Should everyone own a Delica at some point?

[MSchott]

Thank you. I am not a fan of FRN and in fact it's one of my reasons for not loving this EDC. But VG-10 is a good steel and much preferable to cr13mov from what I understand. It's not a supersteel but this is a $70.00 knife not $200.00.

Interesting comment you make about pocket knives being a luxury item. Some are, some are not. I get the impression from my short time here that many use their folding knives on a daily basis and on their jobs. To me the Delica is a functional folder not a luxury knife. There's nothing luxurious about it. My Lionsteel is IMO more of a luxury EDC than the Delica. But then perhaps the entire hobby for many is about collecting rather than usage which automatically makes these knives luxury items.

Great EDC blade. But it is probably one of the most overpriced knives on the market. IMO the Byrd Meadowlark at $19 is a more equitable option.

The $19 uses the same FRN and uses cr13mov steel.....not as good as VG-10 but VG-10 isnt exactly a super steel either and certainly not anywhere as expensive per blank compared to high grade steels.......the bottom line is with the Delica, the consumer is pretty much paying for the Spyderco badge...and considering what people will use these small knives for in terms of EDC tasks, its a non-starter issue for me. This is not a hard use folder we are talking about.

Which brings us to the subject of what it means to be overpriced to begin with. I use this term loosely as a subjective impression. The market determines price and for a luxury item like a pocket knife, the current asking price pretty much reflects what a customer is willing to pay for the goods or services. If demand was low, the price would come down significantly. So in that sense, the Delica is not overpriced as people will pay for the item. But subjectively, everyone has their own price of value and for me I am just not a fan of FRN and consider it not worth the asking cost. I like a lot of Spyderco blades. Have a few and enjoy the PM2 in Titanium and G10. I just don't care at all for FRN. It is just molded plastic. Obviously it is used to keep weight down. But for me and my preferences, it just screams cheap. Like putting cheap Toyo tires on a Porsche.

 

[lieferung]

If FRN feels cheap to you, get a G-10 Delica! problem solved.

I've never had a Byrd knife, so I just looked up the specs at a reputable dealer. The blade is 8CR13MOV like Spyderco's Value Line knives. The quality of the Chinese-made Spydercos is excellent so their oversight and QC is beyond question. I'd have to assume the same for their Byrd line.

I'm a Tenacious fan as one of those was my gateway knife, and have collected a half-dozen so far. 8CR is a passable steel--easy to sharpen, but doesn't take or hold the keenest edge. VG10 sharpens easily to a better edge but tends to roll and chip a bit where 8CR does not.

If money's your bottom line, you could try the Byrd, but I think I'd still favor the Delica for the steel and aesthetics. I don't find the color options available for the Delica in the Byrd line either. There are also upgraded steel options around for the Delica and those knives with and without pop up on the Exchange often. They fly off, too, which may tell you something.

A Byrd Meadowlark 2 was my first foray into Spyderco, and I was surprised at the quality. And coincidentally a Tenacious was my first proper Spydie!

 

[BubbaGump]

Thank you. I am not a fan of FRN and in fact it's one of my reasons for not loving this EDC. But VG-10 is a good steel and much preferable to cr13mov from what I understand. It's not a supersteel but this is a $70.00 knife not $200.00.

Interesting comment you make about pocket knives being a luxury item. Some are, some are not. I get the impression from my short time here that many use their folding knives on a daily basis and on their jobs. To me the Delica is a functional folder not a luxury knife. There's nothing luxurious about it. My Lionsteel is IMO more of a luxury EDC than the Delica. But then perhaps the entire hobby for many is about collecting rather than usage which automatically makes these knives luxury items.

By luxury item I mean most people who purchase the knives we are discussing already own a pocket knife that is fully functional and capable. Another knife is really not needed and is a non-essential. It falls under the classification of luxury item and discretionary purchase. In short, you don't need it. You want it. The desire is what creates the demand and drives the price. A Delica is $79 not because of the materials or build but because a lot of people want one and it is in high demand on the market.

 

[ChazzyP]

By luxury item I mean most people who purchase the knives we are discussing already own a pocket knife that is fully functional and capable. Another knife is really not needed and is a non-essential. It falls under the classification of luxury item and discretionary purchase. In short, you don't need it. You want it. The desire is what creates the demand and drives the price. A Delica is $79 not because of the materials or build but because a lot of people want one and it is in high demand on the market.

Good points regarding the discretionary/luxury thing. I think that you do see improvement in cutting ability from 8CR13MOV to VG10 and that difference is preferential, as the Byrd or Tenacious will still cut fine if properly sharpened.
I've got users that cost more than 10 times what a Delica goes for. Their materials and action are of course superior in every way, though there's no measurement for how many times better that is. My M390 blades get way sharper, are tougher, harder, and hold a better edge, but how many times better is that? Definitely way into the discretionary/luxury end of things there.

