The one and only "Who wants a D/E3 sprint run" a.k.a. "Bring back the D/E3" thread

[TK]

Hello,

after a long time of D/E4 edc I must admit, that I am a little bit disappointed with its performance. When I compare the D/E4 blade to the D/E3 I have made the following observations:

D/E4:

» blade is a bad slicer, blade cuts like a wedge
» after taking apart it is very difficult to reassemble
» spacer is the weakest part of the knife, notches can get broken
» too many parts
» dirt, water, humidity can get trapped between scales and liners

D/E3:

» blade is a good slicer
» few parts
» easily cleaned
» pointy tip

Comparison:

» slimmer handle on D/E3, less weight, carries easier
» better blade shape, cuts better, pointy tip on D/E3
» few party that can break

I have not heard of a broken D/E3 yet. The D/E3 carries easier, has a better blade shape and the overall performances are better IMO.

Who wants the D/E3 back, or at least a sprint run? Should be no problem IMO, cause tools should be available. Hardware can be used from the Salts. Sal, please do a D/E3 sprint run.

Thomas

[Jazz]

I really like the D/E4's design. I also really like the old design. I like the point on the new ones, especially the Delica - there's still a good point there - very usefull, with that extra bit of curve at the tip I find myself wishing for on the D3. I'm thinking the only improvement on the D/E4's design would obviously be a higher flat grind like the old ones. I have a 15 degree edge on my D4 and it cuts quite nicely, but I do wish for a higher grind.

- best wishes, Jazz.

[Gollum]

I would like to see the D3 blade in a D4 handle Sprint Run.
Just can't give up the "Lego" aspect of the new generation.

[JBE]

I have owned at least 1 of each generation of FRN Delica/Endura including a D1 in 8A, E3 in ATS55, E3 in VG10, E4 and D4. While I have to agree with some of the points you made about the the third generation versus the 4th, you have to take into account some of the advantages that the newer generation has, including take-apart construction, jimping, adjustable pivot, 4-clip, etc. But I too miss the pointy tip and slim profile. For now the Salt series fits this bill for me as it incorporates the 3rd Gen. handles (plus the Salt line offers several improvements over the 3rd gen. models including titanium clip and rust-proof hardware - the only thing missing is the pointy tip). As far as handle design/shape, IMO, the first gen had the best ergo's.

I don't see where the 3rd gen. design would offer enough advantages to bring back and a sprint run really wouldn't interest me all that much unless I could get a SE E3 with a dark blue or purple handle. :D

[malice4you]

I would like to see the D3 blade in a D4 handle Sprint Run.
Just can't give up the "Lego" aspect of the new generation.

that is exactly what I'd like. I'm not a fan of the D3 handles, but the D3 blade I love. When I got my E4, the tip of the blade pissed me off. Some places still had generic photos of an older endura and I was expecting that - the slightly rounded tip just ruined the look of the entire knife for me. I'd consider having the knife reground, and I was thinking of doing the reshaping of the blade myself.

If there were a D3+4 or E3+4 spirit run, I'd love to get a couple.

Does anyone know if the blades would be interchangable between the 3 and 4 series - i.e. would holes/locks/etc line up?

[araneae]

I do like the D4 a lot, but sometimes you just need a pointy tip. That's when I miss the D3. I am not sure that they would bring the D3 back to production, but maybe a sprint run would be nice. What I would really find appealing is offering different blade shapes for the D4. Kind of like the Centofante 3/4. Other companies sell their knives in multiple blade configurations so it must be profitable.

[Capt. Carl]

I much prefer the D3 setup over the D4. I just don't like the d4's grind and the tip. The handle on the D3 fits my hand like a glove whereas the fourth one doesn't feel that comfortable at all. I also like the linerless quality of the third one.

[spydutch]

.....and I thought I was the only one :confused: :)

D/E 3 All the way. Better ergo's, blade and most important serrations(only wish they were to the very tip like on the Gen1 series)

I can get the serrations of my D3 way more sharper than my D4

[Mr.S]

I would prefer a sprint run Delica I, that was a great knife. But a sprint run IIIer ist also good.
The Delica IV is very good, but i think the Delica need no steel liners! I like the leightweight construction of the older models.... :D

[drf]

I for one prefer the D4. If I want a lighter linerless knife I just grab my Salt 1. The lack of a pointy tip doesn't bother me.

[Mr Blonde]

I prefer the D4, but will agree that the pointier tip and thinner edge on the D3were better. I see the D4 as a general utility folder I don't have to be careful with. For that role, I welcome the thicker tip and edge. Still, the tip and edge don't bother me that much. For a 'real afi folder' I take out a Caly, Millie or Chinese Folder, much thinner tip and edge. I see the Caly III as the 'afi-version' of the D4.


Compared to the D3, the D4 has a lot more to offer that I like better:
- overall better ergos
- steel liners
- 4-way clip options
- more low-profile clip
- jimping behind the hole
- colored handles
- steel options
- optional wave
- all screw construction for both adjusting the action or complete disassembly for cleaning or swapping parts. (if re-assembly proves difficult, then do a search on these forums for tips, before you go ahead)



Wouter