Newbie - Delica4 Questions

[mposkitt]

Hi all,

Matt from New Zealand here. Seems I've caught the Spyderco disease. Sadly there only seems to be one online seller here, and retailers have a very limited selection - usually salts. So I will order from the states if necessary.

Anyway I want a smallish Spyderco for edc. I've done a lot of research and forum reading that has answered most of my questions. I am mostly now settled on the Delica4 but have a couple of questions:

Is the Delica4 or the Delica4 FFG better suited if needed for self defence? I have read a lot of MJ's posts but can't seem to find an answer on this anywhere. To clarify, I don't ever wish to use a knife (or any weapon) in a fight. Key words being, "if needed."

From what I understand the FFG is less durable, is this correct? If so, how much less durable? I'm not really one for putting things in bubble wrap - I buy things to be used and used well.

Having never really owned a decent pocket knife, will I even notice the difference in FFG or not?

Appreciate any answers. Thanks and it seems a good community you've got going here (a rare thing).

[Cheddarnut]

I would say that the ffg definetly cuts better, whatever the material. Dont worry about durablity, cardboard is more of a challenge than flesh. :D

[GSO]

I'm willing to bet the degree of durability between a saber grind and a full flat grind on an otherwise identical knife will make no difference in a self defense scenario. If you ever had to press the blade into that kind of service, you'll realistically slash/stab only once or twice, and you won't be trying to get through anything tougher than leather at most. Besides, the emergency situation should be rare if ever. If you already made your mind up on a Delica, I suggest you choose the rest of its features based on your everyday needs and not your emergency needs.

[mposkitt]

Besides, the emergency situation should be rare if ever. If you already made your mind up on a Delica, I suggest you choose the rest of its features based on your everyday needs and not your emergency needs.

Good points both of you - thanks.

Is there any difference in how often they will need to be sharpened between saber and FFG? Basically I want something reliable that will always be there and requires minimal maintenance.

[noseoil]

"Is there any difference in how often they will need to be sharpened between saber and FFG? Basically I want something reliable that will always be there and requires minimal maintenance."

Welcome & good luck with this question, as it will be a proper can of worms to answer. As far as basic sharpening, no, they will both need to have a good constant angle to remain sharp. There are various approaches to sharpening, but it always comes back to a consistent angle between the blade & sharpening surface of choice (natural stone, man-made, strop, diamond or ceramic cup bottom).

If you want easy maintenance, try a Delica in VG 10 steel. It is stainless, easier to sharpen than an exotic (ZDP 189), and easier to maintain in general. Don't let it get dull! It is always easier to maintain an edge than it is to restore one. I suggest you look into a Spyderco sharpmaker and learn to use it from day-one. Practice on an old blade until you can use it easily. There are plenty of on-line vendors to choose from and they can ship to you. There are better selections available to you this way than any other.
Best, tim

[araneae]

There is no difference in edge retention between ffg and saber. The ffg will be a much better slicer due to the thinner profile. Saber grind may bind a bit going through thick material. If you use it properly, FFG is plenty durable. If you plan to misuse it, saber is more forgiving.

[aquaman67]

In my opinion, the only real difference would be at the tip. The FFG being slightly thinner. If you look at the weights of each, the FFG model weights 0.2 oz less (5.7 grams)

I prefer the FFG blade both for looks and cutting. As long as you don't use your knife as a pry bar or screwdriver you shouldn't have any problems.

As for self defense, I'm not sure the Delica would provide much protection and my just make things worse.

Good luck which ever you choose.

[araneae]

As for self defense, I'm not sure the Delica would provide much protection and my just make things worse.

Good luck which ever you choose.

Mr Janich (and many others) would probably disagree with you on that.

[CarbonFiberNut]

Mr Janich (and many others) would probably disagree with you on that.

And many others outside of this echo chamber would disagree with them.

Knives as defensive weapons are an extremely contentious topic, and it's actually surprising to me that we mostly seem to see one side of the fence around these Spyderco forums. I don't doubt the credentials of those who advocate knives as weapons, even last-ditch weapons, but I do sometimes doubt whether everyone else should be so quick to jump to follow in their footsteps. What works for a highly trained person like Mr. Janich is not in any way appropriate for a big fat guy with no skills like me. I'd rather pummel a bad guy with my laptop bag than try to cut him with a Delica.

