This is at least the second time that I have heard you mention that disassembly voids the spyderco warranty since your video last week about their policy change. Why?
Because this video was filmed months ago! I've tried to add annotations wherever possible, and I've updated the descriptions, but I can't re-film every video :)
Today in June 2018, the Delica is being made in a "Tactical" version. This is, I think, only a cosmetic package:. Blacked out screws, clip, and blade. But, it's general light-weight construction has me thinking that this will not be a knife I go to war with. So, the serrated blade strikes me as a bridge too far. I would feel like a jack-ass pulling out such a "pretender". So, I would rather this knife came in a non-serrated version for those of us with delicate sensibilities. Any thoughts on when that might be on the horizon?
Regarding the clip not being deep carry. I recall Sal mentioning in the Spyderco forum that they could easily provide deep carry clips, but he was cognizant that some guys were making a living by making and selling deep carry clips for Spyderco knives and he didn't want to drive them out of business by making their products redundant. A noble gesture on his part if you ask me.
If Spiderco was to take on the clip issue, they might be able to improve the function of the clip. But no one seems to be addressing the issue. Every clip I have seen is difficult to use.
I just left the knife shop and handled a delica and omg that was my first time holding a knife that's more than $20 and it's crazy how much more the quality jumps through the price ranges. It's sooo light and the owner let me put it in my pocket to see if I'd like how it carries and it was like it wasn't even there. Mann I'm absolutely in love with the Delica I have to buy one now soon as possible.
Would you still suggest a Delica today with a price tag around $85. Or is there something else that you would suggest looking at for an EDC? I’m looking for something under $100. Thanks!
You're right Nick, when it comes to knives - perhaps more than most other "gear", diminishing returns is a steep curve that starts early. The difference in performance between my $400 and $4k camera bodies is staggering, yet there's little difference in overall ergonomics and handling when you get down to it. With knives, you quickly cross the ergonomic/function barrier into pure style and luxury through design prowess and craftsmanship. That's probably what most people don't get. "$200 for a _knife!?!?"_ Uh, yeah - pretty cheap huh? "Does your $700 knife cut better than a $30 knife?" _Well, yes, or no, well - it's complicated..._ Anyway, for well under $100 for a base version, you've got a knife that's practically indestructible, and as you pointed out can be easily maintained without disassembly. Perhaps why Spyderco is still revered by pretty much everyone in the knife world.
Couldn't have clicked on this faster. You're the reason my first informed knife purchase was an FFG delica in grey. Since then it's been difficult to expand my collection because the delica has filled so much of the need even if it's lacking a bit on the want. I still enjoy disassembly on this knife, maybe I'm just used to it by now. Great vid as always!
I understand about enjoying a knife for the sum total of it's qualities. I like the Boker Kalishnikov automatic knife that I picked up for only $40. You can't legally import automatic knives into the US due to trade barriers that exist, no doubt, due to some clever lobbying by the domestic industry. But Boker found a way around the barrier by importing the knives as standard knives with the button functioning only as a safety. Once the knives are in this country, the knives are opened and a small spring installed that converts it to an automatic. Automatics are legal in my state and I am enough of a jackass that I love demonstrating it for my friends that don't have heart conditions. It's a slick operating little machine. And I take as much delight in it's cracking against it's stop as I imagine others take in doing gymnastics with their thumb stud deploying knives. But with it's aluminum scales, it's a bit heavy. The Aus8 steel bothers me not at all because I don't give it the sort of hard use that the steel type would be a real issue. Same with the painted scales. The paint will hold up well enough. And based on my short knife experience, I am inclined to believe that an automatic knife is less likely to nick you up (sorry, no pun.) than a knife that opens conventionally. So I love the performance features of the knife. But, just as important in my satisfaction is the low price of the knife. $40 is not so much that I am going to be suffering anxiety at the prospect that I might lose it. I do have some anxiety that any auto knife could trigger in my pocket. So, I don't carry it in my pocket. Using the deep-carry clip, I attach it to my waistband, with the button facing my belly. It's physically impossible for anything to trigger the button. The clip might lose it's grip and the knife slide down my pants leg. But, for $40 I am not going to lose sleep about that prospect. Good features/low cost. The perfect knife.
months ago bought the ontario rat 2 based largely on your review - now, months later gave much thought to upgrading and after serious consideration ordered the spyderco delica 4 - i hope i enjoy it as much as you seem to - thank you!
Just pulled the trigger on this baby and im very happy i did.I purchased in gray love it came very sha centered wich i was surprised seeing that it didn't matter with this handle.I have purchased pm2 and sage 5 just before buying this and im blown away by how well it came to me my pm2 i had to take apart because it was not centered.Also the action was off butt is running excellent now .Back to the delica didnt have any problems upon delivery centered flys open for me no play either way all in all glad i made the purchase great vids keep them coming
Just subscribed couple days ago and bought my first Spyderco . I got a Delica with combo blade which is important around the ranch.$65 on Amazon Prime choice of 4 colors. I picked blue.
Finally mine arrived today and i am very pleased.This came sharp centered lubed and feels like its broken in i don't need flip mine no blade just very happy all around and was not really going pull the trigger and get one .So with that very happy i did i have my pm2s sage 5 native and i am glad i did this way i could use this knife for edc and keep my more pricier knives in the case.All said and done very happy i made this purchase.
As an office drone (in Chicago), I prefer the Dragonfly ZDP-189 for EDC but the Delica is right behind for around the house/yard/shop with the PM2 for field/camping/fishing use. The best pocket knife hat trick around. I have a couple of "fancy" pocket knives that I never carry for fear of losing or damaging them. No worries with the Delica. Spyderco putting on a finger and sharpening choil and getting on the ball with deep pocket clips would make the Delica perfect.
Great review Nick. I've been carrying mine for years and as a tradesman, it gets a workout every day. I bought a deep carry clip off eBay that made it a little nicer and more discrete to carry.
