Spyderco Delica 4 Review
This Spyderco Delica Review is going to look at what makes the Delica 4 one of Spyderco’s most popular models.
Why do so many people like it?
What makes it so much better than other knives on the market?
Does the Delica have any downfalls?
What are the variations and what is the perfect model for you?
We are going to dig into all those details and more, so read on to find out.
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Spyderco Delica Quick Overview
The Delica 4 is your go-to knife if you’re looking for one of the most comfortable and sleek EDC designs out there. It fits comfortably in your hand and offers a strong grip with bi-directional handle texturing.
The ergonomics are incredible and it fits both left-handed and right-handed people perfectly. It is very lightweight and an ideal size for an everyday carry knife.
The deployment is also pretty quick with the signature Spyderco spider hole. The thumb ramp on the blade keeps your thumb from slipping and sliding.
It also comes with an adjustable pocket clip for convenience. It is a pretty sleek and reliable knife.
It is only fair to point out that it has some really minor flaws. Like any knife, it will have to be sharpened from time to time. With that said, It can also be slightly difficult to sharpen, like any blade with premium steel. when you take it to the stones it may take more time to get razor-sharp than inferior blade steel.
It is a slim design but some people may think that it bulges out a bit from their pocket and may like a smaller model. That is a compromise that has to be taken into consideration if you want to carry a full-sized folding knife.
If you like larger knives and want something even bigger than the Delica then I recommend you check out our detailed review of the Spyderco Tenacious.
All that being said, the knife offers great quality for its price and will provide years of solid service for anyone who owns one.
Spyderco Delica 4 Lightweight Signature Folding Knife with 2.90″ Saber-Ground Steel Blade and High-Strength FRN Handle – CombinationEdge Serration – C11PSBK
- RELIABLE HIGH PERFORMANCE - The Delica 4 family includes a full range of handle colors, blade grinds, and edge configurations, as well as a blunted training version and a model with the Emerson Opening
- SUPERIOR BLADE STEEL - The VG-10 blade has a flat saber-ground grind with a stronger tip and larger 13mm opening hole.
- ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT - Inside the handle are dual skeletonized stainless steel liners which strengthen the knife without additional weight and double as an anchor for external and internal components to attach through generating more sturdiness.
- ERGONOMIC - Added to the blades spine is slip resistant jimping. Phosphor bronze washers smooth out the open/close action and the clip is upgraded to a four-way tip-up, tip-down, left-or right-handed clip.
- A SECURE GRIP - Molded onto the FRN handles surface is Bi-Directional Texturing for slip-free tactile traction. It provides resistance to slipping in the hand.
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Spyderco History
The Spyderco company was founded by Sal Glesser in 1976. They started knife production in 1981 and their first knife was called the C01 Worker.
This was the first knife that had their now-signature “spider hole”. This allows for fast opening with either the left or right hand and does not have any protrusions such as a thumb stud to get snagged or caught on anything.
Spyderco has gained a dedicated following and continues to put out high-quality knives with high-quality steel and designs.
They also produce the “Byrd” line of knives which have the same Spyderco signature styles but with more economical steels and production considerations.
Spyderco often produce what are called “sprint runs” which are limited editions with blades made with new premium steels. This continues to endear them to many hardcore knife aficionados.
Delica Model Variations
In the 1990's, Spyderco released its first Delica C11 knife which became a huge success with people. Because of this breakthrough, the Spyderco company kept going with this product line and continued improving on the designs with time.
Spyderco has continuously refined and upgraded this model through what they refer to as the CQI (Continuous Quality Improvement)
The Delica 4 is the latest model of Delica knives. However, it has many predecessors dating back to 1990. All variations of the Delica have been made in Seki City Japan. Let’s have a quick look at the different versions.
C11 Delica
This was the first Delica model that came out in 1990. It was a huge success among EDC knives and went through several revisions afterwards.
It used GIN-1/G2 steel and later switched to an AUS-8 steel blade. The Delica generation 1 model was produced between 1990 and 1999 with fiber-reinforced nylon (FRN) or stainless steel handle.
Delica 2
Soon after in 1996, the C43 Delica II came out and had major improvements such as a stainless steel handle, stainless steel clip and used an AUS-6 blade.
