Sage 1 or Delica 4??

[zunedog31]

Soooooo I had it all planned out. I ordered my G10 Dragonfly yesterday and was planning to get a Delica in the next day or two. Then I saw a review on the Sage 1. Which is better and why?

What it will be used for:
-Playing with :rolleyes:
-Staring at
-EDC if I do not choose the Dragonfly for that
-pretty light cutting tasks
-shaving hair/paper
-an addition to the collection

Help!!!

[IrishSpyder22]

Sage it's super smooth , beautiful , ergonomic , classy, and a great edc!

[Rwb1500]

That, my friend, is a tough one. :D


I love my Sage 1, and it's probably the best looking knife I own, but I use my Delica ten times more than the Sage.

[zunedog31]

That, my friend, is a tough one. :D


I love my Sage 1, and it's probably the best looking knife I own, but I use my Delica ten times more than the Sage.

Is that because you think you might mess up the good looking finish in the Sage? I can see myself doing that.

[MIL-DOT]

My Sage just arrived yesterday, and I couldn't be more impressed, all the rave reviews didn't overstate things. My only concern with the sage as an EDC is the carbon fiber scales, as I often like to pocket carry,and could see the scales getting scuffed up by keys and such.
Also, I have the same green Delica4 FFG seen in Rwb's above photo, and it was my first "real" Spyderco. I was also very impressed with this knife, and could see how this became such a perenial classic.
All that being said, I have an alternate suggestion. If your budget is $85, I'm betting you can come up with another $5.
My favorite Spydie EDC seems to be my Lightweight Native, which is odd, because this is the one I was most apprehensive about pulling the trigger on, but I like everything about it, and it's also a popular classic.
So, last I checked, you could still get the Native for $50,delivered from Amazon.
And, CutleryShoppe has some black CE Delicas on overstock-discount for $40,delivered ( with nutnfancy code).
The Native is nearly identical in size to the Sage, and has the same legnth blade, made of the same S30V steel,(just not flat-ground).
So, for $90 even, you could get your Delica and another excellent knife very similar in size,weight and feel (IMO) to the Sage.
Seems a good option, to me .

[Rwb1500]

Is that because you think you might mess up the good looking finish in the Sage? I can see myself doing that.

No, the Sage seems to hold up to abuse pretty well, I just don't think of it as a work knife I guess.

[computernut]

Both! :)

The Sage1 is a beautiful knife, smooth opening and closing, rides relatively low in the pocket. The twill CF gives some grip while being easy on the pockets (unlike G10). The sound of the Sage1 locking up is heavenly too. That twill CF is addicting, I sometimes EDC two Spydercos just so I can play with the Sage1 :spyder:

The Delica4 (FFG) is a great slicer, not as smooth opening (at least mine), rides high in the pocket (makes it easier to get out though). The FRN has lots of grip but doesn't rip your pockets up. Handle is a bit too narrow though, the Caly3 is better in that respect (and is smoother too).

Tough choice but since you are already getting the G10 Dragonfly (solid little knife), I'd go with the Sage1, the Delica4 FRN will feel like a step down.

[computernut]

Consider the Chaparral too, would make a nice EDC that's bigger than the Dragonfly but smaller than a Delica or Sage.

[pdptrow]

I love my sage 1, I carry it and use it all the time. Great slicer, twill CF is beautiful, solid lockup, pillared open back construction for easy cleaning too. Good all round user.

[jackknifeh]

I voted Sage1. IMO the Delica is a great knife but the Sage1 is a great knife that was made for me. After using it (and several others) I've decided the Sage1 is the knife I would keep if I could only keep one EDC knife. I like the ergonomics a lot better than the Delica and that's saying a lot. I like the choil under the pivot. I love the twill CF. I like the wire clip best of all the clips. I like S30V steel better than VG-10 and ZDP-189 both. I've heard some people say they don't like S30V for one reason or another but I like it a lot. It sharpens up easily to a hair whittling edge and holds an edge as well as other steels I've tried. The only thing I have that is reall hard on an edge is some 1/2" rope that has destroyed every edge I've tried on it in just a few (under 20) cuts. I don't mean the edge isn't still a workable edge but the sharpness is definately deminished. I generally use an 36 degree inclusive angle on my S30 blades and have been happy with that for EDC. In fact I'd consider a Native lightweight also. It has S30V, choil under pivot and is about the same size and price of a Delica. I'd go with the Native over the Delica and the Sage1 over both if the additional funds were available. One thing that seperates the Sage1 from the other two IMO is it looks classier so would make a nicer looking EDC if you wear nicer clothes often. Again, thats just my opinion.

Jack
PS edit: If you are considering a Sage1 you might want to look at the Chaparral as long as you know you won't have any really tough cutting jobs. I haven't pushed mine on tough jobs and I'm sure it's tougher than I realize but the thin blade seems like it may not take the stress the others will and have. But for a small EDC in a "normal" day the Chaparral is a GREAT knife.

