Obtained an old Delica and I have a question (with pics)...

cobrahawk · #1

I'm brand new to the world of Spyderco but recently my girlfriend gave me a Delica that she found at her work. From the research I've done it seems like its a first generation Delica SE G-2 Blade steel, with FRN handle, molded clip, waffle grip pattern and lockback. My question is about the blade which is dull as dull can be. Also it seems like the previous owner either had a hard time sharpening the serrated edge or it was run over buy a lawn mower because the steel is severely scratched and pitted. I'm wondering if it's at all possible/worth it to get this thing re-ground to a sharp edge again. And if so where is a good place to have this done?

I've heard nothing but rave reviews about these knives and after owning this one for only a short time I've already bought myself a Caly 3 CF and a Ladybug for my girlfriend.

Thanks,
Matt

Uploaded a few pics of the knife.

The Deacon · #2

Spyderco would do a complimentary sharpening for you for the cost of return shipping ($5.00). If the knife has no other obvious problems I'd say it's worth having done. They'd probably get out most, if not all of those scratches too. Handle does not look beat, so I'm guessing someone with no skill tried sharpening it.

hoshyoto · #3

I'd have to agree with The Deacon. It looks almost exactly like one of my kitchen knives after my wife tried to hone it. She didn't understand the concept of the knife's edge. She thought the entire flat of the blade was the edge and ran the steel along the whole side leaving a scratched finish almost identical to the one in your photo.

Jeff

cobrahawk · #4

I didn't realize Spyderco did free sharpenings. Yet another reason to love this company. Thanks for the info!

rycen · #5

Looking at the pics I would say this is beyond a normal sharpening and needs a regrind at 25 bucks.

Murdoc · #6

I agree with rycen; this one needs a fair amount of work, not only a quick regrind...

(but that doen't necessarily mean the Spyderco will charge you the normal $25 for it; I've heard about people sending a completely shot knife in and got it back "like new", still only paying $5. That's how kind Spyderco is.)

...and if perspective doesn't play tricks on me, it seems that the blade is a little shorter than it was when new.

To be honest, if this knife doesn't have any sentimental value to one or both of you, maybe you simply should buy a gen4 SE Delica and leave this one as is. At least, in this condition it tells a story...

Murdoc

MANIXWORLD · #7

Sad but true,this is one that got hurt bad,and get a proper Spydie burial...sorry for your loss..

ChapmanPreferred · #8

Welcome to the forum!

I think it would be worth sending these pictures to Spyderco Warranty and Repair to see if they believe it is something that they can repair with a serration regrind which would cost $25 regrind fee+ $5 shipping fee for a total of $30.

If they believe the knife should be retired, then you might contact Tom Krein and for $35 fee + $10 shipping for a total of $45 you could have the blade reground and the serrations removed turning the knife into a plain edge knife.

I love saving old Spyderco's like the one you pictured above!

Doug

cobrahawk · #9

Thanks for all the suggestions folks! It would be easy for me to set this knife aside and just get a new Delica IV but I think I will send the pictures to Spyderco to see if it would be a simple regrind. I would hate to retire this knife because it's a great size, very lightweight EDC (can't even feel it in my pocket) and it just flicks out like butter. So smooth. The handle is nice and worn in. I don't know what year it was made or if there is a way to tell such a thing but I'm guessing around early to mid ninties. And I like the forest green FRN. But as I said it's really dull. I mean I can still cut things with it but it takes some effort. Plus, the blade just looks bad all scratched up like that in my opinion. I hate to see a Spyderco in such a state. :p

Murdoc · #10

Spyderco WILL take care of it, if you tell them to. I once sent in a beat up Police SE and it came back with new and crispy serrations, like new (I posted a lot of pics here).

Make sure to take pics when it comes back - and show them to us :)

Some before - after pics may be in order.

Dennis

The Deacon · #11

Murdoc wrote:Spyderco WILL take care of it, if you tell them to. I once sent in a beat up Police SE and it came back with new and crispy serrations, like new (I posted a lot of pics here).

Make sure to take pics when it comes back - and show them to us :)

Some before - after pics may be in order.

Dennis

I agree and, at least to me, the problems with that blade don't really look terribly severe. Yes, it's badly scratched, but there doesn't appear to be all that much wear on the serrations themselves. I think it should clean up pretty darn well and probably not cost more than the $5 return shipping fee.

Murdoc · #12

You may want to take a look at the before-after pics in the old thread I mentioned. As always, the good people at Spyderco did a fantastic job, and I expect nothing less from them when your Delica will "come home"!

Here's the pics

Dennis

cobrahawk · #13

Just sent the Delica off today to get re-serrated. Here are some before photos of the blade. Sorry these aren't very good quality. I only had my camera phone handy.

ChapmanPreferred · #14

Good for you! We will watch for your update when the knife is returned.

Best wishes,

Doug

Fred Sanford · #15

The Deacon wrote:Spyderco would do a complimentary sharpening for you for the cost of return shipping ($5.00). If the knife has no other obvious problems I'd say it's worth having done. They'd probably get out most, if not all of those scratches too. Handle does not look beat, so I'm guessing someone with no skill tried sharpening it.

I agree with Paul. Send that bad boy off to get sharpened and a nice spa treatment at the great Spyderco factory.

You could always use it as a nice beater knife around the house or in the garden etc.

Unless it's broke, most Delica's are still good.

cobrahawk · #16

Hey all,

Just wondering if anyone here has had their knives sharpened/reground by Spyderco. I'm curious how long it took for you to get it back. The only reason I ask is because I sent mine off on Aug. 20th with $25 for resharpening and shipping costs. That was almost three weeks ago and haven't heard anything. I'm not worried yet I'm just missing my knife. I hope I get it back soon.

J Smith · #17

It looks to me that the tip had been broken off and a new tip ground on.
Maybe they will replace it for you.

Murdoc · #18

cobrahawk wrote:Hey all,

Just wondering if anyone here has had their knives sharpened/reground by Spyderco. I'm curious how long it took for you to get it back. The only reason I ask is because I sent mine off on Aug. 20th with $25 for resharpening and shipping costs. That was almost three weeks ago and haven't heard anything. I'm not worried yet I'm just missing my knife. I hope I get it back soon.

It depends on their workload at the moment. You can always shoot them an email and ask, but I am pretty sure it will be returned within the next one or two weeks. IIRC, it t ook about 4 weeks when I sent my Police in for regrinding (links to the story and pics see some posts above).

Dennis

araneae · #19

2-3 weeks is typical for the knives I have sent in.

cobrahawk · #20

Cool. Thanks for the info. I was mostly worried that some dubious mailman saw the Spyderco address and decided to take a gift home.