Three EDC Blades: Delica 4 - Mini grip 556 - Kershaw 1740

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windmill_81

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Apr 22, 2009
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These are my three EDC blades.

I like each one of them, but still can't decide which is my favorite. :)

Spyderco Delica 4:

PRO: Nice ergonomics, original blade shape, opening hole by spyderco, thin and lightweight. I also like the backlock.

CONS: Not so fast opening compared to other two and lockup is not as solid, a bit bigger in size, especially the handle.

Benchmade Mini Griptillian 556:

PRO:Super smooth blade opening and lockup (AXIS LOCK), small size and ergonomic handle shape, long blade edge, very good build quality.

CONS: not as sharp as the other two, blade and handle a bit thicker, thumbstud could get in the way, less personality aspecially in respect of the spyderco.

Kershaw 1740 NRG:

PRO: superfast opening with index finger hiding flipper, very compact size, solid lockup, super sharp blade, very nice blade design and shape, handle material (G10), thin overall, compact size.

CONS: Don't like liner locks very much (because you have to put your fingers under the cutting edge), especially this is a bit difficult to disengage, it doesn't have the appeal the spyderco has.

Here are some photos, what do you think?

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I don't find the Delica to have the same cons as you. Lockup is bank vault tight on mine, and I usually do a middle-finger flick popping it open instantaneously without any wrist movement.
 
My choice on this list would be in this order:

Delica - for the grip length, blade profile, overall thin profile and Spyder hole

Mini Grip - Axis lock and all it's advantages such as smooth action, one handed opening and closing ease. The grip length on the mini is just a tad too short for me but I own one and love it anyway.

Kershaw - due to the flipper
 
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I just got my RSK Mini-Grip in. I'm loving it. The grip feels custom made for my hand. The blade is different from a the normal mini-grips though.

I have small hands(everyone in my family does). My 5'2" 100 pound fiancee's hands are the same size or just a touch smaller in terms of length. I'm 6' and 175ish. My fingers are stocky as is my palm though. Because of this it's like the Mini-Grip is form fit. My pinky just makes it on without having too much handle left, it's the perfect thickness to cradle in the middle of my palm while holding it, and it's easy for my stubby fingers to reach the thumb stud or lock.

Never been a fan of the holes myself. Don't really know why.
 
Solid lineup :)

You should try the Kershaw OD-1, might give the other 2 more of a run for their money!

I love both my Delica and mini Grip, great knives that often find themselves in my pocket ;)
 
Yes, in fact I think all three blades are extremely good for EDC.

I think that in the end, if I had to, I would chose the Delica for it's personality due to the particular shape and feel and as I said before I like the hole compared to a stud because of the less possibility to get in the way and gather dirt while I'm cutting, especially in food prep. tasks. (for example cutting a big fruit)

I only wish it had a slightly better lockup.. I'll try to tighten the blade screw to make the lock stop the slight movement (the Kershaw and the Benchmade are really rock solid) and hope this doesn't prevent the smooth opening..

Has anyone got the same problem with a Delica 4? (safe lockup but slight up/down side/side movement)
 
The horizontal may be questionable and could be remedied with a pivot adjustment but back locks often have a smidgeon of vertical play
 
If you want a "sharper" mini grip try the Hollow Ground versions. They easily out-cut anything else I have. And if you think the Delica 4 is slow to open, try the waved version.

The only problem I have with the Delica series is that they all seem to have vertical blade play like you were saying (a vertical "clicking" up and down when you go to cut something) and if the pivot gets even a little loose it has horizontal blade play.

I guess I'm spoiled from the nonexistant blade play on my Mini Grips, but my Delicas still see more pocket time.
 
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Sounds to me like a Kershaw RAM is the perfect knife for you.

Blazing flipper, awesome HawkLock, insane hollow grind, G10 handle, relatively thin/lightweight.

Has basically a mix of all the PROs and none of the CONs.
 
windmill_81 said:
Kershaw 1740 NRG:

PRO: superfast opening with index finger hiding flipper, very compact size, solid lockup, super sharp blade, very nice blade design and shape, handle material (G10), thin overall, compact size.

CONS: Don't like liner locks very much (because you have to put your fingers under the cutting edge), especially this is a bit difficult to disengage, it doesn't have the appeal the spyderco has.
Click to expand...

I don't understand this aversion to liner/frame locks. I don't recall ever coming close to cutting myself when closing a knife with these styles of locks. To each his own I guess.

BTW Those are some very good EDCs. I think it would be hard to pick a favorite.
 
Delica, though mine came rather dull, unusual for Spyderco, and the pocket clip is not as good in retention as the others.

Benchmade, a touch small for my hands, but secure handle and lock.

Kershaw would be last for me. I like other models much better, this one is a novelty, fun and cool, handle is a touch small, which is why I prefer the 1745 larger one more, and I find that even small amounts of pocket lint keep the knife from closing all the way. That 1 or 2mm is enough to cut yourself... I did.
 
As you suggest, it would be also nice to try the 555 Minigrip that has a spyderhole and a sheepsfoot bladeshape plus hollowground (that I hadn't noticed).

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Or even, as Dekz suggested, the Kershaw RAM.

1910.jpg
 
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I have or have had all 3 and I prefer the Kershaw.

The Delica handle is bigger than it needs to be for a blade that size IMO. The Mini grip handle feels cheapish.

THe Kershaw is a fun knife with super tight lockup, super fast deployment and a super sharp blade.
 
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