need advice on new or old folder as special gift

rc51kid · #1

This is the situation. My girlfriend is planning on hiking the Appalachian Trail next summer. She will be doing it solo from Maine to Georgia. If you don’t know it is over 2100 miles. This is a big deal and a significant undertaking. We are both ounce counting backpackers and on a trip like this even ½ ounces count. She usually carries a Dragonfly and is very happy with it. But for this trip I think it is simply too small as a only knife. So I am looking to get her something new.
I have an old Delica that is my first real knife. I have had it since early to mid 90s and used the **** out of it. it has travel all over the world with me including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, the Rocky Mountains, Scotland, Germany, Poland, Hawaii, all over the south east and most recently the summit of Mt. Rainer. I am sure I am forgetting some places but you get the point. I even dressed my first deer with it. It has been my constant companion and never let me down. I have great sentimental attachment to it.

My first thought was to send it off to Tom Krein for one of his regrinds and breathe a little new life into it. Then I was going to hand it to her for her trip. I figure it always brought me home and I want the same for her.
But then I started to think a little. I enjoy this knife because of the history I have with it. Maybe she should have her own to create history with. If I bought her something really nice, 10 years from now it would be “the knife she hiked the AT with”. That might mean a lot to her down the road. We both travel, camp and climb a lot so she would have the opportunity to travel with it just like I have my old Delica.

What do you think, lend her my old friend or buy a new one for her. What will mean more to her down the road from now. If I get her something new what would you suggest. I am mostly set on a new Delica but I would consider others. Needs to have Spider hole, plain edge, no liner lock and less than 3 oz. What do you think?

The Deacon · #2

You have plenty of time. First generation Delicas show up fairly regularly on eBay and, to a lesser extent, on BladeForums and other forums where selling and trading are allowed. Given the sentimental attachment you have to your knife, I'd say find one like it for her.

Joe Internet · #3

Hello all, first post.

Given your history with that Delica, I say you had the right idea to let her form her own memories with a new knife.

Given your specs, you have quite a bit to choose from: Native FRN, Delica FRN saber grind, Delica FRN full flat grind, Salt 1, Pacific Salt, and if you're willing to bump your weight limit a bit, the Endura FRN full flat grind and Endura FRN saber grind.

The saber grind blades will be a bit more durable in the woods than the full flat grinds. The Salts will be lighter than the others, but slightly less rigid due to lack of steel liners. The H1 steel in the Salts will require less cleaning, but may need to be sharpened more often. The Native has very good steel, but the blade profile would make it a bit less durable than the saber grinds.

I understand what you mean by weight savings, but I would gladly add the extra .6 oz to go with an Endura FRN saber grind. Either way, I would definitely get her something more Endura size, especially if she'll be alone. Staying within the 3 oz. limit, I would go with a yellow Pacific Salt. It's got blade size, durable steel, light weight, easy to spot color, thicker saber grind for tip strength. If she doesn't like the yellow, she can always dye it with RIT dye.

SteelDragon · #4

You will get plenty of real good opinions and options like you already have. I got to say this is one heck of a long trip, how long will that take? I am tired just thinking about it... Your Delica looks great for all it has been through, did you add something to give it grip or am I just not familiar with that one. After seing what you have tried and tested with good results that just may be the way to go. You could look for the same original model in blue.

Will she have a camera with her? Would be neat to see her new knife on it's first adventure along the way.

JNewell · #5

Just to throw out one thought, how about a Delica 4 with a ZDP-189 saber grind blade? Tough, light, will stay sharp enough for the duration of her hike in all likelihood, as long as she doesn't use rocks for cutting boards, and not too expensive. I am mentioning the D4 because the earlier generations, as much as I like them (there is a D3 in my waistband every day), are not as robust as the D4, and you can't get a ZDP blade (which is arguably overkill, but hey, why not...?).

LorenzoL · #6

Would a Millie be too heavy? Maybe in orange...

Simsmac · #7

I say you get her a new Spyderco she'd like, and let her make her own memories. I would have suggested that she take along your Delica too, just for sentimental reasons, but your comment about being "ounce-counting" makes me think she'd probably rather not carry the extra weight.

I'd suggest getting a larger blade than a Delica, since the hike is going to last several months. Maybe even a fixed blade, if she intends on using a knife a lot. I'd also choose a sabre ground knife, rather than FFG. The Native, Endura, and Pacific would be good choices because of their larger blade length. The Manix 2 would be good because it's so durable, but it's also heavier than the FRN knives.

Also, you might consider getting a small ceramic sharpener too, since the edges on most Spydercos won't last months, especially if used a lot.

Props to your girlfriend for taking on such an adventure! Hiking the AT is on my bucket list too.

rc51kid · #8

JNewell wrote:Just to throw out one thought, how about a Delica 4 with a ZDP-189 saber grind blade? Tough, light, will stay sharp enough for the duration of her hike in all likelihood, as long as she doesn't use rocks for cutting boards, and not too expensive. I am mentioning the D4 because the earlier generations, as much as I like them (there is a D3 in my waistband every day), are not as robust as the D4, and you can't get a ZDP blade (which is arguably overkill, but hey, why not...?).

this is one that i had in mind. I figure that if i get her something new, it should be better than the old Delica. Better clip, texture and steel.

rc51kid · #9

to nswer a few questions, i added a little grip tape in a few spots. It worked OK but fell off with some use. The tape in the area unted the grip helps hold it on the edge of your pants a little better. the old plastic clip is a little weak. But it also makes it "grabby" to put onto the edge of your pants.

