Premium delica?

[rorshah]

I was wondering why to this day there is no such delica? I would love one made of premium steel and handles. Something similar to Native 5 C41CFFP5 - carbon fiber + nice stainless steel. M390/20CV + carbon fiber scales, with no extra metal liners would be awesome. I would buy 2 right away What do you think guys?

[polyhexamethyl]

there was the damascus version in titanium and jigged bone

i think the delica is rather a worker and not a show piece.

if you want a premium delica check out the mantra 1

[sal]

Hi Rorshah,

Welcome to our forum.

We've built quite a few premium Delica models over the 28 years we've been making them.

sal

[Username827]

While it is not a stainless blade, the Knifecenter Pakkawood Delica is quite impressive. It has Hap40 steel and these awesome scales/liners. Not quite titanium/m390, but I am quite fond of it!

[Johnnie1801]

There's also the titanium/damascus Delica

[TomAiello]

ZDP-189 is pretty premium, in my opinion.

[NickShabazz]

I'd love to see some Delica sprints from Golden or Taichung, potentially non-FRN. A high-end steel (M390? M4? Damasteel?) and maybe some very nice handle materials (Micarta? CF?), coupled with the higher-end F&F and better value that those factories provide, seems like a winner.

The Pakkawood Delica has sort of reduced the immediacy of my need there as it's a very nice sprint, and the XHP on the FRN Chappie means that I've got non-VG-10 options in a similar FRN form factor, but my heart will always be close to the Delica, so I'd love to see that model getting the high end love it deserves.

[RickC27]

I'd love to see some Delica sprints from Golden or Taichung, potentially non-FRN. A high-end steel (M390? M4? Damasteel?) and maybe some very nice handle materials (Micarta? CF?), coupled with the higher-end F&F and better value that those factories provide, seems like a winner.

The Pakkawood Delica has sort of reduced the immediacy of my need there as it's a very nice sprint, and the XHP on the FRN Chappie means that I've got non-VG-10 options in a similar FRN form factor, but my heart will always be close to the Delica, so I'd love to see that model getting the high end love it deserves.

You sure love that grey Delica of yours! Very rarely does it not make an appearance in your videos.

[NickShabazz]

You sure love that grey Delica of yours! Very rarely does it not make an appearance in your videos.

Yep. He's a Gem. The Delica 4 is (and remains) one of the very best everyday carry designs out there, which is why it's my token size comparison, and a solid functional comparison too, particularly for carryability. I think the recent price hikes, particularly for the Japanese FRN models, make the FRN/VG-10 version struggle a bit more to compete, particularly with the FRN/XHP Chapparal only a few bucks more, but it's still a great knife.

That said, I am deeply hoping for a Delica 5 which hits a nicer price point, or has the materials/F&F upgraded to match the price, and which will restore order to the Force. Particularly if shifted to Golden, for better value and easier sprints...

[sal]

Hi Nick,

Although we have changed makers on some models, it is something we rarely do, and there has to be a very good reason. The Delica is a very popular model and the maker has been making the model since 1990. Has to do with loyalty, giri, etc.

sal

[bearfacedkiller]

The delica4 has come in Titanium/Damascus, jigged bone/Damascus, g10/vg10, pakkawood/hap40 and a super nice 40th anniversary model. I know there was an older carbon fiber Delica as well. There have been a few premium variations.

I personally really like my Pakkawood Delica.

[MichaelScott]

Given that the Delica has evolved to its present excellent incarnation I can see little reason for major changes in design or manufacturing. CQI, but otherwise leave it be.

[RickC27]

I'm with Darby, my Pakkawood Delica is amazing. Also lucked out with gorgeous grain/color scales on both sides. I don't have any other model Delica, but feel like none of the others can compare to this. It's beautiful and classy, but gets right down to business when needed.

[elena86]

For me a “premium Delica” would be Delica with an improved backlock.... I am so frustrated when my Delicas develop vertical blade play in time and I never abuse or even hard use my folders. Why not implement a Chaparral-like backlock ? It’s a mistery to me ...

[sal]

Hi Marius,

Different makers have their ways of doing things and are difficult to change. It took us years to get the Seki makers to use non Japanese steels.

sal

[Doc Dan]

For me a “premium Delica” would be Delica with an improved backlock.... I am so frustrated when my Delicas develop vertical blade play in time and I never abuse or even hard use my folders. Why not implement a Chaparral-like backlock ? It’s a mistery to me ...

This is really the only thing I would like to see: improve the lock. It is very strong now, but the lock rock could be removed with the current technology found in either the Chaparral or the Native 5. I am a huge Delica fan so anything I want will only be to make the current design better.

[elena86]

Hi Marius,

Different makers have their ways of doing things and are difficult to change. It took us years to get the Seki makers to use non Japanese steels.

sal

I understand that. I’m just saying that this iconic, most loved and appreciated(for good reasons) folder deserves the best. That being said, I love all my 30+ Delicas and I shall keep buying them :)

[FK]

I have a Delica4 in daily use for three years,,, not a hint of lock rock.
None of my 20+ Delica4 knives have exhibited any lock rock.

The only Spyderco in my experience that had the dreaded lock rock was the early C41 Native with purple FRN scales, the 2009 forum model,,,, I went through 3 of them and all had problems,,,, gave up and sold off at a loss.

Regards,
FK
Member since Feb 17, 2001

[Username827]

I have a Delica4 in daily use for three years,,, not a hint of rock lock.
None of my 20+ Delica4 knives have exhibited any rock lock.

The only Spyderco in my experience that had the dreaded rock lock was the early C41 Native with purple FRN scales, the 2009 forum model,,,, I went through 3 of them and all had problems,,,, gave up and sold off at a loss.

Regards,
FK
Member since Feb 17, 2001

Hey FK,
Just for curiosity, do you carry the same Delica every day or do you rotate?

[FK]

Carry everyday in upper left shirt pocket,, easier to deploy when sitting.
Same Delica4 in ZDP-189.

I have some Delica/Endura knives from the early 1990's that are tight as new, no lock problems, they have more hard use than any other Spyderco knives I have owned.

Also rotate PM2 models in soft nylon pouch on belt.

Regards,
FK
Member since Feb 17, 2001