Help me decide

Joined
Feb 13, 2001
Messages
750
I know there are numerous thread like this and believe me I've looked at most of them. I just thought be nice to hear pros and cons on these few knives I'm deciding between. So here's the list and my impressions.

Native PE -great ergos w/ the finger spots etc. but I prefer the tip down carry and the smallish hole is troubling especially since it's practically covered. I also wonder about tip strength on this knife.

Cetofante 4 -Nice looks but I'm not sure I want a straight edge and tip strength is again bothersome on this one.

Delica 4 -Never owed one, never though much of them, but it seems nice. I'm very happy about spyderco going back to the old style clips on these new knives.

Lava -I find this one attractive because it reminds me of my navigator. It does seem a bit heavy though I for me the blade is very tiny. I'd end up have a larger folder close at hand if I picked this one.

I was also considering a BM940 since it's in S30V and has the axis lock and a nice blade length, but I like spyderco better as a company (even though many of the knives are made in Japan :rolleyes: ) mainly because they pay closer attention to how they grind the blades. Maybe that's just better marketing, but either way I'm sold.

FYI I've owed tons of BMs and sypdercos and I'm currently carrying a mini manix.

So any and all opinions are welcome, thanks for your help!
 
I can't say enough good things about the Delica 4 wave. I have always been a huge fan of the Native, but the D4 rivals it in terms of ergonomics. I also prefer the saber grind over the hollow grind (this will avoid the tip strength concerns you have with the Native), the D4 has more carry options and a more attractive and secure clip, the steel liners make the D4 stronger, and the spyderhole is more accessible. The D4 and Native are also nearly identical in size, with the D4 being a hair longer.
To be honest, I used to really dislike the Delicas until I actually got one. I still hold that they are unattractive, but the D4Wis much more attractive than the others.

- Chris
 
Knife11, what are your reasons for wanting this knife? How will it be used? Of your selection, I would drop the Cetofante 4. The blade is very thin and the handle is very smooth (slick). I just don't care for that knife.
The Native PE is made in USA and has S30V steel all for about $40 at Wal-Mart. This was my first Spyderco purchase and I still love the knife!!
The Delica4 is a great strong knife. With the upgrades this year it is a very versatile knife. VG-10 is a good blade steel. A good solid choice.
The Lava has to be held to really appreciate it. I did hold one a while back. It is a great knife and feels awesome in the hand. It just locks in. The blade is small, but this knife is a really slicer!!
You might also take a look at the new Caly3. I have had one for about a week now and I love the knife. It will be in my pocket for a very long time.

Good luck, Ron
 
reason for wanting a knife??? I have to have a reason? :)

I'm just kidding... it's for edc the Manix is great, but it's a little heavy and a little large in my pocket. The Manix really has everything I love in a knife tip down it's not a liner lock and it cuts and holds an edge like no other. I'll probably keep it, but I'm just looking too see if I can get by with a smaller lighter and more replaceable knife. I should consider the caly3 but I'm upset that it's not tip down and it's not FRN.
 
I can go either way, but, I do prefer tip up so the Caly is perfect for me. I really do like the G-10 handle. It just feels very good in my hands. The Caly3 has the same type of blade as the Manix, just not as large, but larger than you think. I do not have the full size Manix, but here are some pictures of the Caly3 with the Mini Manix.

Ron

DSCN6097.jpg

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Here is one with the Para Military and the Delica 4.
DSCN6068.jpg
 
Wow, I didn't realize that the Caly 3 was so small! I didn't understand its place in the lineup until now. It seems like a Manix/ Delica Hybrid. I dig it!
 
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