Most similar to Delica FRN, only with G-10

B

bob01

Joined
Nov 16, 2002
Messages
8
I just got my first good knife, a Delica FRN with a VG-10 "SpyderEdge". I researched knives about a year ago and finally got around to purchasing one.

Now after the fact, I came back here and I'm hearing that the FRN handles are potentially dangerous. I really like the delica, so what would be the most similar model to the delica that has a G-10 handle instead of FRN?
 
Hi Bob01. Welcome to the Spyderco forum. We've been making and improving the Delica model for more than 12 years. There are fewer knives in the world more reiable. I wouldn't worry about it.

We are making a Carbon Fiber version in the Spring, but I don't think it will be more reliable (unless you are at 140 below zero), just lighter, stiffer and more exotic.

sal
 
Bob01,

I can't think of any Spyderco knife that is like the Delica, but with G-10 scales. Have you taken a look at the stainless Delica? If strength is someting that concerns you, the stainless Delica "might be" stronger than the FRN model. There IS the Lil' Temperance that MIGHT be close enough to the Delica for you. It has green G-10 scales, and a 3 inch blade, but a different lock, and different style handle.
 
>"... I'm hearing that the FRN handles are potentially dangerous."

=====================

Simply put, and with all due respect, this is simply bunk. :rolleyes: The frn Spydercos are damn tough and I'd be surprised if you could break that knife handle if you tried (sledge hammer tests, don't count, naturally). Rest easy, the Delica's one of the best-selling and best-performing knives on the market for a reason.
 
I've carried a Delica for years and never had a problem. But if you really want a Delica-type knife in G-10 look on E-bay for a Standard. They've been discontinued for a few years but you never know when someone may decide to sell one.

Flinx
 
Originally posted by bob01

Now after the fact, I came back here and I'm hearing that the FRN handles are potentially dangerous. I really like the delica, so what would be the most similar model to the delica that has a G-10 handle instead of FRN?
Click to expand...

Bob, the only person to have made such a claim is Blade Santa Cruz, and while he is certainly entitled to his opinion, and makes an interesting argument, it's still only one person's opinion and based a lot on conjecture. It's hardly the word of the National Safety Council.

The fact is that there is no evidence to suggest FRN is a safety problem in knives. Certainly, there hasn't even been one first person account at BladeForums to suggest the failure of FRN under typical use; can't speak for someone foolish enough to use their knives as chisels. Even Sal, at another thread, said that the steel pins are more likely to fail before the FRN does.

Most people who dislike FRN and prefer G-10 do so not for practical reasons, but either aesethetic reasons (they think FRN is ugly), or they just want something high-tech that is the "latest and greatest"...I should know, I'm one of them. :o

You have a damn good knife there (I'm rather envious) so don't feel either short changed, or that you have an inferior knife. If you want a G-10 handled knife, go for it. But don't let misinformation, or fear, prompt you in doing so.

Rather than buying another Delica, I think your money is better spent getting another Spyderco in a different style or size as a companion to your Delica. That way you'll have some variety in your fledgling Spydie collection.

FTC
 
I have plenty FRN handled knives, including and besides Spyderco. I've yet to seen them fail yet.
The military have a blade shape like the Endura, at about 4" and flat grind... I don't think it's that close to the Delica.
 
Put any folding knife in a vise, and hang enough weight on the other end, and eventually it will fail. The real question, is, though, can a person's arm and hand be strong enough to apply the force necessary to cause the same failure? The Delica is small for a knife, which means not much leverage can be applied, and most humans could probably not use their muscle power alone to break a Delica WHEN the knife is used a CUTTING instrument. The hand's strength would probably fail long before it could apply enough pressure to cause a failure.
 
Thanks for all of the replies. For now I'll continue to carry my Delica, and I won't worry too much about it. I think it would be good to have a second spare knife anyway, though.

My concern isn't that the FRN would break under heavy use. I doubt mine will get much, if any, heavy-duty use. The comments I read suggested that FRN could break down over time even with light use or no use, and if you wanted to keep your fingers (I do), it might be wise to choose a different material. Maybe the FRN used was defective or mixed differently; I don't know.

Anyway, I've thought about a stainless steel delica. That might be a little heavy and slippery, though. The "Rookie" model also looks like it might be similar (and comes in G-10), except the blade isn't quite as wide at the base and it isn't VG-10 (I think it's ATS-55).
 
Bob01, another similar piece is the Standard with a single liner and blade of ATS-55 as well. I say similar but the Delica has wider proportions (bigger hole, longer and pointier blade) to the stouter Standard(wider grip, blade a hair thicker).

In reality though, I have both and still prefer the Delica.
 
Originally posted by bob01
My concern isn't that the FRN would break under heavy use. I doubt mine will get much, if any, heavy-duty use. The comments I read suggested that FRN could break down over time even with light use or no use, and if you wanted to keep your fingers (I do), it might be wise to choose a different material. Maybe the FRN used was defective or mixed differently; I don't know.
Click to expand...

bob,

If it's any reassurance, although I do own G-10 and Ti-alloy handled knives, my current large EDC is a Zytel handled knife. It's five years old and still going strong. I'm sure there are forumites with even older FRN knives. The statistics are on your side!

I'm pretty sure you're going to get years of performance out of that Delica. Enjoy it!

:)


FTC
 
I am one proud owner of a FRN Delica and believe me this little one takes a lot of abuse!
However, the Standard is quite similar to the Delica except that it has G-10 scales, ATS-55 steel (which is a very good one IMO) and the size is slightly smaller. A great knife, overall :)
 
bob01,

As you have heard already, the FRN Delica is one of the toughest smaller knives out there, I really don't know where this ridiculous hysteria came from...It is simply not true in my experience. Just enjoy that Delica, it is a beautiful, refined design and uses one of the finest steels currently available in production knives today. It is one of my favorite and trusted Spyderco designs of all.

Jeff/1911.
 
cant remember what area of BFC this was on, but I remember a story from the spring...

some guy managed to pop the blade out of his endura(with the end result he was working for is a new handle, just out of boredom)... the blade was out, and it took a LONG time to hacksaw through the handle to access the lock.

the only person I could see breaking a FRN model MIGHT be Cliff Stamp. But as was stated, 30lb sledges are not to be used in testing.
 
Sorry guys. I know this topic is getting a bit long of tooth. But hey, it's more interesting than the old, "What knife should I get?" threads.

Here's another testimonial in favour of FRN.

If anyone else is old enough to recall Skyway Zytel mag wheels for BMX bicycles, here's a link. They are making them again and here's what they have to say about the advantages of it.

http://www.skywaywheels.com/2002/about.htm

BTW, I doubt anyone out there will subject as much stress on their FRN knives as a BMX racer does on his bike. Ahh, memories! :)

FTC
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top