Delica 3 and 4 slightly different blade shape?

R

roymail

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This may have been discussed before but I haven't been here very long.

I appears to me that there is a slight difference in the blade shape of the Delica 4 from the previous model the Delica 3. The D3 is more pointed with the grinding swept up slightly higher on the blade. The D4 has more rounding on the end with a less swept up appearance.

I'm just curious why Spyderco decided to change it. Personally I wish all Delica's had a blade like the Rookie 3.

Thanks for any input on this question.
 
I remember reading a review that discussed some of the differences between version 3 and version 4 of the Delica and Endura:

". . . and then there was that insufferably delicate blade point. Somewhere there are about two tons of Endura and Delica blade tips that have been broken off over the years. I have three various Delicas and Enduras, all missing the first 1/8"-1/4" tip of the blade. This is a fairly prevalent and well known problem for those of us who use our knives frequently as mini-pry bars. The blade tip was simply way too delicate for the tasks the sport utility knife was designed for, which is hard everyday use. Spydero recognized and addressed these issues in their latest Version 4."

http://premiumknives.com/newsletter/Spyderco_Delica_Endura_4_review.pdf
 
I've used a endura since 92 and have yet to break one, or snap the tip off. I can't see using a knife as a pry bar, or screwdriver unless it's a true emergency. If it is, then so what if the knife broke. Knives aren't pry bars, and pry bars aren't knives. Joe
 
That doesn't stop someone from breaking off the tip, and then expecting Spyderco to fix or replace it. So thats most likely the genesis of the change. JMO.

:thumbup:
 
Francesco said:
I remember reading a review that discussed some of the differences between version 3 and version 4 of the Delica and Endura:
". . . and then there was that insufferably delicate blade point. Somewhere there are about two tons of Endura and Delica blade tips that have been broken off over the years. I have three various Delicas and Enduras, all missing the first 1/8"-1/4" tip of the blade. This is a fairly prevalent and well known problem for those of us who use our knives frequently as mini-pry bars. The blade tip was simply way too delicate for the tasks the sport utility knife was designed for, which is hard everyday use. Spydero recognized and addressed these issues in their latest Version 4."
http://premiumknives.com/newsletter/Spyderco_Delica_Endura_4_review.pdf
Click to expand...

Well, I guess that pretty much settles it. I guess there's two kinds of knife users... common sense users and the other kind. The Rookie 3 is almost identical to the D3 design only an 1/8" or so longer.

Thanks guys!
 
Most people like the new tip, but I know two people who hate the new tip. When they lost their Endura and Delica, they bought the older version to replace it. The pointy tip was a feature they used often. The older designs are still somewhat common at gunshows.

"Fixing" the tip was a design mistake for some and a design improvement for others. I've only seen the tip broken off by those I knew abused their knives. Spyderco never replaced blades for broken tips, just reground them, which was free as part of their sharpening service. Now they charge for regrinding the tip.
 
The Mastiff said:
I've used a endura since 92 and have yet to break one, or snap the tip off. I can't see using a knife as a pry bar, or screwdriver unless it's a true emergency. If it is, then so what if the knife broke. Knives aren't pry bars, and pry bars aren't knives. Joe
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly!
 
It would be very easy for any owner of an E/D4 to reshape the spine near the tip if they really wanted it to be "pointy". The length would not be changed. I see no valid complaints of the new tip. Make it your own. You could even go hog wild and make it resemble the original "Worker" tip. A dremel tool or a grinding wheel or even a couple of different shaped files and you can stop when you like it.
 
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I liked the old blade shape, but I think the new one is a vast improvement. I never broke the old tip but I did worry about it. I love the new design.
 
I also love the new designs of the D4/E4.
Probably the only thing I could think of to change would be to raise the primary grind back up to the height of the D3/E3. I know the primary grind was lowered due to the larger opening hole, but the blade might still maintain its greater strength even if the grind started in line partway into the hole. Then the edge bevels would still retain the original thinness of the 3 versions. Either that, or make it a short hollow grind, like on the Police.
That said, I still love and carry the 4's.
Jim
 
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