LC Salt 2 wharncliffe or Delica 4 wharncliffe?

[James Y]

Although I'm off of buying knives for an indeterminate amount of time, I've had a craving to one day own a Delica wharncliffe SE. But I also like the idea of the higher corrosion resistance and liner-free Salt 2 LC200N wharncliffe. The only Spyderco wharncliff I have is an H1 Salt 2, but I crave a FFG wharnie.

Any advantages or disadvantages to either the D4 or S2 Wharncliffe models vs the other? Has the QC on the LC200N Seki Salts improved, or is it still sort of hit or miss?

Jim

[z1r]

Same handles on both except the Salt is linerless. I have a PE LC Salt 2 and love it. I Also have a SE Wharnie Delica 4. Love it too and I don't usually like Wharnie blades.

If corrosion resistance is a concern, I'd go for the Salt. It's be a tad lighter too. Besides, I love teh green scales:

[ladybug93]

to make matters more difficult, the 20cv wharncliffe delica is also still available at knifejoy.

[benben]

That's a easy one James, the Rockjumper!

[z1r]

I think I like the LC Salt so much for two reasons: 1) the blade reminds me of my Endela and 2) The green linerless scales! It cuts really well too.

The SE Wharnie Delica is a bargain.

[z1r]

That's a easy one James, the Rockjumper!

[dsvirsky]

I have both and if I'm grabbing one out of the sock drawer, it's the Salt 2 LC200N.

[cjk]

Both if possible. If only one, get the green one.

[cjk]

If the D4, I’d get the k390 wharncliffe. It seems to be the D4 wharncliffe which goes in my pocket the most often (including the salt). It’s not the newest one either. It just never seems to need to be touched up.

[Wartstein]

- At least in the "regular" blade shape the Salt 2 offers an a bit longer blade / edge than the Delica. I figure this will be true for the wharnies too.

- The Salt has a larger thumb hole and thus steeper/higher thumb ramp.
If I put my thumb on the ramp (I rarely do that though) the Delica has better ergos, cause the steeper ramp of the Salt 2 places my hand a bit further back on the handle. Enough to be noticeable, and it feels less good than the grip on the Delica then

- What I was not really aware of for the longest time is the very high toughness of LC 200N (Salt 2).
Could mean that the Salt can handle steeper edge angles and one can even enhance the performance of that already very slicey blade ä.

[JSumm]

I think the larger thumb hole and taller ramp is only on the sheepsfoot/regular style blade on the Salt 2. I believe the wharncliffe is regular Delica hump and hole size.

https://youtu.be/0fIZiJonA10

For me I like the larger thumb hole.

I think the best 3 options are the K390 wharncliffe, the Salt Wharncliffe, or the 20CV wharncliffe from Knifejoy. All previously mentioned. Those are 3 great choices.

The last several Seki models I have purchased have been spot on as far as QC FWIW. Maybe besides the edge grind.

[spydergoat]

You can't go wrong with either one- these are some of the best EDC knives available IMO. I like the lighter weight on the Salt 2, but I don't think it's a big deal since the Delica 4 is so light already. Salt edges out the Delica for me because of the LC200n and a slightly longer blade. Why not have more blade and a steel you probably cannot hurt. One thing against the Salt, mine is not super smooth on the pivot. I don't know if mine could eb adjusted better, or if the washer running directly on the polymer handle creates some friction. I don't care about that and if you're looking at backlocks, maybe you don't either.

[James Y]

Thanks, everyone, for each and every response and suggestion!

I think I'm leaning towards the Salt 2 wharncliffe SE. Although it will be some time before I can afford to make another knife purchase.

As for the Rockjumper...oh man, that opens up a whole 'nother can o' worms...



Jim

[twinboysdad]

I am actually going tomorrow to get either a K390 or LC200 Wharncliffe, someone help me pick the steel? Local shop has SE LC200 and PE K390

[benben]

I am actually going tomorrow to get either a K390 or LC200 Wharncliffe, someone help me pick the steel? Local shop has SE LC200 and PE K390

That’s actually a great pair to cover all your bases….so both!

[benben]

Thanks, everyone, for each and every response and suggestion!

I think I'm leaning towards the Salt 2 wharncliffe SE. Although it will be some time before I can afford to make another knife purchase.

As for the Rockjumper...oh man, that opens up a whole 'nother can o' worms...



Jim

Once you try that RJ handle, you might forget you even own a Delica, true story!

[twinboysdad]

I am actually going tomorrow to get either a K390 or LC200 Wharncliffe, someone help me pick the steel? Local shop has SE LC200 and PE K390

That’s actually a great pair to cover all your bases….so both!

There can only be one. Both are priced about the same

[JSumm]

I am actually going tomorrow to get either a K390 or LC200 Wharncliffe, someone help me pick the steel? Local shop has SE LC200 and PE K390

My Pac Salt and Endura K390 are getting about equal carry time for me. Today was the Pac Salt. The edge hit a metal table leg and completely rolled a section like dull dull bad. Took it to the truck and a field sharpener got it back to crazy sharp in no time. Later today cutting some material "renovating" my kids tree house I hit some nails. Bad damage again, but in a minute with the field sharpener it's back.

My K390 Endura takes damage and incidental strikes like a champ. Maybe I get a small reflection on the edge, but you would not notice it in cutting. That edge holds so well compared to everything else I've experienced. Now if it did get a lot of damage, it would take me a lot longer to get the edge back. I'm not a good sharpener, so I have to really take my time with K390.

Not sure if that helps. My experience. K390 = Edge Stability. LC200 outside of corrosion resistance = back to sharp quick!

[twinboysdad]

I am actually going tomorrow to get either a K390 or LC200 Wharncliffe, someone help me pick the steel? Local shop has SE LC200 and PE K390

My Pac Salt and Endura K390 are getting about equal carry time for me. Today was the Pac Salt. The edge hit a metal table leg and completely rolled a section like dull dull bad. Took it to the truck and a field sharpener got it back to crazy sharp in no time. Later today cutting some material "renovating" my kids tree house I hit some nails. Bad damage again, but in a minute with the field sharpener it's back.

My K390 Endura takes damage and incidental strikes like a champ. Maybe I get a small reflection on the edge, but you would not notice it in cutting. That edge holds so well compared to everything else I've experienced. Now if it did get a lot of damage, it would take me a lot longer to get the edge back. I'm not a good sharpener, so I have to really take my time with K390.

Not sure if that helps. My experience. K390 = Edge Stability. LC200 outside of corrosion resistance = back to sharp quick!

Considering I only have the two basic sharpmaker stones, that may have made decision a bit easier.

[adv23]

I just purchased an LC Salt 2 Wharncliffe from Rivers Edge Cutlery and couldn't be happier with it.
Already have a Delica 4 in M390. I do like the Wharncliffe shape better.