This just in...G-10 Delica

unit · #1

I JUST received my G-10 Delica which has been on my radar for a LONG time and since being discontinued recently, I figured I better order one up while I still had the chance.

First impressions: HOLY COW...this thing is VERY well made...fit and finish are among the best of the knives I own (I own several folders that cost 3 to 5 times the price of this one BTW).

OK, so it is a FFG Delica, nothing shocking there. VG-10 blade steel nothing exciting really (but VG-10 is one of my favorites). Full skeletonized liners and steel back spacer gives it a very work oriented but expensive/refined look. I guess the mid-lock is not sexy and hyped right now, but has been quite functional for YEARS and is among the most versatile lock types (ambidextrous). We all know the parts of this knife probably, but the sum of the parts is more than the whole!

I realize that Spyderco probably axed this one because they had a tough time selling many VG-10 blades for over 100 bucks (when you could get one with FRN for half the price). Spyderco makes some good stuff, but I think a lot of people would kick themselves for overlooking this one (glad I didn't). FRN is fantastic stuff, but the finish on this thing is amazing!

If you were ever on the fence about trying this one out, get yours now! This thing is beautiful in hand!

Jazz · #2

It really is an atractive and solid knife. I even like the color. Enjoy your new knife!

- best wishes, Jazz.

unit · #3

These are low quality phone photos...but the thread is worthless w/o photos.

Jay_Ev · #4

I like that version of the Delica as well. There is also an Endura built the same way. By the way, the purple knife in your pic with the wavy backspacer, did you do that or does it come that way?

StangBang · #5

It is an outstanding model congrats on your acquisition :D

unit · #6

Jay_Ev wrote:I like that version of the Delica as well. There is also an Endura built the same way. By the way, the purple knife in your pic with the wavy backspacer, did you do that or does it come that way?

I have the Endura G-10 in the mail to me also :D I expect it tomorrow.

The Endura has been my favorite Spyderco for a long time (in spite of the cost...the value is higher to me than knives that cost much more). The purple one in the background is heavily modified by me and has been in my pocket for several months (file worked lock bar, polished clip, reground blade (now thinner behind the edge), re-profiled edge (20 degree inclusive), rounded and polished blade spine). Sometimes I carry others ALSO, but until today, it has never come out of my pocket other than for use.

If you are interested in the mods to the Enduras, you can see them in these photo albums (I hope the links work)
http://www.spyderco.com/forums/album.php?albumid=59
http://www.spyderco.com/forums/album.php?albumid=58

Murdoc · #7

I have only the Endura G10, but if it's anywhere close to the Delica G10, I can imagine it can (as well as the E4G10) be one of the "only one" knives...

The G10 Endura I own is for sure one of the Spydies I would consider if I'd be asked what knife to keep from all of my collection. It is a shame that the D/E4 G10 had to go the way of the dodo because the sex appeal of an Endura/Delica for a price point that high was/is quite low. It was not easy to realize that we can get a knife right up there with some of the best Spydie folders ever made for a fair price after all.

I was lucky to get one of my beloved Enduras in the maybe best configuration ever made. Enjoy yours!

Dennis

Lucentdawn · #8

Something beautiful about the foliage green G10...but $109 for a Delica does seem overpriced, I feel the same way about the G10 Dragonfly at $79.

unit · #9

Lucentdawn wrote:Something beautiful about the foliage green G10...but $109 for a Delica does seem overpriced, I feel the same way about the G10 Dragonfly at $79.

There is little doubt that the FRN models are incredible values.

I can only tell you that for a guy that prefers the mid lock to most other lock types, I still said the same thing you are saying...but then I handled a G-10 model with the full liners and the steel back spacer.

Obviously, most people do not share my feelings here...thus the discontinuation.

Lucentdawn · #10

unit wrote:There is little doubt that the FRN models are incredible values.

I can only tell you that for a guy that prefers the mid lock to most other lock types, I still said the same thing you are saying...but then I handled a G-10 model with the full liners and the steel back spacer.

Obviously, most people do not share my feelings here...thus the discontinuation.

Gotcha. It's probably best that I don't get one in hand because I'm pretty sure I would have to have it. I'm trying to exercise some restraint, realizing I simply cannot buy every Spyderco out there :p . Given the fact that I love my FRN Delica FFG and I love my Manix 2 in foliage green G10, the G10 Delica is seeming like a homerun now that I really think about it... :D

Donut · #11

I like it and have the Endura and Delica in G-10, but they still seem too expensive for me to carry. (Even though I'll carry knives that cost more than them.) They stay in my pack and I carry my FRN models. You get some weight savings with the FRN models, too, as well as your choice of steel.

ChapmanPreferred · #12

G10 Delica and Endura are brilliant! I had the Delica and it went to someone who needed it more than I did. I hope to bring one of each to my collection of users. :)

sharpguitarist · #13

hey unit,
i've had a g10 d4 for a while now, and got a g10 e4 when they went on closeout.
these are some of my favorite spydies.
the build quality makes them worth the extra cash.
after using my frn delica for a few years, the g10 version was like getting a custom version.
the full steel liners and backspacer make these some very solid knives.
the ffg blades are wicked cutters!
glad you managed to get the pair before they disappeared.
enjoy your new toys!
later,
don

kawr · #14

Nice pickup. The G-10 Delica is seriously one bad *** knife. I really would pick it up if I could but all my meager knife funds are being allocated to the Para2, Native 4, and the Sage 3. I sincerely hope they come out with another G-10 Delica sometime in the future. Such a shame its being discontinued and I think its because the FRN Delica has spoiled everyone into thinking they dont need the G-10 version at a higher price point.

Donut · #15

I wouldn't mind seeing some textured SS models with FFG blades.

unit · #16

after using my frn delica for a few years, the g10 version was like getting a custom version.

Well said, Don!

peacefuljeffrey · #17

My GAWD, I wish Spyderco would start making loads and loads of FFG knives, already! Looks wise and performance wise, they have everything beat by a mile!

dj moonbat · #18

unit wrote:The purple one in the background is heavily modified by me and has been in my pocket for several months (file worked lock bar, polished clip, reground blade (now thinner behind the edge), re-profiled edge (20 degree inclusive), rounded and polished blade spine).

Huh. Whod've thunk it? How long does it take to pimp out the lock bar like that?

unit · #19

dj moonbat wrote:Huh. Whod've thunk it? How long does it take to pimp out the lock bar like that?

That wavy line took about an hour, the red one and the green one took about 20 minutes because they are simple patterns created by the shape of the files used.

Polishing like the Blue one can take anywhere from 10 minutes to much longer depending on how deeply polished you desire.

dj moonbat · #20

I was just looking at the wavy bar on the purple one. Where are these other samples?