Which Delica for Self-Defence?

B

barber oregon

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Nov 19, 2000
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I have decided to purchase the Spyderco Delica as a back-up self-defence knife.

However, my dealer only carries two types of blades: the Delica with a straight edge and the 50/50 serrated/straight version (my 'optimal' choice would be the fully serrated blade).

Given these options, which blade should I choose for the Delica?

Note: He also carries the Spyderco 'Native' but it costs about $14Cdn more; is this a viable choice compared to the Delica(from a cost/performance standpoint)?
 
I prefer a non-serrated blade for most applications, including defense, so that's what I would recommend. Also, I am not convinced that combo blades are all that useful under most circumstances. If you expect to need both types either carry one of each or get something like the Spyderco Dryad that has each type in one handle.

I would also recommend the Native over the Delica for self-defense. The choice obviously depends on a lot of factors. I like the grip on the Native better and I prefer its blade shape, especially for thrusting. Finally, the Native Lightweight has a blade of 440V, a significantly better steel for many purposes.

--Bob Q
 
I'd recommend plain edge. You can always sharpen a plain edge to a razor sharp edge. It will be a brittle edge, but extremly sharp.


Blades
 
I´d take plain edge. More useful for everyday tasks, so higher chance you have it with you for when you need it. Plus easier to sharpen, as already mentioned.
The Native (make sure it´s the new one with CPM440V steel, not the older GIN-1 version) is an outstanding knife. The CPM steel should hold an edge much longer than the steel of the Delica. And due to the beefier handle and finger cutout, you would have a more secure grip in high stress situations (such as thrusts into hard targets).
Both Delica and Native are good choices.
 
I'd go with plain edge. Its just too handy, that is unless you are going to cut up cardboard or rope all day.
 
Serrated and plain. If you carry them in opposite pockets you can reach a knife with either hand. Should anyone question you on carrying two knives you can launch into a dissertation on the advantages of serrated or plain blades for different tasks.

I end up using the plain blade more for utility tasks, so that one usually goes in my right hand pocket.
 
The delica/native question is a subjective one. I find that the native has a better grip for me, but the delica feels nicer in my hand. The native's blade seems more suited to defense...
I hate combo edges. I love spyderco's plain and serated knives, but I've never liked any combo edge.
 
AFraid I have to go against the grain here. I recommend the Native FRN with a plain edge. I think it is just a great knife.

To be fair, however, the Delica has many years in of being a great knife too. In something relatively soft, I'm not sure at all that I'd bet on the Native for greater penetration. But, either way, the Delica's tip does have a reputation for being a bit weak. Doubt that anyone has applied the word weak to the Native for any reason.

The Native's blade is 1/4" longer. Not much, but maybe just enough. The first 1/5" will go in slicker than owl pellets. Also, the Native could probably encounter a blade buckle or two, and still be sharp with the better steel. All in all, I frankly think the Native is the most versatile of the SPydercos with which I'm familiar -- including a back-up defense role. That's why one rides in my left pocket about 90% of the time or more.
 
I'm also a fan of both Delica and Native. One of them resides in my left pocket most of the time.

Plain edge is more useful for average cutting chores and is more sheeple friendly. A blue Delica is even better for that. The Native, however, feels a bit better to me, as if it handles better and more positively. A little more handle to grip, I guess, because it's wider. When holding them in my grip, side by side, I see no length advantage to either. The Native may be better at tip strength.

Some folks think serrated is more traumatic for S-D. I don't know, and would rather see the considered opinions of a couple of medical examiners to settle that one. Unfortunately, Dr. DiMaio hasn't come out with a "Knife Wounds" book yet.

I don't have anything against combo edges, since there is plenty of plain edge for coupon cutting.:)

Between these two knives, and their edge options, get what you like and are comfy with.

Or be like me (and a lot of other Spydie fans) and just START
GETTING THEM ALL!!

Poorly and in hock whilst going Native,

Karl
 
The Native has a better handle, blade style and over all strength for a defensive folder than the Delica. Oh and a better steel as well. It is not a sheeple friendly though...

Out of serrations vs plain, I have it on good authority from a gentleman who worked as a Pathologist, that serrated knives do create wounds that bleed out more and are harder to stitch up. However, whether he had seen a good straight edge blade sharpened how we sharpen them is a valid question? Serrations vs a Moran edge knife? I would go for the Moran/convex.

However, serrations have a great 'fear' factor with sheeple, a serrated knife is more scary to most people and if you want to intimidate or try to force a climb down, go for a fully serrated edge. My Matriarch is a prime example, most people who see that either say 'wow' or holy @&%$!
 
As a result of thid thread I'm noe leaning torward the Native.

One downside though, is that the steel used on the Native is supposedly difficult to sharpen properly. Does anyone have any expirence with this?
 
Originally posted by barber oregon
One downside though, is that the steel used on the Native is supposedly difficult to sharpen properly. Does anyone have any expirence with this?
Click to expand...

As far as I can tell there is a fairly direct relationship between how well a steel holds an edge and how time-consuming it is to sharpen. I would still rather have a great steel than an adequate one. You are more likely to have a really sharp edge when you need one unless you constantly resharpen.

I don't think that 440V is actually any more difficult to sharpen than 440A. It just takes more strokes to get the same result. The methods are the same.

Note that I am still a novice at sharpening. If you run across differing opinions I am probably wrong. :)

--Bob Q
 
I just sharpened my 440V Native last week and it wasn't difficult at all. Sharpened up just as easily as the ATS-34, M2, & ATS-55 blades I did.
 
CPM 440V is more difficult to sharpen, but the results are well worth it! If you do a search, you will find volumes on the subject.
 
As you made your decision to the Delica,
i would go with full serrations if self defense is the only purpose.
IMO this will cut better, and you have to rely on cutting with this short blade.
(I would prefer my Endura, but you will have your reasons)
Also have a Native but maybe i`m the only one not much excitedly with it. It feels bulkier in my hand, heavyer too, maybe just my feelings.
As for sharpening, utility and so on, i hope nothing limits you to carry only one knife!
With such a bargain as a Delica i would carry one of each modell (at least)

:D
 
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