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Delica or Endura?

J

jim n

Joined
Jul 13, 2002
Messages
207
Hi all, I am going to retire my EDC/work knife, a Gerber EZ out ATS 34, it's been a faithful companion but I think the time has come. I researched the forum and it seems to me the Spydies are highly recommended for EDC. I use my Gerber heavily at work, cutting shrinkwrap, cardboard, plastic strapping, paper, etc., it has gotten a lot of abuse and has held up well, but the constant resharpening has taken a toll. A partially serrated edge is a must, as it bites through the strapping material like a plain edge won't. I'm looking to spend anywhere from 50-100 bucks, the only necessities are it has to be tip-down carry, partially serrated and tough. Smoky Mountain has the Endura for $57 and the Delica for $52, what are the differences? Which would you recommend for a high-use EDC? All suggestions ar welcome, thanks!
Jim
 
Delica and Endura(I think) carry tip up. Try the Spyderco Military. Good luck.


-DC2

P.S.
Welcome to the forums!
 
Originally posted by Diamond Cut II
Delica and Endura(I think) carry tip up. Try the Spyderco Military. Good luck.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure he's right. The Military should fit the bill nicely, but it will be more expensive.
 
Both the Endura and Delica are tip up only in FRN, with a left or right hand option for the clip. However, the SS version of either knife is tip up or tip down but right hand only. The SS versions may be an option if you don't feel that the SS scales will be too slippery. You should be able to get either the Delica or the Endura in SS on eBay well within your stated price range.
 
jim n-

I have the endura all stainless, combo edge, AUS-6 steel.
You can change the clip on it for either tip up or tip down.
Right-hand friendly only. Not sure about the FRN models.
I don't really like the grade of steel so if it comes in that VG-10 "stuff" I think it would be great!!!
So tell us why tip down???

ken

also the military costs more bucks and the all stainless endura should be around 60. Good luck!
 
I have a few Delicas (2 SS & 1 FRN), and a FRN Endura. They are both excellent knives. If I was going to buy either one again, it would probably be the Delica, since with its' 3 inch (or 2&7/8 for the SS models) blade-length, it's legal to carry in most places.
 
OK guys, help me out here, what is FRN? I looked at the Military, it seems kind of big, compared to what I am used to. I think I'll go with the Delica. As far as tip down goes, I get twisted in some pretty tight positions at work and have to pull my Gerber out and open it while propping myself up, I would hate to have the new knife come open on me. Plus, I can get my tip down gerber out of my pocket and open before anyone even realizes I have it, a plus for personal safety situations. Thanks for all the help, anyone recommend a knife other than Spyderco?
 
FRN --> Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon
*handle material

Try the Spyderco Merlin (Harpy "Lightweight")

good luck

Rafael
 
Love my Delica! It has been my EDC for the past 6 years and have used it for every type of cutting and it`s still going strong!
 
Jim,
I understand your doubts as to tip-up carry. More than likely I would never carry this way the knife with unsure closed position retention, liner lock for example. However there is nothing wrong with your mentioned SPYDERCO’s in this matter, their back locks holds closed position very firmly and you really have nothing to worry about.

For EDC purposes I would go with Delica. It is very slim, lightweight and very easy to carry on daily basis. The Endura is pretty big knife although slim and lightweight, drawn in publics, even for clearly visible peaceful purposes, it can cause unwanted sensation among bystanders.

On the other hand I would choose Endura from these two going outdoors or for around household use. In fact my choice for such use is Military, however it doesn’t fit your mentioned price limit.
military_01.jpg

Here is the picture of Military. My hand has medium, pretty average size, for scale. Endura has similar blade dimensions and slightly shorter handle.
new_delica_03.jpg

And here is Delica for comparison, the hand is the same.
 
If you find yourself in unusual positions where extricating a folder is a concern, then maybe a SPOT neck knife might fill the bill nicely. Cuts like the dickens, as far as I can tell. Plus, you don't have to worry about dropping it.
 
I have Spydie Delica and Endura, but I prefer the full size Griptilian. I converted. The Delica was too small for my hand while the Endura blade looked too long. Partially serrated Griptilian is perfect for me.
 
The spyderco delica is so slim,i like endula(spyderco edge)that's my EDC very much//
but,if u want choose small knife,i recommend spyderco native
it's nice grip,and,new version is made from CPM S30V,wonderful:)
 
Jim:
If you go with spyderco, go to www.ultout.com, they have what i've found to be low prices (around $38 bucks give or take!...for the Delica) Merlin in the low 40's. I'd also STRONGLY recommend going to WWW.southsummit.com and looking at their CRKT apache 2 Limited Edition... this knife is awesome, FAR beyond expectations, locks tight, comfortable, sharp and around $25 bucks!!! It is now my daily carry knife. Good luck.
 
I have a Delica,Endura and Military.Can't go wrong with any of them.I just bought a CS Ti-Light and loving it.
 
I think the Delica would make you very happy. The FRN if you want light weight and the steel handled one if you want a more substantial knife.

I'm really interested in a Carbon Fiber Delica!

Good luck,
Allen.
 
Well, most of the suggestions are tip up carry. If you clean out the handle with a cotton swab every so often, the Delica and the Endura should both serve you safely. Since it's your hand, you might want to stick to your tip-down standard.

A CRKT Mt. Ranier might fit the bill. Tip down, available in combo-edge, and has a safe feeling liner lock (it has another lock to hold the liner in place).
 
I carried a FRN/PE Delica for 3yrs, and my friend is now carrying it.

I'm currently carrying a FRN/SE Endura and CE Millie.

The military only set me back 90USD +shipping, so it fits in your price range, if not the size(same as endura though). Email Linda "Glasshartt" for a price list, as she updates every year... I got mine right before new years this year, when she updated. Glasshartt@aol.com, based in El Paso, Texas.

I carried the Delica, and enjoyed the size. It was great for most jobs, but the 3" blade was a bit short for some. I also carry smaller knives along with the twin 4", for general public use.
 
Delica. It is one of the Classic folders. Alot of blade for a small knife. Sharp as hell (sharpest production blade ever). If i would get the VG10 FRN model or hold out until the Carbon Fibre comes out. The other choice is the Native. It is built like a tank. Light but has very thick FRN frame. It is very sturdy in the hand. It is more of a Utility blade than slicing machine like the Delica.

For a larger blade 4" i would definatly get a stronger frame then FRN. It would be more for hard use occations. Sal said the Police and Military models are alot stronger then the Endura.

So my choices are

3" blade = FRN Delica VG10
4" blade = g10/CF Police

Both will outslice any blade if sharpened correctly. I use Joe's theory on how to make a AXIS perform on all my blades. Cutter and Slicer in one.

Hope this helps.
 
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