Back to the basics: Delica 4 FRN

[bk400]

So forty or fifty Spyderco knives later...and I find myself gravitating back to a remake of the classic Delica (the Delica 3 was my first Spyderco). I think it boils down to this: if I don't know why I'll be needing a knife when I decide to carry one on my body, I find myself choosing the D4 FRN. Combination of light weight, grippiness (unlike most others, I prefer the squishiness that an FRN handle provides; I think it improves grip), and versatility makes it such a winner. Yes, if I know I'm on a boat, maybe I'll take one of my Salts, and if I know I'll be breaking down cardboard, I'll take a Spyderco hawkbill -- but most of the time, I don't know whether or why I'll need the knife (foodprep, boxes, water, etc.), in which case D4 FRN is a jack of all trades. Anyone else feel the same way?

[camvdcs]

I've been carrying a Delica for about 20 + years. I'm still carrying the early FRN model with the molded clip. I don't wear it clipped to my pants. I just leave it in my pocket. The molded clip is easier on the pockets. I have a plain version and a combo version that I switch off on. I still buy new Spydercos but keep them as collector items. The Delica is just a great all-round knife. I think that's why Spyderco is still producing them. :spyder:

[gordonk]

I'm pretty well the same. My standard carry is typically a Delica of some sort. The last little while it's a G-10/PE one. One of my "beaters" for reno work is a D4/CE. I tend to carry multiples depending on what I'm planning to do as well. My regular carry is my Delica/UKPK/Dragonfly and a small SAK. If I require a larger blade, it's typically an E3/CE and/or a Pacific Salt SE or Tasman Salt/SE. I have a lot of "others' that do get used, including Byrds, but a Delica has pretty well always been there:-)

[spydutch]

Same with me actually :)

I only change my Delica(3 or4)SE for my Milie when I'm rebellious in the head and don't care for NKP(which isn't that often I'm afraid :o )

[CTfam]

Greetings, The Delica is a great knife. I just got it and it was my first :spyder: . Perfect EDC blade. We'll see if it gets as much pocket time when I pick up a Caly3. :)

[fredswartz]

I had one of these seemingly "drop from the sky" several days ago. I at first got an email from a vendor with the order no., etc. etc. and it scared me a little as I haven't ordered anything from this vendor in a year or more. No one in the family knows enough about knives or where to get them to have ordered it. It came 2 days later and I love it. I haven't had a Delica for a long time. A computer glitch?? No new charges have been added to my credit card. If only it had been a Sage or a Para.

[Axlis]

Totally with you on the D4, it is such a great knife. I carry my pink D4 and my FG D4 all the time, and they have never fallen short.

[bk400]

I'm pretty well the same. My standard carry is typically a Delica of some sort. The last little while it's a G-10/PE one. One of my "beaters" for reno work is a D4/CE. I tend to carry multiples depending on what I'm planning to do as well. My regular carry is my Delica/UKPK/Dragonfly and a small SAK. If I require a larger blade, it's typically an E3/CE and/or a Pacific Salt SE or Tasman Salt/SE. I have a lot of "others' that do get used, including Byrds, but a Delica has pretty well always been there:-)

What do you think of the G10 version? I carried that one for awhile (great knife), but I find that for me the supposed performance benefits of the sturdier construction and flat grind are not enough to make up for the extra weight.

[bk400]

Same with me actually :)

I only change my Delica(3 or4)SE for my Milie when I'm rebellious in the head and don't care for NKP(which isn't that often I'm afraid :o )

Yes, the NKP factor definitely influences my EDC choice as well. I usually carry a D4/PE instead of the D4/SE for this exact reason. Not sure exactly why the SE provokes more sideways glances, but it does. The performance benefits of the SE just aren't worth it when you can't use the knife in the public without being seen (unjustifiably) as some sort of psychopath.

In any event, I find that the D4/PE does basically everything I need it to do (though I may need to put in a bit more effort for certain tasks than I would have had I been carrying something more specialized or less NKP friendly).

[spydutch]

Yes, the NKP factor definitely influences my EDC choice as well. I usually carry a D4/PE instead of the D4/SE for this exact reason. Not sure exactly why the SE provokes more sideways glances, but it does. The performance benefits of the SE just aren't worth it when you can't use the knife in the public without being seen (unjustifiably) as some sort of psychopath.

