Delica FFG Fan Has D4 Saber en Route

AJF · #1

I have always loved Delicas, believing them to be among the best bang-for-the-buck knives in existence. When I recently got reacquainted with Spydies and discovered the Delica FFG, all I could say was "pocket scalpel"---I love this little slicer king!

Well, out of my general love of Delicas, and thanks to a good deal a very nice chap on one of the forums made me, last night I pulled the trigger on a Delica 4 PE, traditional saber grind. Mind you, my knife budget is modest and I can't normally indulge in multiples of anything, so this is unusual for me.

So, I'm wondering....how many here have a D4 FFG and a D4 saber? Why? What different tasks do you use them for? Which do you prefer? Thought about giving up one or the other?

Thanks for any thoughts.

Andrew

Ben_1323 · #2

I have both (although my FFG Delica no longer has a tip :o ) and I very much prefer the saber grind. The tip is much thicker, even thicker than the Manix 2 tip, and it really inspires confidence. The grind is thick and strong as well. I'm not worried about breaking the tip or any other part of the blade. Plus, I like the extra weight in the blade. It's not enough to feel it in your pocket, but it gives the knife a nice heft in the hand and better balance. The FFG Delica was very handle heavy, but the SG is well balanced.

Bottom line, I prefer the saber grind because it is both thin (2.5 mm) and strong (tough grind) so it is a good slicer, but feels tough enough to handle just about any hard-use task I could throw at it.

Zendemic · #3

I was really split between buying a FFG or the SG Delica. I wanted something that i could both EDC, and use for work (EMT/Rescue). I am not one to abuse my blades, but if i ever need to treat it roughly it's nice to know it can take just that much more then the FFG. If i ever have that spare cash floating around, i'll definitely have to consider the FFG....

AJF · #4

Ben_1323 wrote:I have both (although my FFG Delica no longer has a tip :o ) and I very much prefer the saber grind. The tip is much thicker, even thicker than the Manix 2 tip, and it really inspires confidence. The grind is thick and strong as well. I'm not worried about breaking the tip or any other part of the blade. Plus, I like the extra weight in the blade. It's not enough to feel it in your pocket, but it gives the knife a nice heft in the hand and better balance. The FFG Delica was very handle heavy, but the SG is well balanced.

Bottom line, I prefer the saber grind because it is both thin (2.5 mm) and strong (tough grind) so it is a good slicer, but feels tough enough to handle just about any hard-use task I could throw at it.

Thanks, Ben. That makes me feel better about indulging in a Delica saber.

I guess I have to ask---how did the FFG lose its tip?

Andrew

AJF · #5

ClusterFlux wrote:I was really split between buying a FFG or the SG Delica. I wanted something that i could both EDC, and use for work (EMT/Rescue). I am not one to abuse my blades, but if i ever need to treat it roughly it's nice to know it can take just that much more then the FFG. If i ever have that spare cash floating around, i'll definitely have to consider the FFG....

So, CF, I take it you went with the saber? Have you been pleased with it?

Andrew

THG · #6

I got rid of all my sabers (well one got lost

.) For me, there is no advantage to the saber grinds.

dsmegst · #7

I have both. For heavier tasks, I prefer the saber grind D4 while I like the FFG D4 for EDC. I did have to modify the saber grind D4 to make it work for me. I applied a high polish to the primary and secondary edges while rounding off the transition areas. In stock form, there was too much friction while cutting through thick materials.

The extra strength in the saber grind prevents me from completely moving over to FFG but all future D4/E4 purchases will be for the FFG models.

Zendemic · #8

AJF wrote:So, CF, I take it you went with the saber? Have you been pleased with it?

Andrew

Haven't thought twice about it. I love the D4 with the sabre grind. Maybe in the future i'll have to get the FFG for EDC when funds are permitting (and after I get one or two other :spyder: i have my eyes on...). Though the other consideration with the SG Delica is Wave or no Wave? I almost got the wave, but in the end i went with the un-waved. I wonder how different my EDC life would be with a waved knife in my pocket. Oh well maybe after i get a job, and more importantly a regular paycheque i'll find that one out...

Jazz · #9

I have a few of both, and I would prefer one somewhere in between, with a high flat grind. I still love the ones I have. On the saber ground ones, I gave them a thinner edge bevel and they slice better. The FFG slice awesomely, but I'd like to see a bit more strength.