Delica 3
This model was introduced in 1998 and was produced until 2006. It had a slightly larger 3” blade compared with the Delica 1 and 2 which had the 2 ⅞” blade. It featured refinements in the overall shape. It was reversible and offered a clip that could be used on either side of the blade.
In 2001 the Boye dent was also added which is a slight depression in the Lockback mechanism and helps to prevent accidental lock release when the handle is gripped tightly. This blade was then replaced with a fourth Generation Spyderco Delica 4 in 2006.
The Delica 3 blades were made of ATS-55 and VG-10 Steel with an FRN handle.
Delica 4
In 2006 Spyderco released its Delica 4 blade which is the latest knife in the Delica product series. This knife features a blade which is approximately 2 ⅞” long. The closed length is 4 ¼” while the overall length of an open knife is 7 ⅛” long.
The traditional blade style is a very minimal drop point with a fairly long and straight spine with a hollow grind.
It has been produced with a plain edge, combo edge, and Spyderco’s signature Spyderedge serrations.
One major improvement with the Delica 4 variation was a changeover over to being held together with screws which allows for easier disassembly for cleaning and maintenance.
The other major change from previous versions was that the clip was changed to a 4 way adjustable held in place with three small screws.
This allows for 4 way carry, tip up, tip down, and right or left handed.
Delica Handle Scales
The Spyderco Delica 4 comes with a standard handle made with Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon scales (FRN). These Scales are perfectly fitted on the knife with skeletonized stainless-steel liners without slightest of gaps. This skeletonized liner helps save on extra weight while adding considerable strength to the knife.
The FRN scales for this model are bi-textured, so there are no compromises on gripping the knife with either left or right hands. The texturing on the scales is also done perfectly making sure even with wet hands you get slip-free tactile traction.
You can choose these handles in different vibrant colors such as gray, purple, brown, blue, green, etc. and of course black.
G10 Delica Scales
You can also get custom designs and different colors on your blade with G10 scales.They are made of fiberglass. As compared to FRN, these scales are more rounded and smoother.
These can get cracked upon strong collisions sometimes. You can get these for a unique customized look but their grip may not be as grippy as FRN in wet conditions.
Stainless Steel Scales
All versions of the Delica 2 had Stainless Steel handle scales and while they removed this option for the Delica 3, it is now back on some versions of the Delica 4.
Stainless steel as we all know is a very hard and durable material. On versions of this knife with the Stainless scales it feels like a very solid and substantial cutting tool in your hand.
The Stainless version also has a very industrial look to it and makes for a very stylish knife.
Titanium Scales
One premium version of the Delica 4 offers your knife a classic design with smooth handles made out of titanium. The titanium handles come with a Damascus blade which adds more to its beauty. They can be somewhat more expensive than usual models but they offer premium looks.
Carbon Fiber scales
Made out of 100% carbon fiber, these scales have a smooth hex mesh surface. They are available in many colors such as blue, black, red etc.They may not be as grippy as other scales but they do give your blade a unique look.
Carbon fiber is known for having outstanding strength with a very light weight. It also has a very characteristic look which adds a touch of extra style to your blade.
Delica 4 Blade Shapes
The original Spyderco Delica knife has a simple hollow grind shape. It’s plain and sleek. The tip of the blade is a small drop point with a fairly long straight spine.
This means the blades have a short convex portion towards the tip that drops down to meet at the point. This blade has a nice and consistent belly which makes it a very good slicer.
Another factor that contributes to the Delica’s reputation as a very good slicing knife is the relatively thin blade.
While the blade length has changed very slightly between model versions, the thickness has remained a constant 3/32” (3.5mm) thick throughout its lifespan.
There are now many different variations of the Delica’s blade shape and grind.
In typical Spyderco style, they have released many different “sprint runs” as well as specialized versions to suit all manners of collectors and knife lovers.
Some of the different blade styles are as follows;
Wharncliffe blades
These blades have a distinct shape where they have straight cutting edges. The cutting edges may be serrated or smooth edge depending on your choice. The spine slowly curves down to meet the cutting edge at the point. These blades can cut with full power right up to the point.