getting the itch for a delica wharncliffe

[ladybug93]

i want a delica wharncliffe, but i can't decide which to get. it will primarily be used as an edc and defensive knife. i'd like to get a pickpocket from 5x5 and a signet ring from wise men to install on it, so the salts won't really work (not compatible with the signet ring). otherwise lc200n would normally be my first choice.

the steels available right now as far as i can tell are vg10, k390, s30v, 20cv, h1, or lc200n. let me know your experience with your delica wharncliffe and leave me a picture to help me get by until i figure out what to get.

[mikey177]

Of the three in photo, the serrated LC200N Salt 2 gets the most use, as it is my go-to companion for yardwork.

The S30V and 20CV variants are lucky if they get to cut a loose piece of thread or some string during the course of the week

[aicolainen]

I'm having a similar itch.
The k390 wc Delica seems to be the best fitting scratch that is currently available, but I'm not totally convinced it will scratch me just right.
My go-to work EDC for... however long its been, is a k390 wc DF2, and it has been so, so great. The short edge length of the DF2 has never been an issue, and in my normal use it's more of an advantage. So I'm not at all tempted to change that, but every now and then I'd like the option of a slightly longer edge.
I believe the DF2 works so well because it's very easy to operate with great control and precision in a multitude of grips and orientations, and it does so even in a restricted work space.
While there is no way to get more edge without giving up some maneuverability, as it pertains to the Delica wc I'm not sure benefit makes up for the tradeoff.

I'm still tempted to try the wc Delica, but I'm not in a hurry so I'll give it some time to see if a better alternative might come along. Intuitively I believe something like a wc Chaparral or small Rock jumper would be my ideal large(er) alternative to the wc DF2.

But hey, I'm weird. Most people who need a larger alternative to the DF2 would probably be very well served by a Delica.
I have a Salt 2 WC SE in for evaluation and it's very hard to dislike that knife. It's not unlikely that I'll keep it, but for a very different use case.

I've never owned a true Delica, just variations of Salt 2s, so I'm not sure how they differ in feel and operation, and I realize you seem quite determined to get a Delica, but I feel obligated to pitch the Rock jumper as an alternative.
I ordered one recently just to see what it's all about, and that knife was so much more different from the Endelica lineup than I expected. The handle forward feature kind of stole the show and intentionally or not became the selling feature, but this absolutely isn't a one trick pony.
I don't know much about self defense, but the RJ is indeed more confidence inspiring than my Salt 2s and if you also have slightly larger mitts than I do (you probably have) and generally like your wharncliffes larger than I do (also quite probable), you should not dismiss the RJ simply for lack of steel options.

[vilePossum]

Absolutely no clue about the SD aspect, and never going to use mine in that regard.
But I sure love my Wharncliffe delicas. Have the Hap40 and the k390 and they are my primary box cutters/destroyers. Excellent for EDC purposes except for food prep. I would prefer the normal blade for that, but WC works well enough and I almost always carry a sak as well.
I also use it to cut some stuff for my leatherwork and it works like a charm, so I imagine it will work equally well on human leather?!
I think all the steels available have their merits, I like the Hap40 as it gets obscenely sharp and the k390 is just a very very good overall steel. Both can be easily maintained on the sharpmaker once you set the bevel to your liking.
Of course it depends on your preferences. Have you ever handled a delica? I have normal large hands and it fits my grip almost perfect. The endura is a no go for me as it is just uncomfortable, the endela is good, but not as good as the delica.
As for steels, pick your poison, take something you are comfortable with or try out something new. Considering that the yojimbo is S30v, you probably can't go wrong there.
Not sure serrations on a WC would work for SD, guess they make more sense on a matriarch style blade.

Tldr try it, I think they are great knives.

Oh, only downsides to the delica: disassembly and reassembly takes some practice, and closing the blade one handed requires you to change your grip.

[jmj3esq]

Double Post

[jmj3esq]

Here's my Delica wharncliffe in K390. I ditched the FRN scales and chose red micarta. I haven't used it much yet, but it looks like a slasher!

[Manixguy@1994]

I have had only one WC Delica and gifted to a friend . VG10 was fine for me but if I go SS again it will be a KJ 20CV , if Salt will go H1 . Dan

[TkoK83Spy]

The only one I had...probably would have kept it if it wasn't SE.

[mongo1958]

i want a delica wharncliffe, but i can't decide which to get. it will primarily be used as an edc and defensive knife. i'd like to get a pickpocket from 5x5 and a signet ring from wise men to install on it, so the salts won't really work (not compatible with the signet ring). otherwise lc200n would normally be my first choice.

the steels available right now as far as i can tell are vg10, k390, s30v, 20cv, h1, or lc200n. let me know your experience with your delica wharncliffe and leave me a picture to help me get by until i figure out what to get.