[araneae]

Anyone looking at using a knife as a self defense tool should consider training. I don't carry a knife with that intent, but I am certain that they can be used effectively if one has the training.

[mrphotoman]

I love my delica zdp-189 knife the best out of all my knives. It is the perfect size and weight and it is CRAZY sharp, the sharpest knife I have ever used. It can easily cut through a person, I personally know because I was stupid and made a mistake that sent me to the emergency room for internal and external stiches on my arm. It cut through like it was not even there, lol.

[CarbonFiberNut]

Anyone looking at using a knife as a self defense tool should consider training. I don't carry a knife with that intent, but I am certain that they can be used effectively if one has the training.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of people who ask questions about self-defense knives on forums will never get training, and even those that do, might get training from people who have no business training others. That's a lot of the source of my reservations about the topic - real training is neither cheap nor easy, and not many will actually get it.

[TomAiello]

Another vote for the ZDP FFG delica. I got G-10 scales for mine, and it's my favorite medium sized knife by a wide margin.

[sal]

G'Day Matt,

Welcome to our forum. Hope it will be an enjoyable experience to visit here.

In my opinion, Self defense / Tactical ( with a knife) is an immediate need / call to action to separate yourself from a danger. That danger maybe caused by another human, but may also be caused by an animal, or even be trapped by a rope holding you underwater. A necktie caught in a machine can be just as dangerous as an animal attack. The most effective solution is a very sharp / well maintained knife.

If you encounter as situation where you would use a knife to stop a human, there are a number of important things to be aware of. Most have already been mentioned. MBC required training to be effective and keep from harming yourslef in the heat of an encounter. Get a trainer of the same model to help you be familiar with the cutting tool. If you cut a human with a knife, you will probably go to jail. Whether or not you stay there depends....

The Delica, in my opinion is an ideal model for your needs. Highly refined, very reliable, ergonomic for control. (Probably the worst thing you can do with a knife in a dangerous situation is to drop it :o ). The FF cuts through things more easily, the Saber handles prying motion better. VG-10 is an excellent all around blade steel and we do a good job with processing to get the most out of the steel.

sal

[mposkitt]

G'Day Matt,

Welcome to our forum. Hope it will be an enjoyable experience to visit here.

sal

It is a very enjoyable experience so far. It's great being able to get replies on a forum like this from the owner himself! Thanks again for all the replies.

Ok, I am settled on the Delica4 for sure now. A couple more things I'd like people to weigh in on are:

FFG model has a larger hole I believe. Edge aside, who prefers this over the regular one?

Lastly - stainless steel handle or not? My thoughts are that it looks great but may be more slippery. Also almost doubled the weight. Who likes and who doesn't?

[Stuart Ackerman]

Matt...Hi and welcome to the best forum on the 'Net...
Where are you based in NZ...I am in Rangiora, SI...

[mposkitt]

Matt...Hi and welcome to the best forum on the 'Net...
Where are you based in NZ...I am in Rangiora, SI...

Hi Stuart. I live in Christchurch. I work in Australia though, so I'm only in town 10 days a month. Good to see a fellow Southerner here!

[Holland]

I'm willing to bet the degree of durability between a saber grind and a full flat grind on an otherwise identical knife will make no difference in a self defense scenario. If you ever had to press the blade into that kind of service, you'll realistically slash/stab only once or twice, and you won't be trying to get through anything tougher than leather at most. Besides, the emergency situation should be rare if ever. If you already made your mind up on a Delica, I suggest you choose the rest of its features based on your everyday needs and not your emergency needs.

+1

Welcome to the forums!

[Davidig]

Sorry to add one more piece to the puzzle. But if you like the delica I am a huge fan of the emerson wave'd version. It is VG10 with a saber grind. I prefer the ffg but the wave whether for self defense or just plain handiness, is a worthwhile trade off. You should also consider spyderco sharpening system if you dont have a method to sharpen.

[GoodEyeSniper]

yeah, I highly doubt anyone, even a hypothetical professional knife fighter, would ever notice a difference between a ffg model and saber ground in a dynamic situation like that.