Is it time for the Delica 5?

[hyuaki]

Hello, I am fairly newish to Spyderco but not knives. Before I purchase a knife, I do my best to try it in hand before I decide to purchase. I learned that lesson from watches. Rivers Edge Cutlery is my local knife shop and so that’s where I go.

Anyway I have tried the Para 3, Manix 2, Native 5, and Delica in hand. I did not try the PM 2 because I just don’t have a need for a huge blade. The Delica 4 is the perfect size for me, thus that is what I went with.

I purchased the Teal S30v Wharncliffe. Just last week I also purchased a Byrd Meadowlark 2 G10 with the intention of performing a blade swap. Once I got it, I realized that the swap will not work unless I grind a choil into the front of the S30V blade and I just don’t want to do that.

It would be awesome to get my hands on a new Delica with the same build as the Meadowlark 2 G10 but with a better blade steel than VG10. There is nothing wrong with VG10 but better steel is always a plus. What would you all think of an upgraded version?

[Michael Janich]

Dear hyuaki:

Welcome to the Spyderco Forum.

Stay safe,

Mike

[Wandering_About]

The Delica 4 is available in K390, a very nice but non stainless tool steel, and I believe Knifejoy still has their exclusive Delica 4 in 20CV stainless steel available.

[Fred Sanford]

Honestly, I don’t know what they would improve. The D4 is just about perfect.

[vivi]

I'm happy with VG10 personally.

I think the current strategy of offering the main models in VG10 with sprints in higher edge retention steels is well executed.

[Manixguy@1994]

There are exclusives out there , I only have three Delicas in three different steels and my VG10 Wharnie is still my favorite. MG2

[spydergoat]

Welcome to this forum hyuaki, and great choice of knives. Delica s30v wharncliffe, doesn't get much better than that. I haven't tried the Meadowlark 2 so I'm curious what you like about that one-please share. I carry a similar knife to the delica (Salt 2 wharncliffe) all the time and I do not feel it is lacking a choil.

[z1r]

Hola Goat. I have to admit, I like the Meadowlark better than the Delica as well.

The Delica is a great knife, just not for me.

I prefer the Meadowlark/Hawkbill in that range. I do love my Salt 2 though, so light.



I'm not a huge SE fan nor a Wharnie fan but love both the Delica SE Wharnie, go VG10!, and the Meadowlark Wharnie SE. Where else can you get so much cutting power is a sub $35 knife?

I think what I like better about the Meadowlark is that the blade is longer yet the handle is shorter. Plus, on this size knife, I really like the choil.


All the more reason to try before you buy if possible. We all have our personal preferences.

[elena86]

All I want is to be ground thinner behind the edge. That’s all… it’s perfect as it is.

[wrdwrght]

Sounds like you’re really looking for a Meadowlark upgrade. No?

I honestly don’t know how Spyderco could make the Delica4 better than it is.

[JRinFL]

I didn't think it was time for the Delica 4!

The 3 is still my favorite.

[Haunted House]

It would be cool if the Delica had that finger choil from the Meadowlark, but that’s probably the only thing I would change.

[Sharp Guy]

It would be cool if the Delica had that finger choil from the Meadowlark, but that’s probably the only thing I would change.

^ that's kind of what I was thinking but I already put my finger in that spot on the Delica even though it doesn't actually fit. Otherwise I'm perfectly happy with the Delica 4. Considering what it costs to have new molds made I'd be surprised if Spyderco justified the expense just for that

[phaust]

It would be cool if the Delica had that finger choil from the Meadowlark, but that’s probably the only thing I would change.

^ that's kind of what I was thinking but I already put my finger in that spot on the Delica even though it doesn't actually fit. Otherwise I'm perfectly happy with the Delica 4. Considering what it costs to have new molds made I'd be surprised if Spyderco justified the expense just for that

Adding a choil to the Delica/Endura is a topic that's come up a number of times over the years as you might imagine. There are a lot of strong opinions on both sides, but ultimately Sal/Spyderco had said it's not happening because there are already plenty of models with them.

[z1r]

It would be cool if the Delica had that finger choil from the Meadowlark, but that’s probably the only thing I would change.

^ that's kind of what I was thinking but I already put my finger in that spot on the Delica even though it doesn't actually fit. Otherwise I'm perfectly happy with the Delica 4. Considering what it costs to have new molds made I'd be surprised if Spyderco justified the expense just for that

Adding a choil to the Delica/Endura is a topic that's come up a number of times over the years as you might imagine. There are a lot of strong opinions on both sides, but ultimately Sal/Spyderco had said it's not happening because there are already plenty of models with them.

Which is why I own both the D4 and Meadlowlark.

[ZrowsN1s]

I don't think there are any G-10 Delicas available at the moment. Plenty of steel choices though. There is the knifecenter Pakka wood HAP40 exclusives. There used to be aftermarket scales from Flytanium though they've been sold out for a while. There might be some aftermarket options out there.

It would be an expensive build but you cpuld probably find a Ti Damascus Delica and do a scale swap.

[p_atrick]

Don't forget about the Performance Delica (high hollow grind) that will come out at some point. While the overall profile won't change, this could be a huge upgrade (so to speak).

[pcguy23]

Delica is probably my favorite Spyderco
I have a few and this isn't even all the flavors



I have closer to 20 now, time for a new family photo

[Wartstein]

It would be cool if the Delica had that finger choil from the Meadowlark, but that’s probably the only thing I would change.

^ that's kind of what I was thinking but I already put my finger in that spot on the Delica even though it doesn't actually fit. Otherwise I'm perfectly happy with the Delica 4. Considering what it costs to have new molds made I'd be surprised if Spyderco justified the expense just for that

Adding a choil to the Delica/Endura is a topic that's come up a number of times over the years as you might imagine. There are a lot of strong opinions on both sides, but ultimately Sal/Spyderco had said it's not happening because there are already plenty of models with them.

... and I am really glad he said that.

As you say: "A lot of opinions on both sides", and all are valid, no doubt
MINE clearly is that the Delica is a better knife with the "ricasso" instead of the choil.
Just pros for me:
- Longer grip area on the actual (FRN) handle, enough for a good four finger grip even with larger hands (the Para 3 or Native 5 don´t give me that)
- Hand closer to the edge when not choking up
- "ricasso" still perfectly fine for choking up on it

The Delica size category is where a choil makes the least sense for me personally. In knives even smaller it is almost a must, in knives bigger it is ok or even nice to have.
And, as you also said: There ARE enough Spydies WITH choil in that size range already anyway (Native 5, Para 3 , Sage...)

[jwbnyc]

That sums it up pretty well.^^