Outdoor Delica: Saber or FFG?

[Superpacker]

I don't think there's any dispute that the Delica is an EDC champ. As EDC use is generally made up of slicing (in my opinion), I can understand how the FFG only enhances the Delica's usefulness. However, I am considering the Delica as an EDC knife that can equally perform as an outdoor camping/backpacking folder (not survival/bushcraft), something of a SAK substitute. While I think most activities in the outdoor setting also consist of slicing, It is my understanding that the Saber grind, with its thicker spin, would be able to take extra abuse, and thus be better suited for the wideness environment. Any thoughts?

[Trout Hound]

I'm not sure that I can imagine a situation where you would say, "Dang, if only I had a saber grind Delica for this." I would probably go with the FFG for the better cutting performance. Anything you do that would mess it up would probably have messed up the saber grind too.

[SpyderNut]

Hi SuperPacker. Welcome to the Forums. :) Most of my EDC'S consist of FFG. I've never really found myself wanting/needing a saber-ground blade, but then again, I'm not using a lot of my EDC's extensively in the outdoors. I suppose a lot of it comes down to personal preference. I do think FFG offers better slicing capabilites over saber or hollow grinds, FWIW.

[Superpacker]

Thanks for the responses so far! I think a section of concern would be on the tip. The saber grind tip seems less likely to bust off. That seems to be an area of concern for Delicas/Endura due to the long, narrow blade.

[Blerv]

Thanks for the responses so far! I think a section of concern would be on the tip. The saber grind tip seems less likely to bust off. That seems to be an area of concern for Delicas/Endura due to the long, narrow blade.

That EXACTLY the reason the saber can be at an advantage. It's much thicker at the tip and the edges isn't quite as thin. Lower sharpness but more forgiving.

Are you very empathetic or do you stab/twist at things or muscle-through cuts? Have you chipped or snapped a tip before?

If the FFG knife will perform without fault (they are pretty dang durable) it will be a better knife. If the saber is the insurance you need it will be better. I would prob for most people say to go FFG if you have a lighter touch. Worst case a reprofile or replacement once the limit is surpassed instead of having a crutch that is never needed.

[Superpacker]

That's was great response for perspective. I do think I have a lighter touch, but as you mentioned, saber might be beneficial mental insurance. Nice to know I could abuse it more if had to. I also realize that the Delica went through so many well-loved versions with out FFG.

[bearfacedkiller]

Outdoor knife isn't very specific. I consider the delica ffg to be edc perfection but I do not consider the delica in any form to be much of an outdoor knife. Only you know how you will be using that knife in that role but at 2.5mm I would pick something different. The saber may be a little stronger in some situations but most things that would damage one would probably damage the other. I love the performance of ffg myself.

What will you be using it for? Backpacking? If you are trying to go minimalist then that makes sense.

Welcome to the forum. :)

[Doc Dan]

Quite a number of people pack a Delica FFG when backpacking (e.g. Nutnfancy). If you must do something really abusive, then get a light fixed blade. Otherwise the Delica FFG will be fine.
Many of us carried Buck 110's for many years camping and hiking and never had a issue with that even finer tip. The Delica should be great.

[HarleyXJGuy]

I am all about the sharp knife Kool Aid. Love FFG Spyderco's and given a choice it is my preferred blade shape.

That said I am willing to bet there is not that much of a difference in cutting ability between FFG and sabre grind for day to day use. With a good sharpening sabre grind can be plenty sharp. Heck my Millie came with the sharpest edge I have ever owned straight from the factory.

Bottom line is they are both great.

[Evil D]

My thoughts are that any abuse you would put this knife through that would endanger the FFG, is likely using the wrong tool for the job anyway. The biggest advantage the saber grind has is the stronger tip, which is a fair argument if you think you're rough on tips and may chip or break the FFG off. If you really only do slicing, I'd stick with the FFG myself. I've used SAK's for general camping chores and have even batoned with it quite a few times with no ill effects and those blades are far thinner than a Delica.

[Superpacker]

That's probably part of the difficulty. I need to go and handle an FFG. I've used a SAK Tinker for years and never been let down. It would be helpful to compare spine thickness by handling an FFG. Yes, I'm sure 98+% of this knife's use will be slicing and shaving, but of some slight prying or rotation is needed, just want to know it will hold up.

[anagarika]

Food for thoughts, even PM2 that is labelled as not having robust tip can survive some digging/drilling:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=omp5yL8NDhw" target="_blank
(I watched it)
Or maybe this one (found it when googling the one above, not sure how it goes): http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pv-md-1xHqQ" target="_blank

Perhaps another option is the Ambitious or Persistence? They are known to have more robust tip than Military/PM design, or Endura/Delica FFG (I have Endura FFG & Resilience).

[bearfacedkiller]

The swick4 would be a great backpacking knife. I have carried a bk14, izula and swick3 each on different backpacking trips. I haven't backpacked with my swick4 yet but I think it would excel at it. I prefer a small fixed blade for backpacking. I know weight is important and it adds up quick and I like to keep it as light as possible but for safety/survival reasons I favor a small stout fixed blade. My pack has d-ring on the left shoulder strap and I usually clip it there.

[Superpacker]

I do like the blade shape of tenacious family, but prefer FRN scales. However, those recommendations do make me wonder if a Dragonfly 2 could do the job for my needs. I like the blade geometry (including the tip) more.

[ChrisinHove]

My first Spydie was the sg Delica, precisely for it's tougher tip.

Not every job needs a slicer.... I needed a blade to stick into structural timbers.

I also needed one that could be deployed one handed, whilst I'm holding on with the other.

[RanCoWeAla]

I don't own anything but FFG and that's all I would buy

[Lonehunter]

My first Spydie was the sg Delica, precisely for it's tougher tip.

Not every job needs a slicer.... I needed a blade to stick into structural timbers.

I also needed one that could be deployed one handed, whilst I'm holding on with the other.

Funny yup should say that.

Years ago I was hanging tree stands,putting in screw in steps. I'm up in the air putting in a step and need to cut some bark away to screw it in a bit more,I take out an early Endura with a thinner tip,slice off the bark and thinking I may need to do more,I stick it into the tree .

Tip snaps off! Ok I used about the same force as one would knocking on a door,I did not slam it twist it,hang from it...no idea how it happened or saying it would again ,but it did.

I have ffg as well but in the woods or on the job I prefer the saber grinds on Enduras and Delicas .
I've canoed ,backpacked and hunted all across the U.S. and Canada ,from the Yukon to the Adirondacks .

Sometimes things happen. Which is why I never have just one knife ......but I like all of them to be able to handle to oh sh!t moments we never thought of.

If you want to slice tomatoes real thin out in the wild cool, I want to be able to bore a hole through my canoe to repair a thwart or deck piece the popped off, and yes I carry a MT.

[Corvid1]

I make a distinction between camping and backpacking.

For the past 20 years I've carried a Delica on camping trips (the first 16 years a Saber grind and since 2010 a FFG). I haven't noticed a difference in blade function of the two knives. The Delica (either grind) is suitable for camping.

Backpacking is different, I don't have the luxury of breaking the tip of my folding knife—I can't hop in the truck and drive into town to buy another one. For this reason on backpacking trips I carry a small fixed blade puukko knife with a 2.75" blade.

tim