Nick, I put both liners and scales together with the lockbar and spring in place, then slide the blade and bottom washer, while pressing the tang against the top liner. then press the pivot in, get it most of the way up, then use something thin to push the second washer in, then the pivot the rest of the way.
So got a delica the other day and thought I'd give it the Shabazz treatment. Took it apart and putting it back together was more than stressful. This was a cruwear sprint run too and didn't want to scratch it up. Was ok in the end but had I realised a Shabazz disassembly video for the delica didn't exist and had i seen this video I would have never tried to take it apart. A little oil is more than enough maintenance.
Stalwart is a great word! Shenanigans is a personal favorite of mine, it's always fun when I can bring it up naturally. 😎 I am getting a Delica in the mail today hopefully. Thanks for all the great knife reviews. You're the hickok45 of blades!
Great review overall, Nick. However.... lubrication will SLOW the break-in process, not speed it up. It will feel smoother and easier for a bit, then, when the lube dries up, it'll be rough again. Best thing for it is to just cycle it while watching TV. Hundreds and hundreds of cycles. THEN add a drop of oil. I do miss my 1st gen Delica. I'm gonna hafta get another one.
I just received the same delica 4 as it’s in this video... I was always wondering why do people have 5-7 or more knives, but now i can’t wait to get another nice one.....
I just got this as a present. I generally buy and carry more expensive knives, but definitely I'm noticing the biggest plus for this knife is that you can carry it in your pocket without it obstructing your pocket space much. And it's still big and solid enough to get the cutting jobs done. May not be the sexiest knife, but possibly the most practical knife you could find
I've got that exact same knife in my hand right now. Have you taken yours apart and re-assembled it? The reason I ask it that all the screws and pivot pin are mounted opposite on mine (i.e. tip up R/H carry the screws are actionable on the clip side). Just asking. (P.S. have a look at Hickock45's review on this knife to bring a little 'reality check' to knife snobs)....
There's a few tricks to taking these back lock Endura/Delica knife types apart and putting them back together. I've done it several times to my Enduras and Matriarchs.....just had to search for the right YT video on how to do it. Love the vids though Nick. Subbed and watching your old ones....as a compass on which ones to purchase or pass on. Thank You for sharing your knowledge and thoughts.
Hey Nick, I’ve ran into the same problem with the plastic thing when I disassembled my Delica. Actually, you have to put the back lock (metal piece) last so you don’t bend the plastic. There’s a Delica reassembly video on RUclips shows you how to do it.
That's crazy my orange delica came impressively smooth out the box. Like to the point I assumed it was loose. I'm a big fan of spyderco mainly the fidgety ones like the sage series, manix2, shaman and kapara,amalgam and spydiecheif so I never felt the need for a simple backlock that size but wow now I understand the love. It's a amazing slicer even better than the sage5 lightweight that is my personal favorite edc and the only knife I personally own better slicer is the chaparral but it doesn't feel as sturdy as the delica in my opinion. I agree with everything you said in this review down to wanting the finger choil. Maybe we will get a finger choil on the delica 5. lol
RE: finger choil They won't add one. They've said that they have customers that don't want choils, so the Delica and Endura won't change in that way. Then they also already have several comparably-sized knives that do have the choil: Native, Para 3, Sage, Efficient, Chaparral, UKPK, Domino, and hopefully someday again the Caly 3. I'd say the Caly 3 looks like an updated Delica with a choil.
Also, my Delica was flickable out of the box, although being a sprint model it might've been a little different. Plus it was a lot newer than this knife so things might've changed in the interim. I've handled plenty of newer Spyderco backlocks from Japan and Golden, and they were all flickable to some degree.
it's easy to take apart and put back together... the trick is to assemble the handle without a blade, then put a zip tie on a lock, and slide blade inside, and with a help of a toothpick slide and align washers and put pivot in, same way as knives with other types of locks. I have 2 enduras both with zdp and vg10 and would not recommend zdp... it chips so easy compared with vg10. By the way love how worn clip looks on them, gives some character
Good review, love your enthusiasm. You really should have talked about the jimping on the knife which is a very important feature. I'm surprised you forgot this. Other than that, you brought out a lot of great details about the knife. Good job
Based on your original review I got an orange handled Delica to replace a worn out Opinel (gardening version) that I had been using for years. I live in a rural area & the orange handle is REALLY bright & damned useful. I eventually got the ZDP-189 Delica & it is definitely my favourite EDC. Fortunately I like the dark green colour. But I have been flip-flopping & wrestling with myself about swapping the orange scales onto the ZDP knife ever since I got it. BTW, a good soak in acetone (I use nail varnish remover) helps to get rid of the the black stuff on the clip.
A *stalwart" video, sir!! Just bought myself a purple delica 4 frn, my very first Spiderco knife! Thanks for helping me choose a knife with your videos
Hey Nick, you are without a doubt one of, if not, my favorite reviewers. This video was done just about three years ago when the Delica 4 was apparently priced @ $60. Do you feel the same about the Delica 4 today with a price of $75-$80?
Bought one as my first EDC knife on your recommendation and I love it. Got one in ZDP-189 and haven't looked back. Thanks Nick for a great channel and yes disassembly brought me to tears.
Bought a Spyderco Endura at the LL Bean in Freeport ME in 2002. It never broke and simply went missing about 5 years ago. Bought the Delica a couple of years ago and it’s served me well. Just checked their website and they are way more than $60 now
Random guy asking, but is the Delica or Endura better? I'm cool with either, but me being a ignorant, self conscious fella, I wonder if the bigger blade on the Endura is better? Or is the Delica's smaller blade just as good?
