Delica 4 Stainless Steel

S

SuzukiGS750EZ

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Dec 30, 2008
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Hey guys, just got a delica 4. I noticed theres a tiny (tiny) amount of blade play side to side and up and down. That for me is normal for my lockbacks. Being my first spyderco, is this something to be picky about? I saw on a review somebody had stripped out a screw hole for the clip, is this common? What should i expect out of the blade as far as chipping, folding, wear resistance. The hardest blade ive ever used was 154cm, and that was years ago. Since then i've been using AUS 6 and 8 and SAK's. Did i make a good selection? I decided to buy it because i've never owned spyderco, i was in the market for a good folding knife and i wanted a plain edge. Hopefully it will last me and not give me problems! If theres anything else you'd like to add in, feel free to do so. Thanks.
 
The vertical blade play is normal for Delicas. All three I've owned have have it.

The side to side play too. You can tighten it out to a degree, but at least the FRN handle scale models still have a little side to side wiggle. I'm not sure if the stainless models have as much play.
 
No, the handles are stainless steel, not frn. :-). But yeah i noticed theres no screws on it lol. I wonder if it is true that the handles are soft and thats why they rivet em together.
 
SuzukiGS750EZ said:
No, the handles are stainless steel, not frn. :-). But yeah i noticed theres no screws on it lol. I wonder if it is true that the handles are soft and thats why they rivet em together.
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Soft is a relative term. The handles are, for example, no softer that the stainless steel in a well made stainless steel frying pan. Compared with hardened blade steel, they're soft. They are pinned for a variety of reasons. It provides a nice smooth surface, which some folks like. It reduces manufacturing costs. It eliminates the possibility of screws working loose and falling out. It prevents incompetents from disassembling their knife, messing it up and/or losing pieces, then claiming it fell apart all by itself.

And yes, stripped screw holes are somewhat common especially in softer handle materials like titanium and aluminum, but only because more people own tools than know how to use them properly.

Paul
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My Personal Website - - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting - - - - - - Kiwimania
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What is VG-10 like? I used a lot of AUS 6 and 8 and vic swiss army knives along with a 154cm ascent. I like how swiss army knives develop flat spots and don't chip so restoring an edge is easy, same with AUS stuff. AUS gets really sharp though. I like how durable 154cm is. What is VG-10 like?
 
SuzukiGS750EZ said:
What is VG-10 like? I used a lot of AUS 6 and 8 and vic swiss army knives along with a 154cm ascent. I like how swiss army knives develop flat spots and don't chip so restoring an edge is easy, same with AUS stuff. AUS gets really sharp though. I like how durable 154cm is. What is VG-10 like?
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VG-10 holds an edge much better then AUS 6/8, and slightly better then 154CM. It is also the most stainless out of those.
 
Does it rate well against S30V? What should i expect for wear resistance? Say i brought it fishing and it fell in the sand. Or i was whittling wood and hit something hard in it. Would it chip/roll? I'm always afraid to make cuts close to hooks to get off the leftover fishing line knot because i dont want to damage the edge. What can i put it through, specifically this blade with the sabre grind.
 
Most folks feel VG-10 is more chip resistant that S30V, although probably not a whole lot. It's definitely a bit easier to sharpen, takes an equally good edge, and holds it about as well. The all stainless Delica has a relatively thin (2.5mm), hollow saber ground blade, so it's probably not the wisest choice if you plan on abusive use.

Paul
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My Personal Website - - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting - - - - - - Kiwimania
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
Spyderco 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
 
Are the washer the phosphor bronze ones or the plasticky ones on earlier models? what should i do to maintain it?
 
SuzukiGS750EZ said:
Are the washer the phosphor bronze ones or the plasticky ones on earlier models? what should i do to maintain it?
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The FRN Delica 4 has bronze washers, folks have disassembled them and posted photos. As for the all stainless version, Sal is probably the only one who could tell you what type washers it uses, or if it uses them at all.

As for maintenance, I rinse or wash mine when necessary, shake them dry, and return them to my pocket. Have been treating knives that way for 55 years, never had a problem yet. But, like everything else in life, what works for me may not work for you.

Paul
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My Personal Website - - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting - - - - - - Kiwimania
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
Spyderco 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
 
So I shouldn't be afraid to use it? I always buy knives to put them to work and then worry about ruining them lol. I get attached. I just don't like chipped tips or chipped edges. I can deal with flat spots and dulled edges.
 
The knife is made to be used. I have a Delica 3 and a Delica 4 both w/ FRN. I've never had any problem with either. There is no vertical play in mine and the only way I can detect any side to side play is by gripping it tightly with both hands and exerting a lot of force. In normal use high force is not typically applied to a knife in that direction. You have a good knife and I wouldn't worry about fish hooks. Just use it and enjoy.
 
Just use it like it was meant to be, I have the FRN D4 and use it for everything, I've never had a problem in any way whatsoever. Its a knife that is meant to be used.
 
I have several vg10 blades, and haven't had any issues with chipping. I don't abuse my folders, but I don't think I baby them too terribly much either. I'd certainly not worry about what you're inquiring about. You picked a good one, and I doubt you'll be disappointed in the performance as long as you don't baton it through the hooks. ;)
 
I had the delica 3 and abused the hell out of it for about 5 years. Never showed a bit of wear until I dropped it in front of the mower. I'd say the delica 4 can handle as much or more.
 
I had been wanting a SS Delica until I got it. Too heavy and slippery for my hand. That's just personal taste though. The Delica is a little workhorse. You got a great knife, enjoy it. I have been using my frn D4 for a couple of years and it had really taken the abuse. I made the mistake of handing it to a coworker who asked to borrow it for a minute.

When he brought it back the tip was buggered and chipped in 2 places where he had (yes, I said it) pried something off the back of his computer. I sent it in to Spyderco with 5 bucks and now it looks like a new knife again. Actually it looks better. Has a much more defined grind line on it that I can sharpen myself with a few passes on the sharpmaker.

I would also highly recommend a salt if you do a lot of fishing and work with your knife it wet conditions. It's a great slicer. You get the lightweight frn handle with pinned construction and the H1 steal is great. It scratches easy but just keep on cutting. Have fun with your new Delica and don't be afraid of using it.

My second most used knife is an older Endura which is basically a big Delica. It has gone through the mill and back and still keeps going. It has the pinned construction like your SS and has play in both directions but does not effect its ability to do it's job. Guess you've figured I like Spyderco. :)
 
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