 

[BubbaGump]

Good points regarding the discretionary/luxury thing. I think that you do see improvement in cutting ability from 8CR13MOV to VG10 and that difference is preferential, as the Byrd or Tenacious will still cut fine if properly sharpened.
I've got users that cost more than 10 times what a Delica goes for. Their materials and action are of course superior in every way, though there's no measurement for how many times better that is. My M390 blades get way sharper, are tougher, harder, and hold a better edge, but how many times better is that? Definitely way into the discretionary/luxury end of things there.

And we need to keep in mind that we are also collectors and enthusiasts so that makes us different from the average consumer. The average person who just wants a knife for its utility doesn't want to spend a lot of money and could care less what it looks like. They will be shopping by price mostly. The Avg consumer will probably consider even a $19 Byrd overpriced. Most folks like us here are not just satisfied with utility. We want something that appeals to us aesthetically, like the tactile feel of in hand, has premium materials, etc. ..we judge and look at things differently. Avg consumer would never understand why someone would spend $500 for a Sebenza or even $79 for a Delica. They would look at the knives, then us, and go, Huh?

 

[microtech85]

I believe that for someone interested in knives, the delica is worth owning. It is just such a well designed knife. It is such a logical design and so very useful and versatile. They make the delica with stainless handle. I personally am very fond of the stainless handle delica. I think it has a nice premium appearance and it slides into the pocket easier, plus the blade drops freely when the lock is disengaged.

 

[Bill1170]

Yes. Already answered many times. The stainless handled Delicas are much heavier than the FRN models, but possess a sleek elegance of their own.

 

[Valyrian steel]

Delicas are cool, but I prefer the PM3. same size really

 

[ChazzyP]

And we need to keep in mind that we are also collectors and enthusiasts so that makes us different from the average consumer. The average person who just wants a knife for its utility doesn't want to spend a lot of money and could care less what it looks like. They will be shopping by price mostly. The Avg consumer will probably consider even a $19 Byrd overpriced. Most folks like us here are not just satisfied with utility. We want something that appeals to us aesthetically, like the tactile feel of in hand, has premium materials, etc. ..we judge and look at things differently. Avg consumer would never understand why someone would spend $500 for a Sebenza or even $79 for a Delica. They would look at the knives, then us, and go, Huh?

There's a wide gulf between knife- and knon-knife-knuts as to what's a sensible cost for a blade.

One of my Vermont neighbors is a good friend and has done us many kindnesses--actually they all have. I had a Buck Duke that I'd bought to complement my 110 but didn't care for it, so I gave it to Sid. He was most appreciative and thanked me profusely. A couple visits later he told me he wasn't going to carry it as there was no way he'd risk damaging or losing such an expensive knife. They go for about 55 bucks most everywhere with a 77 dollar list.

I figured I better just leave my user Shirogorov Turtle in my pocket at that point.

 

[Sergeua]

Delicas are cool, but I prefer the PM3. same size really

Pm3 is cool but with delica you can take off the clip and just throw it in your pocket. Blade retention is very good.

 

[Yonose]

I never had an frn spydie I didn’t like. I thought the ladybug would be terrible, but now I’ve got a zdp lady and a hap40 manbug that recieve as many compliments as they do use! Once I give them away I will try the dragonfly, probably in vtoku if they don’t sell out on preorder. I wish they had raised prices on Chinese made models as much as on Seki and Golden made.

 

[Sergeua]

Sometimes I want the lego look and feel of the frn delica. That pattern is so good too, reminds me of spyderman. Its a nice change from other glamour knives in collection. Something you don't baby around and it resets your taste budds if you know what i mean.

 

[Whitedog]

If you want a knife that is not going to cost you a ton of cash a Delica or Endura is the way to go. Never mind the FRN, THEY CUT STUFF. Ease of sharpening is also a plus.

 

[BubbaGump]

There's a wide gulf between knife- and knon-knife-knuts as to what's a sensible cost for a blade.

One of my Vermont neighbors is a good friend and has done us many kindnesses--actually they all have. I had a Buck Duke that I'd bought to complement my 110 but didn't care for it, so I gave it to Sid. He was most appreciative and thanked me profusely. A couple visits later he told me he wasn't going to carry it as there was no way he'd risk damaging or losing such an expensive knife. They go for about 55 bucks most everywhere with a 77 dollar list.

I figured I better just leave my user Shirogorov Turtle in my pocket at that point.

