Delica 3 versus 4 musings

[knightrider]

This maybe a rehash about the delica for most but some might find it interesting.

So I was at my local sporting goods store Gander Mountain and went to check out their knife section. They had 2 dragonflys frn, 1 delica 3 SS, 1 93mm rescue, 1 endura 3 frn, and 5 delica 3 frn. They didn't have any of the d4s or e4s but it looked like they were making room for them. The pegs were very empty and waiting for restock.

Since I have a delica 4 I thought I'd pick up a delica 3 to check it out. I like the handle, it is lighter and thinner than the d4 and I like the sharp tip but the clip isn't what I expected. It is very tight and lower than the ones I have on my salt line of knives. I like the less tight and higher off the knife handle clips more. I think I'll have to swap out for a newer clip or bend it. Its weird to me because my native 1 is really old and it has the same clip the salt line has. Just wondering why the d3 clip is different when the native is older but has the better fitting clip. The d4 clip is so much better, and has tip up and tip down threads.

IMO the d3 and d4 are totally different knives. The d3 seems to be more about lightness and the d4 about heft, adjustability and durability. The d4 seems like a much more expensive knife. If I had to get just one it would be the d4. For the same price the d4 is amazing.

The blade shape on the d3 is more delicate tip wise but finer for small fine work. The d4 shape seems more about durability with the blunter tip.

All in all I would say each has there strong points. Neither is a bad choice, they are just different. I would advise people to pick up a d3 before they all disappear, which will probably take a long time.

[Mr Blonde]

Nice, thank you for your insight. I really should get me some D4s. :D

Wouter

[jaislandboy]

Yeah the Salt retains the overall FRN handle shape/weight of the Delica3...while the D4 feels much sturdier / its FRN handle pattern allows more traction and the added jimping on he spine cusp is a Plus! I also love the new clip of the D4 vs. the old ones... :cool:

[TheKnifeCollector]

Mr. Blonde, yes, you should get a or some D4's!!! I discovered in a desk drawer a delica, with the plastic clip and it has AUS 8 for the blade. Wow, what a difference bewteen THAT one and the new D4!! Night and day!!

[dialex]

I don't know if it is appropriate to start with this, but...
my most favorite Delica is an ATS-55 PE without the Boye dent. Maybe because it was my very first Delica, who knows? :)
I have VG-10 ones, I even have a CF, (and they all are flawless) but I find myself coming back and fondling "my precious".
I don't have a Delica 4 yet, but hopefully this will change once the ZDP one is released. :D

[Delica_Nut]

I'm still bummed out about the ZDP is in the D4 and not D3

[spydutch]

If I have to be REALLY honest, I like the blade of the 3 over the 4.

But this is just my humble opinion

[spygent]

I like D4 MUCH more than D3. :cool:

I never owned D3, but I handled it in the shop - it looked too pointy and less attractive (FRN verson) than Caly Jr., which was flat-ground, drop point, classier looking etc. I actually liked SS verson, but it wasn't ambidextrous and steel wasn't that good...

But new Delica is really great! SS version is my current EDC and I'm looking forward to blue ZDP version. Can't wait!

[Delica_Nut]

If they can put tthe D3 clip on the D4 then I'd say it was a great model! The D4 clip and Blade point are its short commings. IMOP.

[znpschatz]

After 5 years of happiness with my ATS 55 Delica SE, I finally got around to picking up a PE D4. While it is an improvement in some ways, I find the Spyderhole to be awfully sharp. I don't think it was just mine. Other samples at the knife store felt the same. Although I haven't actually sliced my thumb, it isn't comfortable to operate. OTOH, the blade opening on my SE is smooth as glass, has been from day one.

I have been considering working the edges with my Sharpmaker fine rod. Has anyone else experienced this?