Spyderco Delica vs. Persistence (Kershaw Skyline?)

L

lee12

Joined
Apr 8, 2014
Messages
48
Hello,

I am looking into getting a new knife and I am stuck between the Delica 4 FFG and the Persistence. I love the weight, smaller grip, and blade strength of the delica. I almost committed to buying it but then I got one in my hands. The texture of the grip, even though it was not slippery, really seemed to bother me. I guess it is just the texture. It just felt weird and uncomfortable. The biggest issue I had was deployment. I currently carry the Kershaw Skyline and at least for me there was NO comparison in which one opened quicker and better, kershaw won hands down. So I went to bass pro today and got my hands on the delica and the tenacious. The tenacious, even though it was heavier, opened very very smoothly. I think the skyline still opens better, but I know that is because I am use to the action of the skyline. I know the tenacious is not the persistence but for a good comparison between the two I thought the tenacious would fill the void. What I am asking is what does everyone think between the two? I want a tough knife that will hold up well. I know the tenacious is better than the persistence at toughness but I want something a little smaller. I carry the skyline right now for self defense. I don't know how well it would do in a defensive situation but I feel that is would be great if I need to pierce something. I like the Spyderco for the FFG and Blade thickness.

Sorry for the long question but here is what it comes down to. Which is tougher (delica or persistence)? Is the delica just plain better and I need to realize that? Would the persistence make a good self defense knife (even though it is smaller)? Which is better for self defense; delica, persistence, or skyline? Which is better for hard use, ie cleaning a turkey, sharpening a stick, slicing through meat, ect (live in a big town but I hunt a bit too)?
 
Delica FFG. Best blade steel of the bunch and I prefer a lock back to a liner lock. I own several and I have no problems with grip or texture. The Spydercos have a FFG blade which I love and 4 way pocket clips which are handy too. As for deployment, I bit of tinkering with the pivot screw might solve that problem. As for defensive carry, none are really SD knives but the skyline might get an extra point for a longer blade.
 
Agree with above post. All those knives are on the smallish side, and they aren't built for heavy duty use. The Skyline is a great EDC, and the flipper/finger guard coupled with the G10 makes for a good grip. But of course you already know that.

I would take the Delica over the Persistence. Build quality goes to the Japanese Spydercos, and the blade steel is superior. The FRN handles might take some getting used to, but tons of people swear by their Delicas/Enduras.

As for SD, I would probably carry something larger than the knives you listed.
 
I carry a Delica ZDP189 everyday and in my humble opinion I just don't think you can carry a better knife ~~ it just feels like it belongs in your hand and it always does what I need it to do.!** So between the 3 of them I would try a Delica first as I now have 7 of them but not all ZDP189's ~~ that is just the one I carry all the time.
 
I carried a Persistence every day for about a year and a half. It is a fantastic EDC. The steel doesn't hold an edge or resist corrosion as well as VG-10, in theory, but mine has no spots and it takes a great edge very quickly and easily. A few minutes with a Sharpmaker gets it laser sharp.

I hate the feel of FRN, which is why I have never picked up a Delica or Endura. G-10 and stainless liners win my heart every time.

Total transparency: the Delica gets you higher performing steel, but I like the Persistence quite a bit more and it worked GREAT for me. Ultimately, I replaced it with a Manix 2 G-10 and a couple ZTs, but I still love it. In fact, it is sitting on my nightstand out of box right now.
 
I carry both of their big brothers. Endura 4 in vg-10 and the tenacious in 8cr13mov. In terms of steel function, I'd take the vg10 hands down. They both will get insanely sharp but the edge retention on the vg10 is much better. If you want deployment speed, the liner lock on the persistence is the way to go. If you take the delica and tweet the pivot a little, add in some good oil and maybe even polish the PB washers, you can get it to "flick" out. The persistence will be easier to accomplish that but it is still possible with the delica. So, that said, with the too big brothers I have, I carry the endura WAY more. But that's just me :) good luck!
 
Thanks guys. I'm still a bit in the air. I understand the steel is superior in the delica but I wasn't sure about the rest of the knife in terms of toughness. I read that the delica has the better steel but the persistence had a stronger total build.
 
the delica is well known for being a very reliable knife, and it has better materials than the persistence. the persistence is a made in china budget spyderco while the delica is made in japan and is one of their best/most popular models. also i like knives with back locks much more than liner locks.

give frn handles a chance, its a very strong material. i actually really like the way spyderco frn handles look and feel.
 
