The Spyderco Delica is my all-time favorite pocket knife. I've been carrying a Delica since it came on the market in 1990 and have owned almost every version of it since that time. This is the 4th version, the Delica 4. I never broke one...I just lose them from time to time. Needless to say, I keep a few extra on hand for those times when I misplace the one I'm carrying.
Everything about the Delica 4 is right for me. It is the perfect size to clip in a rear or front pants pocket. It is unobtrusive in the rear pocket, and only slightly obtrusive in the front pocket when seated/climbing (depends on the pants). One of the things I really like about the Delica is that it is always evolving. In a few years, these comments may be obsolete if the knife is revised. Every version of the Delica that I have owned has been an improvement over previous versions, and each version generally came in different configurations, including the Delica 4. The full flat grind (FFG) profile of the blade on this knife is thinner than the saber grind found on other Delica 4s. The only advantage I can think of for the FFG blade would be for slicing/fileting. I prefer the thicker saber grind for the strength, but not enough to deduct a star.
The steel used for the blade on this model is VG-10, which I really like. VG-10 has never corroded on me, despite extensive saltwater exposure (some stainless steels will) and it holds an edge, yet sharpens easily enough. I have never broken a tip or bent a blade on versions with the saber grind despite modest use as a pry bar and wood chisel...I'm not sure yet how this FFG blade will hold up in that area. If you are interested, Spyderco has another version of the Delica 4 that uses ZDP-189 steel, which is supposed to be very good. I have no experience, however, with that steel.
The pocket clip is secured by three tiny bolts, which keeps the clip from rotating, and can be positioned on any of the four corners. The default location allows a right hander to open the knife right out of the pocket, front or rear, without changing the grip you used to pull it out of your pocket.
The circular hole in the blade is the ideal size and shape (ovals don't fit the thumb as well IMO) and in the ideal location. It's as easy to operate for me as it is for a 10 year old. Opening this knife quickly with one hand is intuitive and does not require practice. The lock release is indented, I believe to minimize risk of accidental closing when squeezing the handle. With practice, any knife with the lock release in this position can be closed with one hand. Easy one-handed access, opening, and closing cannot really be appreciated until you need it (e.g., something needs to be cut while one hand is occupied).
BTW, if you are considering the Delica 4 Emerson Opener, I can tell you that it works (snags on your pocket to open automatically as you pull it out), but you have to be careful if you want to pull it out without opening it. I don't find this very useful as I can open the regular Delica 4 in a controlled manner as fast as necessary.
Serrated or plain edge? Spyderco's serrated edge is definitely more aggressive out of the box, but the plain edge is much easier to sharpen when it gets dull. Even with Spyderco's Triangle Sharpmaker, I have a hard time restoring a serrated edge. For that reason, I always opt for the full plain edge. However, the serrated edge, when new/sharp, will rip through rope and seat belts much better than a plain edge so consider your purpose for this knife when deciding.
The handle material is a nylon polymer and seems invincible. It is directionally and sharply textured for superior grip no matter how it is held. The initial portion of the back of the blade and the polymer on the back spine are textured for better grip when the thumb rests there. The grips have a stainless steel liner inside and the entire knife is held together by screws versus rivets (both of these features are revisions over previous versions). The end of the handle farthest from the blade pivot point has a hole for a lanyard if you are inclined to use one.
Highly recommended.
| Recommended Uses For Product | Camping |
|---|---|
| Brand | Spyderco |
| Model Name | 400313 |
| Special Feature | Lightweight |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Handle Material | Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon |
| Color | Black |
| Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
| Style | Delica 4 Lightweight Flat Ground |
| Blade Length | 3 Inches |
| Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Item Weight | 0.07 Grams |
| Blade Shape | Clip Point |
| Blade Edge | Compound Bevel |
| Is Cordless? | Yes |
| Item Length | 7.15 Inches |
| Manufacturer | Spyderco |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 9.13 x 5.35 x 1.46 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.11 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6 x 1 x 1 inches |
| Brand Name | Spyderco |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Warranty Description | Manufacturer Warranty |
| Material | Steel |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Part Number | C11FPBK |
| Model Year | 2015 |
| Size | PlainEdge |
| Sport Type | hunting |
