Well I’ve been toting around a cheap S&w folder for a few years. It’s some newer stainless one (probably made of high quality chinesium metal), and have been wanting to upgrade to a better quality one. I really like the looks of spyderco knives and after handling a police model a while back am hooked.

Now, I love the police (in stainless), but think for all around every day carry it is a little large and I’ve heard about people breaking off the tips on occasion using them for “normal” daily needs.

Now the use for my new knife would be typical things like opening boxes and cutting zip ties etc. Would take it fishing and such. Normal stuff. However I would also like to have it in case of needing to use it for defense. Would be a great back up.

The police looks like a menacing tool and here in PA there are no restrictions about size as long as there is a “common lawful use” for said knife. However I’m concerned about the tip and let’s be honest, it has a pretty large blade on it so saying I use it to cut my orange peels off might sound like a load...even if I am telling the truth!

This leads me to the Endura and Delica. Wish I could get both but for now I’ll have to choose just one. I can tell you that I definitely want stainless (I know they’re smooth and that’s ok with me), and a plain edge. At most I would look for the half plain, half serrated. I’m just not sure if the Endura is that much smaller than the police but I don’t want to lose too much blade going with the Delica.

My S&w blade measures like 3 1/8” with slightly less cutting edge and the whole knife is a little longer than the Delica. Wish I had a local place to handle both of them!

Any opinions?

__________________
Jim

I've owned both. The Delica for me is better pocket knife. I prefer the smaller size for general use. If I were carrying one for a defensive knife, I'd choose the larger Endura. I'd say handle them both and pick the one that you prefer.

I've been carrying a Delica for several years now. Personally, I think for the type of tasks you're talking about the Delica would serve well. I currently have three, all of them Delica 4 FFG (full-flat grind), plain edge. One has the blue handle, one has the purple handle, and one has the grey handle (which I will, hopefully, be sending off to be shortened/reprofiled soon). I use mine for simple, every day tasks (opening letters/packages, cutting apples, etc.).

The Delica's blade is just under 3", while the Endura's blade is 3.75", IIRC. I don't know off the top of my head how long the Police model's blade is. I would like to get an Endura at some point, but the Delica pretty much fills all my requirements for an EDC pocket knife.

The nice thing about either the Delica or Endura is that they're available with different handle colors to make them look less "menacing." Every once in a while I try to track down the limited run pink-handled Delica that Spyderco made some years ago. No luck yet.

While I don't carry my Delica for self-defense, look up Michael Janich of Martial Blade Concepts. He's got some articles out there talking about how effective the Delica can be as a defensive tool.

Carry both, like them both. I prefer the Endura, full flat grind, ZDP-189 with British racing green scales.

__________________
BCCI Life Member #2068

For me the Delica is a day to day knife. The Endura is carried when a big blade is needed. I do not have a Sterech, but if you can only pick one of the two you mentioned, go out of the box with a Stretch 2.

I have a police model and it's a dandy knife. But for everyday carry and use, I prefer the smaller knives. For that reason, I'd probably recommend the Delica. I have no use for serrated blades, and most especially the half serrated blades. I use that portion of the blade closest to the knife frame as much or more than I use the tip end. I want a plain edge. I've never had a bad Spyderco knife. But the blade just shy of 3" is for me plenty long to do all I need to do with it, and it's just short enough that I can choke up on the open knife and control that tip for some chores that arise where I need the tip. The longer blades make that near impossible. Being less than 3", that Delica blade will be acceptable about any place where any knife is acceptable. If you can only have one, I'd choose the Delica. My police model hasn't been out of my knife box in a very long time! Since I use the smaller sizes, when I am looking through my box, I am surprised at just how large that police model is! That's my recommendation, FWIW.

__________________
So long ... Ken

A most generous member of this forum gave me a full-flat-ground, plain-edge Endura with brown scales. I love it, and use it for everything. But I recently acquired a Kershaw OSO Sweet that is approximately the size of the Delica. It's also super useful and rides nicely in a pocket. I might consider a Delica one day. Not letting go of the Endura, though.

__________________
Oh well, what the hell.

Given the choice, I will usually pick the smaller knife for EDC. In the course of my day, I never encounter anything that a three-inch blade can’t handle. In fact, there’s not much a Case Peanut can’t handle, but I prefer a slightly larger knife in hand.

I do not consider a knife as useful for self-defense, except perhaps against a dog.

__________________
Not in jail.

I'd get the Delica 4 with Emerson Wave for easy and rapid opening. If a cop asks you about it say it is meant to open the knife when working with one hand.

Spyderco C11PGYW Delica 4 Folding Knife 2-7/8" VG10 Satin Plain Blade with Wave, FRN Handles - KnifeCenter

#1 EDC knife on Google is paramilitary 2, for good reason. How come your not including this knife in your list of consideration?