Also her trip will be basicly 6 months long.

The Mentaculous · #10

I'd recommend a regular FFG delica. ZDP is awesome, but she might have some trouble down the line since it's so hard to sharpen when dull. Also, I believe VG-10 is more likely to roll the edge than chip like ZDP (although both are strong). Also with the VG-10 FFG delicas you have your choice of nice, bright colors. Either one would make a great gift..if it were my girlfriend, I'd probably get her a purple delica. Also the dragonfly and salt 1 are worth consideration IMO--salt 1 is basically just a delica with a less pointed tip and basically rust-proof h-1 steel. Both fall into the under 3 ounce non liner lock category

JNewell · #11

rc51kid wrote:this is one that i had in mind. I figure that if i get her something new, it should be better than the old Delica. Better clip, texture and steel.

Yes, the new D4 is a pretty clear improvement on the D3 in every respect...which hasn't displaced my D3s...

JNewell · #12

The Mentaculous wrote:I'd recommend a regular FFG delica. ZDP is awesome, but she might have some trouble down the line since it's so hard to sharpen when dull. Also, I believe VG-10 is more likely to roll the edge than chip like ZDP (although both are strong). Also with the VG-10 FFG delicas you have your choice of nice, bright colors. Either one would make a great gift..if it were my girlfriend, I'd probably get her a purple delica. Also the dragonfly and salt 1 are worth consideration IMO--salt 1 is basically just a delica with a less pointed tip and basically rust-proof h-1 steel. Both fall into the under 3 ounce non liner lock category

The Salt is actually a brilliant idea. :D Hi-viz, rustproof...

ChapmanPreferred · #13

I absolutely love the pictures and story behind your Delica! Thank you for sharing.

I have only done 6 days total on the AT in PA, so my experience is limited but here is my suggestion. How about a Salt 1, have it reprofiled and FFG by Tom Krein. I wish this one was mine, but it is Wire Edge Roger's knife and picture. Sorry I did not get to ask first Roger, I sent a PM after editing this post. :)

It will be super easy to sharpen and will cut material cleanly. I would keep the edge a little thicker than just an EDC so between 0.020" and 0.015". A Salt I will start at around 2 oz. and will drop weight during the reprofile and FFG.

freeman7 · #14

Since weight is important, perhaps a small fixed blade like the Izula would be good.

JNewell · #15

freeman7 wrote:Since weight is important, perhaps a small fixed blade like the Izula would be good.

Not sure about a FB for this purpose. The Izula is the same weight as the Salt until you add the sheath - then it weighs almost 5x more. Also, some NKP are less comfortable with FBs than folders.

Joe Internet · #16

I've read a few posts here that mentioned ZDP-189 having corrosion problems if not well cleaned after some usage, such as slicing acidic fruits.

AT thru-hiking involves lots of sweat, little excess water, and well, no bathing for long stretches. Most hikers use their knives or multi-tools for everything, and aren't always able to keep a regular maintenance schedule.

I think as far as usage is concerned, thru-hiking would be about the civilian equivalent of a military deployment, so the knives chosen for each could/would be similar.

JNewell · #17

ZDP-189 doesn't rust or corrode like a non-stainless. You sometimes encounter minor freckles. The real lick on ZDP-189 for this purpose is probably that the recipient won't be up to sharpening it - but my experience suggests that most people never sharpen knives regardless of how easy or difficult. I'm still liking that Salt idea, and I don't think it needs a Krein regrind to make it a great choice. :)

freeman7 · #18

Ooops, I forgot about the sheath.....but Izulas can be PINK!
Seriously, the Salt 1 is a great idea. I got one for my nephew to use at work. He is a Fire Marshall and loves the knife.

boxer93 · #19

I agree to get her her own and make her own memories.
Looking at weight and maybe a little more robust than the delica is the native. It could also be had in pink if so inclined.
I wish her good travels.
Chris

rc51kid · #20

ChapmanPreferred wrote:I absolutely love the pictures and story behind your Delica! Thank you for sharing.

I have only done 6 days total on the AT in PA, so my experience is limited but here is my suggestion. How about a Salt 1, have it reprofiled and FFG by Tom Krein. I wish this one was mine, but it is Wire Edge Roger's knife and picture. Sorry I did not get to ask first Roger, I sent a PM after editing this post. :)

It will be super easy to sharpen and will cut material cleanly. I would keep the edge a little thicker than just an EDC so between 0.020" and 0.015". A Salt I will start at around 2 oz. and will drop weight during the reprofile and FFG.

I think this is almost perfect. I actually think I might get a plain edge yellow Pacific for myself. I could send them both for regrinds and have a “His and Hers”. May be my little old Delica should be semi retired.