Endura / Delica - update - need input

Pete1977 said:
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Click to expand...

You know, that's how I felt 7 years ago, when they were messing with the classic endura/delica; certainly the old design wasn't broke. Then the endura98 came out, and it was definitely an improvement. That's the only reason I'm not screaming that Sal shouldn't mess with perfection :)
 
Strengths of the current model Delica-
Thin in the pocket, slices well, hump gives good thumb purchase, easy to open, inexpensive, widely available (relative to other spydies)

Weaknesses -
Clip can be squirelly, paint chips off the clip, tip is delicate


I'm not so fond of changing to a 3-D style handle or adding texture to the spine (ala the Native 3). I do like the Native, but find that the Delica usually gets the nod because it slides in and out of my pocket better. Perhaps that's related to my EDC style - more office than construction site. I do really like the profile of the Native handle near the clip - it has a great shape for pulling out of the pocket. A similar profile might be good for a deep-riding clip design. Also, I think the hump gives enough leverage that the spine ridges aren't necessary, but again, I don't often use my Delica in wet slipery conditions.

A larger hole might be nice - I like that feature of the Dodo. However, no complaints about the current hole size. I'd be OK with a wire clip. It seems like the clip attachment is the biggest issue in the current model. I have had a slightly loose clip torque in funny ways and slightly damage the surrounding FRN.

Definitely, the blade length (tip to handle) should spec in at just shy of 3". Enough places have a 3" carry limit, that putting it just over would shut out lots of the market. Any redesign should be obviously 3" - no quibbling about whether you measure the edge, or tip to hand, or tip to handle or whatnot.

Finally, street price should be reasonable. As many said, it's an entry model. I probably wouldn't be a spydernut if it wasn't for accessible pricing on the lower end models. Not looking for a flea market special, but it should be a solid design, solid quality, and solid value. I think I'll always have some of the less expensive Spydies for gifts, loaners, spares (such as emergency kits), and situations where loss or damage is a real possibility. Also, the current Delica is a great general use knife that stands up well against knives (spydies and others) several times the cost. If it's a choice between cost vs. bells and whistles, go with cost. It will likely make a cleaner design anyway.
 
I would like to see a sturdier tip on both the endura and the delica. I know you're not supposed to pry with your knife or subject it to rigorous abuse, but, speaking from a law enforcement point of view, sometimes it happens. You'd be surprised how often a knife is used for things other than cutting, primarily because it is the only implement that you have at hand. If the tip was a little bit more stout, it would provide the potential for it not to break as easily.

I like the slimness of the design, and I agree with others who have posted: both models just disappear. Maybe change the design on the FRN to the spiderweb pattern. I also like the black clips, as I don't mind if it scratches or not. I kind of see it as a badge of honor for the knife; it indicates, to me at least, that I carry this particular knife over the others in my collection due to its ability to perform.

I also agree with others who have posted about the delica's blade length. I think that ensuring that the blade is 3" would allay some fears from those who are restricted as to the knife they can legally carry.

Thanks for caring enough about your customers to elicit advice and suggestions, Sal.
 
i've read some of the replies here, not all of them, too many, sorry :)
a lot of people seem to want dramatic changes - full flat grind, salt like tip, native like handles, compresion lock et...
well..
if you want a full flat grind - get a calypso jr
salt tip? get a salt
native like handles? well get a native of course :)
compression lock - para milli

the delica was my first spydie, i liked it because it was just the way it is.. slim, light, simple, i like the narrow tip, it's very handy, i like the flat grind, it gives the blade strength while leaving it thin.
any of the darmatic changes offered it would simply make it a new model, not a delica (or endura for that matter).

improvments?
small things.. bigger hole, ridges on the spine, a selection of clips for people to choose when they buy- wire, silver, black coated, other colors, to each his own, better pattern on the FRN, different colors for the FRN again, maybe a slightly larger laynard hole, since it's the best seller, a selection of steels maybe? for everyone to choose what suits them best.
those are my ideas
hope it helps..
 
Just an opinion, I think the Pride has been discontinued and although knife laws are fairly reasonable where I live I often travel to other cities, states, and on rare occasoins, other countries. I never liked the overall design of the pride but what about a delica or dragonfly with a stiffer backspring and no lock to help ensure legality most anywhere? This would of course be an optional or addition to the current backlock style, I'd personally like to see one made but I don't know if they're be enough of a market to produce it.