Hey Nick, thanks for your channel, great job there :) But one point .... Not sure why the dissasembly seems like such a pain. Maybe it's just technique... To put it back together I do following: just complete the knife, screw all in but leave aside lockbar and the one screw holding it. Than slide in the lockbar while "catching" the blade with the hook, push on the lockbar all the way in and slide in the screw. Done. No zip ties or toothpicks stuff - just make sure the blade is secure with a tape :)
In 1991 I purchased my first Spyderco which was the endura first generation no metal liners and molded pocket clip . First day carrying it I LOST IT ! Went to the gun store and bought another one the next day.. since then I've settled on the Spyderco delica.. I owned a Gen 2 and now a Gen 4 serrated that I love I'm about to purchase another delica plain edge.. I just love them including the salt version and the Pacific salt version for diving and snorkeling
Hi Nick, Great content, truly! I am wondering what your thoughts are about the VG-10 vs. ZDP-189 Delica. If you had to get one, which would you choose? Anything against the ZDP Delica, other than price? I think I asked this question somewhere else on another one of your videos, but I can't seem to find that video. Best, Erik
Been watching a bunch of your videos. Long time delica 4 fan but I got an itch for something similar from the USA. I'm a lefty, have a pm2 have a few Benchmade. Any spydie recommendations?
Nick, July 2022, do you still feel the same about this knife or have there been changes in the last 5 years that would make you change your mind. Watching this video, I immediately thought, this is going to be my first knife, but then I saw the date of the review and thought, perhaps he has another knife now that he would recommend in place of the delica ? Thanks in advance.
To make delica "flicky": Take it apart and polish the washers, and buff the areas on the blade and liners that contact the washers. Reassemble and adjust pivot tension using blue loctite. Loosen it until you get side to side blade play, then tighten it in tiny increments until the blade play is gone. Ad a tiny drop of your choice oil to the pivot and work it in.
Awesome, very thorough, and on point review.. i pulled the trigger and got my first Delica just yesterday, after watching this. I agree with what you said about its tightness right out of the box. My fingernail started to hurt and sort of got wounded and forced open a bit from repeatedly trying to open and close it while tight lol glad to say that there is progress, though i am still opening and closing it to attain the easy opening i want.. overall, i love it! Awesome little knife. Thanks for the great review. All the best, Joseph
This is a great re-review. You were the guy who got me interested in buying a delica in the first place. Great knife, dare I say, a great standard for measuring all other knives.
Hey Nick, I have a delica 4 and it isn't locking up correctly. It is easily broken down by a small amount of pressure against the spine and I have no idea what to do. Please let me know what you think.
Great review and video I have had one for about a year now and it was a little stiff when it came out of the box but now it is smoother The pocket clip did get a few scratches on it and I filled them in with flat black model paint
I hated spyderco. The looks, their stupid warranty, the "plastic" handle, hated back locks. I thought those $200+ knives were superior in every way. Having been collecting half dozen years, you hold a gun to my head and I am choosing the Delica every time.
As far as cleaning the Delica goes, I find that I like to use a tiny screwdriver to go in and clean out any lint or dirt that has accumulated inside the knife. Then I put on a couple drops of oil, and it's good to go.
Great review. You answered all the questions I had. And aside from that, you have an awesome voice/accent. You should do Voice Acting. And I'm not being sarcastic or anything else. I actually think you be great at it. Anyhow thanks for the review, it helped me decide if I'd buy it or not. Cheers.
An Alternate Way To Close This Knife:. Shaking the blade down from the lock position, as Nick demonstrates here, is a fine way to operate this knife. But with my inexpert handling, sometimes the blade does not drop at first when I shake it. A second hand method that I recently came across is this:. As you trigger the lock-release, reach up with the index finger of the same hand, slip it in the spider hole and flip the blade out of the locked position. I don't have an opinion about which method is superior. But, it addresses an issue I'm currently having. My inexpertness has me shaking the blade down too gingerly and so I sometimes get "fails" to get the blade to drop. This alternate method may just be a "training wheels" method for those new to these knives. But, I offer it for your consideration.
I have a Grey vg -10 Delica and also sanded the clip. It’s a good EDC knife and once I got over Handle to Blade ratio I can now Enjoy it and want to carry the Delica
Me being a lefty, we are often screwed in the gun world too.. my edc is a delica 4 half serrated and a hk p2000sk! Also! Do a review of the Kizer Cormorant please! 🙏
Six days of delica? Did i see that. Not sure. Got to check. Ya know what nick. My whole carry thought has changed. I now prefer smaller and thinner blades. Infact i just ordered a delica s30v. I think i have been waiting on one in that configuration for long enough. Also been selling off mu larger, thicker knives as well as my traditionals, cause i just dont carry them. Before i carry a traditional, i reach for a swiss army cause of the tool set. Or i reach for a modern take on it and get my ukpk in s110v. Just the way it goes. Well i guess i am rounding, so to speak!! Peace bro
I've had one of these for along time which I recently lost. But I found I could bring the edge back to hair shaving sharp on the bottom of an upturned coffee cup quite easily and quickly...I found that my other SV30 bladed knives weren't as easy to sharpen in this way. I'm no expert in sharpening or steel...just an observation I made.
I've never had to take apart my delica or my endura.. I take a q-tip a little cotton off of it.. and I can easily fit it down inside and get any grit or dust bunnies out.. that I use slip 2000 lubricant and man that stuff is slick..
After an accident I had, which albeit, was entirely my fault for being a stupid kid, I've always been a bit wary of the security of liner locks if they don't have a secondary lock of some sort. I picked up one of these today and this is my first pocket knife with a back lock, and holding it, nothing gets in the back lock area which takes quite a bit of force to depress intentionally. I feel really secure and safe with it that nothing could possibly cause it to fold accidentally while I'm holding and using it. It's not as swift as my previous knife, the Kershaw blur, but it feels much more secure to me. It's like you said, the ergonomics are a bit janky, but it reminds me of what I have heard people say about Glocks when responding to the criticism that it feels like you're holding a 2x4. You only notice that it feels weird when you're sitting there and holding it and really paying attention to it. During the times when you're using it and you really need it, you will be holding it in your hand briefly enough that you don't notice the weird stuff, and you'll be focusing on the task at hans, not how the tool feels in your hand. It's kind of like it's only uncomfortable theoretically.
