Want to Upgrade My EDC

My Cabela's Mini Griptilian is a constant carry companion now. I got the recomendation here. I reach for it when I'm wearing pajamas.
 
154CM and VG-10 will have nearly identical edge retention, so I don't think that would make a noticeable difference. The Caly 3 in VG-10 would be about the top of your price range, and the much thinner grind compared to the Delica would help you to use less force when cutting and possibly get better edge retention (plus, it is an amazing knife to EDC). CPM D2 has held a better edge for me that VG-10, but it doesn't really jump out at you as being dramatically better edge retention, but it is better. ZDP 189, however, has a huge leap in edge retention over VG-10, S30V, CPM D2, and any other steel I have tried in a folder (I never tried S90V or S110V). The Delica in ZDP 189 is a great choice for the value you get, especially if you are used to using a Delica. I am not a fan of the thick grind on the Delica, though, and I would suggest sending in a Delica to Tom Krein to be reground to a full flat grind with a .010" thick edge. You will be amazed at how much better the knife cuts after that. I currently have 4 ZDP 189 knives (including a Krein reground Endura), and they all take very thin, sharp edges and hold them for a long time.

Mike
 
TWBryan said:
I've been toting a Delica 4 PE for a while now,more than a year. While I like the knife I'm thinking of replacing it with something that will hold an edge a little longer. I can't search,but I went back about ten pages looking for my answers. So at least I tried.

The specs I would like:

one hand opening
smooth action
plain edge ,functional design blade,no curvy exotic stuff
strong lock system
high quality steel
price range up to $100
tip-up carry pocket clip

I've looked at the Benchmade griptilian,I like the blade ,but not certain how 154cm performs in comparison to Spyderco's vg10. I've considered a Delica in zdp189,but nobody seems to mention it. I looked at Kershaw ,but heard they have some qc issues. Not sure how cpm d2 hold up either. I would appreciate some experience and advice.

Thanks Very Much
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The ZDP-189 Delica, I think, is the best recommendation based on your needs.

It will do everything you require, and the edge will last significantly longer than the regular Delica's VG-10.
The Griptilian's a great knife, as are many of the others mentioned in this thread, but the edgeholding of 154CM is not noticeably different from VG-10.
The Kershaw composite blades are interesting - and I've found Kershaw QC to be excellent - but it doesn't sound like you're looking for an assisted opener.

ZDP-189 is a specialty steel in a different league, with its Rockwell Hardness getting up to around 64 or even higher.

So I think it's a pretty simple choice given the parameters you've set: a ZDP-189 Spyderco Delica.
(I have a couple of VG-10 Delicas, a couple of VG-10 Enduras, and a couple of each in ZDP-189.)
 
Josh K said:
I skimmed a bit, but have you considered a Caly3/G-10? Exceptional knife there.

Also look at a Paramilitary (little pricey) or Tenacious.
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I have never handled a Spyderco Caly 3, and everytime a thread pops up asking for info on what knife they should buy, the Caly3 ALWAYS gets mentioned. Either the G-10/VG10 model, or the CF/ZDP189 model is reccommended. Now there must be a reason for this and one day I will find out for myself, and in the intrem, I will also reccommend the Caly3!
 
I would highly suggest getting in touch with Tom Krein and having your knife reground. He does excellent work and turnaround is quick. IMHO the factory grind on delicas and enduras is too low. Getting the delica reground will enhance edge geometry and edge retention will be much higher (not to mention knife will be sharper). So for just a few bucks you make a really good knife great.
 
cutter17 said:
I have never handled a Spyderco Caly 3, and everytime a thread pops up asking for info on what knife they should buy, the Caly3 ALWAYS gets mentioned. Either the G-10/VG10 model, or the CF/ZDP189 model is reccommended. Now there must be a reason for this and one day I will find out for myself, and in the intrem, I will also reccommend the Caly3!
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The Caly 3 in ZDP-189 sure is a beauty, but it runs about $150 or so street price. The OP mentioned about $100.
And the regular Caly 3 uses the same VG-10 that the OP already has in the Delica.

