Spyderco Delica 4 as a Tactical Duty Knife?

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Nephron44

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Hey everyone!

I'm thinking of trying out a Spyderco Delica 4 again as my work knife (medical and law enforcement). How do you think it'll perform?
 
It won't disappoint. I'd recommend the Emerson Wave model, and it's by my side right now. Another choice if you want to go larger is the Manix 2, for tactical use.
 
I think it will do fine. The Delica is a great knife. I would recommend against the wave as I can't stand it. I don't like the fact that if I don't think about it and just pull the knife out of my pocket that it will open. I realize that is the purpose but I don't need the wave. I also realize that I can move the knife over in the pocket and then remove it to not deploy via the wave but no thanks. IMO the wave is more of a pain than it is worth. Plus the full flat grind (normal model) is a much better slicer/cutter due to that fact.

If you cut a lot of stuff I cannot recommend the ZDP-189 model enough. It's the only Delica model I carry now and I love it.
 
jday2727 said:
It won't disappoint. I'd recommend the Emerson Wave model, and it's by my side right now. Another choice if you want to go larger is the Manix 2, for tactical use.
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I like the option for tip down carry. Not a fan of the wave function, and no offense, but I don't like how it looks on the Spydercos. You don't think the Delica's thin profile will be too weak to handle work on duty?
 
My LEO daughter has carried hers for 3yrs now and it has never let her down... John:thumbup:
 
If you're not cutting a lot of boxes and stuff like that you might consider the saber grind or the Emerson opener as stated above....or even the short Kahr arms one if you can find it. They are a bit tougher and heavier. I personally only have ever bought the flat ground ones and if you treat it right it will preform.
What tasks do you see yourself using it for at work? Im a ups driver so I don't need one often but I have a orange flat ground delica on me anyways. Sometimes I get to help a customer open a box they are eager to get into :P

I would counter the recommendation for the manix just because it's so big in the pocket and I assume you have lots of other stuff to carry! Would recommend paramilitary2 over manix.
 
Get a saber ground Delica for a duty/work knife if it's gonna get used hard. I'd even spring for a fully serrated version.

There is also the Kahr Arms Delica which with input from Michael Janich was designed to be a self defense blade (although the 2.5 inch blade was used to be legal in more jurisdictions).

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The Delica is a great knife, but for duty use it might be a little thin. I'd also suggest a PM2 or a Manix 2 (but not the lightweight model, the one with G10). It all really depends on the scope of your duty use.

I don't recommend a wave opening for anyone. The possible fraction of a second quicker deployment isn't worth what you give up for discreet and flexible deployment options. IMHO, barring a full blown tactical application where a trained knife fighter needed to fight with their knife, a waved opening makes no sense for a typical knife user.
 
Nephron44 said:
I like the option for tip down carry. Not a fan of the wave function, and no offense, but I don't like how it looks on the Spydercos. You don't think the Delica's thin profile will be too weak to handle work on duty?
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Heck no. I think people these days seem to think they need thick knives for hard use. You would be surprised what a knife like a Delica will handle. Over the last 12 years I have put some through some stuff I would have thought would break the knife but it did not. The Delica is amazing. You don't need a thick knife for "hard use". Just use it as a knife and you'll be OK. I wouldn't pry with a FFG D4 tip, but I would pry with a saber ground Delica with no worries.
 
I would also look at the Endure and the Pacific Salt. Same general design as the Delica but on a larger more robust scale with the Salt being rust proof.
 
If I were a LEO, I would go with something a bit larger. I would probably carry one to cut with and one for defensive purposes that is razor sharp.

That said, I think it's tough enough and cheap enough in case it gets lost. It is one of my favorite knives.
 
Didn't you ask this exact same question in October? http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1337811-Spyderco-Delica-4-for-Duty-Use

Also, in your very first post ever, you mentioned that you had owned a Delica and an Endura and didn't like them. Have you reconsidered?

If you would explain what you actually need to use the knife for in your duties, that might help people answer. "Tactical" has become almost a meaningless marketing term, but originally it implied that the knife might need to be used as a weapon. Is that what you are looking for?

Without further information to go on, I would say that a Delica 4 would be fine as a general purpose cutting tool. I have one and it is a nice, lightweight ergonomic knife with a good blade profile.
 
+1 on the ZDP-189. My Dragonfly 2 is extra awesome with this blade steel. I can't imagine not liking the Endura 4 FFG in VG-10.

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The Delica makes for a pefect pocket sized knife. But, I think the Endura needs to be looked at very hard. I am not a cop, but if I were struggling with a perp for my sidearm, an Endura in my left pocket would be a better option than a Delica. Also, if gloves are worn, the Endura gives a lot more handle room.
 
jc57 said:
Didn't you ask this exact same question in October? http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1337811-Spyderco-Delica-4-for-Duty-Use

Also, in your very first post ever, you mentioned that you had owned a Delica and an Endura and didn't like them. Have you reconsidered?

If you would explain what you actually need to use the knife for in your duties, that might help people answer. "Tactical" has become almost a meaningless marketing term, but originally it implied that the knife might need to be used as a weapon. Is that what you are looking for?

Without further information to go on, I would say that a Delica 4 would be fine as a general purpose cutting tool. I have one and it is a nice, lightweight ergonomic knife with a good blade profile.
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Yup, same OP same question.

OP, if you owned one before, how did you like it?
 
Go for a PM2 or military. I'd suggest a military just because of its weight and utility. A PM2 is nothing to sneeze at though. They feel great. I personally don't care much for backlock knives, though.
 
I love the delica, handle to blade ratio, also lightweight, thin. I use a super blue delica for work. I'm in the construction field, have used it in some really tough situations. It stood up, and still does. I'm not sure how it will work in other fields.
 
Nephron44 said:
I like the option for tip down carry. Not a fan of the wave function, and no offense, but I don't like how it looks on the Spydercos. You don't think the Delica's thin profile will be too weak to handle work on duty?
Click to expand...

Should work fine, unless you plan on prying the doors off a truck or stabbing through an elevator door. I used one last year during wildland fire season, worked just fine. I carried it over anything else because a lot of the guys on the department lose knives when out on the line. My choice was the SE Salt.
 
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