Anything 'better' out there than a Delica?

Sufler

Sufler

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Oct 15, 2005
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I'm considering purchasing a Spyderco Delica 4 for edc - I need a workhorse. Delica specs allow legal carry, so any other suggestions would need to be within similar specs. The weight is also an issue at 2.5 oz. What do we know about the Delica? Well, it has def. proven itself (20+ year old design?); good lock strength even in stabbing motions (talking phone book here ;) ). I've owned a few of 'em before, but never held onto one for long.

So, anything out there that is as good in the $40 street price range?

Thanks!
 
Sufler said:
So, anything out there that is as good in the $40 street price range?
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IMO, no. The Delica is my favorite EDC. I keep to a 3 inch blade or less (anything over 3 can be considered a dangerous weapon here in MI).

The BM Minigrips handle is a tad too short (I have bigger the avg hands).

Most of the Kershaws I've had are liner locks (prefer lockback or framelock to a liner).
 
BU342BKS.jpg


You might look at this is great little knife.

Specifications

•Blade: 2 5/8" (6.7 cm), S30V stainless steel, drop point
•Thickness: 0.120"
•Length: 3 3/4" (9.5 cm), closed
•Weight: 2.3 oz. (65.2 g)
•Handle: CNC contoured black G10
•Clip: Stainless steel, reversible, discreet carry
•Made in USA
 
KS1775OR.jpg


Here is another one you might want to check out!

Kershaw OD-1 Flipper 2-15/16" Satin Plain Blade, Orange G10 Handles
Part Number: KS1775OR
Manufacturer: KERSHAW
Retail Price:$79.95
You Pay: $49.95 You Save: $30.00 (38%)

Shift those “gotta have it” genes into overdrive with the OD-1 (one). This sleek pocket performer from Kershaw is truly a machine and comes fully equipped with the Flipper opening system. The OD-1 Flipper system enables the user to open the knife quickly and easily with the ambidextrous "flipper." But here’s the cool part: when the blade is open, the flipper glides into a recess in the liner, giving the OD-1 a slim, smooth line all the way down. To complete the look, the OD-1 has a two-toned handle: textured G-10 on one side and a 410 stainless-steel frame lock on the other.

The OD-1 features the latest in one hand opening technology. Custom Knifemaker Lee Williams "Overdrive" mechanism is the spirit behind the slick Kershaw folder. Another quality Made in the USA.

Specifications
•Steel......Sandvik 14C28N stainless-steel, stonewashed finish
•Handle...Textured orange G-10 front & 410 stainless-steel back
•Lock.......Frame Lock
•Blade......2-15/16 in. (7.5 cm)
•Closed...4-1/8 in. (10.5 cm)
•Weight...3.4 oz.
•Limited Edition, only 345 pieces produced
•Designed by Lee Williams
•Made in USA
 
blade12 said:
BU342BKS.jpg


You might look at this is great little knife.

Specifications

•Blade: 2 5/8" (6.7 cm), S30V stainless steel, drop point
•Thickness: 0.120"
•Length: 3 3/4" (9.5 cm), closed
•Weight: 2.3 oz. (65.2 g)
•Handle: CNC contoured black G10
•Clip: Stainless steel, reversible, discreet carry
•Made in USA
Click to expand...

Ok, so what's this one called?
 
In my opinion, no. The new full-flat Delicas are pretty much as good as it gets. They're lightweight, comfortable, tough, and freakishly efficient slicers. Sal has been refining the Delica's design for so long, it's darn close to perfect. And VG-10 is good stuff! :thumbup:

singularity35 said:
Ok, so what's this one called?
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That would be the Buck Vantage Pro. Also an excellent knife. But not as good as a Delica.
 
mmarkh said:
I wish they would make them black. I hate those pastel colors.:barf:
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I'm 99.99% sure that black will be offered eventually. The "pastel colors" do grow on you- I wasn't too crazy about the green when I first got it, but now it's my favorite knife. The bright colors are nice and non-threatening- they look like toys, not "weapons".

If you have a black D4 laying around, you could always get one of the new flat ground ones, and swap the blades out. The grey and brown versions are pretty inoffensive colors too. The grey is awful close to "foliage green"- it's very neutral, and sorta disappears against any other color. Stealthy!
 
moonwilson said:
I'm 99.99% sure that black will be offered eventually. The "pastel colors" do grow on you- I wasn't too crazy about the green when I first got it, but now it's my favorite knife. The bright colors are nice and non-threatening- they look like toys, not "weapons".

If you have a black D4 laying around, you could always get one of the new flat ground ones, and swap the blades out. The grey and brown versions are pretty inoffensive colors too. The grey is awful close to "foliage green"- it's very neutral, and sorta disappears against any other color. Stealthy!
Click to expand...

Those colors are too hard to find if dropped in the woods unless I got baby blue or purple.:barf: Now a blaze orange would work for me.:thumbup:
 
There are definitely alternatives to a Delica- I really like Mini Grips, mostly because of the Axis lock. I guess I'm lucky that I like the feel of the handle- although there seem to be plenty of others that do too. I've carried one for about the last 5 years although I recently switched to a Ritter with the M4 blade. Obviously not in the $40 price range, but the regular ones are close.

With that said, I carried a Delica for at least 10 years before that, still have it and a Delica4, and will be getting one of the new flat ground ones too, so I would say, No- nothing beats a Delica.
 
What about a Kershaw RAM? I really like the lock and it fits my hand great plus it has a choil that let's you choke up on the blade and also makes the knife handle feel bigger than it is if you have big hands. Plus I can get the blade (14xxx) a lot sharper than I can VG10.

And for those that don't like the color quite a few people have had good results using Rit clothing dye to dye the lighter colored FRN black. 2 bucks for some dye and 20 minutes soaking and you have a black knife. Those that have dyed them also report no color bleeding or fading.
 
I you have owned them before, why not check out a Mini Griptilian? They are as good or better. If you go with the 555HG, you will be in familiar territory with the hole opener.

I went to my local knife store last week and was considering the new FFG (green) Delica4... in comparison, a new Mini Grip (555HG) was what went home with me.
 
Actually, I prefer the Spyderco Salt over the Delica.

H-1 steel that is impervious to rust.
Very light-weight.
And a larger thumb-hole.
 
allenC said:
Actually, I prefer the Spyderco Salt over the Delica.

H-1 steel that is impervious to rust.
Very light-weight.
And a larger thumb-hole.
Click to expand...

If the Salt wasn't pinned construction, I might agree with you
 
Sufler said:
I've owned a few of 'em before, but never held onto one for long
Click to expand...

I agree. I don't keep my knives or any gear for that matter very long but the Delica has been with me the longest thus far. not planning on replacing it any time soon as well.
 
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