Meadowlark vs Delica vs Native

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Buck268

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Nov 5, 2006
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Well, went up to Bass Pro Shops as well as the knife outlet at the mall last night to check out some spyderco's. Handled a G-10 Meadowlark, FRN VG-10 Delica (thats the 3" blade right?) and a S30V Native.

First the Native: Blade less sharp that the Delica or the Meadowlark. Extremely awkward to open for me, the hole is too close to the back of the frame, sits too low. Looks very un-sheeple-freindly blade.

Delica: Clearly the nicest knife of the bunch, easily shaved arm hair, very smmoth opening/lock-up/closing. Felt like an extention of my hand... Damn well better for $80!!

Meadowlark: Loved the G-10 scales, felt like it was designed for my hand. Blade was every bit as sharp as the VG-10 Delica, lock-up was just as smooth and precise. Basically, seemed like an equal, I even liked the funky thumb hole shape.

At this time I'm definately leaning towards the G-10 meadowlark, especially for the price! But how has the 8Cr13MoV blade held up for others? Seems to get great reviews, so I'm thinking its not worth the extra cost for a VG-10 Delica (which by the way only has FRN handles!)...
 
That Delica price almost sounds like a CDN price:)

I have a Crow, SS Meadowlark and G-10 Meadowlark - on the steel - it behaves very much like AUS8 if you own a blade with this steel. Very easy to sharpen, you can get a screamer edge on it. I also own a Ka-Bar/Dozier folding hunter with AUS8 and it's more of a feeling than anything else, but I think that the 8Cr13MoV is just slightly harder and holds an edge a bit better - not by much but just a bit. I haven't beat up my G-10 Meadowlark that much yet, but my Crow and SS Meadowlark have survived thru a couple of renovation sessions, but so has the Ka-Bar. In reality - an excellent buy for the money.

Compared to the Delica - I guess it depends and it's personal taste, but I prefer the Delica - I'm definitely getting way better performance from VG-10. Is it worth the price difference - that would be hard to say - for me - yes - I still prefer the Delica for my day to day - primary reason - the lightness. The FRN is pretty tough stuff, don't let that fool you in the least. Up here, the new ZDP Delica is almost twice as much as the VG-10 one - is that worth it? Hmmmmm - for me - too early to tell. I own one of those t0o. Also - for what I got my Caly 3 for, I could have bought 3 Delica's - was that worth it? From what I'm finding out in using it - so far, so good:D

On the Native - I'm actually surpised that it wasn't as sharp - I have the Native 1 (I think) from Wal-Mart and also a Native 3 and both of them were scary sharp NIB. My personal preference is to the the Wally world Native - it's thinner/easier to carry/easier to open. BUT, the Native 3 is better on hard cuts due to it's extra thickness. I'm thinking that personal preference is a key here - for me, I don't use my Natives all the much.


That G-10 Meadowlark is a pretty great buy for the money on the bottom line - it's your call. Heck, it's cheap enough that if you don't like it in the long haul, just save up for a bit and get the Delica:) I own 5 Delica 4's, but only one gets REALLY used. Based on what I've put my Crow and SS Meadowlark thru, that Bryd line is very solid for the bucks.

Just some thoughts - gord
 
Byrds are OK , I think of all the ones I'd take the Delica , that said the native is no slouch . Check out New Graham to get a better handle on pricing .

Chris
 
Buck268 said:
At this time I'm definately leaning towards the G-10 meadowlark, especially for the price! But how has the 8Cr13MoV blade held up for others? Seems to get great reviews, so I'm thinking its not worth the extra cost for a VG-10 Delica (which by the way only has FRN handles!)...
Click to expand...

The G-10 Meadowlark is an excellent knife, and 8Cr13MoV works very well. However, the added cost of the Delica is not simply a matter of improved blade steel. You are getting an overall higher-quality knife. Both are great choices, so I'd just pick whichever fits your needs, preferences, and budget better.
 
I suggest shopping around a little before you plunk down your hard earned dollars. I snagged a ZDP-189 Delica on FleaBay for under $80 including shipping ;)

I'm not too surprised by the Native not being quite as sharp. In my experience, VG-10 takes a finer edge, but S30V stays "not quite as sharp" for longer in use. That was in side by side testing, sharing the same tasks between a Delica and a Native.

I must agree that it will hurt a lot less to lose a $20 Byrd than a $40 Native or a $60 Delica. The Byrds are great knives for their price point. If you lose a lot of knive, go with the Byrd. I carry Delicas myself :D
 
Within the range you mentioned, I believe you should ignore the price point and get whichever you like best. Unless you are on a tight budget, this is a long term purchase, which over time would average out to very little per year.

I look for cheap on stuff I buy frequently, but think it a false economy on durables. Just my $3.57.
 
I'm a knife newbie compared to a lot of you guys, but here's my take. I was carrying my Delica as my main EDC, have since gone to the G10 Meadowlark. It fits my hand well, I LIKE the extra weight, really like the blade size and shape. I wish the QC were a bit better (few minor cosmetic issues), and that it was VG10 : ) It does need sharpening more often. But, it's my favorite, out of about 8 Benchmades, several spydies, and many other assorted knives.
 
I'd go with either the Delica or the Native. I really like the ergos of the Native, but I'm not a fan of the hole being partially covered. I like the upgrades on the D4 series and the various features to choose from. But like Yablanowitz said, it depends on your situation. If money was a big problem, I'd go with the Meadowlark and be pretty happy with it.
 
Well, was playing with another Native in Wallyworld today, and it just felt good. Easily shaving sharp too... So I scooped it up. Not a bad knife at all, I do like the choils. We'll see about the S30V, though, as I've heard of the edge chipping issues.

I'm also concerned that it has no steel liners, and only a few pins holding it together...
 
Buck268 said:
http://newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=5655

Wow, thats almost $10 cheaper than in the store I went to!

I wouldn't mind a delica, but I'm thinking for an EDC folder the byrd is a better deal. Quality seems just as good and it would hurt a lot less to loose it!
Click to expand...

The Delica is half the price at New Graham in comparison to the store you went to.

The Bird is a really good knife, but then again is the Delica/Endura. Tough choice. I am pretty sure you will be happy with either.
 
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