decision prob. can spyderfans help?

[NIGHTMARE77]

I posted this on bladeforums already, but figured I should post it on the "official" spyderco forums. Here's the problem, I have a delica 3 FRN comboedge that sits in a curio cabinet with the rest of my humble collection. Basically, it is new/unused. I just started an internship in an auto repair shop and need a good knife to cut some tough stuff like thick cardboard boxes and thick rubber hose. I wanted to get a new D4 comboedge, but my funds are limited as of now. I thought about taking the D3 out of my collection to use, and replace it someday with a D4 when I can afford to buy one. The only problem is, I can't decide whether to use the D3 as it is discontinued, and in my mind, somewhat more valuable. So, what do the spyderfans have to say? Should I just leave the D3 in my collection and wait to buy a D4 to use, or just take out the D3 and put it to good use? I also should mention that I want a good locking knife to carry when I go for walks around home here, as some of the backroads I walk are fairly desolate, and having a good lockblade on me provides piece of mind. I eagerly await your responses..

[The CoPilot]

My advice to you comes from the lips of the man himself:

“Open, close, cut, clean, oil, cut, cut, cut... To a Spyderco, that is living. Letting it die in the box is to lose 75% of what we put into it." Sal Glesser

Take out the D3, use it, sharpen it, enjoy it!

[spyderdog]

I say take it out of the case and use it. :) The D3 has a great point on it for piercing, and is lighter than the D4's since it doesn't have the liners. I don't think the collecting value of a D3 would ever skyrocket, but one never knows!

Do you have other Delicas that you're collecting for display? If not, definitely use it

[whitefeather]

The D3 begs to be used. The D3 was my first :spyder: Beware though, once you use it you will want more.
I don't beleive the D3 will ever be a super collectable but then again I use all of my Spydercos.

Enjoy.....and congrats on the new job

[flyguy]

Is it a black handled FRN? (I assume?) Not really a collector's item... The new version is arguably better and not that different looking. There were way too many of them made to think it is going to be a special collector's item.

Use it!

[Jonny8642]

I suggest using your D3. My second :spyder: was a D3 spyderedge, and it's the only knife I use on a constant bases. I have other :spyder: that are just as good if not better then the D3, but for over three years I've used me D3 for almost everything from personal security(although I don't recommend doing that), cutting open boxes to stripping wire. All in all it's a good all around knife and it must be used and congrats on the new job :D

[Episteme]

I would also recommend that you use your D3. It's a darned good knife and it's so light you forget that it's on your person until you need it. As long as you use the knife to exclusivly cut things and not pry, scrape, screwdrive, etc., and you oil it and clean it daily, it will continue to look nice. I personally think that the D3 has some of the best ergonomics out there, and it's not even in the "top-tier" (most expensive) of the spyderco family. I love mine.
-Mike

[Simple Man]

I second, er, third, uh, seventh...that opinion. The real value in the main run Endura/Delica series is through use. The old FRN clipped versions barely garner a higher price and they are long discontinued, yet still can be had with a only small bit of effort. I carry a numbered SS E4 with no concerns. Carry it with pride (but still get a D4 when you get a chance, you'll like it :D ).

[Raqudu]

Use it! :)

The memories you build with this knife as you begin your new career will be worth more than any potential gain in monetary value.

[stonyman]

Use it! :D

[Dr. Snubnose]

Use it! For Sure!....Doc :D

[Harry White]

not much collector value -- use it to death!

[Michael Cook]

:spyder: Don't sell disco'd knives. You'll regret it later. :spyder:

[NIGHTMARE77]

Thanks for all the feedback. I think I will take it out and put it to good use. I have a whole toolbox full of screwdrivers and pry bars at work, so I have no reason to use my spyderco for any of those tasks. I bought a delica 3 when they first came out and carried it for a few years until I lost it. It was a great knife, but I couldn't get it very sharp (used a stone freehand). Now I have a sharpmaker, so I think that my new delica will preform even better now that I have a proper sharpener for it.