Should everyone own a Delica at some point?

MSchott said:
I'm pretty new to this hobby and am quickly building a small collection. So far I have a Michael Morris friction folder, a Buck 300, Kershaw Leek, CRKT Swindle, a few traditional slip joints and another Buck in a skeleton body (I can't recall the model).

I read a lot about the Delica here but I have 2 reservations. First is the width, I prefer my blades to fit further into the case aesthetically. Second is the case material. I lean more towards metal cases. Maybe I'm being too picky. And maybe among the myriad Spyderco models, there's another that's more my style. My budget is under $100.00.

Thanks in advance for your input.
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If you want a Delica with Ti scales and a longer cutting edge, look into the Mantra 1. As a bonus, you get a significantly higher grade alloy (M4).
The only downside is that it takes some maintenance since it is not a stainless steel.

Delica (top) vs Mantra (bottom)
spyderco-mantra-hap-2.jpg
 
knarfeng said:
I think everyone should own a Delica at some point. If nothing else, it provides a benchmark for thin, relatively inexpensive, very light weight folders. I've had several.

But if you want a metal handle, and you want to pay less than $100, you might look at a Cold Steel Code 4. Different knife entirely, but it does have a metal handle and meets your price limit.
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Awesome knife. If you do decide to get a code 4 keep in mind that the earlier versions were in AUS8 but they had some sort of freezing process that would make it a great steel. They have now switched to CTS-XHP which is an awesome steel (they use it on the Spyderco Domino).
I may be one of the few people that dislike FRN intensely and I don't mind knives with a little weight, too me the weight makes it feel more durable to me. An example would be Manix II In G-10 VS. the lightweight
I have had both in multiple steels and really like the feel of the G-10 ones. I was always checking my pocket for the knife.
 
I’d go with an endura. Lotsa hard working blade in a lightweight package. I bought my old man one for Xmas to replace his leek. No complaints about being too bulky and into his pocket it went.
 
matt009au said:
Don't they make a Delica with ss handles...? I'm also pretty sure there was a ti handled version as well.
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And there was the most beautiful über-Delica ever built, IMHO. A grail knife of mine. Jigged bone, Ti bolsters, damascus VG10 core blade.

Pic stolen from knifecenter.
timthumb.php
 
The Delica is a must-have knife for anybody. I have higher end knives that cannot kick the Delica out of my pocket. It is that good. If you like metal handles, you can get stainless for under $100 and you can get Ti for a little more.

Here is the Ti model:

knifework-c11tipd.3.jpg
 
Well, OP, you got your answers; it's unanimous: everyone thinks you need to own a Delica.

Now I'm going to run and hide, since all these people with knives will be throwing them at me, pointy end out front, after I say this, but one of the reasons I've resisted the Delica is the FRN. Aesthetics are hugely important to me, and I just hate the way FRN looks, even if it's functional as all hell. That being said, since the Delica comes in other scales, out of some mixture of curiosity and guilt, I'll probably pick one up in the next few months--or its bigger sibling, the Endura, since I like larger knives. The pakkawood Delica and Endura are nice, but they're a little more than what I want to pay for a Delica or Endura at the moment. Might look for them on the exchange in the future.
 
Sharperthansticks said:
Well, OP, you got your answers; it's unanimous: everyone thinks you need to own a Delica.

Now I'm going to run and hide, since all these people with knives will be throwing them at me, pointy end out front, after I say this, but one of the reasons I've resisted the Delica is the FRN. Aesthetics are hugely important to me, and I just hate the way FRN looks, even if it's functional as all hell. That being said, since the Delica comes in other scales, out of some mixture of curiosity and guilt, I'll probably pick one up in the next few months--or its bigger sibling, the Endura, since I like larger knives. The pakkawood Delica and Endura are nice, but they're a little more than what I want to pay for a Delica or Endura at the moment. Might look for them on the exchange in the future.
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Yes, I recommend that you try a Spyderco FRN. A lot of Spyderco knives don't look pretty to me...until I use them. Then they suddenly become beautiful.
 
sharp_edge said:
Yes.

I would stretch to say that for most people the first folding knife should be a delica.
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That’s what I find weird. Many people new to knives don’t appreciate the delica for what it is becsause they are not experienced enough to appreciate what those FRN spydies offer.

19-3ben said:
And there was the most beautiful über-Delica ever built, IMHO. A grail knife of mine. Jigged bone, Ti bolsters, damascus VG10 core blade.

Pic stolen from knifecenter.
timthumb.php
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Pfft, that delica is nothing. Check out this one with a mosaic damascus bolster. 25th anniversary delica. (That Spyderco damascus blade on your uber delica is ugly imho anyway)
spyderco_anniversarydelicanative.jpg

spyderco_anniversarydelicanative_blades_1.jpg
 
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Damn that is a sexy beast
DocT said:
The Delica is a must-have knife for anybody. I have higher end knives that cannot kick the Delica out of my pocket. It is that good. If you like metal handles, you can get stainless for under $100 and you can get Ti for a little more.

Here is the Ti model:

knifework-c11tipd.3.jpg
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The Delica is smaller than I like, and a back lock; so I never took the plunge. I did, however, purchase one for a friend a few months ago. I took the opportunity to handle it, and have to admit that I was impressed. One of very few knives that lives up to the hype, and didn't leave me feeling let down. That said, it is still smaller than I like - enough so to be slightly awkward in hand - so I don't plan on buying myself one.

I don't know when the delica was introduced; but if I'd experienced it in my teens to early twenties, I'd likely be a bigger Spyderco fan today.
 
I’m pretty sure you can get a Byrd Meadowlark in stainless steel for less than 30 bucks.

It is basically a Delica with a finger choil and 8cr steel.
 
I think it’s a Knife you should at least pick up at a shop and handle. It’s not too small, light, has a nice thin blade, and is fairly ergonomic. Not a fan of the back lock, but it is very popular for a reason. I think it’s a good knife to keep handy as it’s reasonably priced and utilitarian as long as your not hacking your way through the jungle.
 
sharp_edge said:
I would stretch to say that for most people the first folding knife should be a delica.
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After a fair amount of experience with folding knives, I tend to agree and the reason is that most people will be very happy with a Delica and it is a classic modern knife. The term "benchmark" is used and I agree.... When shopping on line, I use the Delica as my dominant comparison for size. It is just about perfect for me and I usually don't deviate much more than a half inch (2.75" > 3.25") in blade length when choosing these days. Perfect size to me... simple design, fits most normal sized people's hands, pocket friendly, and good for most regular pocket knife cutting tasks. Yes, buy a Delica.
 
Everybody should try a Spyderco at some point, but not necessarily a Delica. They should also try Kershaw, Benchmade, Buck, etc. At least, until they form an opinion of what they like in a knife.

Spyderco offers consistently excellent fit and finish, they're not afraid to do unusual-looking stuff, and the ergonomics really are that good.

But they're not for everybody. I'm terrified of the very thin blades, because I'm a knuckle dragger, and I would end up snapping a point, or chipping a blade.
 
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