Fans of Spyderco love the brand’s unique mystique and calling-card silhouettes. Spyderco knives also possess interesting ergonomic features that might look impractical but which just “work.”
So, let’s take a look at one of the more popular knives from their lineup, the Spyderco Delica 4.
Spyderco Delica 4 Specs
The Spyderco Delica 4 is made in a few different configurations and colors, with the option of a straight edge, serrated edge, or combi-edge.
The Delica 4 is made (predominantly) with fiberglass-reinforced nylon (FRN) scales, although a version is also made in stainless steel. This affects the weight; if you get an FRN version, it’ll weigh 2.5oz.
Regardless of weight, this Delica is 4.25” closed, with a 2.875” blade, giving an overall length of 7.125”.
What We Love About This Knife
This knife has a lot going for it. One is the balance of size and weight. It’s neither too large nor too small, making it perfect for EDC.
The knife steel is also a winner. Spyderco uses VG-10 in the Delica 4, which is a top-tier stainless alloy with high portions of chromium, carbon, molybdenum, and cobalt, with a smidge of vanadium.
This unique chemistry gives VG-10 the holy grail of knife blade steels: it is hard enough to hold an edge, tough enough to resist chipping or breaking, and corrosion-resistant enough to hang with the worst conditions.
The ergonomics just work. The FRN scales are very grippy and like similar synthetics, basically maintenance-free. Plus, the fact that they are not steel makes it safer to grip these scales in extremely cold temperatures.
Ergonomics are another win for the Delica 4. The aggressively textured FRN scales are very tactile (in all conditions, wet or dry) and the high, humpbacked blade (typical of Spyderco) has adequate jimping, all but ensuring excellent control of the blade, for both rough and fine work.
Deployment and lockup are easy and sound. Predictably, deployment is ambidextrous via the “Spydie hole” opening hole in the blade; the lock is a lock back, which, though it’s a little tough to disengage, is very reliable, and very strong. Closing requires two hands, but one-handed open is a cinch.
With the combi-edge, the Delica 4 excels at cutting tasks that require both shaving and sawing motions, making this knife uniquely situation to tackle carving and cross-grain cuts with ease.
The Spyderco Delica 4 also comes with a pocket clip which allows for 4-way carry. Since it is reversible, it can be mounted on both sides of the knife for either tip-up or tip-down carry.
All in all, this pocket knife has a lot going for it. It offers lightweight performance and is easy to deploy, and is rock-solid.
Other Considerations
This folding knife has a lot going for it. It may not win any pageants, but it gets done what it needs to.
And while there are no glaring drawbacks, you should be cognizant of the following.
If you need a knife that is easy to close and open with one hand, a liner lock or frame lock might be better. Just be aware that a lock back is stronger than both of these.
Also, the Delica 4 is not a huge chopper of a knife. You can definitely beat it up, but don’t expect to be batoning through oak rounds with this thing.
Other than those two considerations, this Spyderco Delica 4 is a sure bet for quality.
Where Can You Get One?
Looking for a Spyderco Delica 4 at a great price? Visit Live Outdoor Sports online at LiveOutdoorSports.com.
They carry a wide range of knives and tools, including many Spyderco knives, all at great prices. They even offer free ground shipping in the United States.
Check out their website today and treat yourself to something new.
