Brainstorming the Delica 5 (and Endura 5 as well)

[MacTech]

When i started my Spyderco obsession, I never really got into the Delica series (at the time, the D3 was the current version), i was more into the "unique" blades like the Hawkbill and Reverse-S

that changed when Sal donated some factory seconds knives for my corrosion tests, one was a SS SE Delica 4, and the other was a D4 Trainer

after handling and using these knives, as well as corrosion testing them, i finally understood the appeal of the Delica series, and thanks to those knives, i went and purchased, first, a D4 Wave that hasn't left my side since, and just today, my BRG ZDP-189 D4 arrived, now i just need the Forest Green model and a SS SE (i donated the test knife to a co-worker that needed a good, reliable blade), problem is, i'm not a fan of CE blades, especially on a knife as compact as the Delica

So, i got to thinking, when Sal and crew decide to release the next incarnation of the Delica, what features would you like to see?

for me, it's simple really.....

PE and SE (not interested in CE) blade of ZDP-189
If it's structurally feasable and doesn't compromise blade strength, increase the SpyderHole diameter to 14mm
Spyderco's implementation of the Emerson Wave
Foliage Green and blue scales
not sure if this is possible with steel, but how about a "Hard Anodized" coating on the SS scales, and maybe the blade, basically a SureFire flashlight style Milspec level III Anodizing, HA is some tough stuff
the handles and liners can stay basically the same, maybe redesigned *slightly* to incorporate a forefinger choil (jimped) on the blade, the scales/handles are pretty much ideal as they are
either a Titanium clip, unpainted, natural finish, or a wire clip

[TFin04]

First, SS cannot be anodized, only Aluminum and Titanium, and Ti doesn't always take the color very well.

To be honest my D4 is about all I could ask for in a $40 folder. Thin, light, strong, full liners, VG10 steel (my personal fav), solid lock.

Maybe put G10 on the thing and a low ride clip, but then you're just looking at a Caly III. H1 steel creates a Salt 1.

I don't think there is much else to do than cosmetic stuff. Different FRN pattern is about all I can see. I wouldn't mind a ball bearing lock, but the Delica being that classic Spydie Lockback I don't see that happening.

Good question!

[iamerror]

The Delica is nice. I would continue to keep it lightweight and offer it in FRN or something similar. There are things about the previous generation (3) that I like more than the newer. I like the clip shape and orientation of the Delica 3, and also like the shape of the butt of the handle as being more squarish rather than the current shape. One cosmetic issue... it would be nice if the screws did not stand out so much, either having less of them or making them a similar color as the handle. These are all things I would consider minor, though.

[severedthumbs]

i think they got it right with the D4.

[uhiforgot]

i think they got it right with the D4.On that note, it's probably a bit early to be wondering about improving on a design that has only recently undergone a number of drastic changes.

In fact, going from Gen3 to Gen4 there were more changes than any other prior generation.

-Stronger tip
-dual nested liners
-screw construction (for the tinkers)
-4 way clip
-über grippy FRN pattern
-jimping and texturing
etc.

And all of this came about not because there was a rebellious uproar, but because Sal and friends, armed with a rather large suggestion box, saw fit to make improvements. Even at that almost nobody knew that it would happen until [relatively] shortly before the release.

We've got plenty of new toys on the D4 to last us a decade or so, but undoubtedly there will eventually be a D5 :cool:

-Jeff

[zenheretic]

There is just no way to satisfy everyone on the "I like big butts" argument.

[Stenny]

I think D4 and E4 are about as good as it gets. I would take the third generation (thinner) tip in a heartbeat, but I understand the reasoning for 4 gen tips.

EDIT: Full flat grind would be neat. A waved, full flat ground Endura... mmm...

[John G.]

I'd also like a G10 or CF version. The Delica's handle fits my hand MUCH better than the Caly 3 since the front cut-out is much farther forward, and doesn't make the use of the choil manditory. As a result; I'd like to see a "higher end" version of the Delica...

I'd like to see a much higher grind - about even with the top of the handle (2/3 of the way up the spydie hole). Preferably in S30V or S90V or ZDP-189. I'd also like the blade to be 3mm instead of the current 2.5mm.

I'd also like the blade kick & handle bolster to be curved into a 50/50 choil - but keep the placement the same so it's use is "optional", not "mandatory" like on the Caly 3. I'd also like the sharpened area of the blade to be 1/4" longer, so the choil is like the one on the Paramilitary.

I'd like the lock placement to be moved toward the thumb hole so it's approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of the way down the handle (similar to where the Caly 3's is) - rather than 1/2 way down the handle. An externally adjustable spring tension screw would be awesome. Maybe the spring could pivot on an ecentric pin.

I'd also like the tip-up clip placement to be made more low-rider - just like the tip-down placement. Alternatively, I don't need the extra handle beyond the current clip holes, so just squaring the handle off would be an easy fix.

I'd also like an adjustable pivot on the SS version. I prefer the plain color the best, since any scratches can be polished out.

I also like the silver screws since they don't show wear. I wish there was less of them though.

Also, I'd like the two FRN pins that hold the spacer in place to be sturdier so they can resist the pressure of the spring with only one pin during re-assembly.

[gordonk]

I think D4 and E4 are about as good as it gets. I would take the third generation (thinner) tip in a hertbeat, but I understand the reasoning for 4 gen tips.

Agreed as well - I do miss the point on the D3/E3 but not that much. After playing with the Caly Jr./3 and other thinner bladed ones, I wouldn't mind also for the a higher grind for better slicing capability in the D4 line - it's not bad now, but it's not a Caly either:) Carbon Fiber or G-10?? Hmmmm - would be nice, but also might move it out of a price/performance category - might fly as a "higher end" one as mentioned, though, for us afi's:)

- gord