In search of wisdom: Delica/Endura

[Tracer]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forums and to spyderco, I can't help but be impressed by all I've read and heard and especially the amazing photo's found here.

I'm sure this question may have been asked before; I have tried the search function but haven't been able to find any information that would lead me to a valid conclusion.

As I said; I'm a newbie so please bear with me. I've been saving for months for my first Spydie. I work in an office environment and am in search of a good EDC knife that is easily concealable.

I love the Delica and Endura designs, I plan to eventually own a collection so my question is unique in that it isn't a "which knife r best?" scenario but rather which one do I purchase first?

I've tried searching the net to find pics that will give me an idea of size and scale as I don't want to purchase a too large knife in terms of concealable, or a too small one either as I make choose to carry as a last ditch SD option. So far I still do not have an accurate picture in my mind and so cannot come to a conclusion.

Spydies don't come cheap here as we have to import them, so I'll have a years wait in-between purchases. I like the delica but am not sure it's big enough, I also like the endura but am not sure how large it is. In all fairness I suppose it doesn't matter, but in terms of a years worth of undivided attention which knife is more deserving?

Any advice or feedback is most welcome,

Thanks for your time, I can't wait till I'm part of the spyderco club,

Tracer

[ozspyder]

Hi Tracer,

Firstly welcome :) No better place to be than here IMHO.

If you can get to a knife store then go handle a few Spyderco's. Otherwise the Native is a good starting point for a multi-purpose knife. The one that got me started :)

Cheers
Dan

[The Deacon]

One of the members here, Ted van der Voorde, had been kind enough to set up a website which is an fantastic resource for those of us who love Spydercos. One of the things it allows is for you to view any Spyderco model in acutal size. As long as you own a ruler and know how to use it, the size comes out dead on. The Endura and Delica show are the older versions, but I they're the same size as the current ones.

[Tracer]

Thanks Datan, I do like the look of the native and the price is in the same range. If you could get hold of a Native I would you purchase it?

I'm afriad comming across a spydie in a store in SA is so rare, especially where I live. I asked them to order both models so I can choose, but they want to wack me with a hefty fee.

Thanks for site reference Deacon, will certainly check it out.

I forgot to mention in my first post, waved or not? Perhaps a "ghetto wave" is the way to go right now.

Thanks a ton for your help guys

T

[The Deacon]

I forgot to mention in my first post, waved or not? Perhaps a "ghetto wave" is the way to go right now.
T

Zip tie wave is not a bad idea. I'd don't carry for SD, so you may want to keep that in mind when reading my opinions on this. That said, I think unless you plan on carrying the knife exclusively for SD, a waved knife can be a nuisance. It increases wear and tear on your pocket, requires practice in order to insure reliable locking, and, at those moments where a bit of consideration for the sensibilities of others is advisable, requires one to think more when attempting to draw the knife without opening it.

[dalefuller]

Hi Tracer...

Welcome to the forum. I've carried several models of Delicas for a couple of years now and I've never found anything they can't do. I work in an office/warehouse setting and the D3s & D4s that I carry have performed well in both environments. I've even carried it into the woods on camping/hiking trips, although I also carry a Para-Millie or an 83mm Manix when I'm out there.

I don't have any use for a 4"-bladed folder, so I don't bother with models like the Endura or Military. If I need a blade that long, I'll carry a FB.

Many people here started with Natives. I have several. Still, my first Spyderco... and still my first choice for a "one and only"... is the VG10 Delica 4. They're just so **** useful and they don't seem to bother anyone.

And I do like the nested liners. Linerless knives like Calypso Jrs and Natives aren't really my cup of tea. I prefer knives that are somewhat overbuilt, a little weighty and stiff, and have a solid feel to them. 'Course, I started out carrying a Buck 112, so anything Spyderco makes is lighter and thinner to me.

[spyderdog]

Welcome to the forum.

I think the delica would be an all around great knife to start with. It's not too small, and not too big. If you're wanting to carry in the office, the Endura is rather large. This generation of Delicas is solid. With the added liners and an extended handle it now has, you can't go wrong

[ozspyder]

Hi Tracer,

I have dismantled my black FRN handle Delica 4 so I cannot do a comparison pic for you but here is something I prepared earlier :cool:

Pink Delica 4 cf. black Native III - both with VG10 and in PE.





