First ever Spyderco knife...

W

wongKI

Joined
Jul 9, 2009
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So I just got my first ever Spyderco knife, the Delica 4.
Picked it up for about 60$ US after reading all the reviews in this subforum. I'm pretty happy with it, it's the best knife I've ever owned (Not saying much, since I've only owned a Wenger and Victorinox Swiss knives, a M-Tech folder and other cheap stuff).
So anyway, can you guys tell me what to expect from this knife in terms of edge retention, useful lifespan and such? I'm planning on using it on camping trips (I'm a Boy Scout!) to carve wood, cut rope and such. Also an everyday carry. The edge came very sharp-I've learned the hard way not to wipe it edge-down on my shirt:D

Also, on a completely unrelated note, is the Gerber Paraframe II any good?

Thanks in advance and God bless
KI
 
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Almost forgot, the steel is VG-10, and it's a combo edge. My sharpening gear is two bench stones from Chinatown, which I'm completely inept at using.
 
wongKI said:
Also, on a completely unrelated note, is the Gerber Paraframe II any good?

Thanks in advance and God bless
KI
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Gerber is good for baby food, not so good for knives. You made a step in the right direction with the Spyderco!
 
Thanks for the info! I see the Paraframe in shops all over the place here, and only like 3 spyderco models (fully serrated Atlantic Salt, Delica 4 and first-generation Endura in stainless). Not much choice where I live (Singapore)
 
The Gerber would be a major step down from the D4. I would rather even carry the Vic SAK than the Gerber.
The Delica 4, or the Endura and Atlantic Salt are excellent Spydies. No need to downgrade, enjoy your new Delica 4!
:D
Save your money from the Paraframe and get another Spyderco.:thumbup:
 
Yeah, the Victorinox (outrider) is really a pocket toolbox.
What's the angle at the edge of the Delica? Just in case I need to sharpen it in the future.
 
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The D4 is an excellent knife. I have a D4W, and I love it.

Carries great, holds an edge great, versatile carry options (tip-up/down, left, right), and it's user-serviceable.
 
The only thing bad about that knife is it may last you too long. Spyderco even has rebuild kits for the Endura/Delica 4's. VG10 steel is on par (if not a notch better) than 154cm which is Benchmade's standard steel, it takes a serious edge and holds it very well while resisting corrosion well (amongst SS blades). It won't love salt water as no steel does but Spyderco has the salt line as well which are 100% rust-proof.

Oh...that and you will buy more and more Spydercos because they are addictive. Check out the Stretch in FRN if you want something bigger. It's the Holy Grail of ergonomics.
 
Hi WongKI,

Welcome to the Spyderco forum and thanx for the trust and support. Congratulations on yor Delica4. I think you will find the 20 years of development and refinement in that model will serve you well.

I am particularly interested in your opinions with regards to Boy Scout activilties.

I'll be meeting with a Boy Scout troop in Golden next month. We'll be discussing knives and the possibility of creating a Boy Scout specific model.

Keep us posted.

sal
 
Really? That sounds awesome!
The D4 is really great, and as you mentioned the refining process really helped to make it nearly flawless.
For scouting purposes, the only reason why the D4 doesn't follow me to camps is the fact that it doesn't have a can opener.
That, and I love it too much :D
 
Sal Glesser said:
Hi WongKI,

Welcome to the Spyderco forum and thanx for the trust and support. Congratulations on yor Delica4. I think you will find the 20 years of development and refinement in that model will serve you well.

I am particularly interested in your opinions with regards to Boy Scout activilties.

I'll be meeting with a Boy Scout troop in Golden next month. We'll be discussing knives and the possibility of creating a Boy Scout specific model.

Keep us posted.

sal
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Love it!

I tried to get my old troop interested in some, but they weren't too interested. :(
 
wongKI said:
Yeah, the Victorinox (outrider) is really a pocket toolbox.
What's the angle at the edge of the Delica? Just in case I need to sharpen it in the future.
Click to expand...

15º angles on the edge (30º total angle)
if you have any cheap knives I highly recommend you practice sharpening them first
 
Heres a quick photoshop. Would this qualify for boyscouts? :)
BS.jpg
 
Looks pretty good, like a high-class version of the $2 army knives everyone in my troop carries.
I like the SAK can opener too, it can't be used as a weapon unless you're really determined.
In any case, I'd probably buy that.
 
Have fun and enjoy your D4. When I started collecting knives some years ago my first Spyderco was an old Delica clip-it. Somewhere down the line I lost it. I have a D4 now as well as probably 30 other Spyderco's and I can tell you without reservation that the D4 gets more pocket time than any of the others.

It's really just a perfect knife for size, strength and durability. The only bad thing I can say about the Spyderco Company is that they are addictive and it might put a strain on your wallet. :D
 
Something like the Remote Release series would have enough handle for a bottle opener, compass, etc.

Could likely be marketed to both Boyscouts and Girlscouts with a color change =)

Sounds like a great idea!
 
Snagblade said:
Something like the Remote Release series would have enough handle for a bottle opener, compass, etc.
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I like that idea, it's probably the most "boyscouty" knife Spyderco currently makes.

Probably could shorten up the release pin or get rid of it entirely (make it close with a spring perhaps, or add a twist-lock like some caribiners have), but keep the shape and throw a flint stick in there for starting fires.

When I was in the scouts, a knife, bottle/can opener, compass, and flint and steel were my "ecc" (every campout carry) kit.
 
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