Which Delica?

[Davyd]

I have a mini grip on the way and are looking to match with a delica.

I see there are a few flavours and would aprpreciate some rapid advice?

The standard black handle vg10 does not look like a bad option to me. I have Vg10 in my Fallkniven and like it from limited use

How much difference would I notice on the G10 scale or zdp189 steel versions.

- I assume the lock mechanisms and strength of the handle are the same for all

- Is the G10 scale just about looks - or is it mroe robust, better grip or clearly better looking?

- I gather ZDP 189 is one of the latest powdeer steels - how much better is it? is there a tradeoff - like being hard to get/keep sharp, Brittle ....?

Advice from learned spydie users would be welcome

 

[THG]

- All the Delicas are great, if you ask me. Excellent knives for the price.

- The G10 has a different grip. I actually really like the FRN handles, although I would consider the G10 an upgrade. ZDP-189 is supposed to have much better edge retention, but I like VG-10 because it's a good all-around steel (very good corrosion resistance, good edge retention).

- The G10 version has liners under the scales, unlike the FRN that kinda encases the liners. I don't know how big a deal that is, though. And the G10 version has a metal backspacer like the one in the Manix. I would imagine that makes it a more robust handle. And G10 is more grippy than FRN, although the FRN is grippy as well due to the Bi-Directional Texturing™ that Spyderco uses. Lastly, the G10 Delica has a Full Flat-ground blade. That's supposed to make it a better slicer.

So it's pretty much personal preference whether you like the G10, regular FRN, wave, ZDP, or whatever. Personally, I have a Delica Wave. I couldn't love it more.

 

[dalefuller]

The ZDP189 blade is only available in the FRN model. If you want G10 scales, it'll have to be with a VG10 blade. Personally, I don't like ZDP189. I've tried it several times and it's just too hard for me to work with to make it worth while for me. Some folks have no trouble sharpening / touching up ZDP189 and it's their favorite folder steel. That's great... I just ain't in that class. Besides, I really do like VG10 over just about everything else except S30V.

The only down side to one of the FRN Delicas is going to be the FRN backspacer and that's only a problem if you like to disassemble and reassemble your knives. If you don't take it apart in the first place, the backspacer shouldn't cause any issues.

I have used FRN/VG10 Delicas for my work EDC in the past and I can tell you that they are double tough knives. I've cut computer wiring with them, I've run the blade into steel support posts trying to cut boxes, I've dropped them from 10 feet or so in the air... no harm done anywhere. The steel tends to fold rather than chip and that's easy to straighten... the FRN scales don't care whether you drop them or not, they're very impact resistant... and since the Delica is a lockback, the blade didn't pop open when I dropped it. The blades on my AXIS lock knives tend to pop out when they get dropped.

It sounds backwards, but for really rough use and very minimal care, I'd get the FRN/VG10 variant. For a nicer looking carry but still a rugged performer, I'd go with the G10 / FG VG10 model.

 

[g.vantilburg]

I'd go with the blue sprint run ZDP. Looks nice, very light wieght, good steel and fairly in expensive!

 

[spyken]

if you want a very well priced knife, get the FRN models. best value for money.

me, I like the foliage green full flat grind delica. since Sal ain't making foliage green caly 3s, haha.

 

[SparkyMark86]

I have a classic black FRN ps Delica in VG-10 and i love it. my go to knife and can handle everything i feed it. Great knife..good price. WIN WIN

SPARKYMARK86

 

[THG]

The only down side to one of the FRN Delicas is going to be the FRN backspacer and that's only a problem if you like to disassemble and reassemble your knives. If you don't take it apart in the first place, the backspacer shouldn't cause any issues.

The workaround to that is pretty simple. If you disassemble the knife and piece it back together, just make the backlock the last piece. put everything back together except the backlock and maybe the last FRN scale. This will insure that the nipple of the backspacer goes into the liner. Then get the spring and blade in and everything, and after you do that, you can slide the backlock in, and the backspacer will still be reinforced by the liner. Works every time for me.

 

[BrewMonkey]

Foliage Green, FRN handle, Combo blade. Love it.

 

[shangchi108]

I have the Delica in ZDP-189 and it's the best steel I've ever used, and I have no problem resharpening it.

But if you don't need the incredible cutting performance of a super steel (most people probably don't do enough cutting to know the difference) VG-10 works just great.

G10 is definitely a more durable handle material than FRN, but it's heavier and more expensive. FRN is nice and light, very grippy and strong. Wonderful compromise, unless you need a knife with a handle that will resist chemicals and will look like new after a few years use. I have both, and fine myself preferring to carry the FRN simply because it's lighter in my pocket. Be warned: the G10 Delica has a much thinner blade than the FRN versions, which makes it a much better slicer, but also makes the blade tip more delicate.

Your choice.

 

[3Guardsmen]

The ZDP189 blade is only available in the FRN model. If you want G10 scales, it'll have to be with a VG10 blade.

Says who? The blades are "swapable" between 'em, you just have to know what your doing (and swap the lockbars as well)!

- All the Delicas are great, if you ask me. Excellent knives for the price.

Right on the money!:thumbup:

Personally, I have a Delica Wave. I couldn't love it more.

Same here, but ever since I swapped the blade (and lockbar) out of the FRN handle and placed it in the FG, G-10 handle, It's become what I consider THE perfect EDC! I now have a full flat-ground, VG-10 bladed, FRN Delica as a backup.

Regards,
3G

 

[shangchi108]

but ever since I swapped the blade (and lockbar) out of the FRN handle and placed it in the FG, G-10 handle, It's become what I consider THE perfect EDC! I now have a full flat-ground, VG-10 bladed, FRN Delica as a backup.

Regards,
3G

I swapped the blades between a ZDP-189 Endura and a G10/VG-10 flat ground Endura. When I swapped the lockbars, the blades absolutely did not fit. Had to leave the lockbars with the original knives for the swapped blades to fit perfectly.

And they do. Guess the Delicas are designed a bit differently. The idea of a G10 handled Delica with a ZDP blade sounds pretty tempting.

 

[THG]

Same here, but ever since I swapped the blade (and lockbar) out of the FRN handle and placed it in the FG, G-10 handle, It's become what I consider THE perfect EDC! I now have a full flat-ground, VG-10 bladed, FRN Delica as a backup.

Regards,
3G

Sounds like a great idea, but for the $115 or so, I'd rather get a Para-Military or Manix or Sage or something

Personally, I love the Spyderco FRN, or at least the Bi-Directional Textured FRN like those on the Delica, Endura, D'Allara, etc.

The only things I'd like to change on my Delica Wave are:

1. No paint on the clip (will nail polish remover take it off?)
2. ZDP blade (I'd like to try it, although I love VG-10)
3. Maybe a metal backspacer

 

[Davyd]

Thanks all

This has been very informative. It seems that they were all good with some differences which appeal to different people - a bit like the feedback on Griptilian variations

I just ordered the delica and enduro in frn vg10. I like the idea of the more robust blade, quite like FRN style handle (and was not sure about the colours int he g10 scales), the extra robustness of the G10 scale version or edge holding of 189 is probaly not that improtnat to me - and with the price difference I may as well try these and tyr other later if I wish

Thanks again for the excellent input

 

[Andre]

You won't be sorry. The FRN Endura and Delica have been the "bread and butter" models in the line-up from the early days of Spyderco. I have several and can tell you that the newer models are better than ever. Great value!