I’m definitely going to get one but should I get the ffg or sabre grind I only lightly use knives and I know the sabre is cheaper but if the ffg is better in the long run the extra 10£ doesn’t mean much
I actually just bought a used delica 4 at my local knife shop for $60 and it's in really good condition, they run new for about $84. You can stalk ebay for a good price too.
The one thing I dislike about the Delica is the handle texture. I know people love it but for me it's just a perfect crud collector, maybe I just have filthy hands but I find myself having to scrub my blue delica with a toothbrush frequently if I want it to not look disgusting.
best edc? for me, i think so. yeah, today around 84 bucks--but what hasn't gone up? models in hap 40, zdp 189, k390, 20 cv (dlt trading exclusive) at higher prices. closest competitor--maybe the para 3 lightweight. newest delica for me--the wharncliff model--yeah, it's a great one. wish list--a maxamet version. for me, it's a classic like the buck 110 without the bulk and weight and need for pouch.
You can look at the "Delivered and Upcoming" threads by RamZar on the Spyderco forums, though you'd need to know the year the knife was released. He lists all of them in the first post with their country of origin. www.spyderco.com/forumII/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=72920
Shame in 2020 the price increase all but obsoletes this knife vs other competitors including several of spydercos own. They either need to up the steel or down the price.
I'm looking at getting a para 3 or a pm2. Where would I be able to get a geunine spyderco other than their website? I've found them cheaper on other websites but dont know if they are real. How can I tell if I got the real deal or a knock off?
Any of the major knife retailers are good to go, and you can always check Spyderco's Dealer's list. Just avoid eBay and Craigslist and Gunshows and forums for in-demand knives.
Also if you buy on Amazon beware of 3rd-party sellers. And even if you buy directly from Amazon, beware of getting a previously-returned knife that may not actually be brand new.
For most people, even people who don’t like to carry knives. The FRN Delica is the ones that will please anyone. I don’t know why but it’s like the best knife to get someone into knives 🤷♂️
@Nick Shabazz Question from a European here. Do you believe the Delica is still worth buying at 120 dollars? (As that's how much it costs here after currency conversion). Kind regards, Naz.
Nick Shabazz Decided to go for it, managed to get a Blue vg10 frn model for 95 euros (~108 dollars). One of the best "tiny" knives I own now. Thanks for the review and the reply. -Naz.
The delica is one of my favorite overall knives and desipte buying a couple (as gifts), I’ve never actually owned or Carried one.. I live near spyderco in golden and every time I’ve gone and bought one, I just couldn’t justify buying another for myself. Like in the case of today.. sure I was tempted but I bought a new crk last week. So I just got myself a little bug keychain in black. Hopefully my mom will get some good use out of her new blue frn delica though. She’s getting that and a silver bug for Xmas..
This is at least the second time that I have heard you mention that disassembly voids the spyderco warranty since your video last week about their policy change. Why?
Because this video was filmed months ago! I've tried to add annotations wherever possible, and I've updated the descriptions, but I can't re-film every video :)
Nick Shabazz hey which is better the delica 4 or bm mini griptilian tanto they are both the same price here in my country?
I would say the mini Grip for the same price then. I believe it is easier to dissasemble with better steel. Both handles feel like shite though :/
ASMR Operator thanks!
Today in June 2018, the Delica is being made in a "Tactical" version. This is, I think, only a cosmetic package:. Blacked out screws, clip, and blade. But, it's general light-weight construction has me thinking that this will not be a knife I go to war with. So, the serrated blade strikes me as a bridge too far. I would feel like a jack-ass pulling out such a "pretender". So, I would rather this knife came in a non-serrated version for those of us with delicate sensibilities. Any thoughts on when that might be on the horizon?
Regarding the clip not being deep carry. I recall Sal mentioning in the Spyderco forum that they could easily provide deep carry clips, but he was cognizant that some guys were making a living by making and selling deep carry clips for Spyderco knives and he didn't want to drive them out of business by making their products redundant. A noble gesture on his part if you ask me.
hmr171 Thanks for passing that on, paints the situation in a whole different light.
hmr171 That's awesome, much respect!
Another reason I'm sticking with Spyderco.
What a standup guy.
If Spiderco was to take on the clip issue, they might be able to improve the function of the clip. But no one seems to be addressing the issue. Every clip I have seen is difficult to use.
It's made so good to cut things, that first thing I did when I got mine out of the box was drop mine and cut mysekf trying to catch it mid air
What is absolutely great about the Delica is if you buy it, you can easily imagine sizes of all the other knives you don't have (yet).
Thats what the Dragonfly ppl are saying.
I own and use this knife for many years now. The Delica 4 is a highly recommended product.
I just left the knife shop and handled a delica and omg that was my first time holding a knife that's more than $20 and it's crazy how much more the quality jumps through the price ranges. It's sooo light and the owner let me put it in my pocket to see if I'd like how it carries and it was like it wasn't even there. Mann I'm absolutely in love with the Delica I have to buy one now soon as possible.
wow, you must not have handled very many knives. I think the Delica feels cheap. For half the price the Ontario Rat feels wayyyy better.
That exactly how I felt when I got my 940. I when from m-tech and z-hunter to benchmade and my mind could hardly comprehend.
Would you still suggest a Delica today with a price tag around $85. Or is there something else that you would suggest looking at for an EDC? I’m looking for something under $100.
Thanks!
You're right Nick, when it comes to knives - perhaps more than most other "gear", diminishing returns is a steep curve that starts early. The difference in performance between my $400 and $4k camera bodies is staggering, yet there's little difference in overall ergonomics and handling when you get down to it. With knives, you quickly cross the ergonomic/function barrier into pure style and luxury through design prowess and craftsmanship. That's probably what most people don't get. "$200 for a _knife!?!?"_ Uh, yeah - pretty cheap huh? "Does your $700 knife cut better than a $30 knife?" _Well, yes, or no, well - it's complicated..._ Anyway, for well under $100 for a base version, you've got a knife that's practically indestructible, and as you pointed out can be easily maintained without disassembly. Perhaps why Spyderco is still revered by pretty much everyone in the knife world.
