The other day I received my Delica trainer, and I must say that I am impressed. It really takes my defensive knife training to a whole new level. Having a drone that accurately compares to the 'live' knife, allows you to do full contact draw and cut exercises. If you carry a tip down Spyderco folder, with the additional function of self defense with said knife, then you owe it to yourself to get a properly sized drone (i.e. Endura or Delica variant). The first feeling you get when facing the trainer in the hands of your training partner is quite interesting to say the least. It adds a lot of realism in your training, if you were using wooden (dojo) tanto's, rubber AF training knives, etc... Plus, with a fully functional drone you can really practice your defensive draw drills.
Also, the drone has helped me explaining the one-hand opening feature to some of my non-knife family members. They used to be somewhat scared of it, but they now realize that one can open a Spyderco with one hand in a perfectly safe manner. One tool that helps the so-called sheeple and (advanced) martial artist. Who could think that it would be possible to make one tool that could be enjoyed by both?!
One word of caution though, the trainer made me want to play with it while watching TV etc... Apart from opening and closing etc.., I also touched the edge carelessly since it was trainer right? I realize that although the trainer is perfectly safe, one shouldn't play with it in any way you wouldn't do with a real knife. I think that one could easily be careless and confuse the drone with a sharp knife. So train with it but DON'T PLAY with it. Furthermore, the Delica drone may be expensive in the sense that it is equally priced to an ordinary delica, but Spyderco appears to have put the same amount of attention to the mechanism and fit and fit finish in the drone, as they would do for a cutting version. As it should be.
Cheers,
Wouter
Also, the drone has helped me explaining the one-hand opening feature to some of my non-knife family members. They used to be somewhat scared of it, but they now realize that one can open a Spyderco with one hand in a perfectly safe manner. One tool that helps the so-called sheeple and (advanced) martial artist. Who could think that it would be possible to make one tool that could be enjoyed by both?!
One word of caution though, the trainer made me want to play with it while watching TV etc... Apart from opening and closing etc.., I also touched the edge carelessly since it was trainer right? I realize that although the trainer is perfectly safe, one shouldn't play with it in any way you wouldn't do with a real knife. I think that one could easily be careless and confuse the drone with a sharp knife. So train with it but DON'T PLAY with it. Furthermore, the Delica drone may be expensive in the sense that it is equally priced to an ordinary delica, but Spyderco appears to have put the same amount of attention to the mechanism and fit and fit finish in the drone, as they would do for a cutting version. As it should be.
Cheers,
Wouter