Can The Spyderco Delica 4 in VG-10 Be Beat?

EDCeeker

EDCeeker

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Apr 9, 2006
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Some time ago, a couple years or so, I guess, I was in the market for my first quality folder. To make a long story short: I ended-up with a Spyderco Delica 4 in VG-10 - a knife that wasn't even on my original short list, IIRC. I've never regretted that purchase and, in fact, it is most often my EDC. A year later or so a friend and I were in the market for a birthday present for another friend and, after some research, that same knife won again. (He likes it, btw.) Now it's time for another birthday present (the other friend of the three of us) and while I'm hesitant to get him the same thing we got the other guy, my research here this morning looks like it's telling me the Delica 4 and VG-10 are damn hard to beat. (One "what are the 10 best?" thread I read got votes for the Delica and Native more often than any other, for example.)

The price-point is good. The ergos are good. You can put the clip anywhere you want. VG-10 has good edge-retention, is pretty easy to sharpen, and has decent corrosion resistance. (Along w/154CM and ATS-34, VG-10 is one of my favourite steels.)

Anything I'm missing? Anything that can "beat" the Delica 4 in VG-10 at its approximate price-point?

Thanks!
 
I don't know about "beat", but the Benchmade mini griptilian can match it at that price point. It's a little bit more, but it is also USA made and has an axis lock. The spyderco Native (S30V USA made) or Native 3(Japanese) are also around that price point. I would definately look into the Native with the S30V steel, it is a killer value and nice knife.
 
I got my first delica yesterday. It's ZDP189 though, after my research it looked to be the more interesting steel choice. So far, I love the ergonomics and I am getting used to closing it one handed. I carried a griptilian for over a year and its very nice too. If I were buying someone a gift I'd get one of those 2 for sure. (I just ordered my girlfreind a ladybug this morning for her birthday.)
 
what do you even mean by "beat"? maybe you cant get a knife with the same materials for that price but for its price point there are other knives I would rather have, boker m type is probably at the top of the list for the 50 and under crowd for me.

the whole thing that the spyderco hinges on is do you like the design. and I dont. so for me any CLB boker is probably going to "beat" the delica.
 
Certainly the Delica is one of those designs that just works. Good steel, good ergos, good F&F. It is a good value.

But, I don't think there is a "best", because "best" will vary with individual preference.

But I do have a Delica, and it does see pocket time.
 
No, it can't.

I'm a reformed Benchmade fanboy. Carried Grips and Mini Grips for years. Been on Spyderco for the last 4 or 5. There are many reasons why I like them better.
 
he who say said:
spyderco centofaunte III
Click to expand...

Forgot about this great bargain! The IV is a good knife too!
These blades a lot more thin and are many times a better slicer than the delica or native. It makes it a bit more fragile, depends on how the person in question uses their knives.
 
For that price range, my favorites are:
Spyderco Delica/Endura (love the waved versions), Salts (Salt1, Pacific, Tasman), Assist
Benchmade Griptilian/Mini
Kershaw JYD/JYDII, Leek, E.T.
 
You could always get him a waved model, that way he feels 'special'. . . honestly though, do guys care about how much thought was put into a gift? Any Delica would be a good choice, IMHO. Alternatively, get him an Endura. Guys do care about size, afterall.
 
I just picked up a Delica with the green G-10 scales in VG-10. I aggree its a great practical EDC. Im not a huge Spyderco fan but this one gets me closer.
 
After some years of owning and evaluating other folders in different sizes and designs, a Delica emerged with Most Favored EDC status, along with a Buck 110. All the rest I sold off or gave away, and ever since, all my EDC knifely needs have been met by these (mind, I'm not discussing multitools here, another subject entirely :D ).

These preferences are personal and subjective, depending on all sorts of factors from hand size to what in a person's life most needs cut. There is no "one size fits all" that always applies, but still, there are good reasons both Delica and Folding Hunter are considered classics.
 
Thanks for the feedback, gentlemen.

Of the suggestions for alternatives: The Mini-Grip and Centofante look like the closest competition that meets my criteria. Not sure of the utility of the Centofante's ruler-straight cutting edge as opposed to a blade with some belly, tho. The Bokor M Type could be a contender, but I think VG-10 or 154CM superior to 440C. Kershaw... I really want to buy a Kershaw some day. But every one of their knives has either had the wrong steel, wrong handle material, wrong colour(s), wrong shape(s), wrong ergos, or wrong something for me. It's like p_mcmanis and his dislike of Spyderco's designs, I guess.

*sigh* Promised myself I wasn't going to buy a knife for myself this time around, but now that the Mini-Grip is in 154CM, and drop-point being one of my favourite blade profiles...

Must. Resist. Temptation.

:p
 
Look up the Centofante 3. It has belly in the blade and is a wonderful knife.
 
I really like Spyderco and have had my fair share, but have never kept an Endura or Delica, though I can't seem to give up my Buck 112's or 110's which IMHO are in the same catagory...So for ME: Yes! It can be beat...
DSC02092.jpg
 
The delica is an icon in the blade world. Everybody should own at least one in there lifetime. Before I became wrapped up in the latest uber tacticool blades on the market, there was the delica... which felt good and didnt cost over a weeks pay. Those were the days...
 
he who say said:
spyderco centofaunte III
Click to expand...

I also agree with this. For the price there is not much else that can outslice this knife. If you like good knives made for cutting the Centofante III and 4 rock the house.

The Delica is a great knife, for sure, but.....a big but....I don't like the tip and I don't like how the saber flat grind is lower than on the Delica 3. This means it goes from cutting edge thin, to full knife thickness in less than 1/2".

I prefer the nice hollow saber grind of the Centofante III and the really thin blade. The Blade of the Centofante III is thinner than the blade on the original Calypso Jr. (which sliced like a light saber).


Benchmade Mini-Grips are nice........but I think VG-10 is better than 154CM, and I also think that the Spyderco's are lighter, thinner, and better slicers. ;)
 
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