Spyderco Delica, Benchmade 531, or Benchmade 470/-1 Emissary?

RemyKaze

RemyKaze

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Mar 23, 2012
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I've been looking for something that will rival my Rat 2 in slicing ability but retain/exceed the ease of opening, and have narrowed it down to the three choices in the title. Normally I'd just research all three into the ground, but I enjoy hearing the feedback and experiences other people have with knives, and so I'd like a public opinion.

What do you guys think of each, and how do they compare to one another? I've only handled the Delica and the older Mel Pardue, I think it was the 530? Enjoyed both, and both were very fast to open, while being easy to close. No experience with the Emissary though.
 
My experience is like yours - Delica and 530, but not 531 or Emissary. I like the Delica a lot. Great ergos, comfortable to carry, and cuts great. I had a 530 and didn't really care for it. It was well made and very thin and light, but it was a bit too symmetrical / dagger-like for my preference. I do like the new blade grind on the 531 though. Might have to check that one out again. I haven't handled a 470, but I do like its design. My experience with Benchmade's assisted-openers is all with their Barrage lines (580, 581, 585, 586). They open very aggressively due to the spring staying engaged through the entire range of motion. The downside is that it is less forgiving of minor slips or mishandling, especially if you are trying to close the blade one-handed. I've nicked myself on the Barrages more than any of my other knives. The Emissary might be entirely different though.

Based on what I have used, though, and extrapolations about the 531 (from the 530) and the Emissary (from the Axis-assist on the Barrages), I'd put the Delica at the top, 530 next, and 470 last of the three you mentioned.
 
That was a pretty well rounded perspective, haha. I was thinking the same. I knew the 470 series was assisted but assumed I could make it manual if need be. The 531 has an awesome grind that snagged my interest, along with the thin blade/profile. The Delica is the least expensive, but FRN is a so-so in my book. I can't seem to find the G10 version. I may have to snag one and give it some sweet new scales.
 
I've had similar experience, being that with the Delica and 530. The Delica is certainly a great knife, but the FRN and small size (relative) are not to my tastes. The 530 was actually my first Benchmade knife, and for a while, it had me convinced that I did not like the Axis lock (I have since been proven to love it). Overall, it just felt cheap with the linerless FRN/Noryl/etc. handles, especially at the price point. Of the three, I would trust my money in the Benchmade 470/1. The materials alone put it in another league from the other two.

For another suggestion, have you considered the 940/3? It is similar in size and form to the Emissary, but is not spring assisted, thus mitigating the implicit issues into which one could run.

Hope I was of some help!

-Thomas
 
tchapman414 said:
I've had similar experience, being that with the Delica and 530. The Delica is certainly a great knife, but the FRN and small size (relative) are not to my tastes. The 530 was actually my first Benchmade knife, and for a while, it had me convinced that I did not like the Axis lock (I have since been proven to love it). Overall, it just felt cheap with the linerless FRN/Noryl/etc. handles, especially at the price point. Of the three, I would trust my money in the Benchmade 470/1. The materials alone put it in another league from the other two.

For another suggestion, have you considered the 940/3? It is similar in size and form to the Emissary, but is not spring assisted, thus mitigating the implicit issues into which one could run.

Hope I was of some help!

-Thomas
Click to expand...
I love the style of the 940 series, but the aluminum handles show wear too easily, and the blade is thicker than any of those I mentioned. The incredible slicing ability of my Rat 2 has put everything but Opinels and Victorinox to shame, and the suggestions I listed all have the same blade thickness at 0.090. I've had a Centofante 3 before and loved it; it may also be in the running. It is a 2mm thickness if I am not mistaken. The Chaparral is the same I think? I know edge angle comes into play as well.
 
Glad to see another fan of the Rat II, I love mine. :)

I think the Emissary is worth a look. Every time I go in the knife store I always play with them. They fit so well in my hand, great deep carry clip, fire open stupid fast, and who doesn't love the S30V steel? ;)
 
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