Couldn't have clicked on this faster. You're the reason my first informed knife purchase was an FFG delica in grey. Since then it's been difficult to expand my collection because the delica has filled so much of the need even if it's lacking a bit on the want.
I still enjoy disassembly on this knife, maybe I'm just used to it by now.
Great vid as always!
Tom Flower I have a thread on the Spyderco forum about how the Delica and Dragonfly had the same effect on my collection.
I understand about enjoying a knife for the sum total of it's qualities. I like the Boker Kalishnikov automatic knife that I picked up for only $40. You can't legally import automatic knives into the US due to trade barriers that exist, no doubt, due to some clever lobbying by the domestic industry. But Boker found a way around the barrier by importing the knives as standard knives with the button functioning only as a safety. Once the knives are in this country, the knives are opened and a small spring installed that converts it to an automatic.
Automatics are legal in my state and I am enough of a jackass that I love demonstrating it for my friends that don't have heart conditions. It's a slick operating little machine. And I take as much delight in it's cracking against it's stop as I imagine others take in doing gymnastics with their thumb stud deploying knives. But with it's aluminum scales, it's a bit heavy. The Aus8 steel bothers me not at all because I don't give it the sort of hard use that the steel type would be a real issue. Same with the painted scales. The paint will hold up well enough. And based on my short knife experience, I am inclined to believe that an automatic knife is less likely to nick you up (sorry, no pun.) than a knife that opens conventionally.
So I love the performance features of the knife. But, just as important in my satisfaction is the low price of the knife. $40 is not so much that I am going to be suffering anxiety at the prospect that I might lose it. I do have some anxiety that any auto knife could trigger in my pocket. So, I don't carry it in my pocket. Using the deep-carry clip, I attach it to my waistband, with the button facing my belly. It's physically impossible for anything to trigger the button. The clip might lose it's grip and the knife slide down my pants leg. But, for $40 I am not going to lose sleep about that prospect. Good features/low cost. The perfect knife.
months ago bought the ontario rat 2 based largely on your review - now, months later gave much thought to upgrading and after serious consideration ordered the spyderco delica 4 - i hope i enjoy it as much as you seem to - thank you!
Just pulled the trigger on this baby and im very happy i did.I purchased in gray love it came very sha
centered wich i was surprised seeing that it didn't matter with this handle.I have purchased pm2 and sage 5 just before buying this and im blown away by how well it came to me my pm2 i had to take apart because it was not centered.Also the action was off butt is running excellent now .Back to the delica didnt have any problems upon delivery centered flys open for me no play either way all in all glad i made the purchase great vids keep them coming
The Delica 4 is hard to beat and still relevant in 2022 for edc working knife. I've spent a lot of money to learn that fact .
Delica 4 in k390 for the 🏆.
Me too. I keep coming back to the Delica. Does everything so well. Might grab the K390 also
Another "gem" of a review!! I've been trying to decide between the Delica 4 and the Para 3. So decided to give this a try!
Para 3 is a much better knife.
@@XxPackerManxX why? Are you sure you're not just talking steel?
@@latetodagame1892 compression lock is better in my opinion. Para 3 still pocket friendly and yes better steel. Para 3 is all around better
Just subscribed couple days ago and bought my first Spyderco . I got a Delica with combo blade which is important around the ranch.$65 on Amazon Prime choice of 4 colors. I picked blue.
How is your delica holding up?
Finally mine arrived today and i am very pleased.This came sharp centered lubed and feels like its broken in i don't need flip mine no blade just very happy all around and was not really going pull the trigger and get one .So with that very happy i did i have my pm2s sage 5 native and i am glad i did this way i could use this knife for edc and keep my more pricier knives in the case.All said and done very happy i made this purchase.
As an office drone (in Chicago), I prefer the Dragonfly ZDP-189 for EDC but the Delica is right behind for around the house/yard/shop with the PM2 for field/camping/fishing use. The best pocket knife hat trick around. I have a couple of "fancy" pocket knives that I never carry for fear of losing or damaging them. No worries with the Delica. Spyderco putting on a finger and sharpening choil and getting on the ball with deep pocket clips would make the Delica perfect.
if you live in chicago anything over 2.5'' is illegal to carry. I live here too
Timestamps for those interested
Good - 1:08
Great - 5:48
Bad - 7:11
Ugly - 11:03
Final Conclusions - 12:52
I personally love the black clip and how the paint chips off! It shows whear on the knife and the battles it has been through.
“Battles” with your Amazon parcels and the things in the kitchen that your kitchen scissors are there for.
Great review Nick. I've been carrying mine for years and as a tradesman, it gets a workout every day. I bought a deep carry clip off eBay that made it a little nicer and more discrete to carry.
Oh man, I'm sold. Just bought one. Thanks for the informative review.
Nick, I put both liners and scales together with the lockbar and spring in place, then slide the blade and bottom washer, while pressing the tang against the top liner. then press the pivot in, get it most of the way up, then use something thin to push the second washer in, then the pivot the rest of the way.
Started watching you a while back I have to say you sir make my day love your reviews honest 😉👍
So got a delica the other day and thought I'd give it the Shabazz treatment. Took it apart and putting it back together was more than stressful. This was a cruwear sprint run too and didn't want to scratch it up. Was ok in the end but had I realised a Shabazz disassembly video for the delica didn't exist and had i seen this video I would have never tried to take it apart. A little oil is more than enough maintenance.
Hi Nick
I just got mine today but the blade is kind off center should I send back to Spyderco for warranty ?
