decision prob. can spyderfans help?

S

suedeface

Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
367
Hello all, I usually hang out in the multitool forum, but thought I should make my first post in the spyderco forums today...and ask a question. Here's the problem, I have a delica 3 FRN comboedge that sits in a curio cabinet with the rest of my humble collection. Basically, it is new/unused. I just started an internship in an auto repair shop and need a good knife to cut some tough stuff like thick cardboard boxes and thick rubber hose. I wanted to get a new D4 comboedge, but my funds are limited as of now. I thought about taking the D3 out of my collection to use, and replace it someday with a D4 when I can afford to buy one. The only problem is, I can't decide whether to use the D3 as it is discontinued, and in my mind, somewhat more valuable. So, what do the spyderfans have to say? Should I just leave the D3 in my collection and wait to buy a D4 to use, or just take out the D3 and put it to good use? I also should mention that I want a good locking knife to carry when I go for walks around home here, as some of the backroads I walk are fairly desolate, and having a good lockblade on me provides piece of mind. I eagerly await your responses..
 
I would use the d3 , but I use all my knives just cant justify buying a knife that I wont use.
 
Use that D3! Spydies are made to use. That said I beat these knives in my bodyshop for about a year. The Mini Manix seen the most beatings, it cut cardboard to 40 grit sandpaper and all things in between.

3-beaters.jpg


manix-blade.jpg
 
The Delica is one the biggest sellers for Spyderco (I believe). There are tons and tons of Delica3s out there. At this point in time, most collector value is on PE only knives. Considering those two factors: lots on the market, and knife is CE, you should happily apply your Delica to work. Later once your funds stabilize and if you still want an unused CE Delica 3, you will LIKELY find one without much effort.
 
I'm also a firm believer that Spydercos are meant to be used and I use them all.
Think of it this way, every model is bound to be discontinued at some point in time, but why miss out on using a great knife because of it?

Use them and enjoy them.
 
I agree with the "use it!" votes. There are so many D3s out there that it will likely never have any collector value beyond retail price.
 
A well made knife sitting in my pocket is much more valuable to me than one that's sitting at home.
 
Unless it's some color other than black, use it.

Paul
bar_02.gif

My Personal Website - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
Collector # 043 - - WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twsited up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam
 
If you really want to have it in mint condition 5-10 years from now, when most of us will wish we had one, I'd say keep it in the safe and get a D4 or something from the Byrd line. If imagining having it in mint shape 5-10 years from now isn't that important, use it like it was meant to be used. The only thing I care about is that whichever you end up using, use the hell out of it.
 
Use it, enjoy it, but just don't abuse it. Should be just the thing for the work you describe.
 
As investments go, knives usually aren't all that great. There are some exceptions of course, but I'd say go ahead and use the D3 and put an extra 50 bucks into your savings account or retirement account or whatever when you get the chance. (Oh, if only I could actually follow that kind of advise myself. . . :o) I've heard several times that the D3 is basically THE quintessential Spyderco, and that the D4 doesn't quite live up to the legacy. Use it and enjoy it, that's what it's for.
 
Salamander42 said:
I've heard several times that the D3 is basically THE quintessential Spyderco, and that the D4 doesn't quite live up to the legacy. Use it and enjoy it, that's what it's for.
Click to expand...

At the risk of a long arguement breaking out, I would say that is just a few hard liners unable to accept progress. ;) The D4 offers far more in new features than it left from the D3.

A few points that a D3 lover could easily pick are also the D4's strengths.
An internal liner adds rigidity but adds a bit of weight and since frn is able to bend and snap back but steel less so, a liner might not withstand a high fall or getting run over as well as all frn.

The tip is different, some prefer the slimmer D3 for "splinters". Personally a sewing needle and tweezers works better IMO.

All screw construction allows D4s to be taken apart but also allows for loose or lost screws.

Handle shape is different...frankly either works for most hands.

The D3's clip can be tightened or changed with a simple nickel, but the D4's needs a special torx screw driver...but is 4 way carry compatible.

Both are great.

Back to the original, there are tons of D3s, especially in black, so use 'em while you got 'em.
 
zenheretic said:
At the risk of a long arguement breaking out, I would say that is just a few hard liners unable to accept progress. ;) The D4 offers far more in new features than it left from the D3.

A few points that a D3 lover could easily pick are also the D4's strengths.
An internal liner adds rigidity but adds a bit of weight and since frn is able to bend and snap back but steel less so, a liner might not withstand a high fall or getting run over as well as all frn.

The tip is different, some prefer the slimmer D3 for "splinters". Personally a sewing needle and tweezers works better IMO.

All screw construction allows D4s to be taken apart but also allows for loose or lost screws.

Handle shape is different...frankly either works for most hands.

The D3's clip can be tightened or changed with a simple nickel, but the D4's needs a special torx screw driver...but is 4 way carry compatible.

Both are great.

Back to the original, there are tons of D3s, especially in black, so use 'em while you got 'em.
Click to expand...

LOL, I was just repeating what I've heard. I LOVE my D4W! If I had a D3 I'd use it too though. ;)
 
Are you wondering if the D3 will gain in value? Would you pay more for the out dated Delica? Don't think many would. It's a nice knife, sure... But meant to be a user (not a collector).
 
Carry the Delica when you go walking. In the shop use their box cutter on the cardboard, ask where they keep new blades. Use their chop saw on the thick rubber hose.
 
lawp said:
Carry the Delica when you go walking. In the shop use their box cutter on the cardboard, ask where they keep new blades. Use their chop saw on the thick rubber hose.
Click to expand...

:confused: Just use that D3 would ya. Really it was made to be used. Its no collector item, most production knives like the D3 are made just to be beaters.

Really what did you buy it for?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top