Also, does anyone know if there's a chance of the UK Penknife ever coming over here???
 
i really like that idea! i'd love a slip joint delica, or something cheaper than the uk pen knife, can't afford it :D
 
Some Byrd features imported to the Delica:
attachment.php
 
What i want to see is:

1) A clip that allows deep pocket carry

2) Assembly of the knife with screws so the knife can be *completely* taken apart and cleaned. I bought a carbon fiber Delica only because I thought it could be completely taken apart. But, I was dissappointed because the lanyard hole holds the handle together and is the one thing that keeps the knife from being able to be completely disassembled.

Joe Mamma
 
I felt the need to comment on this topic once again. Firstly, I agree with I.V on the matter that if you desire these features in a spyderco knife, such as the salt tip, or calypso jr. grind, then why not buy those knives. Secondly, to Joe Talmage: I agree that the changes to the endura/delica in 98 were for the better, but most of the posts to this thread are advocating major changes that would make the endura/delica not be an endura/delica after tweaking.

secondly. If you use the endura, or delica for prying, or even as a hard-use knife, then it's clear that the condition of the knife is no real concern,as long as it works and does what its supposed to, and if the tip breaks off, a dremel, or even a file will put another point on, and the knife will not be much shorter than it origionally was. I know this because I have a delica, with the FRN clip, that's been put through its paces, and one of its 'injuries' is a blunted and reshaped tip.

I've found though, handling the newer delica/endura, or even other FRN Spydercos that the handle material, origionally Zytel is now sold as FRN, and it appears more brittle than it was ten years ago. I'd like to see a shift BACK to the origional FRN handle material (Zytel).

thanks.
peter
 
Okay, I might have to eat some of my words from my ealier post.

I have been knocking linerless FRN handles because I thought they were too weak overall.

I like my Endura, Delica, and Rescue models but I've always hated the flex in the handle.
I thought that SS liners would solve the "problem" and make the handle stronger--and I was right, they would. But they would also add weight and cost too.

But just last week I bought a Native III.
What can I say, the FRN handle on the Native III is terrific!

So I'm now thinking that the new Delica and Endura just need thicker 3D FRN handles--and in lots of colors too!

And maybe a less pronounced "hump".

Thanks,
Allen.
 
Four position clip.

I don't understand the flat grind thing.
Why does this matter to people?
I like the hollow grind, but maybe I don't know what I like - seriously.
Please edify me.
 
Leave them as they are. There is nothing wrong with them.

People have said deeper carry, but I need to be able to grab mine out of my pocket with thick fire gloves on. That protrusion gives me something to grip on.
 
I have to say that the suggestion of going back to zytel is probably a good one.
I agree with different colors.
I will stick with the current grind, but move the serrations to the right side.
and add thumb ridges.
The old molds seem sturdier, and I liked the pointy end.

Added:
I just went through the thread again, snd sal stated that he was looking for a solution for the clip spin. I think I have the solution. Sal, how is this coming?
 
Adjustable Screw at the pivot joint
Possibly a thicker handle(maybe even nested stainless liners)
Other than that I think they're great the way they are. I agree with a post above that said that a lot of the suggestions in this thread are suggesting drastic changes that would make the Delica and Endura not the Delica and Endura anymore. If you change it too much you lose sight of what it was and where it came from.
 
Pete1977 said:
I felt the need to comment on this topic once again. Firstly, I agree with I.V on the matter that if you desire these features in a spyderco knife, such as the salt tip, or calypso jr. grind, then why not buy those knives.
Click to expand...

Simple The Calypso jr. only comes in tip DOWN carry which in my opinion sucks. If they'd make a tip up G10 Handled Calypso I'd be happy for them to leave the Delica alone.
 
Ken Cox said:
Four position clip.

I don't understand the flat grind thing.
Why does this matter to people?
I like the hollow grind, but maybe I don't know what I like - seriously.
Please edify me.
Click to expand...


Like the 4 position clip idea. The reason so many (including me) would like to see a full flat grind is that a flat grind makes for a much better slicing knife, the material being sliced does not bind or choke at the point where the blade changes thickness as on a hollow grind. This is not a big deal as long as the hollow ground knife in question is thin (like a Delica) however, the thicker the knife the more noticible the difference in slicing ability becomes. Also, and I don't know if this part is true or not, some say that a flat ground knife is stronger than a similar hollow ground knife.
 
Very little, change, as far as I'm concerned. I have a carbon-fiber Delica that works wonderfully well for EDC. All I can think of is thumb ridges on the top of the blade / handle area and maybe a little thicker grip on the carbon-fiber model. The FRN's may be OK, I've never handled one.

The blade length / overall length is perfect for my front pants pocket, inside suit coat pocket carry... don't change that!
 
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