Stalwart is a great word! Shenanigans is a personal favorite of mine, it's always fun when I can bring it up naturally. 😎 I am getting a Delica in the mail today hopefully. Thanks for all the great knife reviews. You're the hickok45 of blades!
Great review overall, Nick. However.... lubrication will SLOW the break-in process, not speed it up. It will feel smoother and easier for a bit, then, when the lube dries up, it'll be rough again. Best thing for it is to just cycle it while watching TV. Hundreds and hundreds of cycles. THEN add a drop of oil. I do miss my 1st gen Delica. I'm gonna hafta get another one.
I just received the same delica 4 as it’s in this video...
I was always wondering why do people have 5-7 or more knives, but now i can’t wait to get another nice one.....
I just got this as a present. I generally buy and carry more expensive knives, but definitely I'm noticing the biggest plus for this knife is that you can carry it in your pocket without it obstructing your pocket space much. And it's still big and solid enough to get the cutting jobs done. May not be the sexiest knife, but possibly the most practical knife you could find
Those 2 lines about lefties really hit my heart. Thank you for understanding!
I've got that exact same knife in my hand right now. Have you taken yours apart and re-assembled it? The reason I ask it that all the screws and pivot pin are mounted opposite on mine (i.e. tip up R/H carry the screws are actionable on the clip side). Just asking. (P.S. have a look at Hickock45's review on this knife to bring a little 'reality check' to knife snobs)....
There's a few tricks to taking these back lock Endura/Delica knife types apart and putting them back together. I've done it several times to my Enduras and Matriarchs.....just had to search for the right YT video on how to do it. Love the vids though Nick. Subbed and watching your old ones....as a compass on which ones to purchase or pass on. Thank You for sharing your knowledge and thoughts.
Hey Nick, I’ve ran into the same problem with the plastic thing when I disassembled my Delica. Actually, you have to put the back lock (metal piece) last so you don’t bend the plastic. There’s a Delica reassembly video on RUclips shows you how to do it.
That's crazy my orange delica came impressively smooth out the box. Like to the point I assumed it was loose. I'm a big fan of spyderco mainly the fidgety ones like the sage series, manix2, shaman and kapara,amalgam and spydiecheif so I never felt the need for a simple backlock that size but wow now I understand the love. It's a amazing slicer even better than the sage5 lightweight that is my personal favorite edc and the only knife I personally own better slicer is the chaparral but it doesn't feel as sturdy as the delica in my opinion. I agree with everything you said in this review down to wanting the finger choil. Maybe we will get a finger choil on the delica 5. lol
Great Job Nick on the Re-Review....The delica 4 is 'a real freakin gem'!
Just bought a standard Delica 4 already have a large collection of Spydercos, this is still a great knife
RE: finger choil
They won't add one. They've said that they have customers that don't want choils, so the Delica and Endura won't change in that way. Then they also already have several comparably-sized knives that do have the choil: Native, Para 3, Sage, Efficient, Chaparral, UKPK, Domino, and hopefully someday again the Caly 3. I'd say the Caly 3 looks like an updated Delica with a choil.
Also, my Delica was flickable out of the box, although being a sprint model it might've been a little different. Plus it was a lot newer than this knife so things might've changed in the interim. I've handled plenty of newer Spyderco backlocks from Japan and Golden, and they were all flickable to some degree.
it's easy to take apart and put back together... the trick is to assemble the handle without a blade, then put a zip tie on a lock, and slide blade inside, and with a help of a toothpick slide and align washers and put pivot in, same way as knives with other types of locks. I have 2 enduras both with zdp and vg10 and would not recommend zdp... it chips so easy compared with vg10. By the way love how worn clip looks on them, gives some character
Good review, love your enthusiasm. You really should have talked about the jimping on the knife which is a very important feature. I'm surprised you forgot this. Other than that, you brought out a lot of great details about the knife. Good job
Based on your original review I got an orange handled Delica to replace a worn out Opinel (gardening version) that I had been using for years. I live in a rural area & the orange handle is REALLY bright & damned useful. I eventually got the ZDP-189 Delica & it is definitely my favourite EDC. Fortunately I like the dark green colour. But I have been flip-flopping & wrestling with myself about swapping the orange scales onto the ZDP knife ever since I got it. BTW, a good soak in acetone (I use nail varnish remover) helps to get rid of the the black stuff on the clip.
Love mine, have owned 3, my newest one i have worn 2 clips shiny. Wear it everyday all day
A *stalwart" video, sir!! Just bought myself a purple delica 4 frn, my very first Spiderco knife! Thanks for helping me choose a knife with your videos
Hey Nick, you are without a doubt one of, if not, my favorite reviewers. This video was done just about three years ago when the Delica 4 was apparently priced @ $60. Do you feel the same about the Delica 4 today with a price of $75-$80?
Just picked mine up at a local knife shop for only $59.....
Lol it's 150€ here in Europe 😂😢😢
@@lukthere2 Europe is not a country. I can pick one for ~85€.
@@chocorose6544 Africa is?
Bought one as my first EDC knife on your recommendation and I love it. Got one in ZDP-189 and haven't looked back. Thanks Nick for a great channel and yes disassembly brought me to tears.
Bought a Spyderco Endura at the LL Bean in Freeport ME in 2002. It never broke and simply went missing about 5 years ago. Bought the Delica a couple of years ago and it’s served me well. Just checked their website and they are way more than $60 now
Random guy asking, but is the Delica or Endura better? I'm cool with either, but me being a ignorant, self conscious fella, I wonder if the bigger blade on the Endura is better? Or is the Delica's smaller blade just as good?
