First Spyderco Purchase:Sage I or Delica 4?

JBarbaresi

JBarbaresi

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Nov 27, 2010
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So i'm looking for a "replacement" for my Pro-Tech TR3 when I can't carry an auto knife. Spyderco has really caught my eye for the first time ever, and I've narrowed it down to a couple of choices for my first. My current preference is for the Sage I, I love the CF handle, size, and everyone seems to love them. I am also seriously considering the Delica 4, I like its look and especially so with the black blade. My only turn off to the Delica is the FRN handle. Both locks will do what I need them to, so I'm not splitting hairs over the locking mechanisms. Any advice you Spyderco experts can give me to help sway my mind one way or the other would be appreciated. I'm also looking at the Caly 3 in CF with ZDP-189 blade but the handle looks a little thin for my liking. Even better, if someone has a picture of these knives side by side for a size comparison closed and open it would be very helpful.
 
Sorry I don't have side by side pics but I have owned both. IMO the Sage is way more knife for the money. I do like the Delica but it's not even in the same league materials wise.
Sage has better handle material, better ergos (usable choil), way better pocket clip, better steel (arguably).
If you're looking for a reasonably priced work/edc knife the Delica excels.
If you're looking for an EDC knife that puts a smile on your face every time you touch it, the Sage1 is for you.
The Caly3 is great also but you're right, you might find the handle a little thin. Out of the three you mentioned the Sage1 fills the hand best for me.
 
thanks for the input, kind of how i am leaning in regards to the delica. how about a pic of a sage next to a para 2? i keep tossing back and forth between the paramilitary 2 being an option but the handle is a whole 3/4 in longer.
 
Definitely the Sage. For the price, I'll doubt you'll find as much knife for the money. The Delica is nice, but IMO the ergos are non-existant along side the Sage.
 
you guys are supposed to be convincing me i'm wrong about the sage, lol. i guess you can't really go wrong with a knife that everyone loves.

how about the sage vs the native carbon fiver with VG-10 blade? they seem to be almost identical with the exception of the lock up.
 
Sage 1 is definately great and classy knife. It combines the natives handle shape and Caly's blade shape. G10 delica is definately a great knife. Delica's all are but CF handles and S30V fullflat ground do beat G10 handles with VG-10 blade... at least material wise the Sage 1 is better. Both knives are great and I think you'll be happy either way you go. If you cannot try knife at your hand, I say go for Sage 1. If you don't like it, you always can trade it for G10 Delica or sell it and get G10 Delica then.
 
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I have a Sage 1 and a Caly 3 (CF/ZDP-189) and a Delica ZDP-180 (BRG).

Bang for the buck and a darned fine knife is the Sage 1. The Caly 3 was my first Spydie, and I love it, too. But, the Sage 1 is more robust in your hand. The Caly 3 is definitely thinner / more "delicate" and with the smooth CF... I would say more of a "gentleman's" folder.

I'm carrying my Sage 1 now, and it's had the most pocket time of all my Spydies (about 15 of them at this point since last May).
 
One more vote for the Sage I. I have been with Spyderco since 1995 and I've owned many Spydercos. The Sage I is one of my all-time favorites. The carbon fiber scales are incredible. You can and always will be able to get a Delica being one of the flagship models. You really can't go wrong with the Sage.
 
does anyone who recommends the sage I have an opinion when compared to the native 4 carbon fiber? different blade steel, different lock, slightly different blade shape. am i missing something that makes the native worth the extra $60+?
 
JBarbaresi said:
does anyone who recommends the sage I have an opinion when compared to the native 4 carbon fiber? different blade steel, different lock, slightly different blade shape. am i missing something that makes the native worth the extra $60+?
Click to expand...

The native is made in japan and the sage in Taiwan which is why it costs a bit less, also I would imagine a lockback costs a bit more to manufacture than a liner lock !
 
well, the more i read and research, the more i am inclined to get the sage. thanks to everyone who voiced an opinion, even though pretty much everyone agreed.

so here's the next question... i have been able to find it for $95 shipped, does anyone know a place to get it for cheaper?
 
JBarbaresi said:
My only turn off to the Delica is the FRN handle.
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Before I purchased my first Spyderco, a Delica 4 FFG, I was pretty sure I was going to hate the FRN handle. Once I handled the knife, my views changed. It is not weak at all, and it would be very hard to get that knife to slip in the hand. The handle just feels right, not too big, not too small, the knife almost disappears in the pocket. I liked it so much that I bought another one, this time in green, and have a matching blue Endura 4 FFG on the way.
 
IMHO, the Sage is a better slicer and a more attractive knife overall. The wire clip is very nice, too.
 
The Native 4 is nice, but I do not like the partially covered Spyderhole, and am non-plussed by the lock. Also, the Sage may be assembled in Taiwan, but the steel is manufactured and heat treated here in America. And the Sage definitely has the better clip and ergonomics, at least in my opinion. VG10 is a fine steel, but I feel that S30V for less money only makes sense.
 
thanks guys for all the opinions. just placed an order for the sage for $99 shipped. i figured if i'm only going to have one spyderco (not likely i'm sure), it was one that almost everyone can agree on. can't wait for it to get here next week. there may be a paramilitary 2 or delica in the future :D
 
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