. I got used to doing this when I had the moulded clip as no other option for left hand draw.

------------------
"There is no reality, only perception"
 
I sure don't! The damned clip would get caught on car doors, bannisters, whatever, and would bend outward, never to return to shape. I must have lost three to five of those old Delicas before I gave up on them. I would not give you a plugged nickle for the lot. The same goes for the old Enduras.

------------------
Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
My local shop is selling a pre 98 Endura with the plastic clip in 8a. Would anyone say it is worth buying?

W.A.

------------------
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto

A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!
Founding president and member number 1! Wana join?
 
I lost two spidies with the old molded clips. I wear my knives on the right side clipped into the waist band of my pants and under the belt. The old clips would take a set after awhile and a call to Spyderco gave me the advice to put a hot hair dryer on them to reset the clip. This failed to work as the clip would take a set after wearing it again. SOG has the right idea of the adjustable "dial in" tension wheel if one likes a plastic clip. Metal is the only way to go if you don't want to lose your knife. Weldonk
 
Wow. As the originator of this topic, I am surprised to see so many responses accumulate so quickly (but then, I'm new to this forum and have nothing to compare to). More surprised, though, at the overwhelming response in favor of the new metal clips over the molded plastic ones.
I have only lost one Spyderco clipit and it was a Zytel Michael Walker linerlock (ugly at first, but it really grew on me quickly). I think I lost it either at work or between work and home, but flyers posted in the building didn't get results. I had put a nice edge on it, better than what the factory gives you, of course, and I even offered the full value of the knife as a reward. It meant more to me than just spending the same money to get a new one.
Anyway, my point is that I have been carrying a plastic clip Delica in the right rear pocket of my denim jeans for about six years now and only occasionally does it get caught, say on my seat belt as I exit my car. I always have recovered it, fortunately. (The period of a year or so when I wore the Walker ended when I lost it, and I returned to wearing the Delica.) I have one metal clip Delica that I wear in a neck sheath, though not particularly because I don't like it in the pocket. It's the only one that fits the sheath, the sheath not being made to accommodate a plastic clip model. But I do not particularly care for the way the metal clip slides into a pocket. It's true that it seems to be a little more secure and proof against slipping out, but as I said, I never lost a plastic Delica that way, and I don't care for the extra force one must use to push a metal clip model into the pocket.
I also have never had a problem with bending the plastic clip out of shape, be it by stretching over the fabric it's clipped to, or by hooking it on a doorway. I do see the potential for such an occurrence as a possible drawback, but since it hasn't happened in years of carrying, I'm not too worried that it will. And then I could always just get a metal clip model to replace it.
 
Ilike both, for different reasons. The major problem with the metal clips is what they do to wooden chair arms. That one issue alone would tip the scales if all else was equal. (But then it never is huh?) My older Delica is still a favorite, but it is showing the 'spread' resulting from long use.

Sal, is there another way to make the steel so tghe edges are rounded or rolled so the edges don't cause damage, but the springiness lasts? I'd bet a bunch of us would buy them as retrofits for our regular carrys...

Chris


------------------
Stay Sharp!
------------------------------
AKTI Member A000987
 
I don't really know. I really do like the old plastic clips but the metal ones have their advantages. But I still like the feel of the plastic clips over the metal, especially on medium sized knives(Delica) and smaller knives(Dragonfly). Now, origionally, I despised plastic, but now that I have more experience with them, I like them better.
Matt
 
I have a Delica that I've had for 6 years. It doesn't have either style clip. The plastic clip broke off because it snagged on a plastic lawn chair as I sat down!! I love spydie knives, and I have many - but I hate the old plaastic clips. I really want a dragonfly next, and I really want zytel, but I won't do any more plastic clips....guess I'll have to but the steel handle model.


p.s. I'd rather scratch my car than ruin my knife!
biggrin.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top