blade replacement for a G-2 aluminum Delica

[Raymond3]

Hi, My mother bought and used a Delica from about 1992 that has metal panels and a G-2 serrated blade. The blade appears too worn down to be resharpened, but the rest of the knife is in great shape.

Does anyone have a suggestion of how to get a new Delica blade? Or if it will even fit in one that is over 30 years old?

Thank you.

[yablanowitz]

A new blade will not fit. Besides which, the metal handled knives of that era were all pinned construction, making disassembly and reassembly challenging. It sounds like time to retire it.

[Raymond3]

A new blade will not fit. Besides which, the metal handled knives of that era were all pinned construction, making disassembly and reassembly challenging. It sounds like time to retire it.

I just saw that it is pinned. Thank you for pointing that out.

Maybe the only option for using it in the future would be sending it in to Spyderco to sharpen the serrations as well as they are able.

[vivi]

if the serrations are worn and dull, but there's still plenty of blade left, getting it sharpened should be trivial enough.

can you share photos?

[zhyla]

Yes let’s see a photo. I fear what we will see is someone sharpened the serrations as if it were a plain edge and they are gone.

Nothing lasts forever.

[Raymond3]

there you go. Please offer your thoughts.
Thank you.

[rycen]

That’s a nice old C01 Worker tufram coated aluminum. Looks as though it needs more than just a sharpening. Might need to send it in so it can be inspected.

[yablanowitz]

Yep, Tufram Worker, not Delica. For what it's worth, I've restored serrations more worn than that on the SharpMaker. I'm sure Spyderco can sharpen it for you if you don't want to try it yourself.

[RustyIron]

+1 for sending it to Spyderco, if you don't want to tackle it yourself. The blade doesn't look all that bad.

If you're the sort who does like to tackle things, you could probably spiffy the knife up without much effort. The clip could be given a nice brushed or matte finish really easily. The blade would take a little more effort, but could be given the same treatment. The handle would be more difficult because it's all riveted together, but wouldn't be impossible if you take care.

Regardless of how much "pretty" you whip onto it, there's no reason it can't be sharpened and given a whole new life.

[vivi]

that blade could keep on kicking for a few more decades. that could be brought back to like new sharpness in 25-45 minutes with a sharpmaker and diamond rods based on what I see in the photos.

I'd recommend sending it in to spyderco for a sharpening, since I'm guessing you're not too experienced with sharpening serrations yourself. Then treat yourself to an official sharpmaker, and the included rods will be enough to maintain the restored blade.

just be careful with it! knives with history like that would be painful to lose.

viewtopic.php?t=84544 - there's a thread with tips for sharpening serrations to get you started if you follow the route I suggested.

good luck!

[Raymond3]

Thank you everyone. I am quite encouraged. Did not know about the Tufram Worker model at all.

As far as sharpening goes, I am very skilled with plain edges, but have just never done serrated, other than a quick touch up. So, this seems like it might be a good candidate to do some learning.

Thank you Vivi for the link on serration sharpening.

wishing everyone a good week.

[Evil D]

That edge can definitely be brought back.

Pinned construction does complicate doing a blade swap, but the bigger problem will be whether or not a newer blade will work with the older lock bar, and it's even more questionable if you could also swap the lock bar too.

But really I would try to restore it. There's a lot of history on that blade, and even if it can't be brought back I'd rather leave it as a keepsake. If a blade swap is even possible it will cost you more than a new knife would so if you just want a new usable knife just get a new one. "It's only original once".

[zhyla]

That can definitely be restored. I’m not 100% sure sending it to Spyderco is the best option. They’ll put an edge on it. I can’t exactly tell from the photo but I think it may need some deepening of the serrations which I would not expect Spyderco to necessarily do.

[Raymond3]

That edge can definitely be brought back.

Pinned construction does complicate doing a blade swap, but the bigger problem will be whether or not a newer blade will work with the older lock bar, and it's even more questionable if you could also swap the lock bar too.

But really I would try to restore it. There's a lot of history on that blade, and even if it can't be brought back I'd rather leave it as a keepsake. If a blade swap is even possible it will cost you more than a new knife would so if you just want a new usable knife just get a new one. "It's only original once".

Hi David,

Spyderco wrote back in response to my question about doing a blade replacement with a new Delica blade. They said that a new blade would not fit in this knife. So, blade swap is out of the question.

[JoviAl]

That edge can definitely be brought back.

Pinned construction does complicate doing a blade swap, but the bigger problem will be whether or not a newer blade will work with the older lock bar, and it's even more questionable if you could also swap the lock bar too.

But really I would try to restore it. There's a lot of history on that blade, and even if it can't be brought back I'd rather leave it as a keepsake. If a blade swap is even possible it will cost you more than a new knife would so if you just want a new usable knife just get a new one. "It's only original once".

Hi David,

Spyderco wrote back in response to my question about doing a blade replacement with a new Delica blade. They said that a new blade would not fit in this knife. So, blade swap is out of the question.

There are custom makers out there that could make you a new blade and likely install it and re-pin it all, but you’re looking at wads of cash for the privilege and that blade has oodles of life left in it. I love the patina on the knife and clip too, what a delight to own!

[Raymond3]

I am a Delica fan. When I first saw and held this knife, I thought that it was an early version of the Delica series. I did not know about the Worker model, that is why I thought that the blade had been so very ground down.

But the Worker model had a shorter and more narrow blade design from the beginning. So, I am now very hopeful that this family heirloom can be resharpened. The action is nice and tight with nice snap, and the blade is centered and rock solid.

Thank you everyone for their input.

[StuntZombie]

Shoot, that thing might be better than new once Spyderco is done. The tip being broken means it'll likely be a bit less fragile after they resharpen it.

[Raymond3]

Hi Chris,

Actually, the tip is not broken, just dull and used from work in the garden. It looks broken when compared to the Delicas, but the Worker model came with a shorter blade and pointy point. So, there won't be any problem bringing back the tip. Just some patience and elbow grease. (I only use stones, no motors when sharpening.)
Ray