The Delica 4: Timeless Classic or Long in the Tooth?

[toomzz]

I also have a couple of thoughts:
-introducing a regular model of the Delica, Endura and Stretch in K390.
-adding a deepcarry clip, the existing wire or some new design.
-trying out a couple fluted/rounded handles in the SS or Ti models.

[Tdog]

I also have a couple of thoughts:
-introducing a regular model of the Delica, Endura and Stretch in K390.
-adding a deepcarry clip, the existing wire or some new design.
-trying out a couple fluted/rounded handles in the SS or Ti models.

The Mantra w/LC or other "good" stainless. :)

[standy99]

Business 101

Delica and Endura are the two bread and butter knives for Spyderco.
You don't mess with your bread and butter. (you can change the stuff In between)

And Spyderco has a lot to choose from in between

[PayneTrain]

Timeless classic.

BUT...I do agree with D and Vivi that the finger grooves could use some reconsideration. I've always been wary of handles that cater to a specific hand, which is what finger grooves do. They sort of limit the clientele that the handle can serve. I think a more versatile handle, maybe rounded in the spirit of the Military family, would be more universally pleasing.

That being said, the hand that the Delica 4 handle caters to is my hand. I am a Delica fan for life, and I think the Delica has aged and evolved gracefully, staying true to itself all the while, and I expect it will continue to.

[elena86]

Timeless classic.

BUT...I do agree with D and Vivi that the finger grooves could use some reconsideration. I've always been wary of handles that cater to a specific hand, which is what finger grooves do. They sort of limit the clientele that the handle can serve. I think a more versatile handle, maybe rounded in the spirit of the Military family, would be more universally pleasing.

That being said, the hand that the Delica 4 handle caters to is my hand. I am a Delica fan for life, and I think the Delica has aged and evolved gracefully, staying true to itself all the while, and I expect it will continue to.

Agree ...wise words

[toomzz]

Timeless classic.

BUT...I do agree with D and Vivi that the finger grooves could use some reconsideration. I've always been wary of handles that cater to a specific hand, which is what finger grooves do. They sort of limit the clientele that the handle can serve. I think a more versatile handle, maybe rounded in the spirit of the Military family, would be more universally pleasing.

That being said, the hand that the Delica 4 handle caters to is my hand. I am a Delica fan for life, and I think the Delica has aged and evolved gracefully, staying true to itself all the while, and I expect it will continue to.

Agree ...wise words

Definitely true....

[Evil D]

I would be ok with one single index finger groove, maybe not as prominent as a Manix 2 but enough to lock your index finger in place. That seems like it would fit all but the fattest sausage fingers so long as the rest of the handle was smooth and contoured. Finger grooves are impossible to fit every hand to, I'm really shocked that the Autonomy fits me like it does, but on the flip side I can see the grooves being too big and wide apart for smaller hands so someone somewhere is getting the short straw when it comes to grooves.

[curlyhairedboy]

the delica has never fit me well, but the PM2 does :)

[p_atrick]

I still think Spyderco should offer a similar service to what Benchmade does with a few models. You go to their website, select from a few models, and customize the knife (handle color/material, blade material, serrations, blade coating, etc.). Sure, you'll end up paying a bit more, but the people who want a customized version will most likely pay for it, and Spyderco won't have to disrupt the formula that has been working so well for the casual knife users.

[Evil D]

Why have they incarcerated RED to the training model? I want a normal Delica 4 in RED!!!!

Sal has said very recently that red is no longer reserved for trainers, and we already have a red G10 Para 2.

[Evil D]

I still think Spyderco should offer a similar service to what Benchmade does with a few models. You go to their website, select from a few models, and customize the knife (handle color/material, blade material, serrations, blade coating, etc.). Sure, you'll end up paying a bit more, but the people who want a customized version will most likely pay for it, and Spyderco won't have to disrupt the formula that has been working so well for the casual knife users.

That topic comes up pretty often and is shot down every time. It would be fun though.

[tonijedi]

I love it as it is.

[ABX2011]

Surprised no one has mentioned it yet but I'd like to see an upgraded lock on the Delica, Endura, Stretch, Dragonfly, Ladybug and Manbug.
I wouldn't say the current lock is inadequate or that it even bothers me. But the lockup on the Native 5 is better; it has virtually no slop.
I also prefer the "no play" lockup of the Chaparral which uses an internal stop as did the Sage 4.
It would make sense for a lock upgrade to accompany a re-design so that it's easy to distinguish from the old lock.

[p_atrick]

I still think Spyderco should offer a similar service to what Benchmade does with a few models. You go to their website, select from a few models, and customize the knife (handle color/material, blade material, serrations, blade coating, etc.). Sure, you'll end up paying a bit more, but the people who want a customized version will most likely pay for it, and Spyderco won't have to disrupt the formula that has been working so well for the casual knife users.

That topic comes up pretty often and is shot down every time. It would be fun though.

It is pretty amazing that there is so much diversity in the Spyderco lineup as it is. There are so many "regular" steels (S30, ZDP, XHP, S35, VG10, H1, LC200N, etc.), then you factor in the sprint runs. Plus you can get a Mule if you really want to experiment. Spyderco fans have it pretty good.

[Mr Blonde]

The Delica 3 was among the very first Spyderco knives I got, and they still work great for me. The D4's ergos and blade work great for me, it's the Endura that never fit my hands properly. So in my book, from both a functional and nostalgic perspective, the D4 is a timeless classic!

[twinboysdad]

I still think Spyderco should offer a similar service to what Benchmade does with a few models. You go to their website, select from a few models, and customize the knife (handle color/material, blade material, serrations, blade coating, etc.). Sure, you'll end up paying a bit more, but the people who want a customized version will most likely pay for it, and Spyderco won't have to disrupt the formula that has been working so well for the casual knife users.

That topic comes up pretty often and is shot down every time. It would be fun though.

I think the fact that Golden is not where these knives are made, affects this. Benchmade makes the Grips in OR, and can offer the custom shop. It would be cool if Spyderco could offer "roll your own" Natives, Millies, Manix, and PM2/3's at least. 5-6 steel choices, choose your hardware color, and 5-6 G10 or CF choices.

[xceptnl]

I still think Spyderco should offer a similar service to what Benchmade does with a few models. You go to their website, select from a few models, and customize the knife (handle color/material, blade material, serrations, blade coating, etc.). Sure, you'll end up paying a bit more, but the people who want a customized version will most likely pay for it, and Spyderco won't have to disrupt the formula that has been working so well for the casual knife users.

That topic comes up pretty often and is shot down every time. It would be fun though.

I think the fact that Golden is not where these knives are made, affects this. Benchmade makes the Grips in OR, and can offer the custom shop. It would be cool if Spyderco could offer "roll your own" Natives, Millies, Manix, and PM2/3's at least. 5-6 steel choices, choose your hardware color, and 5-6 G10 or CF choices.

I'll take one of each of them.... in RED :D

[ZrowsN1s]

As someone who's hand fits the delica like a glove... I vote timeless classic. Wouldn't change a thing.

BTW if you like red delicas and don't mind RIT dye, check out KP. They have a bunch of red spydies.

[PanChango]

I love the Delica and have a few of them. About the only thing I would like is a FFG Serrated knife. I don't mind the saber grind but a batch of full flat grind SE knives would be nice.

[Mastermachetier]

I love the delica. My favorite knife ever. That being said I really would love to see Sal make a spyderco with upgraded scales that doesn't have vg10 steel. Also a deep pocket wire clip would be awesome.