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Old 01-03-2017, 12:22 PM
WTN1271 WTN1271 is offline
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Default Spyderco Delica wave question

Looking for your thoughts and impressions of the "wave" feature/Emerson opening design on Spyderco knives. (or equivalent knives that use a projected tab to catch the corner of pocket to facilitate one handed opening).

Link to knife of interest
Delica(R) 4 Lightweight Emerson Opener - Spyderco, Inc.

I am right handed but interested in carrying a one handed opening knife in my front left pocket. Carrying other objects in my right front pocket.

I have a standard Delica and have been learning to open it using the spyder hole and my left hand. No real problems just not a smooth operation yet. The wave feature is interesting so I added a zip tie to my Delica in an attempt to test out this feature. It works but sometimes the blade does not fully open/lock. Not really a true test of the feature but close enough to keep me interested in this type of knife.

I have also tried some Kershaw knives with speedsafe/flipper opening systems. They work OK but I like the simplicity of the Spyderco a little better.

So before I make a purchase, I am interested in the options of those that carry a knife with this style of opening system . Pros, cons, likes, dislikes, reliability of opening, etc.

Thanks for your input and help.
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File Type: jpg 20170103_102809.jpg (60.6 KB, 47 views)
File Type: jpg 20170103_102821.jpg (44.8 KB, 44 views)
File Type: jpg 20170103_102845.jpg (24.6 KB, 41 views)
File Type: jpg spyderco-delica-emerson-opener-c11pgyw-large.jpg (25.7 KB, 46 views)

Last edited by WTN1271; 01-03-2017 at 01:16 PM.
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Old 01-03-2017, 12:59 PM
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Marshwheeling Marshwheeling is offline
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At first, I thought the wave was pretty cool, but now that the novelty has worn off, I don't really have much use for it. There is a thread on the subject that was revived here a few weeks ago, so you shouldn't have to dig too deep to find it.

I have seen some guys use two zip ties on their Spydercos, but have no idea whether that would improve reliability.
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Old 01-03-2017, 01:11 PM
WTN1271 WTN1271 is offline
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Thanks for the quick reply. I will search for that thread. The wave/Emerson feature seems like it could be faster but not as discrete or reliable as the standard spyder hole.
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Old 01-03-2017, 01:33 PM
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Nothing wrong with the wave feature although I've seen a lot of failures in Force on Force with them. As such, I prefer standard models myself.

If you get a wave, I would definitely get a training version. Practice with it a lot to build as much reliability in opening as you can ideally simulating actual defense conditions. And make sure you practice in every type of whatever clothing you usually wear.
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Old 01-03-2017, 01:39 PM
Richard Simmons Richard Simmons is offline
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Don't have it on any of my Spydercos but I do on my Emerson Commander. If you ever find yourself needing to open a knife one handed then it works perfectly in that regard
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Old 01-03-2017, 02:27 PM
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I just added a Spyderco Endura Emerson Wave to my collection before Christmas. I'm a big fan of the Delica, but was looking for something bigger to carry with me on my exercise walks during pre-dawn hours. It's for dog defense more than people defense.

The Emerson opener is simple to learn to use, but getting the knife out of your pocket without deploying the blade takes conscious thought. When I get back home from walking I put the Endura away and switch to the five or six year old Delica which is my EDC knife of choice.

Having just bought a couple of new Spydercos with FRN handles and back locks it became apparent that the opening and closing gets slicker as the knives get broken in. A drop or two of Rem Oil and opening and closing the knives repeatedly slicks them up quite a bit. The Delica and Enduras are quite easy to learn to open and close one handed, especially when they get slicked up a bit like my old leaf green Delica.

The clip can be moved to the opposite side of the knife for left hand carry. The screws are size T-5 torxs. I have taken the clip completely of two of my three Delicas and let them ride loose in my pocket with my keys and change.

I thought about getting a Delica with the Emerson Wave, but it is not something I want to carry all day long and the Delica is a utility type knife not a fighting knife. With my Endura Emerson I know I can get it out and into action fast and hopefully be able to put a world of hurt on any dog that decides to make contact with me. I've been thinking about clipping a second knife in my left pocket just in case.

If you want one by all means get one. I expect you will fall back to carrying your Delica without the Emerson Wave most of the time.
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File Type: jpg Spyderco Emerson 1 rs.jpg (210.5 KB, 29 views)
File Type: jpg Spyderco Emerson 2 rs.jpg (228.8 KB, 30 views)
File Type: jpg Spyderco Emerson 3 rs.jpg (201.9 KB, 29 views)
File Type: jpg Spyderco Emerson 4 rs.jpg (222.0 KB, 27 views)
File Type: jpg Spyderco 010 rs.jpg (230.5 KB, 24 views)

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Old 01-03-2017, 06:29 PM
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I had a Spyderco Endura with the wave. Ground it off, as I could not work it as well or as fast as using the hole. Probably operator error.
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Old 01-03-2017, 08:16 PM
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I don't have any of the Spyderco wave models, but have used waved Emersons for quite a few years. The wave feature is nice, but like has been said, it takes conscious effort to remove the knife without waving it open. Also, it wears the hell out of pocket corners. Practice is important, so I'd recommend not only a trainer but also "practice" pants you don't mind wearing out.

For my own use, I don't have an interest in the wave feature. I prefer my standard Delicas, which I carry on my left side.
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Old 01-03-2017, 08:39 PM
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I have carried Spyderco knives for over 20 years. I found them easy to use, open, lite, and they hold an edge. They are cheap enough that you don't feel too bad when you have to drop them in the trash at the airport. On occasion, a Spyderco is the only weapon I have been able to have while traveling internationally. Having two or three packed in your check bags is not a bad thing. Tactical folks appreciate a small gift at the end of a mission/visit. They build good will. I used to sail and having a Spyderco that operates with one hand and is available is great when you have your other hand full. You can buy more expensive knives, but you will find it hard to give them up... and it is doubtful they will be measurably more effective.
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Old 01-03-2017, 09:44 PM
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I have 3 Delica's (and some other similar Spydercos, both plain and serrated), with my oldest Delica having been purchased in 1991. I've carried one nearly every day since and have no trouble opening it as fast as any auto with either hand. It often rides clipped to my left pocket when there's a Doubletap .45 in my right. I wouldn't want to mess things up with a 'snag' feature. I don't see the need. But to each their own.
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Old 01-05-2017, 02:58 AM
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After some practice using my wire tie version of the Emerson/wave feature, I am getting more comfortable and find that with a very deliberate and quick motion, the blade fully opens and locks up reliably. I think it would be even better using the actual design. I did notice a difference when wearing my work pants vs jeans. Not sure I like learning different techniques based on specific clothing. It might not be as much of an issue when using the real wave model vs. the wire tie set up. I will keep my eye open for a deal on a Delica Emerson/wave as I like the concept. Thanks to all that replied, your thoughts and comments are very much appreciated.

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Old 01-05-2017, 04:45 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WTN1271 View Post
I did notice a difference when wearing my work pants vs jeans. Not sure I like learning different techniques based on specific clothing.
I find that loose fitting clothing gives me the best results, especially when drawing the knife from a sitting position.
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Old 02-12-2017, 09:16 PM
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I was able to get a good deal on a like new Endura with the Emerson wave feature. It works quite nicely, much smoother than the wire tie version. I like it a lot. Found I can open the knife with the traditional spyder hole without issue when that method is needed. Endura size is OK in front pocket, Delica would be ideal. On the lookout for a Delica Emerson wave now.

Last edited by WTN1271; 02-12-2017 at 09:19 PM.
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