[IG-88]

Sage 1 for sure!! I prefer CF, S30V and a liner lock above FRN, VG10 and a backlock. The Sage is just a better knife for me.

[Leatherneck]

The Sage is indeed a beautiful knife but for some reason I keep trading them off! Partly because they are great trade bait, partly due to easy access and price and partly because it's almost too pretty" for me to EDC and I certainly use all my folders.

One thing for certain, you'll not go wrong with either.

[zunedog31]

Allright 14-2 I'm gettin' a Sage!

Now the agonizing wait for it to get here...

[MerkurMan]

I'd like to add my recommendation for the Sage1. As everyone's already said, the beauty, ergonomics, toughness, and steel can't be matched at its price.

I would like to add that if you're hesitant to carry it and use it because you're afraid of damaging the CF scales, don't be! I've EDCed my Sage1 for well over a year, and used it quite a bit in a warehouse environment, dropped it, soaked it with chemicals, and subjected it to other horrors that would probably make some of you cringe! And you know what? There is not a SINGLE, solitary mark ANYWHERE on the scales. The blade is scratched, the clip is scratched, and I have a few dings and dents along the edges of the liners, but I have yet to find any evidence that the CF scales have ever been touched. Even the heads of the torx screws holding it together show signs of wear and tear!

I used to carry it alongside an aluminum flashlight in my coin pocket, and at the end of the day, one CF scale would be loaded up with ground aluminum powder and the flashlight would be a little bit smoother. Still not a single mark. This stuff is beautiful to look at, hold, and is almost indestructible!

I say you made the right choice. :) Enjoy it!

[Drkknight614]

Get the Sage, this $85 amazon price tag is too hard to pass up. The Sage isnt going to be around forever either. I have both, I love the delica, but the sage is a better knife. You could always pick up a delica later on. Considering I paid over $100 for my sage, Im probably going to pick another one up at this price, probably gift it to my friend.

[jabba359]

Allright 14-2 I'm gettin' a Sage!

Now the agonizing wait for it to get here...

I added another vote to the Sage, just to make you feel better. Okay, not just to make you feel better, but because I prefer my Sage I over my Delica.

[zunedog31]

I'd like to add my recommendation for the Sage1. As everyone's already said, the beauty, ergonomics, toughness, and steel can't be matched at its price.

I would like to add that if you're hesitant to carry it and use it because you're afraid of damaging the CF scales, don't be! I've EDCed my Sage1 for well over a year, and used it quite a bit in a warehouse environment, dropped it, soaked it with chemicals, and subjected it to other horrors that would probably make some of you cringe! And you know what? There is not a SINGLE, solitary mark ANYWHERE on the scales. The blade is scratched, the clip is scratched, and I have a few dings and dents along the edges of the liners, but I have yet to find any evidence that the CF scales have ever been touched. Even the heads of the torx screws holding it together show signs of wear and tear!

I used to carry it alongside an aluminum flashlight in my coin pocket, and at the end of the day, one CF scale would be loaded up with ground aluminum powder and the flashlight would be a little bit smoother. Still not a single mark. This stuff is beautiful to look at, hold, and is almost indestructible!

I say you made the right choice. :) Enjoy it!

WOW! I am going to DIE waiting for this in the mail D:

Any chance you have a picture of your knife? Sounds awesome!

The Delica is going to have to wait! I should have looked at the Sage earlier because I like liner locks and do not like back locks. SO excited! Thanks everybody!

[zunedog31]

Get the Sage, this $85 amazon price tag is too hard to pass up. The Sage isnt going to be around forever either. I have both, I love the delica, but the sage is a better knife. You could always pick up a delica later on. Considering I paid over $100 for my sage, Im probably going to pick another one up at this price, probably gift it to my friend.

Get it. I got mine for 80 and it was in "used -like new condition" the description said that the product would be in excellent condition but the box may have wear. If there is any damage on it I will send it back and get the "new" one for 88. And yes the Delica will come next :D

[INFRNL]

You made a great choice! You will really love the Sage1. I think its one of the best values for the money. I plan to collect the entire series. I like the Native 5 more for some reason, even though it has the Back lock which is my least favorite lock. But the price is also $45 more.

You will definitely not regret your decision, excellent choice.

Now that you got 2 in a row; sound like you are fitting in just nicely. So whats next on the list :D
You bett go find something different to do for the next few days; if you stay on here you will end up with a list like mine among the others here

[Evil D]

The only thing they have in common is the brand and the spydie hole. If i could only have one it would be the Sage for sure. It has better steel, better ergonomics, better scales, pinned construction for easy cleaning, a nice 50/50 choil (without losing edge length compared to the Delica), a deep carry discrete wire clip, but the price also reflects all that.

The Delica does offer 4 way clip options, a lanyard hole if you're into that, it's considerably lighter (not to say the Sage is heavy). The rest comes down to lock preferences and cost.