Spyderco Delica 4 vs Kershaw OD-1

jackthedog

jackthedog

Joined
Dec 21, 2009
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I'm looking for a lightweight EDC and I've narrowed it down to the above two knives. I was looking to see if anyone had any firsthand experience/observations/insight into which may be a better knife.

I doubt the knife would see any really heavy duty usage. Light and general use around the house would be about it. Thanks in advance.

Edit: Forgot to add: if you think I'm overlooking another possibility, please let me know.
 
Either/or. They're both really good knives. I, personally, like the Delica better. It's a harder-use knife in my opinion. I like the steel and the locking system better.

You might also like to look into the Benchmade Mini-Griptilian (if you can find it at a similar price.)
 
I like them both. I also really like the Spyderco Native in s30v, great little knife with great ergonomics.
 
I like the Delica 4. Very sturdy knife and vg10 is a quality steel. I just picked up a Native 2, also a comparable knife in size and weight. s30v is a little higher than vg10 as well.
 
The Delica is a great knife. I don't have a OD so I can't comment on that. I believe the mini Griptilian is the same weight as the Delica and is a good choice if you can find the discount code and get them at their preMAP prices.
 
Od-1 is a great little knife.
A recently showed a family friend my Od-1 (he carried a Delica) and he was impressed by the Od-1. I gave the Od-1 to him and he hasn't carried the Delica since FWIW. He says the Delica was overkill for his EDC. (packing tape, cardboard, simple tasks like that)
The Od-1 can withstand light to medium duty EDC, it's not a tank or anything but it should do plenty well for what you need.

Also take a look at the Kershaw Skyline for a light duty EDC, it's a forum favorite by many.
 
The delica had better ergonomics and lighter weight while the od-1 has a higher grind and harder use due to the full steel frame, but the deciding factor was really the opening mechanism for me. I carry the od-1 more often because I can open it faster and more smoothly than with the delica. Its lockback design inherently makes opening slower than other knives. The flipper on the od-1 takes less force to open and I also prefer its sleek design when open.
The mini-grip is also a good option, but the handle is thicker than on the delica or od-1, which is a turn-off for some. If that isnt a problem for you, then I would recommend it over the delica (sorry spydie fans :D).
 
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5370H55V said:
I carry the od-1 more often because I can open it faster and more smoothly than with the delica. Its lockback design inherently makes opening slower than other knives. The flipper on the od-1 takes less force to open and I also prefer its sleek design when open.
Click to expand...

A waved Delica will blow the doors off of any flipper opening, assisted opening, or auto opening knife. The only thing faster would be a fixed blade......Maybe.;)
 
I would rather have the Delica. The OD-1 is a fun knife to play with, but my VG-10 Delica has been a tank since the day I got it! Don't get me wrong, I have had zero issues with my OD-1, it just has not been around long enough to make me choose it over the Spyderco. ;)
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I will take a look at the Skyline. I have a Mini Grip and really like it but as it was mentioned, it does feel a bit bulky at times.
 
The issue of carry position has not been mentioned yet. If tip up carry is preferred then the Delica is a better fit. It rides much lower in the tip up carry position. The OD-1 rides kinda high for my tastes. Carry in the tip down position it is a draw.
 
i love the leek, it opens faster than other production knife ive been around. it comes in a huge variety of blade and grip styles. and not bad priced if you ask me
 
3Guardsmen said:
A waved Delica will blow the doors off of any flipper opening, assisted opening, or auto opening knife. The only thing faster would be a fixed blade......Maybe.;)
Click to expand...

The waved knife certainly is quick to open, but it relies on the amount of force you use to draw the knife. The faster you draw it, the faster it opens. No rocket science needed here. But in all reality, how many times do you draw your knife like you're in a shoot-out at the OK Corral? I guess if you just want the tacticool factor, it would be fun to see how fast you could get it to open. I don't think most people would be drawing their knife out like that in public, unless they're after the "wow, that's cool" factor.

Tip up, an AO with the flipper (or in the case of this thread, the OD-1) opens faster for someone reaching for their knife in a normal manner. Your finger is on the flipper when you put your hand in your pocket. If its pure cool you want, buy an auto.

To get back on topic, both are very nice knives and will give you good service. Your choice depends on what you expect out of the knife, and is basically a personal decision.
 
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