Delica 4 quality?

[znapschatz]

Been reading some reviews of the Delica 4. Some reviewers comment on what they perceive as lower quality than previous versions, while others praise the current generation. The negatives include blades of "softer" steel that doesn't hold an edge as well as ATS55 or 154cm, blade play and weak clip. Now, I have a Delica 4 PE that seems right and tight, but haven't used it enough as yet to have an informed opinion about these things. However, I am confident that many forumers know it well. So... what do folks you think?

 

[Shaggy]

D4 is a great EDC knife. It is by no means a heavy duty knife, but I'm sure it will serve you well in most situations you'll encounter. The new FFG blade grinds make for awesome slicers. I adore mine (wouldn't trade it for anything).

 

[bladeboss]

I just did a review on it in the review section.
Check it out.
I, unlike others, see that it can handle heavy cutting.

 

[KrisOK]

Hmmm... I'm not sure why someone would say that VG-10 was a 'Softer' steel. It's a great all around performer and not hard to maintain. Some folks are not fond of the FRN handles, but I find them to me grippy, damage resistant, lightweight and very easy to clean. There are CERTAINLY beefier knives out there, but for what it was intended the Delica 4 is an all around champion.

The only thing that I don't really like about the D4 and E4 versions is that they have a blunter point than the earlier versions. I understand that it was to make the tip of the blade stronger, but I really liked the thinner tip on the earlier models.

 

[znapschatz]

I just did a review on it in the review section.
Check it out.
I, unlike others, see that it can handle heavy cutting.

Good review, I can see that you certainly like the knife. What I have been hoping for is an opinion on how the D4 compares to earlier versions in respect to build quality, blade steel, etc.? Does it measure up?

 

[hank_rearden]

the knife world is awash with people who are out to discredit this particular knife brand and that. of course, there are opposing forces. for example, there are those who say the spyderco clip (exemplified by that one on the delica) is one of the best in the business. ditto with its spine lock.

i don't remember a delica in 154cm but the ats-55 is pretty close.

 

[sunandsteel]

I like the looks of that Deiica in brown.

 

[mlehto]

I have one used for the last 4 months daily as a Steamfitter, and this includes all kinds of abuse like being used as a scraper, and cutting all kinds of stuff that pliers should be used for, and I am very pleased.

A quick sharpening and cleaning every few weeks was all it took to keep me happy.

Blade play is very minimal, and could likely be tightened up, but I like flicking her open so I keep it a little loose.

The Stainless qualities of the VG10 really shine in a job like this, as this knife is soaked in sweat daily, and it has held up very well.

 

[RevDevil]

I've owned a few D4s and I have to say that for the price, it is a really good knife. I am not a huge fan of VG-10 at whatever the current hardness is, I find myself needing to resharpen after a day of use. Although, the knife works just fine for many, I prefer the ZDP or Super Blue versions. This has not stopped me from acquiring several knives in VG-10, or from using them. I am just in need of more wear resistance and edge holding. I agree with Kris on the FRN handles, they are really grippy and make for a nearly indestructible material.

 

[sunandsteel]

I've owned a few D4s and I have to say that for the price, it is a really good knife. I am not a huge fan of VG-10 at whatever the current hardness is, I find myself needing to resharpen after a day of use. Although, the knife works just fine for many, I prefer the ZDP or Super Blue versions. I agree with Kris on the FRN handles, they are really grippy and make for a nearly indestructible material.

Are the ZDP Delica's hard to find? I didn't know that about the VG-10.

 

[RevDevil]

Are the ZDP Delica's hard to find? I didn't know that about the VG-10.

They might be, I have one of the powder blue saber ground ones from years back. You might be able to find them though in a full flat grind. I would also recommend the Stretch in ZDP, they are some of the best knives Spyderco has ever made, it's a slim package that cuts like a scalpel.

 

[mlanghornes]

D4 is a solid knife, and really holds its own in terms of usefulness against anything available, price notwithstanding. It's no luxury item, but it does everything you need it too, and in terms of practicality, I don't think anything is dramatically superior

 

[flarp]

My Delica4 FFG is one of my favorite EDC blades. The VG-10 has held up very well for me - at least as well as the 154CM on my Benchmades. It might be "soft" compared to ZDP-189 or some other super-steels, but it's worked great for me. As for loose pocket clips, I'd suggest using a bit of thread locker (Loctite 242 is a popular choice) on the screws, as they will come loose otherwise. Do the same for the pivot screw, as that too will loosen slightly on its own, creating some horizontal blade play. The vertical blade play may be unavoidable due to the back lock (every back lock knife I've handled has some vertical movement, with the exception of the Tri-Ad variation used by Cold Steel).

 

[whetrock]

I was always impressed with the fine edge I could get on VG-10, it's probably not a "super steel" by some people's definition, but it's serviceable, and noticeably above average compared to more mundane steels, like AUS-8, or 420HC. Before my days on BF, I carried a D4 with a combo edge, and really it was all of the knife I needed and then some. I've never seen a lockback Spyderco that wasn't up to snuff, but I haven't handled as many as some have. Fit and finish seems top notch to my eye. FRN is what it is, some aren't fond of it, personally I appreciate its weight and texture.

 

[frito]

I've got a D4 ZDP-189 serrated knife and its a great knife. I don't get to use it much as I have slew of knifes but I like the ergos a lot and I do recommend it.

 

[Mr. Bob]

I have one D4, 3 E4's, and a few Cara Cara 2's. They -all- have noticeable rock-lock. I'm also not fond of the ergonomic handles on the Spydercos. Mine just sit in a box now, 200+ bucks down the drain. Pass.

 

[22-rimfire]

My Delica 4 is tight and I have no issues with it. I've had it for over a year. Really don't pretend to remember when I bought it.

 

[The Mastiff]

I've had enduras and delicas since 92. Every model and variant. They just keep getting better and better as a base line model with VG10, and Full flat ground blade being better for me than any older variant with Gin 1, Aus 8, ATS 55, ATS 34 ( Japanese Ti/ATS 34 variant sold there and imported by a few people). VG10 is in no way inferior to 154cm and is a bit finer grained in my opinion.

The ZDP 189 is a true super steel. It takes excellent slicing type thin edges and has great wear resistance. The Hitachi Super Blue steel is clad in a stainless coating and remains one of the best cutlery steels ever made in my opinion. It takes very fine yet biting edges with the high carbon and Tungsten carbides. It sharpens easy, has great edge stability and excells at slicing. Another thing Spyderco's are known for.There has also been a VG10 damascus made if that's your thing.

IMO, there is no way to say the knife isn't as good as it was. Some people may like the pointier profile of the D3 or something but lower quality? Not a chance.

Joe

 

[DShiflet]

I have no complaints about the D4.

 

[Goosey]

The previous Delica was pinned construction with unlined FRN handles.


I don't like pinned construction and I prefer the extra solidity of liners in the FRN.

I don't see how someone could call the D4 of "lesser" quality. They may have preferences for this or that feature, but quality has certainly not diminished.