Hey Nick, thanks for your channel, great job there :) But one point .... Not sure why the dissasembly seems like such a pain. Maybe it's just technique... To put it back together I do following: just complete the knife, screw all in but leave aside lockbar and the one screw holding it. Than slide in the lockbar while "catching" the blade with the hook, push on the lockbar all the way in and slide in the screw. Done. No zip ties or toothpicks stuff - just make sure the blade is secure with a tape :)
In 1991 I purchased my first Spyderco which was the endura first generation no metal liners and molded pocket clip . First day carrying it I LOST IT ! Went to the gun store and bought another one the next day.. since then I've settled on the Spyderco delica.. I owned a Gen 2 and now a Gen 4 serrated that I love I'm about to purchase another delica plain edge.. I just love them including the salt version and the Pacific salt version for diving and snorkeling
Hi Nick,
Great content, truly! I am wondering what your thoughts are about the VG-10 vs. ZDP-189 Delica. If you had to get one, which would you choose? Anything against the ZDP Delica, other than price?
I think I asked this question somewhere else on another one of your videos, but I can't seem to find that video.
Best,
Erik
Been watching a bunch of your videos. Long time delica 4 fan but I got an itch for something similar from the USA. I'm a lefty, have a pm2 have a few Benchmade. Any spydie recommendations?
Manix 2.
Nick, July 2022, do you still feel the same about this knife or have there been changes in the last 5 years that would make you change your mind.
Watching this video, I immediately thought, this is going to be my first knife, but then I saw the date of the review and thought, perhaps he has another knife now that he would recommend in place of the delica ?
Thanks in advance.
Still this one is my favorite knife. It's just perfect
I have a Para 3, and still can’t stop thinking about buying a Delica for a lighter, cheaper-incase-of-loss EDC.
@@78fordboy1 Go for it!
Why have their prices gone up? Went to look on smoky mountains website and I saw that they costed twenty dollars more.
To make delica "flicky": Take it apart and polish the washers, and buff the areas on the blade and liners that contact the washers. Reassemble and adjust pivot tension using blue loctite. Loosen it until you get side to side blade play, then tighten it in tiny increments until the blade play is gone. Ad a tiny drop of your choice oil to the pivot and work it in.
Awesome, very thorough, and on point review.. i pulled the trigger and got my first Delica just yesterday, after watching this. I agree with what you said about its tightness right out of the box. My fingernail started to hurt and sort of got wounded and forced open a bit from repeatedly trying to open and close it while tight lol glad to say that there is progress, though i am still opening and closing it to attain the easy opening i want.. overall, i love it! Awesome little knife. Thanks for the great review.
All the best,
Joseph
Hi Nick, how did you get the clip like that? I just bought one with the black handle and I like that clip.
This is a great re-review. You were the guy who got me interested in buying a delica in the first place. Great knife, dare I say, a great standard for measuring all other knives.
Hey Nick, I have a delica 4 and it isn't locking up correctly. It is easily broken down by a small amount of pressure against the spine and I have no idea what to do. Please let me know what you think.
You probably have gunk inside the blade tang where the back lock sits. Clean it off.
Great review and video I have had one for about a year now and it was a little stiff when it came out of the box but now it is smoother The pocket clip did get a few scratches on it and I filled them in with flat black model paint
Dear Nick, it's great review. You'are very good of quality YT buddy. I so love your reviews. God the Bless You!
Thanks for an awesome review! . I appreciate your honesty.
i just got my spyderco delica for christmas in purple and i love it
I hated spyderco. The looks, their stupid warranty, the "plastic" handle, hated back locks. I thought those $200+ knives were superior in every way. Having been collecting half dozen years, you hold a gun to my head and I am choosing the Delica every time.
Hi Nick, thanks for the review. I was wondering what is your opinion on the grind. For example, flat grind and sabre grind on Delica 4. Thanks.
Flat cuts better, Saber's a bit more durable.
As far as cleaning the Delica goes, I find that I like to use a tiny screwdriver to go in and clean out any lint or dirt that has accumulated inside the knife. Then I put on a couple drops of oil, and it's good to go.
Great review. You answered all the questions I had. And aside from that, you have an awesome voice/accent. You should do Voice Acting. And I'm not being sarcastic or anything else. I actually think you be great at it. Anyhow thanks for the review, it helped me decide if I'd buy it or not. Cheers.
An Alternate Way To Close This Knife:. Shaking the blade down from the lock position, as Nick demonstrates here, is a fine way to operate this knife. But with my inexpert handling, sometimes the blade does not drop at first when I shake it. A second hand method that I recently came across is this:. As you trigger the lock-release, reach up with the index finger of the same hand, slip it in the spider hole and flip the blade out of the locked position. I don't have an opinion about which method is superior. But, it addresses an issue I'm currently having. My inexpertness has me shaking the blade down too gingerly and so I sometimes get "fails" to get the blade to drop. This alternate method may just be a "training wheels" method for those new to these knives. But, I offer it for your consideration.
This channel is pretty much what turned me on to buying the Delica for my wife. She loves it and now I keep wanting one for myself!
I have a Grey vg -10 Delica and also sanded the clip. It’s a good EDC knife and once I got over Handle to Blade ratio I can now Enjoy it and want to carry the Delica
hey which is better the delica 4 or bm mini griptilian tanto they are both the same price here in my country?
Thoughts on delica now that its in the $75 range? What's with the price increase from spyderco?
2022 now - $88 bucks seems to be the norm... I am not a fan of how quickly/regularly spyderco raises their prices.
Me being a lefty, we are often screwed in the gun world too.. my edc is a delica 4 half serrated and a hk p2000sk!
Also! Do a review of the Kizer Cormorant please! 🙏
Price is $89.00 on Amazon now 😳
Has your opinion changed now that the delica 4 is close to 90$?
Six days of delica? Did i see that. Not sure. Got to check. Ya know what nick. My whole carry thought has changed. I now prefer smaller and thinner blades. Infact i just ordered a delica s30v. I think i have been waiting on one in that configuration for long enough. Also been selling off mu larger, thicker knives as well as my traditionals, cause i just dont carry them. Before i carry a traditional, i reach for a swiss army cause of the tool set. Or i reach for a modern take on it and get my ukpk in s110v. Just the way it goes. Well i guess i am rounding, so to speak!! Peace bro
Delica is always my go to
The dragonfly is a perfect little front pocket self defense tool. I always forget about those bad boys.