I have a Kershaw Blur with S30V that is about 15 years old. If I was awake it was in my pocket. I also ride a motorcycle and for a 3 year period, I didn't have a car or truck (sold it to my step son).
I was riding the bike every place I went, **** or high water and the Blur was with me every mile.
Basically, if I wasn't riding in the rain I was sweating in the heat and not once did the S30V blade show any sign of corrosion. I still have the Blur today.
That's my plug for S30V, I don't have any long term experience with the other steels.

[Doc Dan]

You have to get one. There, I said it. I have not used one, but I've been jonesing for one myself. I'd get the K390 or S30V, personally.

[steelcity16]

I have them all and they are my most carried model. I'd say go for the 20CV since it is an exclusive in a nice shade of blue. K390 is also fantastic. I'm hoping DLT does a Cruwear version soon.

[mongo1958]

I'm having a similar itch.
The k390 wc Delica seems to be the best fitting scratch that is currently available, but I'm not totally convinced it will scratch me just right.
My go-to work EDC for... however long its been, is a k390 wc DF2, and it has been so, so great. The short edge length of the DF2 has never been an issue, and in my normal use it's more of an advantage. So I'm not at all tempted to change that, but every now and then I'd like the option of a slightly longer edge.
I believe the DF2 works so well because it's very easy to operate with great control and precision in a multitude of grips and orientations, and it does so even in a restricted work space.
While there is no way to get more edge without giving up some maneuverability, as it pertains to the Delica wc I'm not sure benefit makes up for the tradeoff.

I'm still tempted to try the wc Delica, but I'm not in a hurry so I'll give it some time to see if a better alternative might come along. Intuitively I believe something like a wc Chaparral or small Rock jumper would be my ideal large(er) alternative to the wc DF2.

But hey, I'm weird. Most people who need a larger alternative to the DF2 would probably be very well served by a Delica.
I have a Salt 2 WC SE in for evaluation and it's very hard to dislike that knife. It's not unlikely that I'll keep it, but for a very different use case.

I've never owned a true Delica, just variations of Salt 2s, so I'm not sure how they differ in feel and operation, and I realize you seem quite determined to get a Delica, but I feel obligated to pitch the Rock jumper as an alternative.
I ordered one recently just to see what it's all about, and that knife was so much more different from the Endelica lineup than I expected. The handle forward feature kind of stole the show and intentionally or not became the selling feature, but this absolutely isn't a one trick pony.
I don't know much about self defense, but the RJ is indeed more confidence inspiring than my Salt 2s and if you also have slightly larger mitts than I do (you probably have) and generally like your wharncliffes larger than I do (also quite probable), you should not dismiss the RJ simply for lack of steel options.

Excellent write up.

[JRinFL]

i want a delica wharncliffe, but i can't decide which to get. it will primarily be used as an edc and defensive knife. i'd like to get a pickpocket from 5x5 and a signet ring from wise men to install on it, so the salts won't really work (not compatible with the signet ring). otherwise lc200n would normally be my first choice.

the steels available right now as far as i can tell are vg10, k390, s30v, 20cv, h1, or lc200n. let me know your experience with your delica wharncliffe and leave me a picture to help me get by until i figure out what to get.

Itches get stitches! Wait, what??

[aicolainen]

Excellent write up.

Thanks. Honestly I didn't expect anyone to have the patience to read through it

[cjk]

Since the salt ones don't work for your intended application, the next most corrosion resistant one is the 20CV one. I'd get that if you can only have one.

If you can have two, I'd get a 20CV one and a K390 one.
If you can have three, I'd add the LC200N one to that.

[ladybug93]

i appreciate the recommendations.

i don't have anything in 20cv yet, but i've got 204p and m390. i technically have a vg10 knife, but it's damascus. i don't have anything in k390 yet. i've got plenty of s30v, h1, and lc200n though. so, the choices are really basically between k390 and vg10 for me right now and then i'll probably also get a lc200n salt 2 wharncliffe at some point in the future.

i will probably go with vg10 because it's cheaper and this knife will either barely get used, or be a beater. maybe i'll hold out for the leafjumper to finally try k390.

the rockjumper was definitely on my radar to get instead of a delica, but spyderco likes to make their blades just barely over even measurements, making the rockjumper a knife i wouldn't be able to carry in my new job. the delica is also more streamlined in the pocket and has aftermarket upgrade options i'm looking for. otherwise, i'd love a rockjumper.

[ladybug93]

Itches get stitches! Wait, what??

[ladybug93]

i still want to see more pics. show 'em if you got 'em! :)

[Manixguy@1994]

I dug up a couple older shots for you of the VG10 variant . Dan

[Brock O Lee]

I can share a size and tip robustness comparison.



Tips in same order as above:



I like K390, and I like the shade of blue FRN. It goes well with blue jeans!