In any event, I find that the D4/PE does basically everything I need it to do (though I may need to put in a bit more effort for certain tasks than I would have had I been carrying something more specialized or less NKP friendly).

This is where I draw the line for NKP friendlyness

I'm willing to use a smaller blade in public but NOBODY is going to make me use a PE blade when I don't want to. Not even the NKP's

[gordonk]

What do you think of the G10 version? I carried that one for awhile (great knife), but I find that for me the supposed performance benefits of the sturdier construction and flat grind are not enough to make up for the extra weight.

Nor the difference in cost:-) I don't the find the difference in weight to be an issue. Yes, it's a bit more noticeable, especially with something like dress pants or close (I'm an Business Analyst), but not to the point where it's annoying. My normal carry for mine is left along with a UKPK and a small SAK. I haven't pushed it as hard as one of my other D4's (it's a CE one), so I can't really give you an honest evaluation from the performance standpoint. I found that it is a classier folder comparitively speaking - a little away from utilitarian aspect. I don't regret getting it, by any stretch, but I found it just a little high priced - especially up here. Interestingly, though, it's been in my pocket full time since I got it:-)

[MLR]

So forty or fifty Spyderco knives later...and I find myself gravitating back to a remake of the classic Delica .... Anyone else feel the same way?

Right on. I've owned thousands of $$ of Spydies and they've all come and gone but two: a very special blue ZDP198 D4 and a para.

[JustAnEDC'er]

I was just in Gander MTN the other day looking at knives and saw they had a delica in one of the cases. I asked to see it and I was very surprised - I thought that it would have a very similar feel to my Native but man was I wrong - the thing felt so solid with the full liners... I had been looking at much more expensive knives but the delica seemed to give off a sense of quality that was missing from my considerably flimsier-feeling native, although to be fair my current native isnt as good as my last one - Since I bought it the lockbar has always locked up way crookedly with the blade. But all in all I was really impressed with the plain old black FRN D4.

oh, and p.s. my buddy bought an Endura like 5 minutes after looking at the delica

[MountainManJim]

I just got my first Delica 4 a couple of days ago. It's my understanding that the Delica is one of :spyder: 's best selling models and I can see why. The knife seems to have a great balance between cost and performance.

The D4 has an incredible amount of great design features:

Nested SS liners
4 way clip
Screwed construction with 4 screws for the scales. It’s built tough.
Blade designed for tough use
FRN handles that are molded with several features to enhance grip and control. There was a lot of thought that went into this mold. No fancy cosmetic elements here. This is form, following function yielding a beautiful result.

Plus you get this all at an affordable price, being made in Japan (for this price it’s surprising) , several blade configurations and two blade steels. And, color! Let's not forget all of the colors the FRN has come in.

It's the model that keeps on giving. In fact, I'm currently trying to decide if I like the D4 or the Caly 3 better. Yep, it’s really that good. If had a more definite choil and low ride clip, it would be perfect.

As for size, I think 3 in. is perfect for everyday. When I carry a larger blade I feel I need to also carry a smaller blade. The small blade is for finer tasks and for use around NKP. Less than 3 in. and I feel under equipped. So, 3 in. allows me to carry just one knife when the situation calls for it. (But, really when do any of us carry just one knife :cool :) .

Jim

[StangBang]

What do you think of the G10 version? I carried that one for awhile (great knife), but I find that for me the supposed performance benefits of the sturdier construction and flat grind are not enough to make up for the extra weight.

Even though I am relatively new to the wonderful world of spyderco, I have acquired a few over the past couple of months. I must admit my absolute favorite knife I have ever carried is definitely the G10 FFG D4! There is just something about it that i gravitate to when choosing which knife to carry for the day. :D

For me I personally like how it weighs a little more, the ss liners to me look good and the weight makes the knife feel more sturdy to me. The G10 is awesome and I love the grip of it. Not to mention it has given me a newfound love for foliage green :) The full flat grind on the knife makes it just that much better in my opinion! :cool:

[THG]

It's the model that keeps on giving. In fact, I'm currently trying to decide if I like the D4 or the Caly 3 better. Yep, it’s really that good. If had a more definite choil and low ride clip, it would be perfect.

Noooooo, NO choil!



Wire clip would be... different. I guess I'm indifferent to the clip type, as long as it's not super high-ride.

The handle is the only thing that could use some work. The curve-outs for the fingers could be placed better (I realize this is a problem for some, but personally, I don't feel them when I have my hand closed over the knife).