Spyderco Delica 4 Review
Most people who buy Spyderco knives, especially the Delica models say it will not be their last Spyderco.
At a Glance
In 1990, the Spyderco Delica was introduced to the market as a lightweight, high performing, one-handed-opening pocket knife and could be had at an affordable price.
This knife model quickly rose to the top and became one of Spyderco’s best selling knives. The Delica has been through a few different updated versions over the past few years, and the model has been refined more and more in each version.
The model we are reviewing today is the fourth generation of the Spyderco Delica. Spyderco has used their CQI (Constant Quality Improvement) process to improve the usability and effectiveness of the knife over the years and it has definitely resulted in a fine tuned piece of folding cutlery.
- 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
- Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon is a polymer mixed with glass fiber then injection molded into formed and textured lightweight high-strength knife handles.
- FLAT SABER GRIND – This knife features a blade ground with flat bevels that extend from the centerline of the blade to the cutting edge. This grind maintains full thickness through a larger portion of the blade for increased strength.
- COMBINATIONEDGE – Our combinationedge is a blade that is partially PlainEdge and partially SpyderEdge at the cutting edge.
- Fourth design of one of Spydercos most popular knives, with refined steel blade and screw-together construction thats durable and easy to clean
- Fiberglass reinforced nylon (FRN) handle has proprietary Bi-Directional Texturing for nonslip use with improved ergonomics
- Dual skeletonized steel liners improve strength without adding weight
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Delica 4 is basically a smaller version of the Spyderco Endura. A few of the things that have been improved since the first Delicas came out, are they now have enhanced ergonomics, a screw together construction that makes the knife very easy to clean, and it now comes with a 4-way clip to give you many options for carrying it around.
The handles that this knife comes equipped with are worthy of taking a closer look. The handles are made out of fiberglass reinforced nylon (FRN), and have a bi-directional texturing on them which will give you a lot better grip and control when using the knife. There are also 2 skeletonized stainless steel liners within the handle that add a lot of strength and stability to the knife without adding a lot of extra weight.
The blade on the Delica 4 is really cool looking with it’s black coating, and made from VG-10 stainless steel and comes razor sharp right out of the box. This model also uses Spyderco’s patented Spyder Edge combined with a traditional straight edge , which gives you 2 different options when you need to slice something.
All wrapped up- in a package that only weighs 2.5 ounces, and combined with a 4 way clipping mechanism, the Spyderco Delica 4 makes a great EDC (Every Day Carry) pocket knife and we would highly recommend it. Spyderco knives include the usual limited manufacturer’s warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Details will be included with your purchase of course. Read on if you would like to dig a bit deeper and learn more about this knife.
Checking Out the Blade
All right, let’s talk about the blade on the Spyderco Delica 4 pocket knife. First off this blade is made from VG-10 stainless steel and coated with a non reflective black titanium carbon nitride coating. This knife will come razor sharp right out of the box, is flat saber-ground, has a very strong tip, and a 0.5 inch hole for easy opening. The blade length is 2.56 inches long and is 0.09 inches thick. The blade sports a combination of a straight edge and a serrated edge, giving you the best of both worlds and a choice when you need to use your knife. Overall, this sounds like a decent blade.
One issue that some people have with this blade is that the black coating scratches rather easily, and can even get scratched by a coin in your pocket. Personally, all my knives that I use regularly get beat up pretty well, so the scratches are not a problem for me, but some people might not be happy if they don’t expect this to happen. I don’t think it really matters unless you weren’t planning on using the knife anyways, but then why would you buy this knife in the first place?! Although the black coating will probably get scratched up eventually, it does its job well by reducing reflection on the blade and improving the blade’s corrosion resistance.
A couple more features on this blade are the phosphor bronze washers that ensure a smooth opening and closing action, and the textured jimping on the back of the spine, which adds a lot of stability and safety while using the knife.
This blade is great for all sorts of every day uses! You can use the serrated part of the blade if you need to cut through some twine or rope, and you have the straight part of the blade to open envelopes and slick boxes open.
Checking Out the Handle
The handle on the Delica 4 is made out of black FRN (fiberglass reinforced nylon) and is textured with a proprietary Bi-Directional texturing for added grip and nonslip usage. The handle is reinforced with light weight stainless steel liners for added durability and you can completely take apart the handle for easy cleaning. Many people prefer this newer handle shape due to its improved ergonomics.
The locking mechanism on this knife is a mid back lock, and is very secure. I could not find even a single instance of somebody complaining about the lock on this knife. It is a solid lock, for sure.
As for the clip, the Delica 4 comes with a 4 way clip that can be positioned tip up, tip down, left, or right, depending on your own carrying needs and whether you are left handed or right handed. A few people have reported that the clip is wearing out their pocket, but what clip wouldn’t?
The Good and the Bad of This Pocket Kife
The Pros
- Sturdy handle construction
- Super easy to clean
- Does not cause a big reaction in public
- The pocket clip has 4 variations making it easy to carry the way you want and whether you are right handed or left handed
- The blade is EXTREMELY sharp right out of the box
- The blade is made from high grade VG10 Stainless Steel
- It will hold a sharp edge for quite a while
- The black blade is super cool!
- Great for every day carry and use
- The knife stays folded up tight, and feels secure when open
- It is very lightweight
- The back lock is solid and secure
- No rattling or shaking when in use
- Easy to grip
- An overall well made, durable, and reliable pocket knife
The Cons
- Some people feel the blade does not stay as sharp for as long as the older versions
- The blade is a bit softer than in previous versions, making the Japanese blade steel “average” instead of “above average”. Keeping costs down maybe?
- The weight is about average for a knife of this size and some people wish the blade was just a bit lighter
- The older versions were considered the best on the market in their price range, the Delica 4 is considered”average”
- The “cool” black coating will eventually get scratched up and wear off.
- Some consumers report the clip breaking quickly
*** Tips if You Are Going to Buy The Spyderco Delica 4 Pocket Knife
Since this blade uses thin washers inside of the handle between the blade and the steel liners, check your knife right away to make sure you are not missing a washer and don’t have any extras in there. Although rare, this has happened to a few people.
Don’t just buy this knife because you heard it was the best pocket knife. While many considered the older models to be “the best”, many agree that the fourth generation of the Delica does not quite live up to the standards of the older versions.
If you are going to purchase this knife, buy it at Amazon.com, where it is MUCH more inexpensive than most other online stores and gun/outdoors shops.
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