Spyderco Delica FRN vs Spyderco Delica Stainless

J

JDX

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Mar 2, 2014
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Which makes a better edc? I've heard many people complain about the blade play in the frn version. I've heard the lock up on the stainless version is tight but you can't adjust the pivot.
 
Both flavors are groovy, but I definitely prefer the FRN. I never notice any blade play, but a little bit never bothers me unless its a spendy knife. The FRN is lighter in the hand and pocket, and provides good traction. The stainless slides into your pocket like butter, and feels in the hand like some kind of mini machine. But the stainless is colder, slicker and heavier.

They both cut stuff. So get what you like. Maybe get an FRN, and then keep your eyes peeled for a stainless version at some point in the future. But the FRN sales outnumber the stainless by a gargantuan margin, and I'm guessing its due to availability, cost, weight and traction. Rock on.
 
Well I own the endura and I can tell you they are the same way. It all depends on your preference of grippy textured frn or slick shiny fingerprinty stainless steel. I've handles the stainless police before and they are both very slim with the lack of liners. The frn would be more filling and you can get a better grip on it. It's also lighter. The blade play isn't really a problem that should concern you with a knife of that price. It is little and very tolerable for a medium duty edc knife. I prefer frn over stainless. The spring run g10 is the best though!! Hope this helps! :)
 
FRN flexes, and because of the back lock, you can expect a tiny bit of up/down play. But the lock is very secure, you can be sure of that. I personally like the FRN models a lot better, mainly because of grip, color availability, etc.
 
I own both and the nod goes to the Delica frn hands down cause I can grip it ,not so with the SS:eek: frn is a lot lighter also.
 
I really like the solid feel of the SS version, but as far as I know the FFG versions are only available in the FRN handle so I would go FRN. They are plenty sturdy enough for daily carry, but may have a slight amount of flex in it.
 
The FRN on the Delica is done very well. It feels great in hand, and the bi-directional texture provides excellent grip. Plus, it comes in a bunch of cool colors. I haven't tried one with stainless handles.
 
Spyderco used to list on there website that the grinds on the blades were different between the FRN vs the SS models. Anyone know if there is any truth to this? I have a Stainless Endura and it's a great EDC. I have been thinking about snagging an FRN for a long time though
 
I have the Endura with the stainless handles. I prefer the FRN Delica which will be lighter. No problems with my Endura or Delica. The Delica is one of my favorites, Endura not so much.
 
I'd go with the FRN. I'd like the SS more if it was blued or hell, even bead blasted. Not a fan of fingerprint magnets.
 
I like both. The FRN does lend some flex in the blade/top of handle. It isn't like loose blade play, the blade is tight but just due to the material and what not you can bend/flex the blade side to side a small amount. It's just a lighter and flexible material. It is very nice though. Hell you can flex the whole FRN body in your hands a small amount if you try. I do like both though and I want the TI/Damascus delica next.
 
JDX said:
Which makes a better edc? I've heard many people complain about the blade play in the frn version. I've heard the lock up on the stainless version is tight but you can't adjust the pivot.
Click to expand...

Same knife actually.
FRN - Available in FFG or Saber grinds, can be disassembled, has better traction, lighter, does not readily show wear on the handle, can accommodate any orientation for the clip position.

SS - Available in Saber grind only, cannot be disassembled as it is pinned, has poor traction due to the smooth surface, heavier as you have stainless steel slabs, shows wear very easily due to the smooth surface, may or may not accomodate multi positioning for the clip

All other things being equal.
 
For what it's worth, I have a superblue FRN delica and the lockup is rock solid. A little lateral wiggle presented and was eliminated by adjusting the pivot screw.
 
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