Thanks every one. I’m leaning more towards the Delica. Ideally I’d like to have all 3 but of course money doesn’t grow on trees.

I looked at the para 2 but no stainless that I could see. I’m stuck on the smooth stainless as it just feels right in my hands. Grew up using buck 110’s and Swiss Army knives and enjoy the smooth feel. I also prefer “professional” handled wrenches with their smooth narrow handles. I just don’t like the feel of the others. Maybe it would grow on me? Don’t want to spend $100+ to find out it doesn’t!

__________________
Jim

We have some very generous and good people on this forum! I love the gun community.

__________________
Jim

The para 2 comes in a variety of steels, all are a form of stainless. Also , the g10 grips are nicer than the plastic ones. I think if you handled all 3, you would see that the para 3 is higher quality knife. My problem is that it is the first spyderco I bought. Now when I look at the other models , they are not as nice to me, so no reason to buy another folder. My ZT's just sit in a drawer now. They are supposed to do a sprint run of a orange handled para 2 with maximelt steel, I'll try to get one of those.

Sorry, I meant the non textured steel. I’ll check their site again though because maybe I missed it.

__________________
Jim

Question: Delica or Endura?
Answer: Stretch

Not on your list, but my all time favorite is the Native. I carried the black handle one for years till I switched to a OTF auto.

I HAVE SEVERAL SPYDERCO KNIVES, LOOKED FOR A WHILE, THEN STARTED WITH THE TENACIOUS FROM WALMART FOR UNDER $40.00, STILL CARRY THIS EVERY DAY AT WORK BECAUSE IF I DAMAGE IT I AM ONLY OUT THE $40.00, IT STAYS SHARP AND EASY TO SHARPEN, TAKE A LOOK AT THAT, AND THEN YOU CAN MOVE ON TO MORE AFTER THAT, THEY ADDICTING. CARRY THE NATIVE 5 WHEN NOT AT WORK, IT IS SMALLER IN SIZE.

9 times out of 10 Im carrying an Endura Wave with a Wise Men Company Signet Ring I put on it. Basically turns it into a karambit style knife. I also swapped the pocket clip to the spider side of the knife so when I deploy it, its already in the reverse grip
You cant go wrong with a Spyderco knife. I have a handful of their knifes and love them all to death.

I have a plain edge Delica that gets carried daily and a Endura wave that stays in the drawer mostly. Either is fine but the Delica fits in my pocket a little easier.

Been toting a vtoku2 Delica lately. Perfect size for EDC but the clip makes it ride a bit high. Can't go wrong with Delica, Endura, or Sttetch. Or a PM2 if wanting something stouter. . .

It comes down to whether you want a handy Spyderco with just under a 2.9" blade (Delica is 2.87") or a 3.75" blade (Endura).

I picked up one of those Jensen Seal team 2 Police models when he was making them (engraving wasn't done by Spyderco). It's an older model with GIN-1 steel and a fully serrated blade. The handle is long and the blade is the typical 4.1" Police. I vaguely remember carrying it a few times, but it was just too long to be practical, for me.

I picked up a Delica NLEM a few years ago. It's just about exactly the right size for a convenient gentleman's lockblade folder that's slim enough to be pocketable, but with a blade length that's practical for common tasks for which a sharp blade might be needed.



I'm presently in the process of waiting for a special-order deep pocket clip to be made for it. Titanium, and with the Chinese character for Dragon engraved in it (for Bruce Lee).

I also have a previous Salt 1 with a 3" plain blade, which I got so I could clip it inside my swim trunks for trips to the seashore with my granddaughter, where she likes to visit tidal pools and frolic in the surf. Again, a handy and practical blade length.

Now, I've also been considering adding an Endura to my Spyderco collection, simple for the option of being able to choose a longer blade length, should I feel the need.

As it is, when I'm on road trips to OR & WA, I've found that there are some municipalities that restrict blade length to no more than 3.5", and more to no more than 3", so the Delica, Salt 1 (and a Mini-Griptilian with 154CM steel) all work for those more restrictive places. (The odd part is that while I'm able to lawfully conceal a handgun under LEOSA in most places I visit out-of-state, it's the folder blade length that makes me cautious. Go figure.)

So ... pick either the Delica or Endura for now, and then get the other one later. Have both.

In the meantime, that older Police Model engraved to commemorate Seal Team 2 by Jensen remains sitting in my collection, unused. FWIW, I know another retired cop who constantly carries his well-used Spyderco Police. Come to think of it, I also bought a new Gen4 version Police for a friend, upon his retirement, and had the initials of the 4 LE agencies for whom he worked throughout his career engraved on the stainless handle. However, he's got hands large enough to manipulate the Police like I do the Delica.

Good luck with your choice(s).

__________________
Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

I have carried an Endura for some years. I removed the clip and I purchased a very nice leather sheath off the Ebay for belt carry. I prefer the larger size of the blade. A very handy bit of kit.