Broader blade of the Native III helps in tougher cutting jobs. However some people do not like the fore finger choil of the Native. The slightly longer handle of the Delica 4 helps people with larger hands to get more grip on it if they prefer a longer handle. The fatter handle of the Native also helps in that respect but some just don't like it. The thickness of the Delica is comparable to the Native I.



The Endura is pretty much a larger version of the Delica....longer balde, longer handle.

You can't go wrong with any choice between the Native, Delica or Endura. If only choosing Delica or Endura I would go for the Delica as a first :spyder:

Sorry I don't have a Delica cf. Endura pic. Someone else will though, else as The Deacon says Ted's site is excellent for comparisons.

Cheers
Dan

[Murdoc]

If it will not be too late then, I'll take some pics for you later this day as I own all models in question by now.

But I can already say that I would definitely go for the Delica 4, for all the reasons already mentioned.

In my opinion, It is THE "first" :spyder: and features all that IS Spyderco right now.

The Native is a very nice knife, too, but the design and the configuration of the D4 is just more sophisticated. (liners, all-screw-construction etc)

As for the wave feature, I will include one in the pics, it was MY first Spyderco. It is a very cool feature and if you get used to how it works, you can decide if you want to use it when deploying the knife or not.
When my collection started to grow, I first missed this feature in the other knives. By now, I've come over it :rolleyes: , but once you get used to it, you don't wanna miss it.
The looks of it are a different thing. I kinda like it in the D4W, but am not that sure about the E4W. Perhaps because I don't own one :-)



Oh, and of course:

Welcome to this forum :) !

Dennis

[bh49]

Hi Tracer,
Welcome to the Forum. Enjoy your stay here.
Regarding first :spyder: , I always prefer Native to Delica. I have two Delicas:
SS SE Delica4 and Blue ZDP Delica4. None of the see any use lately, but I am using my Native regularly, when I am working around house, also I carry it on my 5-6 miles walks and I am very happy about this knife. Great ergos and S30V hold edge great.
You need to handle the knife, if you can.
good luck.

Hi all,

Spydies don't come cheap here as we have to import them, so I'll have a years wait in-between purchases.

Tracer

I saw couple guys from South Africa here and on Spyderco section of Bladeforums. You can ask them how they buy :spyder: :locally or on-line.
On-line can be much less expensive, but you have to pay customs and much more difficult to return, if you need.

[Murdoc]

Ok, as promised earlier today, here are the pics.

Native I Black
Endura 4 ZDP-189
Delica 4 Wave
Delica 2 SS
SAK
aluminium ruler ;-)









And here the three most important knives in one pic next to each other:




Hope that helps!

Dennis

[Brad S.]

Well, I suppose I'll throw my 2 cents in.

I as well own all three of the knives in question. Love each one of them, for me it really comes down to the Delica and the Native. I find the Endura to large for EDC and it just doesnt fit my hand all that well.

So I'll focus on the Delica and Native.
If I were in your shoes I would question, how I am I going to use this, how long will it really be before I can get another Spyderco. But my biggest question is can I rebuild it.

The Native, is a sweet knife. Great ergos, can take a beating, great steel. However being liner less makes me question how much it can take. I have never had any problems with it, but if I did, Spyderco factory isn’t that far from me. Lets say (god forbid) you do some prying with the knife. The native may end with some blade play. That is something you cant fix on the native. As well lets hope the blade survived (just don’t pry and we wont worry bout that). So the Native cant be rebuilt. As well it can only be carried tip up. Not a problem, but you may find you like tip down better, or you may be indifferent.

So the Delica. Again Great ergos, can take a beating, great steel.
However it has the liner going on, making it feel like a slightly heftier knife. A little more solid in the hand (in my opinion). As well the liner gives it much more resistance to flex. The steel is a little easier to sharpen, which I think is nice. The knife is as well completely rebuild able. Which is great when you get a bunch of dirt inside the knife. Or cut an orange and have juice all down inside. Just makes cleaning and keeping the knife in working order much easier. I love the fact that I can adjust the blade.
So lastly the knife can be carried tip up or tip down. Allowing you to make the choice. Or allowing you to experiment until you find what you like.