There is indeed a wide gulf in perception of worth and value between people. I never really share details of my collection with non-knife enthusiasts as the reactions are usually not positive. Some people like showing off their collections but I keep it to myself and other collectors mostly. Relatives/friends know I collect knives and swords and stuff but I pretty much keep it low key. First, a lot of people don't understand why someone would spend so much money on knives and secondly, just like with folks who collect guns as a hobby or enjoy shooting as a recreational pursuit, there is a certain stigma attached to it when dealing with non enthusiasts. People stereotype and conjure up the images they see in the news media and movies etc...Show someone a balisong or switchblade and they immediately think 'criminal'. Tell them how much you spent on it all and they might question your sanity.. No explanations will suffice. You can try to explain that you didn't get a knife to stab people or murder someone but for the aesthetics and enjoyment of knives as art..that usually makes it worse...lol..the bottom line is those not in the collecting enthusiast community wont understand. Its something you have to enjoy to appreciate the time and costs that go into the hobby.

 

[Deinos]

I love my Delica 4. Was the first modern knife I purchased a couple years ago when I started getting into the hobby. At the mid $50's, it was a no brainer: good steal, great company, helluva slicer, etc. At mid $70's, the value proposition drops. Not because the Delica isn't worth it per se, but because, for just a little more money, your options open up quite a bit.

 

[ChazzyP]

There is indeed a wide gulf in perception of worth and value between people. I never really share details of my collection with non-knife enthusiasts as the reactions are usually not positive. Some people like showing off their collections but I keep it to myself and other collectors mostly. Relatives/friends know I collect knives and swords and stuff but I pretty much keep it low key. First, a lot of people don't understand why someone would spend so much money on knives and secondly, just like with folks who collect guns as a hobby or enjoy shooting as a recreational pursuit, there is a certain stigma attached to it when dealing with non enthusiasts. People stereotype and conjure up the images they see in the news media and movies etc...Show someone a balisong or switchblade and they immediately think 'criminal'. Tell them how much you spent on it all and they might question your sanity.. No explanations will suffice. You can try to explain that you didn't get a knife to stab people or murder someone but for the aesthetics and enjoyment of knives as art..that usually makes it worse...lol..the bottom line is those not in the collecting enthusiast community wont understand. Its something you have to enjoy to appreciate the time and costs that go into the hobby.

i've learned not to show any knife over a couple hundred bucks to anyone as the vast majority of non-knife people wouldn't understand. The incredulity line is actually somewhat lower than that. If I'm using something more expensive I won't give it any mention. If I'm asked how much I'll just say "A lot." I'd never hand a multi-hundred dollar blade to a non-knife person and tell them the actual price as they'd be likely to drop it while recoiling in shock at the cost.

Delicas and Enduras are a decent value in the $70 range. I got mine from Derrick at KSF in the $50s range when he closed out his Spydercos. They can be had on the Exchange around there and are a great value. Not way high on my list of favorites, but good solid knives for sure.

 

[yamsi12]

I’ll probably never own a Delica or a Spyderco for that matter. Never been a fan of the spydie hole.

 

[MSchott]

i've learned not to show any knife over a couple hundred bucks to anyone as the vast majority of non-knife people wouldn't understand. The incredulity line is actually somewhat lower than that. If I'm using something more expensive I won't give it any mention. If I'm asked how much I'll just say "A lot." I'd never hand a multi-hundred dollar blade to a non-knife person and tell them the actual price as they'd be likely to drop it while recoiling in shock at the cost.

Delicas and Enduras are a decent value in the $70 range. I got mine from Derrick at KSF in the $50s range when he closed out his Spydercos. They can be had on the Exchange around there and are a great value. Not way high on my list of favorites, but good solid knives for sure.

Similar to other luxury items. I like mechanical watches and the majority of people cannot understand paying nearly that much to tell the time. Definitely a luxury when a cell phone will do the same.

 

[ChazzyP]

Similar to other luxury items. I like mechanical watches and the majority of people cannot understand paying nearly that much to tell the time. Definitely a luxury when a cell phone will do the same.

...or like having a jazz collection of 3000 cds, 1000 LPs (and resuming their purchase after 25 years), and having a stereo with full size speakers including front towers. "You know you can just download that onto your phone and listen on your earbuds, don't you?" Not even worth trying to explain....

 

[MSchott]

...or like having a jazz collection of 3000 cds, 1000 LPs (and resuming their purchase after 25 years), and having a stereo with full size speakers including front towers. "You know you can just download that onto your phone and listen on your earbuds, don't you?" Not even worth trying to explain....

I can relate but not as obsessive. Once 425 CD’s and 300+ albums. I guess you could listen on a phone but why bother?