Thanks for the review. I'm probably getting one.
I've had one of these for along time which I recently lost. But I found I could bring the edge back to hair shaving sharp on the bottom of an upturned coffee cup quite easily and quickly...I found that my other SV30 bladed knives weren't as easy to sharpen in this way. I'm no expert in sharpening or steel...just an observation I made.
What do you think of the Delica in the New s90v knife works exclusively
I've never had to take apart my delica or my endura.. I take a q-tip a little cotton off of it.. and I can easily fit it down inside and get any grit or dust bunnies out.. that I use slip 2000 lubricant and man that stuff is slick..
What's your opinion on the Emerson Opener/Wave option on the Delica?
After an accident I had, which albeit, was entirely my fault for being a stupid kid, I've always been a bit wary of the security of liner locks if they don't have a secondary lock of some sort. I picked up one of these today and this is my first pocket knife with a back lock, and holding it, nothing gets in the back lock area which takes quite a bit of force to depress intentionally. I feel really secure and safe with it that nothing could possibly cause it to fold accidentally while I'm holding and using it. It's not as swift as my previous knife, the Kershaw blur, but it feels much more secure to me. It's like you said, the ergonomics are a bit janky, but it reminds me of what I have heard people say about Glocks when responding to the criticism that it feels like you're holding a 2x4. You only notice that it feels weird when you're sitting there and holding it and really paying attention to it. During the times when you're using it and you really need it, you will be holding it in your hand briefly enough that you don't notice the weird stuff, and you'll be focusing on the task at hans, not how the tool feels in your hand. It's kind of like it's only uncomfortable theoretically.
how do you feel about the value since the recent price increases by Spyderco?
I’m definitely going to get one but should I get the ffg or sabre grind I only lightly use knives and I know the sabre is cheaper but if the ffg is better in the long run the extra 10£ doesn’t mean much
How much should i pay for a pair of these used in good condition
I actually just bought a used delica 4 at my local knife shop for $60 and it's in really good condition, they run new for about $84. You can stalk ebay for a good price too.
The one thing I dislike about the Delica is the handle texture. I know people love it but for me it's just a perfect crud collector, maybe I just have filthy hands but I find myself having to scrub my blue delica with a toothbrush frequently if I want it to not look disgusting.
Jimmy Grey: I think that is SKIN accumulating on your handle. Hope that helps. :)
best edc? for me, i think so. yeah, today around 84 bucks--but what hasn't gone up? models in hap 40, zdp 189, k390, 20 cv (dlt trading exclusive) at higher prices. closest competitor--maybe the para 3 lightweight. newest delica for me--the wharncliff model--yeah, it's a great one. wish list--a maxamet version. for me, it's a classic like the buck 110 without the bulk and weight and need for pouch.
Nick, do you know anywhere that has a list of which Spydercos are made where other than going through each knife on Amazon or the Spyderco site?
Spyderco Site is the only one I know. Sorry :(
You can look at the "Delivered and Upcoming" threads by RamZar on the Spyderco forums, though you'd need to know the year the knife was released. He lists all of them in the first post with their country of origin.
www.spyderco.com/forumII/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=72920
Shame in 2020 the price increase all but obsoletes this knife vs other competitors including several of spydercos own. They either need to up the steel or down the price.
I'm looking at getting a para 3 or a pm2. Where would I be able to get a geunine spyderco other than their website? I've found them cheaper on other websites but dont know if they are real. How can I tell if I got the real deal or a knock off?
Any of the major knife retailers are good to go, and you can always check Spyderco's Dealer's list. Just avoid eBay and Craigslist and Gunshows and forums for in-demand knives.
Nick Shabazz Thank you!
Also if you buy on Amazon beware of 3rd-party sellers. And even if you buy directly from Amazon, beware of getting a previously-returned knife that may not actually be brand new.
I payd $114 in south africa for my ben blue vertion. My PM2 cost me $250 "new" secondhand! Talk about getting ripped of. My 940-2 also cost $250!
@It’s ya boy same in new zealand, and my knife shop uses nicks thumbnails as there pics online haha
Hey nick how did you go about sanding down the pocket clip? I was thinking about just using a paint stripper
Paint stripper and a light polish with metal polish will work
You reviews are excellent. Also, nice knife by the way, I just bought a purple one :)
Thanks Nick, love Spyderco!
For most people, even people who don’t like to carry knives. The FRN Delica is the ones that will please anyone. I don’t know why but it’s like the best knife to get someone into knives 🤷♂️
My favorite knife of all time.
I've heard all lock backs have a degree of up and down blade play is this true with the delica?
No way, at least on the Delicas I've handled there has been no up and down bladeplay.
@Nick Shabazz
Question from a European here. Do you believe the Delica is still worth buying at 120 dollars? (As that's how much it costs here after currency conversion).
Kind regards, Naz.
+Nazgoroth If everything else is more expensive too, then yes :)
Nick Shabazz Decided to go for it, managed to get a Blue vg10 frn model for 95 euros (~108 dollars). One of the best "tiny" knives I own now.
Thanks for the review and the reply.
-Naz.
The delica is one of my favorite overall knives and desipte buying a couple (as gifts), I’ve never actually owned or Carried one.. I live near spyderco in golden and every time I’ve gone and bought one, I just couldn’t justify buying another for myself. Like in the case of today.. sure I was tempted but I bought a new crk last week. So I just got myself a little bug keychain in black. Hopefully my mom will get some good use out of her new blue frn delica though. She’s getting that and a silver bug for Xmas..
Did you get one
@@jemardbeejeezjinky8894 not yet.. some day though lol. I'm kind of holding out for a variant that really speaks to me.
Byrd Meadowlark 2 in g10. Worse steel (by a little) but it's cheaper, more ergonomic, and your get the forward finger choil.