Stretch vs. Delica 4 for EDC

thejamppa

thejamppa

Joined
Aug 20, 2009
Messages
2,907
Hello everyone!

I have hard times to decide my next Spyderco. I do love my Caly 3 and its my current EDC blade. But I want more Spyderco's.

Currently in my Short list are:

Spyderco Delica 4 ZDP-189 FRN
Spyderco Delica 4 VG-10 G-10 Foliage Green
Spyderco Delica 4 VG-10 FRN
Spyderco Stretch ZDP-189 FRN
Spyderco Stretch VG-10 FRN

Thing is I never have really cared FRN handles. I got Spyderco Ladybug 3 and I have to say I prefer G-10 over the FRN. I prefer Full Flat Grind but other grinds are not deal breakers.

Which of these would be good EDC knives, or what do you carry? I am looking bit help to decide. I got two black horses, but they seem to cost arm and leg:

Spyderco Dragon Fly VG-10 G-10 Foliage Green
Spyderco Slip-it VG-10 G-10 Foliage Green

And I am thinking getting these nativelly. Which means Spyderco Dragonfly VG-10 G-10 / Delica 4 ZDP-189 cost as much as Zero Tolenace 0500 or 0200 knives.

I live by the Baltic Sea. How easily does ZDP-189 aquire rust? I do love VG-10 as its nearly maitenance free in here, but I am tempted to get ZDP-189.
 
I have a FFG delica and love it. I don't mind the VG10 at all as it holds a good edge and is easily maintained. I just can't bring myself to get a ZDP blade for some reason. I don't mind sharpening and something about the ZDP just doesn't interest me. My next small EDC will likely be the G10 D'fly.
 
I currently EDC a gray Delica FRN flat grind and really like it. I had the sabre grind previously and the difference cutting through things I can certainly feel it's much easier with the flat grind.
I had a Stretch FRN and liked it as well but it was just a little too big for my EDC purposes.
 
I like the ergonomics of the Stretch better than the Delica.

I am carrying the ZDP-189 version of the Stretch at present and like it a lot more than I thought I would. I can't comment on tendency toward rust as I live quite far from any body of salt water.

If you are in doubt, VG-10 is a fine steel as well.

I paid a few extra bucks for the ZDP version as I liked the blue handle color and wanted to try out ZDP-189. I haven't used it enough to noticeably dull the edge yet. The blade shape makes it a great slicer for opening mail, boxes, and such.
 
I'd go with a Stretch over the Delica any day, unless blade length limitations are an issue. Nicer handle design, and a blade shape that I like a lot more.
 
No blade length issues really. You're pretty much same trouble in here weather you carry 3,5" or 2" blade without good reason (that's according law but in practise nothing has changed workers still go coffee breaks with their mora's on belt and hunter's do shopping their knife on their belts, this is here in more rural area and not in bogger towns and cities). I can get 2nd hand Delica 4 cheaply, so I might go for VG-10 Stretch just for the safe side and save 30€'s. I do love the Full Flat Grind in Stretch. FRN Stretch VG-10 is 109€''s and the FFG G-10 Foliage Green Delica VG-10 is 149€'s.
 
I've been liking my ZDP Delica a lot more than my Stretch lately. The Delica is just a whole lot easier to carry and isn't too big. Not that the Stretch is too big. The Stretch has a much more ergonomic handle, though.

I also prefer ZDP over VG-10. ZDP-189 just keeps cutting and cutting where VG-10 starts snagging after it begins to dull. I don't think anything is going to be kicking my D4 ZDP out of my pocket anytime soon.

The Delica and Endura 4s in ZDP-189 steel are supposed to be getting a conversion to FFG, so if you're planning on getting one of those, call up the knife store to make sure that's what they have in stock.
 
i used to carry the Delica's ALL the time, then came the Stetch in CF ZDP. It was and is pretty much my top EDC knife. Just something about the way it feels in the hand.

i will rotate other knives in and out, but the Delica's have really gone into long term storage. I carry some in my car or office just incase, but IMO they just don't compare.
 
I got rid of all my delicas for the larger enduras or stretch. I feel the larger knives have better utility.
 
Dang I updated my buy list:

Spyderco Stretch (blade material undecided)
Delica 4 FRN VG-10 (2nd hand)
Spydero Slipit Urban Foliage Green (I love calypso series knives)
 
I have a Delica and find the handle uncomfortable, so don't use it. Got the FRN Stretch and love it, great EDC knife, one of my most comfortable. I liked it so much I upgraded to ZDP. I haven't had any issues with rust on ZDP and live and work close to the beach.

If you have the opportunity to try the knives first, that may help you decide.
 
The delica's lack of a useful choil like that of the stretch is a major strike against it in my eyes. Spyderco's knives that have the really nice choil along with the thumb ramp are the best users out there in my opinion, especially when they put jimping on both.
 
I have both the Delica 4 in VG10 and the Stretch FRN VG10. Both are great knives. In that you already have the Caly 3 then I think I'd recommend you get the Stretch. The blade on the Stretch is a little longer and the full flat grind is really nice. The saber grind on the Delica makes for a strong blade but the FFG on the Stretch or Caly 3 is a much better slicer. Also, if you're an outdoor kind of guy and do any hunting, fishing, camping etc. then I think the Stretch would be a much better choice.

I decided to get the Stretch in VG10 instead of ZDP-189 because of concerns I had about ZDP-189 chipping, rusting, and difficulty sharpening. I really like VG10 and don't have any regrets.

Here's a link to a post I made on the Stretch w/ pictures

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=707731

and here's an older thread on VG-10

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180486
 
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