Dude, the delicas like nearly $70!!! Why not just put an extra $20 down and get this Spyderco-Manix2
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I wouldn't use any knife you listed for SD. Heck, I wouldn't want to use any knife for SD. That is what concealed carry is for. You'd even be better off with pepper spray, a taser, or a baton. If you are set on a knife as you primary SD you will want something with much more reach, like 4" +. And the skyline only has one liner and is very light weight. Great for edc but bad for dispatching bad guys.
 
I agree. A knife would not be my primary self defense but they can be good back ups. I realize that a longer blade is needed for strict self defense. But I want a good edc knife that can take a beating and be reliable in case of a close encounter. The delica is expensive, especially since the persistence is half the price. I may just get the delica and play with it till it gets loosened up. I've also heard people complain that the back lock cause up and down play.
 
lee12 said:
Thanks guys. I'm still a bit in the air. I understand the steel is superior in the delica but I wasn't sure about the rest of the knife in terms of toughness. I read that the delica has the better steel but the persistence had a stronger total build.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure where that comes from but both have skeletonized steel liners to help with strength and rigidity. The Skyline only has one. Also, lock back > liner lock imo. Either way, good luck.

EDIT: If you have a paypal account and you aren't in a hurry, look in the For Sale section. I saw two delicas sell today for $40 and $45. I prefer box + papers available and always check the sellers feedback but whatever you look for, you can find some great deals on this site. Most of my delicas came from here.
 
lee12 said:
I agree. A knife would not be my primary self defense but they can be good back ups. I realize that a longer blade is needed for strict self defense. But I want a good edc knife that can take a beating and be reliable in case of a close encounter. The delica is expensive, especially since the persistence is half the price. I may just get the delica and play with it till it gets loosened up. I've also heard people complain that the back lock cause up and down play.
Click to expand...
Yes, vertical play is prevalent on all the lockbacks I've owned. Makes me carry my super blue endura less. (well, that and because the handle to blade ratio is terrible.)
 
craytab said:
I wouldn't use any knife you listed for SD. Heck, I wouldn't want to use any knife for SD. That is what concealed carry is for. You'd even be better off with pepper spray, a taser, or a baton. If you are set on a knife as you primary SD you will want something with much more reach, like 4" +. And the skyline only has one liner and is very light weight. Great for edc but bad for dispatching bad guys.
Click to expand...

As soon as i can carry my concealed on the base i work at, i will happily do so. Until then, its knife or nothing, and I would rather a good knife (sorry OP, don't have any opinion on Spidy knifes.. as it is, i hate the holes and shapes, but can't argue with the reason for wanting to carry one).
 
Considering you already have a Skyline, I'd see the Persistence as a downgrade; 14C28N is generally considered superior to 8Cr13MoV in all regards except price, both are liner locks with G10 handles, Skyline has an amazing flipper, is lighter, and has a longer blade. I'd look more at the Delica if you're planning on replacing your Skyline.

In terms of build strength, all three of the knives mentioned will likely be as sturdy as you need them to be short of full-fledged abuse (I actually batoned making a fire last night with my Bladeforum Skyline, and it held up just fine). I really can't speak on self-defense with knives, but I suppose longer is probably better?

Honestly, my preference would be to just stick with a Skyline - I like it better than the Delica. But, I'd definitely take the Delica over the Persistence. While the liner lock is nice, and I prefer it to lockbacks, the steel on the Delica is much nicer, for both edge retention and corrosion resistance. One quick tip - don't forget you can choke up on the section between the edge and the handle on the Delica. I really disliked mine until I started holding it like that.
 
I carried a Tenacious for years, and a skyline, but I've switched over to small fixed blades for EDC. If you want something for slicing up your lunch apple, AND a reliable self-defense tool, I don't think you could choose better than a smallish fixed blade. They are easy to clean, easy to deploy, and come in everything from cheap 440C to Crucible steels or S30V.
If you're stuck on using a folder, lots of great choices exist, including the ones you've listed. Whatever works for you is best. As long as you can put an edge on it, and deploy it when needed, that's what matters.
C
 
Just put an order in for the Spyderco Delica 4 FFG with the blue handle. I hope I like it. Pretty excited for it! Thank you all for the advice!
 
Delica is better in every aspect. For sd look at something with a hawkbill blade like a byrd meadowlark 2 hawkbill or other regular spyderco hawkbills. A spyder edge knife would also be great for sd, and a spyderedge hawkbill if really good. You may want to look into karambits for sd. But the delica is very nice good steel, light weight and ffg will be a great slicer. Handel the delica again play with it and so if it grows on you and feels better in your hands.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top