So all in all, if I were in you shoes. Delica would be my guy.
It must be noted that what I said about he Delica
is also true for the Endura. (just to large for my tastes)

Brad

[boxer93]

Tracer,
Welcome to the forum. I hope you enjoy your stay.
I'll echo the native as a great starter.
As a side note, if you're up for a scavenger hunt in S.A. let me know (PM me).
I could get you started on a few :spyder: s if the right one can be located there.
Chris

[A.P.F.]

Welcome, Tracer!

I would have to give the nod to the Native as well. It's pinned, frn (fiberglass reinforced nylon) construction ensures a solid knife that doesn't tend to loosen up, not that I have seen a Delica loosen up either. The S30V steel maintains an edge very well and for me, the grip on the Native is second to none. Throw in an attractive price and you have a winner. :)

[Sharpy_swe]

My vote is for the Delica 4 FRN plainedge, great knife and not to intimidating for most people.






Cara Cara G10
Delica 4 FRN
Delica 4 Foliage Green CE
Delica 4 Wave
Delica FRN
Dragonfly FRN SE
Cricket FRN






Delica 4 SS PE
Endura 4 SS PE

[jaislandboy]

wow great photos in this thread...
Delica4 for the office is as big as i'd go for EDC size.... I'm almost afraid to use it there ....might scare someone..... :p

[Zenith]

Good to see another South African on this forum.

Tracer, I am a student and got my first spyderco a Delica 4 SE for my 21st in March. I have used that knife every day and it is great! I also bought a Salt1 PE, but wish I went for the SE. These two knives I use everyday to make black cat peanut butter sandwiches. Cut ice packs open for a 'brannewyn en coke' and everything else a student does.

You can't go wrong with Spyderco!

Furthermore

Where in RSA do you live? Here is a shop in Sandton that might help you with some of your purchases. Sharp Edge Sharp Shooter: http://www.sharpedge.co.za

And I think this might also be of help http://www.ramrod.co.za.

http://www.kreatures.co.za also has some spyderco's.

Hope some of these help. Let us know what you decide on.

[sidecarr]

been carrying a delica and endura since the early 90 , lost my endura this year and brought a endure 4 , love these knives , I work in downtown chicago ,so I carry the delica (even though it illegal , 2" is max in chicago) ,on the weekends and when im off work I carry the endura , like the endura 4 and delica 4 better then the old style , also brought a native , but prefer the endura and delica , the endura gets a lot of comments due to it being a large knife the delica does a great job and gets less comments due to its smaller size , love both , the endura fits my hand better but im 6'6" 280 lbs so the delica would probably be ok for most

[Tracer]

After a weekend on downed internet I'm finally back at work and so surprised by the response my post received.
Thank you so much for all the information.

Zenith, nice to see a fellow contry man involved with Spyderco, thanks for the links, kreatures was the only one I knew of - will PM shortly.

Dan, thanks for those incredible photos, for some strange reason I now have a craving for a pink delica. The pics really did give me a very good idea on the size of the native in respect to the delica.

Dennis, thanks for your pics too, this def helped me understand the size differences, thanks for using the metric ruler - thats a wicked looking native.

Sharpy swe, thanks for the "in hand" pics, again just helped with the size thing. Although I do get the feeling you just wanted to make the rest of us a little jealous :)

Chris, PM inbound.

Thanks to all those who offered their opinions, I really value your input. Thanks for making me feel welcome.

I think I shall go for the delica 4 first, maybe in green FRN. Native is a close second.

Trust you guys had an excellent weekend, looking forward to sharing my first spydie with you at a later date.

Tracer

[drf]

I think it really comes down to personal preference. The delica and enura are both great knives. I carry either a PE or SE D4 everyday depending on my mood. I have tried carrying bigger knives to work and found that everytime I pull a knife with a blade longer than 3" out of my pocket people recoil in fear. The delica does everything I want a knife to do and doesn't scare my coworkers so that is my choice.