- best wishes, Jazz.

AJF · #10

Jazz wrote: On the saber ground ones, I gave them a thinner edge bevel and they slice better.

- best wishes, Jazz.

For a guy with modest sharpening skills, but who has a SM, strops, and sandpaper, what is the easiest way to thin out the edge bevel?

Thanks,

Andrew

dsmegst · #11

AJF wrote:For a guy with modest sharpening skills, but who has a SM, strops, and sandpaper, what is the easiest way to thin out the edge bevel?

Thanks,

Andrew

Since you have a SM, the lowest angle you can get is 15 degrees per side. This is probably the lowest you want to go with S30V or VG-10 anyway.

If you want to try for even lower angles with the SM, tape/strap/attach a pivot to the middle of the SM. A pen, battery, etc. Then pivot the SM to either side to lessen the angles. It takes a little experiment but that should give you consistent angles. Then wrap your rods with sandpaper and start reprofiling.

Jazz · #12

I think mine are probably around 15 degrees, so I'd just use the SM at that angle. I sharpen freehand on a stone and strop, so I don't really know for sure the angles. I had one at work one day (my dewaved D4), I sliced a grapefruit with it, and was completely suprised at how well it sliced - so much so that I mostly carried that knife for a few weeks. Still would like a lower grind - maybe I'll attempt one myself on an Endura that I don't use. :rolleyes: Good luck with your reprofiling, if you do so. :)

- best wishes, Jazz.

AJF · #13

Thanks, dsmegst and Jazz, for the good suggestions.

The little darlin' just arrived in the mail, so I'll be checking it out soon.

Andrew

Llano Jim · #14

AJF, I have both the Saber and the FFG Delicas and I EDC the Saber grind. I use it for general ranch work and just feel better with the thicker point, as I have been known to push it a little when in a hurry. I love the FFG and I have both the Delica and the Endura. I will field dress a deer with one of these for sure this year.

Sometimes I carry both the FFG and Saber but more likely wind up using the saber.

Jim

AJF · #15

Thanks for the post, Llano Jim. You're just down the road from me I bet.

Well, I've been working with the D4 saber this evening and it's been a bit frustrating. It is in beautiful cosmetic shape, but needed a little sharpening. So far, all I'm able to get is a "working" edge, but I'm not satisfied with that, saber or no saber. Given the good VG10 steel, I'm using the 15/30 degree angle on the SM, but I can't get to where I want to go.

I'll keep after it, but welcome any suggestions.

Andrew

chuck_roxas45 · #16

AJF wrote:Thanks for the post, Llano Jim. You're just down the road from me I bet.

Well, I've been working with the D4 saber this evening and it's been a bit frustrating. It is in beautiful cosmetic shape, but needed a little sharpening. So far, all I'm able to get is a "working" edge, but I'm not satisfied with that, saber or no saber. Given the good VG10 steel, I'm using the 15/30 degree angle on the SM, but I can't get to where I want to go.

I'll keep after it, but welcome any suggestions.

Andrew

Your bevel angle is probably more than 30 degrees inclusive. Unless you reprofile your knife,you won't be hitting the edge. Try sharpening at the 40 degree setting. You'll have a hair popping edge in no time.

AJF · #17

chuck_roxas45 wrote:Your bevel angle is probably more than 30 degrees inclusive. Unless you reprofile your knife,you won't be hitting the edge. Try sharpening at the 40 degree setting. You'll have a hair popping edge in no time.

You are right as rain. Finally, after a frustrating evening, I did just that and tried 20/40 degrees on the SM. I'm still not quite where I want to be, but there is a big improvement. Thanks for the advice.

Andrew

chuck_roxas45 · #18

AJF wrote:You are right as rain. Finally, after a frustrating evening, I did just that and tried 20/40 degrees on the SM. I'm still not quite where I want to be, but there is a big improvement. Thanks for the advice.

Andrew

Glad to be of help. My way of paying forward. Just remember to use very light strokes.

Joe Internet · #19

Hey Andrew, just to throw this out there. You might also be interested in the Rookie, which is about Delica size. It has a hollow grind with a swedge, so it should be about in between the FFG & FSG Delicas.

AJF · #20

Thanks, Joe. The Rookie is attractive, and I almost bought one just a couple of weeks ago. I hesitated and it was soon gone.

Good suggestion, though.

Andrew