Delica 4, pleasantly surprised

[StuntZombie]

I received a Delica 4 as a present this morning, and I must admit I'm pleasantly surprised with it. I was a bit worried that I wouldn't like the handle or blade shape, but I must admit they are quickly growing on me. I also find the handle more comfortable than the Delica 3's. One thing I seem to keep hearing is how much heavier the newer one feels, and I have to disagree. It certainly feels more solid, but I don't notice it weighing down my pockets any more than the older one. All in all, I think Spyderco did a bang up job in updating the series.

[thombrogan]

It's a beauteous knife. Did you notice anything different about the pocket clip besides the screws and possibility for tip-down carry? To me, it seemed more furniture friendly.

[StuntZombie]

I like the fact how they were able to get the lanyard hole through the pocket clip. And you're right, it does seem like the clips are more furniture friendly.

[denn]

"furniture friendly clips"? wtf? :) :confused:

sorry guys, i can't help laughing right now after reading this :)

maybe i'm just different (i am :) ), but you guys should really have a look at my apartment.....; stabs, holes, punctures, slices and slashes everywhere, on basically all of my furniture, walls and floors :o

culprits? that would be me + some throwing stars, knives, axes, throwing knives, bayonets, machetes, caltrops, brass knucks, weighted chains, and whatnot.................

me + cutlery = bad news for your furniture :D

take care,

denn

[Piet.S]

[quote="dennme + cutlery = bad news for your furniture :D [/QUOTE"]

Try a couple of dogs instead of knives and your garden will be screwed as well.

Chris, glad you like your new Delica.
I got me a Wave but I'm also fond of my D3.
The wave is a great feature, credits to mr. Emerson.
I also handled the normal D4, still not sure if they cut as good as the old one.
Could be that the new ones can take more abuse.

[Big-Target]

The Delica is worth every penny!!

[DFD04]

Just got a ZDP one in SE--could not be happier. I put the UF stones to it, afterwhich I would say it is one of the best cutting knives I own. Bravo on the D4 and the SE ZDP.

[thombrogan]

I suppose an inadvertant clip-scratch on a chair might be missed if you did just shatter it with a club. Otherwise, the clips on the D4/E4 knives are flat versions of wireclips.

[StuntZombie]

Piet, I think you're right about the D4 not cutting as well. It was sharp, but not as sharp as it could be. I spent a little time thinning down the edge and now it's just about perfect.

I'm thinking about picking up a wave version sometime in the near future, just because I used to own an Emerson w/ a waved blade, and it was a handy feature.

[dalefuller]

I'm up to 6 Delicas now... 3 D3s and 3 D4s. I think it's as near perfect for me as an EDC as I'm likely to get. My sister and my wife both like my D3s that they carry. I use one D4 as my warehouse EDC, I have a spare livin' in what USED to be my sock & handkerchief drawer, I've got a D3 CF leftie drawer queen, and a new ZDP-189 D4 that might take over warehouse duties after I finish reprofiling the blade and polishing the clip.

And that's just the Delica part of the family...

[Harry White]

i think the clips on the new delicas are among spyderco's best (along with the wire clips). the hourglass shape on the D4 clip looks especially good when the black coating is removed and the stainless steel is polished. its also the least obtrusive clip design, IMO -- feels good even in a tight grip.

[Michael Cook]

:spyder: The D4 is only heavy in comparison to the d3. :spyder:

[Piet.S]

:spyder: The D4 is only heavy in comparison to the d3. :spyder:

That's true, and the little extra weight is in the handle which gives it a beter balance.

[Mr Blonde]

Glad to see you like the new D4. The fourth installment of the Delica has brought me right back to the model. I'm quite addicted to them, ...must have every version.... :D


Wouter

[Big-Target]

Glad to see you like the new D4. The fourth installment of the Delica has brought me right back to the model. I'm quite addicted to them, ...must have every version.... :D


Wouter

Then get the WAVE Delica!!!!

[gordonk]

I'm up to 5 :) Last one was the ZDP/PE one. Also a D3. I own a fair number of Spydies (about 25'ish), and found the Delica to be the most used - PE ones for me. I've had a Caly 3 along for the ride in the last few weeks, but Delica is still getting used more.

- gord

[StuntZombie]

I've had a chance to use the D4 at work some, so I've been able to see how it performs compared to the D3. I can say that I definitely prefer the D3's hollow ground blade to the more obtuse saber grind of the D4. It cuts well, but not as well as my old Delica. I can understand Spyderco wanting to make the D4 more stout, but I'm not sure it was necessary. Looking at the blade, I think the tip could have been made stronger, without compromising blade geometry. While I'm the tip, I do find I prefer the more rounded tip. It's able to pierce almost as easily as the old tip, while managing to be much stronger.

I prefer the new handle shape to the old one as well. I find it actually feels more comfortable and secure in my hand than the D3's. While the clip feels more comfortable, it does seem more susceptible to snagging. It's really not that big of a deal though, as I tend to not bump up against things that much.

All in all, I'm still enjoying the D4. In fact, it's knocked the ATR out of my pocket as my current EDC. I'll continue to carry and use it, and report on its performance.

[chp5]

I recently picked up a D4 SE in ZDP. I have four other Delica's in G2, ATS-55 and VG-10.

I REALLY like the D4 changes. The steel liners seem like a good idea. The handle is very comfortable and I like the feel of the scales. The D4 feels slighlty thicker and more stout - all good.

I also like that the blade is sub-3" (I live near Atlanta that has a 3" limit).

Out of the box, the ZDP blade is one of the sharpest blades I've seen.

I own many other knives, but I always seem to come back to the Delica as my EDC :spyder: