Delica 4 Impressons By A Spyderco Newbie

[JaseRicco]

I own quite a few...16 I guess... and they keep coming. The price is a “non issue” for me as long as the built quality is there. I only wish Sal would try to implement the new improved back lock into the Delica/Endura line. I hate when they start to develop vertical blade play in use.

16 Delica’s?? Or 16 Spyderco’s general? Either way, very nice!! When you say “new improved back lock” what do you mean? Forgive my ignorance but I just assumed a back lock is a back lock, I didn’t realize there was an upgraded version of some sort. Can you give me the name of a few Spyderco’s that have better back locks?

[elena86]

I own quite a few...16 I guess... and they keep coming. The price is a “non issue” for me as long as the built quality is there. I only wish Sal would try to implement the new improved back lock into the Delica/Endura line. I hate when they start to develop vertical blade play in use.

16 Delica’s?? Or 16 Spyderco’s general? Either way, very nice!! When you say “new improved back lock” what do you mean? Forgive my ignorance but I just assumed a back lock is a back lock, I didn’t realize there was an upgraded version of some sort. Can you give me the name of a few Spyderco’s that have better back locks?

I own 16 Delicas(different flavors) and more than 160 Spydies :D Better back locks you ask ... Manix2 BL and Chaparral to give just a few examples from different factories.

[JaseRicco]

I own quite a few...16 I guess... and they keep coming. The price is a “non issue” for me as long as the built quality is there. I only wish Sal would try to implement the new improved back lock into the Delica/Endura line. I hate when they start to develop vertical blade play in use.

16 Delica’s?? Or 16 Spyderco’s general? Either way, very nice!! When you say “new improved back lock” what do you mean? Forgive my ignorance but I just assumed a back lock is a back lock, I didn’t realize there was an upgraded version of some sort. Can you give me the name of a few Spyderco’s that have better back locks?

I own 16 Delicas(different flavors) and more than 160 Spydies :D Better back locks you ask ... Manix2 BL and Chaparral to give just a few examples from different factories.

Wow, that is impressive!!

So it looks like the Manix 2 has a ball bearing lock which is a completely different mechanism. The Chaparral does in fact use a standard back lock, could you tell me how the back lock on the Chaparrl is superior to that on the Delica 4? Please don’t take the question as anything other than the fact that I am just being inquisitive. As I am new to SpydercoI enjoy learning everything about their knives from top to bottom.

[mjdragonfly]

So it looks like the Manix 2 has a ball bearing lock which is a completely different mechanism.

The manix 2 is also available with a backlock, a special version inspired by the original Manix which also has a backlock. The Manix 2 backlock #C101MBGP2 is a most impressive knife with extra thick G10 scales linerless with steel helical inserts for the clip screws in tip up or down left or right carry. A thicker than standard blade with the largest pivot in the series and a large backlock. The fit and finish are to the highest Spyderco standards. You need to find one and hold it and you will immediately understand.

https://youtu.be/vMUcdhRWHxQ

[JaseRicco]

The manix 2 is also available with a backlock, a special version inspired by the original Manix which also has a backlock. The Manix 2 backlock #C101MBGP2 is a most impressive knife with extra thick G10 scales linerless with steel helical inserts for the clip screws in tip up or down left or right carry. A thicker than standard blade with the largest pivot in the series and a large backlock. The fit and finish are to the highest Spyderco standards. You need to find one and hold it and you will immediately understand.
https://youtu.be/vMUcdhRWHxQ

It very well be an amazing knife, it certainly looks it, but the question is in regards to back locks themselves. I am curious how a back lock on one knife can be better than a back lock on another knife.

[PStone]

It very well be an amazing knife, it certainly looks it, but the question is in regards to back locks themselves. I am curious how a back lock on one knife can be better than a back lock on another knife.

The design of the blade’s tang, the size of the lock bar and cam, the depth of the lock latch, and strength of the lock spring all can affect one back lock to another. I happen to prefer spyderco backlocks to buck backlocks for example.

[mjdragonfly]

The larger blade/pivot and lock yield impressive strength. So far as I know and believe the backlock is one of the strongest know lock types there are. There may be a stronger lock design today, the triad lock but I am under the impression that the Manix 2 backlock is currently the strongest Spyderco lock. No need to fear second best. Below is a good short video on the triad lock.

https://youtu.be/9YFsS6hwqfQ

[Sharp Guy]

As long as we're discussing back locks let's not forget about the refined back lock on the Native 5.

See Sal's comment in the thread below.

http://www.spyderco.com/forumII/viewtop ... k#p1022831

[JaseRicco]

As long as we're discussing back locks let's not forget about the refined back lock on the Native 5.

See Sal's comment in the thread below.

http://www.spyderco.com/forumII/viewtop ... k#p1022831

Well it certainly looks like there is a difference between one lock back and another. So if there is such a thing as a refined lock back then I second elena86’s wish.

[mjdragonfly]

All this bodes well for more and even better back locks. I think that with the Chaparral having such a thin blade that may explain the need for the lock refinement to make it work more smoothly and securely. This type of exercise is great and helps to improve other models which having crept up in price over the years and which could stand some quality improvements like the Delica and Endura for example. Once you know how to do something better it usually dose not cost much to implement the same adjustments into other models. I thought Nick caught most of the key points on the Chaparral in his review. Also I have included for a second time a link to a good description of the triad lock.

https://youtu.be/qnld9_UB1dI

Triad lock Description
https://youtu.be/9YFsS6hwqfQ

[BigCanadian]

Regarding the price increase:
With China having a recent industrial boom, they have put a giant demand on the world's steel supply, therefore, steel prices have gone up world wide.

Personally, I wish the pocket clip was not black, as the coating is coming off of the edges of mine, simply from the friction of cotton. I will be stripping, and polishing it.

Being a backlock, I'm not sure that Spyderco intended anything other than the thumb to be used for one hand opening.

I was impressed with the lockup of the D4, then I bought a Manix 2 Backlock. The D4 is still good, but the Manix lock is like closing a bank vault door, with an unbelievable heavy and solid feel. The only way to understand, is to have both in your hands.

I would love to see a standard production of the D4 in S30V. I don't understand why Sal and Eric don't do this, because the majority of models have an S30V option.

[Sjucaveman]

Regarding the price increase:
With China having a recent industrial boom, they have put a giant demand on the world's steel supply, therefore, steel prices have gone up world wide.

Personally, I wish the pocket clip was not black, as the coating is coming off of the edges of mine, simply from the friction of cotton. I will be stripping, and polishing it.

Being a backlock, I'm not sure that Spyderco intended anything other than the thumb to be used for one hand opening.

I was impressed with the lockup of the D4, then I bought a Manix 2 Backlock. The D4 is still good, but the Manix lock is like closing a bank vault door, with an unbelievable heavy and solid feel. The only way to understand, is to have both in your hands.

I would love to see a standard production of the D4 in S30V. I don't understand why Sal and Eric don't do this, because the majority of models have an S30V option.

The closest I've seen is the cutlery shoppe exclusive wharncliffe in s30v

[BigCanadian]

Regarding the price increase:
With China having a recent industrial boom, they have put a giant demand on the world's steel supply, therefore, steel prices have gone up world wide.

Personally, I wish the pocket clip was not black, as the coating is coming off of the edges of mine, simply from the friction of cotton. I will be stripping, and polishing it.

Being a backlock, I'm not sure that Spyderco intended anything other than the thumb to be used for one hand opening.

I was impressed with the lockup of the D4, then I bought a Manix 2 Backlock. The D4 is still good, but the Manix lock is like closing a bank vault door, with an unbelievable heavy and solid feel. The only way to understand, is to have both in your hands.

I would love to see a standard production of the D4 in S30V. I don't understand why Sal and Eric don't do this, because the majority of models have an S30V option.

The closest I've seen is the cutlery shoppe exclusive wharncliffe in s30v

There was a Sprint run, and only two USA dealers have them left in stock, and they won't ship to Canada. There are no Wharncliffes in Canada, either, and I'm not interested in a straight edge. Thanks :)

[JaseRicco]

Personally, I wish the pocket clip was not black, as the coating is coming off of the edges of mine, simply from the friction of cotton. I will be stripping, and polishing it.

Being a backlock, I'm not sure that Spyderco intended anything other than the thumb to be used for one hand opening.

I was impressed with the lockup of the D4, then I bought a Manix 2 Backlock. The D4 is still good, but the Manix lock is like closing a bank vault door, with an unbelievable heavy and solid feel. The only way to understand, is to have both in your hands.

I would love to see a standard production of the D4 in S30V. I don't understand why Sal and Eric don't do this, because the majority of models have an S30V option.

I happen to like the black clip, living in NJ I feel that the black clip helps the knife blend in more, but I hear you on the wearing of the coating, that would bug me. When the coating starts to wear on mine not sure if I will strip it as you are going to do, or try to re-paint somehow.

Spyderco may not have intended for the Delica 4 to be opened with any finger other than the thumb, but that doesn’t stop the fact that it can be.

The only Delica I have seen in S30V is the Delica 4 Wharncliffe S30V Exclusive from CutleryShoppe, and according to their description, this was specifically requested by CS. So it looks like they agree with you, as I’m sure others would as well.

[BigCanadian]

Personally, I wish the pocket clip was not black, as the coating is coming off of the edges of mine, simply from the friction of cotton. I will be stripping, and polishing it.

Being a backlock, I'm not sure that Spyderco intended anything other than the thumb to be used for one hand opening.

I was impressed with the lockup of the D4, then I bought a Manix 2 Backlock. The D4 is still good, but the Manix lock is like closing a bank vault door, with an unbelievable heavy and solid feel. The only way to understand, is to have both in your hands.

I would love to see a standard production of the D4 in S30V. I don't understand why Sal and Eric don't do this, because the majority of models have an S30V option.

Spyderco may not have intended for the Delica 4 to be opened with any finger other than the thumb, but that doesn’t stop the fact that it can be.

So then, it's your voluntary choice to break your fingernail

[JaseRicco]

Personally, I wish the pocket clip was not black, as the coating is coming off of the edges of mine, simply from the friction of cotton. I will be stripping, and polishing it.

Being a backlock, I'm not sure that Spyderco intended anything other than the thumb to be used for one hand opening.

I was impressed with the lockup of the D4, then I bought a Manix 2 Backlock. The D4 is still good, but the Manix lock is like closing a bank vault door, with an unbelievable heavy and solid feel. The only way to understand, is to have both in your hands.

I would love to see a standard production of the D4 in S30V. I don't understand why Sal and Eric don't do this, because the majority of models have an S30V option.

Spyderco may not have intended for the Delica 4 to be opened with any finger other than the thumb, but that doesn’t stop the fact that it can be.

So then, it's your voluntary choice to break your fingernail

Haha...

In all seriousness, the Delica 4 flicks with ease in all ways.

[ThePeacent]

. There may be a stronger lock design today, the triad lock but I am under the impression that the Manix 2 backlock is currently the strongest Spyderco lock.

https://youtu.be/9YFsS6hwqfQ

I thought the strongest lock from Spyderco was the Powerlock, which also is a type of back-lock? :confused:

[mjdragonfly]

. There may be a stronger lock design today, the triad lock but I am under the impression that the Manix 2 backlock is currently the strongest Spyderco lock.

https://youtu.be/9YFsS6hwqfQ

I thought the strongest lock from Spyderco was the Powerlock, which also is a type of back-lock? :confused:

Perhaps you are right? I remember reading somewhere they were working on lock designs to get around patents. I am not up on all of this just starting to learn. Never the less a large backlock is a very strong lock.
Prior to buying my first Spyderco knife this year most of the knives I own were back lock. When I started I had a liner lock on a cheap knife fail and I got a serious cut. Someone told me the liner lock was the strongest kind and I never bought anything else after that though I have been given the odd knife with mostly liner locks. I tend to give them away.

[Kevhead]

Another reason to like the Delica4 ...Hickok45 carries one daily. I just saw his video on it...kinda cool.

[JaseRicco]

Another reason to like the Delica4 ...Hickok45 carries one daily. I just saw his video on it...kinda cool.

Yes, this was one of the video reviews I watched before purchasing the Delica 4.