Spyderco Delica

G

GeoHab

Joined
Oct 13, 2006
Messages
11
I'm baffled by the love affair many users seem to have with the Spyderco Delica. I find this folder (model #4 version) a lot less user friendly than my good old Gerber Mini-Covert. The Delica opens awkwardly--needs two movements to open it, at least as far as I can do it--and needs two hands to close. Because of the bizarre shaped blade, the knife does not throw straight and its overall shape has a klutzy feel in your hand. It does cut well, but I find it's not as easy to use as the Mini-Covert or other folders I have. I'd welcome hearing the pros on this knife from Delica devotees!
 
I guess that is why there are so many choices out there. I find the Delica to be a great little folder. Most people I know can open and close it one handed no problem. Never tried the Gerber you mention so I can't compare.
With Spyderco, you either love them or hate them, and as far as I know Spyderco does not make any throwing knives:confused:
 
You'd be hard pressed to find a better 3" bladed knife for the money. I prefer the Delica 3 to the Delica 4, but it has never taken two hands for me to open any Spyderco. The only models it takes me two hands to close are the ball bearing locks.

As for throwing, that is not even remotely one of the tasks for which the Delica was designed. To hold that against it makes no sense. You might as well say it doesn't make a good prybar, also.

Knives just aren't a "one size fits all" deal. I'm glad that your Gerber works great for you.
 
I think it's perfect. I was skeptical about it at first, but I haven't put it down since I got it.

Buy some throwing knives; you shouldn't throw a folder.
 
I have absolutely no problems opening and closing the Delica one-handed with my short, stubby fingers.

Pro's: it's lightweight, ergonomic, inexpensive and well made from good materials. The blade is a wee bit thick for my preference, but that doesn't really bother me.
 
Why are you throwing a Delica??? Or any folder for that mater?

I would hardly call the Delica's lack of aerodynamics a deal breaker!

Some people love the hole, some like studs, to each their own... I don't have any issues deploying or retracting my Spydercos. They are designed the way they are for a reason (actually several) and they fulfill those requirements flawlessly. That is why the basic design has remained true for all of these years. (If you search the forums, you will find many threads on WHY they are the way they are, so I won't go into it here)

Not everybody likes them. That is what is so great about the quantity of quality folders offered by all of the different makers. Find what YOU like, and go with it.

Just my $.02.
 
I think the Delica is an excellent all around knife. I don't think it is visually appealing, but it has top notch ergonomics, and cuts very well. I don't know why you would want to throw one in the first place, and I have no problems opening and closing it with both hands. Like was stated previously, different knives appeal to different people that is why there is more than one brand. If you like the Gerber, than that is what you should carry and use. I don't have any experience with that particular knife so I can't comment intelligently on it.
 
Thanks for the feedback, Delica fans! You're right about not "throwing" a folder, but sometimes, just as a diversion, I fling it into a piece of paper or cigarette pack I may see in the grass as I take a walk through a park. As I said, I like the cutting ability of the knife, but for rapid deployment and closing, I find it somewhat erratic--though maybe I'm just not used to that "hole" thing!
 
GeoHab said:
Thanks for the feedback, Delica fans! You're right about not "throwing" a folder, but sometimes, just as a diversion, I fling it into a piece of paper or cigarette pack I may see in the grass as I take a walk through a park. As I said, I like the cutting ability of the knife, but for rapid deployment and closing, I find it somewhat erratic--though maybe I'm just not used to that "hole" thing!
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Open it like my dad does his, pinch the hole and snap open the handle (Spyder-pop).
 
I've got a Delica 3 and absolutely love it - in particular, I love the sharp point on it, which gets into spaces which very few other knives can.
 
To each their own.
I carried a delica for awile, but abandoned it for a native. I don't have any problem opening or closing either of them with one hand. I prefer a knife with more belly and a thinner edge geometry than the delica. It just didn't feel right in my hand, either. It's a good knife, but I didn't like it much. There are many equivilant knives out there for much less money as well.

Now I carry a byrd meadowlark, which is similar to the delica in ways. I like it alot because it hass a thinner edge and cost me about 1/3 the price of the delica. Still no belly though. . . .
 
If you want rapid deplyment get a waved Delica.It opens when you pull it from your pocket.
 
jh205 said:
I've got a Delica 3 and absolutely love it - in particular, I love the sharp point on it, which gets into spaces which very few other knives can.
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Delica 3 is generally my EDC (2 of them; one PE & one SE).
Light, strong, very sharp, very dependable.
And a very useful blade shape.

The Delica 4 is probably a "better" knife in terms of build, but I
like the 3 better. (I bought a 4, carried & used it for a time, but
eventually sold it.)
 
Although I did not care for #4, the Delica generally is the ONE knife I would carry if I had to pick one RIGHT NOW. OPens easily with one hand, closes easily with one hand. Relatively grippy, sharper than sharp. Only complaint is the clip doesn't keep it on my pants as well as Benchmade, Kershaw, etc.
 
First of all the delica throws just fine,:eek: I used to keep a foam aechery target in my apartment as a boredom cure, When I would run out of throwers I would throw whatever was nearby, including my edc or table wear. (I have a polaroid of my whole collection in the target) :D

Second Its a great knife, I have carried one for many years and only recently replaced it with an endura, They can be easily opened and closed one handed with a little practice. There are alot of good knives out there for around the same or less in price but its hard to beat for sure function and reliability.

Read Blackie Collins book on knife throwing, His methods work with alot of knives :D
 
I liked my first one so well that I now use several in place of broadheads. They barely make the 7/8" requirement for big game. They wind-plane a little and sometimes the tape comes loose but all cut real well. The blades seem a little too brittle so I'm hoping Spyderco has a good free warranty service when I return them after next season.
 
straitshot said:
I liked my first one so well that I now use several in place of broadheads. They barely make the 7/8" requirement for big game. They wind-plane a little and sometimes the tape comes loose but all cut real well. The blades seem a little too brittle so I'm hoping Spyderco has a good free warranty service when I return them after next season.
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LMFAO :D :D

You have to upgrade to the enduras for Moose :)
 
Dr. Mudd said:
Did I understand you to say you've at least tried throwning a Spyderco Delica? :eek:
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I throw pretty much every knife I own at least once, I usually use foam or cardboard as a target, and do it over carpet or other soft medium,

I dont do it regularly or as a hobby, but it is usually part of the new knife fondling and trials.

When I go to my basement to cut up cardboard for recycling I ususally begin by throwing my edc into one of the boxes slated for destruction, I also practice Thrusts and cuts on the boxes.
 
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