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How about a smaller pocket sized Delica 4?

D

DocT

Joined
Mar 25, 2012
Messages
5,437
I wonder if there are any others out there that simply love their Delica 4s but have more use for a 2.5" blade, like me? I had suggested a Cat with a different lock (and would buy one in a New York minute), but I got to thinking that a smaller Delica 4 would be just the ticket. It would have light but strong FRN scales with nested liners (a must have) and a 2.5" VG-10 very practical Delica style blade. It could come in the same colors as the regular Delica. It would need a different name, of course.
I know some of you will not like this as all knives must be huge, but for day to day I find the Cat sized blade more useful but like the Delica style. What I am suggesting is a practical everyday, all around knife that would be in the price range of the Delica.
What do you all think?
 
I find the delica to be the perfect size as is. I would actually think that a smaller blade could be ok for some people, I just personally think the current delica 4 is the perfect blade handle ratio.
 
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Dragon Fly 2 has everything you are looking for except the liners. Honestly I don't see how steel liners are necessary on a blade that small.
 
I love my Manbug so much, I was thinking about a bit larger one of them, exactly the same with no liners.
 
I'm inclined to think that, while there's nothing a 2.5" blade will do that a 3" one won't, the opposite is not always true. Aside from a few cities where 2.5" is the maximum legal blade length, any blade under 3" wiill be legal. Between those two, I don't see all that many people rushing out to buy 2.5" bladed knives. I'd also agree with SpydrMan that an FRN handled knife with a relatively thin 2.5" blade does not need the weight penalty that steel liners impose. The D'fly 2 would work for me if was in the market for a 2.5" bladed FRN handled knife although, in reality, I'll spend the extra bucks for CF Chaparral when I need something under 3".
 
The Deacon said:
I'm inclined to think that, while there's nothing a 2.5" blade will do that a 3" one won't, the opposite is not always true. Aside from a few cities where 2.5" is the maximum legal blade length, any blade under 3" wiill be legal. Between those two, I don't see all that many people rushing out to buy 2.5" bladed knives. I'd also agree with SpydrMan that an FRN handled knife with a relatively thin 2.5" blade does not need the weight penalty that steel liners impose. The D'fly 2 would work for me if was in the market for a 2.5" bladed FRN handled knife although, in reality, I'll spend the extra bucks for CF Chaparral when I need something under 3".
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I like the Delica, so much so that I debate with myself if today is the day to buy one every time I get on the internet. Also, I have been trying to find Spydercos that have everything I want all in one package. Saying that, I really love Spyderco's G-10 and Carbon Fiber scales, and lately I have been on this kick where FRN just doesn't quite do it for me enough to pull the trigger. I have been in love with the Sage 1 CF for about 2 weeks now, as it has every quality I am looking for right now, except price. I foresee the price will ever go down, but.......I dunno.

To the OP. You'd be better served getting a D-Fly in G-10 than wishing for the Delica blade to get smaller.
 
Yes, the Kahr has the right blade length but is not FFG and has that weird hump. Plus, the handle is still the same length. I would want a handle that is a little shorter. I love my Delica 4 and I love my Dragonflies. But, I also find the Cat is a good compromise and is very useful. The Delica has the better all around blade shape, perhaps the best Spyderco offers in that regard (that and the Manbug).
The Cat with a Compression Lock and better steel would be nice too, but more expensive. A smaller Delica would fit the bill nicely. I'd take either one, though.
 
My Delica ZDP189 gets used everyday either for opening Mail or cutting food or 'whatever' comes along ~~ don't know what I would do with-out my Fav..!*****
 
I wouldn't want a smaller Delica however I would be interested in a 'Delura', that is, a model between the Delica and Endura...although I imagine the Stretch is probably close enough.
 
The Delica is a great knife right now. There's nothing I would change. Love the grip length on the "4" much more than previous models. A 2.5" blade is available in the Kahr model as previously stated and there's the Cat, Ambitious and Dragonfly in smaller sizes as well as the Manbug and Ladybug which more or less mimic the Delica in even smaller sizes.

While it's not my "go to" daily carry model, I find it very handy. I bought a second sample as a flying knife--something well made and easily replaceable but not too expensive and not too large or small that I could put in a checked bag when traveling by air.
 
NeilB said:
I think the Chaparral fits nicely in that sub-Delica niche.
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Yes, I have the Chaparral and it has its uses, but I prefer the Cat, believe it or not. I like the handle better on the Delica but it is a little long for some carry (I do not use a pocket clip as that is not allowed for serfs). I have a box of Spydercos and the Delica 4 FFG has become my favorite. The Cat has replaced my DF for most days, but I do not prefer a liner lock. I would rather have a back lock or a compression lock. The blade shape of the Delica is superior.
 
If you like back locks, and the g10 feel of the cat, caly 3 is a good option! Great g10 with ffg vg10 steel.. It has slightly smaller handle and overall length compared to the delica4 while having a slightly longer cutting edge.. So yea.. Ideal answer to your question.. No?

That, or like others mentioned, the g10 Dragonfly.. Ffg with backlock and g10 feel in hand
 
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