The Spydiest of Spydercos Has Arrived: Delica in SPY27

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Humint

Joined
Apr 1, 2011
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I’ve always thought the Delica represented the heart of Spyderco—compact, ergonomic, lightweight, and endlessly practical. And now, with the release of the Delica in SPY27, I genuinely believe we’ve hit peak Spyderco. This is the ultimate expression of what the brand stands for.


Think about it:


  • The Delica is one of the most iconic Spydercos ever made, a cornerstone of their lineup since the '90s.
  • SPY27 is a steel developed by Spyderco, for Spyderco, in collaboration with Crucible Industries.
  • Classic back lock, perfect blade length (for an edc role), and that reliable, ambidextrous carry—all wrapped in a steel that balances edge retention, toughness, corrosion resistance, and sharpenability.

To me, this isn’t just another variation. It feels like a celebration of everything Spyderco has built over decades. If someone asked me what knife defines the soul of the company, this would be it.


Anyone else pick one up? I’d love to hear your first impressions—or hear your thoughts about the Delica in general or why this isn’t the most “Spydie” Spyderco ever made. 😄
 
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How is SPY27 compared to VG10?

And is SPY27 taking over for VG10?
 
353 said:
How is SPY27 compared to VG10?

And is SPY27 taking over for VG10?
Click to expand...
For me (and limited use on a Spyderco Native 5 lightweight SPY27) SPY27 is above VG10 in all around performance. Below is a composition comparison between both steels.

Composition & Properties Comparison:​


PropertyVG-10SPY27
MakerTakefu (Japan)Spyderco + Crucible (USA)
Carbon1.0%1.25%
Chromium15%14%
Vanadium0.2%1%
Cobalt1.5%1.5%
Molybdenum1%2%
NiobiumNone1%
Edge RetentionGoodBetter
ToughnessDecentSlightly better
Corrosion ResistanceExcellentExcellent
Sharpening EaseEasyModerate (still very manageable)

SPY27 not only has a higher alloy content than VG-10, but it's also a powdered metallurgy steel, whereas VG-10 is an ingot steel. For me, SPY27 feels closer in performance to S35VN than VG-10—but it's noticeably easier to maintain.


When comparing steels, I usually focus on corrosion resistance, edge retention, and toughness, and I benchmark against the steels I’ve used the most: VG-10, S30V, and S35VN.


Knife Steel Nerds has a great analysis on SPY27 here:
🔗 SPY27 Analysis – Knife Steel Nerds


From that article:


  • Corrosion resistance:
    SPY27 – 7.9
    VG-10 – 8.0
    S30V & S35VN – 7.8
  • Edge retention (CATRA at 61 HRC):
    SPY27 – 128
    VG-10 – 103
    S30V – 144
    S35VN – 134
  • Toughness:
    SPY27 seems to be at least as tough as S35VN, and in my experience, it performs better than VG-10 in that regard.

While I still think VG-10 is a solid steel (and I wouldn't hesitate to carry it), if I had the choice, I’d go with SPY27 each and every time.


To me, it’s just so cool that Spyderco’s most iconic model, the Delica, now comes in a steel developed by Spyderco themselves. It really feels like the perfect marriage of design, steel, and brand philosophy.
 
stillshot2 said:
I personally wouldn't call 2.5 inches of cutting edge the perfect blade length...
Click to expand...
Very valid point. I should have clarified (which I have edited) that for me its the perfect blade length for an EDC role. I agree that blade length can be a very personal preference. Another favorite of mine is the Spyderco Native Chief Lightweight Salt which has a much greater cutting edge (nearly 40%)
 
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Humint said:
For me (and limited use on a Spyderco Native 5 lightweight SPY27) SPY27 is above VG10 in all around performance. Below is a composition comparison between both steels.

Composition & Properties Comparison:​


PropertyVG-10SPY27
MakerTakefu (Japan)Spyderco + Crucible (USA)
Carbon1.0%1.25%
Chromium15%14%
Vanadium0.2%1%
Cobalt1.5%1.5%
Molybdenum1%2%
NiobiumNone1%
Edge RetentionGoodBetter
ToughnessDecentSlightly better
Corrosion ResistanceExcellentExcellent
Sharpening EaseEasyModerate (still very manageable)

SPY27 not only has a higher alloy content than VG-10, but it's also a powdered metallurgy steel, whereas VG-10 is an ingot steel. For me, SPY27 feels closer in performance to S35VN than VG-10—but it's noticeably easier to maintain.


When comparing steels, I usually focus on corrosion resistance, edge retention, and toughness, and I benchmark against the steels I’ve used the most: VG-10, S30V, and S35VN.


Knife Steel Nerds has a great analysis on SPY27 here:
🔗 SPY27 Analysis – Knife Steel Nerds


From that article:


  • Corrosion resistance:
    SPY27 – 7.9
    VG-10 – 8.0
    S30V & S35VN – 7.8
  • Edge retention (CATRA at 61 HRC):
    SPY27 – 128
    VG-10 – 103
    S30V – 144
    S35VN – 134
  • Toughness:
    SPY27 seems to be at least as tough as S35VN, and in my experience, it performs better than VG-10 in that regard.

While I still think VG-10 is a solid steel (and I wouldn't hesitate to carry it), if I had the choice, I’d go with SPY27 each and every time.


To me, it’s just so cool that Spyderco’s most iconic model, the Delica, now comes in a steel developed by Spyderco themselves. It really feels like the perfect marriage of design, steel, and brand philosophy.
Click to expand...

Thanx for the solid info!

The Delica is my favourite spyderco folder by far. A classic gem.

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Last edited:
353 said:
How is SPY27 compared to VG10?

And is SPY27 taking over for VG10?
Click to expand...