That's why I was thinking the Delica in ZDP-189 would fit the bill;
it seemed that the OP was mostly interested in a blade steel with greater edgeholding than VG-10. :cool:
 
Kershaw is great! Hold a great edge... I got a Leek a few years back, as out riding my horse and lost the knife out of my pocket. This was late October of 2007. In April of 2008 I caught a meth-head trespassing on my property that was out collecting springtime mushrooms. When the Police arrived they searched him and pulled a knife out of his pocket. It was identical to mine, I thought it was a coincidence until I saw where it was marked up from where I use it to open beer bottles. I asked where he got it, he pointed up on the hill, said "I found it." The knife still opens as easy as it did when new. No rust either. I was lucky. I still carry it! No finders keepers here...
 
I don't think anybody has said it yet but get a BENCHMADE 710
-Axis lock is the best
-Opens easy/closes easy
-D2 blade steel
 
Statmonster,thanks maybe I'll get lucky on ebay :)

Gunmike1,thanks I'll see if there is a good deal on a zdp delica.

Who is Tom Krein?

socom elite,I have considered the 710,though it is a bit longer than what I want to carry.

Thanks guys,for all the input it is much appreciated.
 
TWBryan said:
Gunmike1,thanks I'll see if there is a good deal on a zdp delica.

Who is Tom Krein?
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Tom Krein is a custom knifemaker out of Gentry Arkansas that will regrind thicker knives like Delicas into Cutting machines, more like the Caly 3 comes from the factory (actually Krein can and does grind them thinner than that if you want more cutting performance). I personally think that a Krein regrind on your existing knife to a .010" thick edge with a full flat grind will make it perform much better. You will have MUCH less resistance when cutting, the knife will sharpen much easier, and due to the thinner grind it should cut better even at a lower level of sharpness if you are going through things like cardboard.

If you want a higher end knife than the Delica that is VERY nice you can try the Caly 3. I just got my Caly 3 in ZDP which is $45 over your budget :( but it has a very thin edge and cuts great from the factory. The VG-10 versions I handled had similarly thin edges, and all of the benefits of a Krein grind apply. Compared to the Delica a Caly 3 has a much smoother action, much better ergos with a nice choil, a wire clip for super deep carry, and it is just a really great cutter. I know you don't want a SE, but I carried a Caly 3 SE for a week, and it had edge retention that seemed to be at least 4-5 times better than PE VG-10 knives. It sharpened up super easy on the Sharpmaker, and of course it was a Caly 3.

So, there are tons of options, and the Delica ZDP may be the best for you within your budget. I personally think a Krein grind to your existing Delica or a Caly 3 in VG-10 would improve your performance over the stock VG-10 Delica. For a bit over your budget a ZDP Delica with a Krein grind or Caly 3 ZDP would be the ultimate for you IMO, but at a premium over your budget.

PS, if you find a ZDP Caly Jr. (discontinued but still seen on the for sale forum) you would have a great slicer in ZDP that is very lightweight, but not nearly as sturdy as a Delica or Caly 3.

Mike
 
You might want to check out a Spyderco Sage. (In your budget too) Very nice little folder with CF scales, liner lock that opens smooth as butter. Which is way nicer then any spyderco lock back I have ever seen. It's got S30V which is great, but it's no ZDP189. ZDP cuts like a light sabre and for a long time. I just don't like the stiff opening of all the Spyderco's lock backs. Maybe it's just me, but i have plenty of them and if i open them, then adjust the pivot so there is ZERO BLADE PLAY then it makes opening and closing a pain in the ass. If a little blade play doesn't bother you then go with the delica in ZDP you will love it.
 
Gunmike1,thank you again,how would I get in touch with Mr.Krein ,any idea how much it would cost?

Socom Elite,I'll check on the Sage then. :)
 
TWBryan said:
Gunmike1,thank you again,how would I get in touch with Mr.Krein ,any idea how much it would cost?

Socom Elite,I'll check on the Sage then. :)
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Tom charges $35 for regrinding most steels and $45 for regrinding ZDP due to it being so hard to grind. He can completely reshape the blade with most any kind of grind and edge thickness. He does charge return shipping of $10. His number is 479-233-0508, and he is a great guy who loves to help you out.

Mike
 
gunmike1 said:
Tom charges $35 for regrinding most steels and $45 for regrinding ZDP due to it being so hard to grind. He can completely reshape the blade with most any kind of grind and edge thickness. He does charge return shipping of $10. His number is 479-233-0508, and he is a great guy who loves to help you out.

Mike
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I'll have to pass,I'm sure his skills are wonderful,but outside my budget.:o
 
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