Delica - what was the design background?

[SpyderScout]

In regards to the smaller Spyderco knives, I have a ZDP-189 Dragonfly (a favorite and one of my most used knives. ZDP rocks!), a UKPF, a SpyDK and a Pingo.
I was sort of covered in the small knife department ... or so I tried to tell myself.
Recently, I managed to convince myself, that I needed a Delica to sort of fill in the space between the DF and my Endura.
Having bought a Delica, I wondered, if there was special taget audience for this popular knife or if it was just another Spyderco meant to be enjoyed by a wide audience?

[bouhunter]

another Spyderco meant to be enjoyed by a wide audience?

That sums it up - a great knife at a size that meets many needs. :)

[SpyderScout]

another Spyderco meant to be enjoyed by a wide audience?

That sums it up - a great knife at a size that meets many needs. :)

I agree, a great and useful knife.

[bearfacedkiller]

They were made for everybody but I believe that originally they thought that the Delica would appeal to women more and that the Endura would appeal to men more.

[Doc Dan]

The Delica is a fine knife. It is one of my favorites. It is practical, kind of like blue jeans.

[BravoTango]

[Jazz]

That’s obviously not Vivi.

[Mad Mac]

The C10 Endura and C11 Delica were offered simultaneously in 1990. They were a breakthrough for the Company and exploded market share.

The new FRN handle with molded in volcano texturing and an integral clip allowed the knives to be provided at a very competitive price point. They also were lightweight which broadened the carry options and the appeal.

They were the first multi-step Spydies available in different sizes. The size range would be extended later with the diminutive clipless LadyBug.

The fixed integral clip was the first in the tip up position for the Company. The lightweight handles made the Spydie flick opening technique difficult but with tip up carry, the thumb naturally fell to the opening hole for the standard opening technique.

In 1990, I acquired both an Endura SE and a Delica PE but it was the Endura that rode in my pocket for 25 years. It has since been retired.

[sal]

Hi SpyderScout,

They were designed for the general market. At the time there were almost no one-handers, integral clips, or even clips in general. The Yen was weak so the models were affordable, $30 & $35. We made our mostly for users.

sal

[Larry_Mott]

Personally i find the Endura a bit too long/large and the Dragonfly too small. Carried a Delica clipit daily for over 12 years and didn't even look for something else. Then insanity struck, but that's another story for another day :)