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Spyderco Delica 4

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
photo: Spyderco Delica 4 folding knife

The Spyderco Delica 4 part-serrated FRN is likely the best EDC knife available.

Pros

  • Strong, multi-capable blade
  • Grippy, lightweight yet strong handle
  • Thumb hole opens smoothly and effortlessly
  • Multi positionable clip allows customized carry

Cons

  • Black pocket clip can get scratched/chipped

Bought this after owning a gen 1 Endura full serrated FRN for about 20 years.

The 2.9" blade is just the right size for everyday tasks. Not too small or dainty, and not so big that it might exceed legal limits in some places or raise eyebrows when in use in everyday situations.

The razor sharp VG10 blade has a notched thumb ramp that ends at the apex of the thumb hole giving the thumb a good purchase on the blade when cutting heavy stuff like carpeting or corrugated cardboard. The serrations are fairly aggressive with one wide serration alternating with two narrow ones.

The thumb hole enables you to open and close it smoothly and effortlessly with one hand. And unlike thumb studs or disks, it won't hinder the blade from making a full depth plunge right to the handle. The plain edge part of the blade cuts paper, tarp/plastic sheeting, and fabric smoothly without snagging while the serrated part slices through rope/twine/cord and webbing with ease.

The black fiberglass reinforced nylon (FRN) handle has skeletonized SS liners to provide additional strength and rigidity without adding much weight. The handle has a new 'Volcano' grip texture, which is more grippy than the old checkered squares of the gen 1 Delica & Endura handles.

The re-positionable clip (end to end AND left to right) makes it easy to customize carry for tip-up, tip-down, lefty or righty. While the black stainless steel clip is more discrete than a natural stainless one, it is prone to scratches and chipping.


Delica4-PS-FRN.jpg

The lockback has a 'Boye dent' which is a slight indention on the lock release button that helps prevent accidental unlocking from a overly tight grip. I prefer lockbacks to liner locks- I find they're easier on the thumb.

The 2.5 oz weight is barely noticeable and doesn't sag down an inside suit pocket much either.

It's the perfect everyday carry knife. 

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $60

This product is affordable, lightweight, and well made. It makes for a perfect EDC no matter where you are or what you’re doing.

Pros

  • The Delica is lightweight. It’s so light I sometimes forget it’s there!
  • The steel is very good (VG-10). It comes razor sharp ready to slice!
  • The locking mechanism has no issues whatsoever.

Cons

  • The FRN handles have an odd texture on them. Sometimes I find it kind of sharp and it irritates my skin a bit.
  • Also the pocket clip tends to loosen a bit over time, but that can be fixed with a torx bit.

AE479352-BC2D-45E8-875F-3C168A43AA66.jpg

The Spyderco Delica folding knife is a great everyday carry (EDC) knife. It’s lightweight but not cheap-feeling. You feel the quality when you hold it in your hand.

The knife is fun to fidget with, and when it’s called to perform it does its job flawlessly. The blade comes razor sharp and maintains this sharpness over time. This is my first experience with VG-10, and I am very pleased with it. It’s quite the upgrade from the other steels I’ve used, and it comes at a fairly decent price.

Opening the blade is easy with the "spidey-hole." This was my first lock-back knife, so it took some getting used to closing it, and once I did it was just as easy as opening it. It’s super lightweight. I literally forget it’s in my pocket sometimes. The pocketclip holds the knife tight and secure in your pockets, and is reversible if desired. It can be carried top or bottom, right, or left.

This is my favorite EDC because of the light weight and quality of the product. I definitely recommend this to someone looking for a quality and affordable EDC blade.

Background

About six months of experience.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $74.96

I own a Spyderco Delica 4 Emerson Opener and am happy with this knife.

This knife I found very good, is easy handling, fits nicely in your hand, is strong and holds up to abuse.

For those who do not know, the wave system, patented by Emerson, is the hook or ledge to put on the back of the time so that when the knife out of his pocket, snaps and open as you are pulling them.

This system is probably the fastest there at the time of opening a knife from his pocket, even more than an assisted or automatic.

Source: received it as a personal gift
Price Paid: gift from a friend

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The Delica 4 replaced the Spyderco Delica.

Specs

Price Current Retail: $94.50-$228.38
Historic Range: $62.95-$228.38
Reviewers Paid: $60.00-$74.96
Product Details from Spyderco »

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