In my use, I rate Spy27 fully equal to S30V and S35VN, possibly a little better. Definitely a step up from VG10. I like it.

Humint said:
For me (and limited use on a Spyderco Native 5 lightweight SPY27) SPY27 is above VG10 in all around performance. Below is a composition comparison between both steels.

Composition & Properties Comparison:​


PropertyVG-10SPY27
MakerTakefu (Japan)Spyderco + Crucible (USA)
Carbon1.0%1.25%
Chromium15%14%
Vanadium0.2%1%
Cobalt1.5%1.5%
Molybdenum1%2%
NiobiumNone1%
Edge RetentionGoodBetter
ToughnessDecentSlightly better
Corrosion ResistanceExcellentExcellent
Sharpening EaseEasyModerate (still very manageable)

SPY27 not only has a higher alloy content than VG-10, but it's also a powdered metallurgy steel, whereas VG-10 is an ingot steel. For me, SPY27 feels closer in performance to S35VN than VG-10—but it's noticeably easier to maintain.


When comparing steels, I usually focus on corrosion resistance, edge retention, and toughness, and I benchmark against the steels I’ve used the most: VG-10, S30V, and S35VN.


Knife Steel Nerds has a great analysis on SPY27 here:
🔗 SPY27 Analysis – Knife Steel Nerds


From that article:


  • Corrosion resistance:
    SPY27 – 7.9
    VG-10 – 8.0
    S30V & S35VN – 7.8
  • Edge retention (CATRA at 61 HRC):
    SPY27 – 128
    VG-10 – 103
    S30V – 144
    S35VN – 134
  • Toughness:
    SPY27 seems to be at least as tough as S35VN, and in my experience, it performs better than VG-10 in that regard.

While I still think VG-10 is a solid steel (and I wouldn't hesitate to carry it), if I had the choice, I’d go with SPY27 each and every time.


To me, it’s just so cool that Spyderco’s most iconic model, the Delica, now comes in a steel developed by Spyderco themselves. It really feels like the perfect marriage of design, steel, and brand philosophy.
Click to expand...

Spy27 has 2% V, not 1%. Plus the 1% Nb.
 
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Delica is what I consider to be an ideal
EDC knife.
SPY27 IMHO is a perfect bump up from VG10.
 
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I've watched quite a few things about SPY27 on YouTube and its definitely a step up from VG-10. Better than S30V according to people who've tested it.
 
Buffalohump said:
Better than S30V according to people who've tested it.
Click to expand...
What did they mean when they said better? Because s30v has a slight advantage in edge retention and pretty much every similar steel is a tradeoff for something when compared to the other.
 
stillshot2 said:
What did they mean when they said better? Because s30v has a slight advantage in edge retention and pretty much every similar steel is a tradeoff for something when compared to the other.
Click to expand...
I watched them a while back so a bit fuzzy on the details. I was interested to see how the steel performed because I like that cobalt blue scale colour! I just recall the guy I watched who did a lot of testing and re-sharpening of it said his conclusion was that it was a better all-round performer than S30V. Held an edge for just as long but was easier to sharpen than S30V. That's from memory, so don't quote me! There's a lot of content on YT if you care to look.
 
Buffalohump said:
I watched them a while back so a bit fuzzy on the details. I was interested to see how the steel performed because I like that cobalt blue scale colour! I just recall the guy I watched who did a lot of testing and re-sharpening of it said his conclusion was that it was a better all-round performer than S30V. Held an edge for just as long but was easier to sharpen than S30V. That's from memory, so don't quote me! There's a lot of content on YT if you care to look.
Click to expand...

Was it a video from Cedric & Ada? He's the only steel reviewer I patronize as he does consistent tests (maybe not perfectly scientific, but reasonable and consistent). I recall him saying that he though SPY27 is an incremental improvement to both S30V and S35VN for basically the reasons you stated. I'd like to see it replace VG-10 and S30V entirely.
 
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stillshot2 said:
What did they mean when they said better? Because s30v has a slight advantage in edge retention and pretty much every similar steel is a tradeoff for something when compared to the other.
Click to expand...

S30V has an advantage in edge retention as defined by the CATRA test. However, I don't spend a lot of time cutting silica-embedded card stock. I did a head to head comparison cutting a variety of materials - cardboard, plastic, and wood - and the Spy27 performed better. Part of this is due to the Rc. Most S30V blades are run around 59-60, but Spyderco runs the Spy27 at about 62.
 
lambertiana said:
S30V has an advantage in edge retention as defined by the CATRA test. However, I don't spend a lot of time cutting silica-embedded card stock. I did a head to head comparison cutting a variety of materials - cardboard, plastic, and wood - and the Spy27 performed better. Part of this is due to the Rc. Most S30V blades are run around 59-60, but Spyderco runs the Spy27 at about 62.
Click to expand...
Thanks for sharing this insight
 
oldmanwilly said:
Was it a video from Cedric & Ada? He's the only steel reviewer I patronize as he does consistent tests (maybe not perfectly scientific, but reasonable and consistent). I recall him saying that he though SPY27 is an incremental improvement to both S30V and S35VN for basically the reasons you stated. I'd like to see it replace VG-10 and S30V entirely.
Click to expand...
I watched a few so not sure if they were among them. I recall the one guy concluded by saying he liked it better than S30V, which was good enough for me to get an Endura in one when it comes out.
 
I just got my Delica a few minutes ago but first impression is great. Super sharp , and love the color. I was also happy to see they went the non-coated clip which really looks good to me.
 
stillshot2 said:
Interesting it's black in all the product photos. Got a pic?
Click to expand...
I don’t, I don’t take the best pictures so I never got anything set up to post pictures.

That being said, instead of a black clip it is stainless in color. I believe the m390 Delica also had a stainless clip.
 
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