__________________
"from my cold dead hands" C.H.

I prefer the Delica. It just works well for me. I had a Police I
ended up giving away because that smooth stainless handle
was not "grippy" enough.

__________________
never get out of the boat

Get your hands on a Benchmade with an Axis locking mechanism and try it out. IMO it is the safest, best folding mechanism available.

This is why I included the brief mention of the Mini Griptilian in an earlier post. I picked up a pink Mini Griptilian with Sheepsfoot blade a few years ago, sitting all alone amidst a sea of black tactical folders in a display case in a cop shop. It was marked to sell., and it did. The 2.91" 154CM steel blade makes for nice pocketable size, although it does have a thicker grip than the Delica/Endura folders.

I also have a Benchmade Axis 300 Flipper and a Contego 810, both with the AXIS lock design. Both are really thick, though, and aren't nearly as thin and sleek as the Delica/Endura series folders. Robust, yes, and strong ... but thick and chunky.

__________________
Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

The Delica is the better carry knife and one which I have carried for years.
You should look at the Para 3 knives which I have been carrying for the past 2 years

I bought my first Delica around 1991 (black plain edge) and I still have it! I have a spare twin of it just in case, a blue serrated version for cutting rope, etc. and a larger Endura I take on vacations where I can't carry a gun. All of them are the first gen with fixed pocket clips. Luv em.

__________________
Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292

Check out this video from knife defense expert Michael Janich on using the Delica for self defense:


Its effect is telling. It is also an absolutely superb EDC knife that is super lightweight (yet very strong and durable) and doesn't take up much room at all in the pocket. I have the standard Delica with full flat grind and it was a gift from my Dad. I have plans to buy the Wave version in the very near future as my current Delica is a keepsake and from all accounts the Wave allows for the fastest one-handed opening of any method out there, important for a defensive scenario and useful for everyday utility use as well.

One thing that bears mention is that Spyderco knives are very high quality, in demand items. Because of this there are a wide variety of Chinese fakes that can be found for sale. It is always best to stick to trusted dealers such as Blade HQ or Knifeworks etc. Places like Amazon and especially eBay can be tricky, never ever buy one that is "too good to be true" cheap or from a foreign seller, it is bound to be a fake.

My $0.02? Get a Delica, you will love it!!

Now that I see you are interested in the steel handle versions only, I'll add some comments. I've never seen or handled a stainless handled Delica or Endura, but own many FRN versions of these two models. I have a paper version of Spyderco's 2018 product guide at hand, and will use that for basic data.

The Stainless handled Delicas and Enduras are only available with VG-10 stainless saber ground blades. Serrated, combo, and plain edges are available, but if you want full flat ground plain edge or specialty steel blades you have to buy FRN, Titanium, or a dealer exclusive.

The Stainless Delica 4 weighs 4.1 oz, compared to 2.6 oz for a comparable FRN version. The Stainless Endura is 5.7 oz and a combo FRN version Endura weighs 3.8 oz. I also noted that the stainless models are pictured in the catalog with tip down carry.
A stainless Delica will cost in the $90 to $95 range compared to $70 to $75 for the comparable blade in FRN. for the Endura you are looking at $95 - $100 stainless, $75 - $80 FRN.

The FRN handles are very comfortable in hand. They are light. They are less expensive that many options. They have skeletonized stainless liners and are very strong. Part of what attracted me to Spyderco knives was their knives which are capable beyond size and weight class expectations.

If you are sticking with stainless scales I'd recommend the Delica combo edge first choice then the Endura combo edge. For about the same price you can get a FRN scaled VG-10 full flat ground plain edge Stretch with an in between sized blade design that is useful when cleaning fish and game.

Have both, like both. Due to local regs, (3 inch blade limit), I carry the Delica.

Ended up buying the Delica. After days of exhaustive website surfing for info and everyone’s help here I finally placed the order. I have found LOTS of other knives to put on a list for future purchases though. This seems like another one of those rabbit holes we all know too well!

__________________
Jim

I think the Delica is a great choice, it's my EDC most of the time. I do own a few Enduras as well, but they don't see much use anymore mainly due to local laws. If you travel like I do, there is also a Kahr Delica designed by Mike Janich, which has a slightly shortened blade to comply with blade length laws in more restrictive areas. I prefer older Spydercos and shortened a couple of mine for carry in certain locations.

Man, I thought it was bad enough I had to make sure I had some available folders that would work for travel where the blade lengths were restricted to no more than 3".

__________________
Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

Congrats. I suspect you'll find your choice to be a sound one after you become accustomed to the Delica for a while. A handy balance of blade and handle lengths, as well as controllable maneuverability.

__________________
Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

While we're on the subject of Spyderco folders of minimal length for practical carry knives, I have an interest in their Wharncliffe version of the Delica, the Spyderco C11FSWCBK Delica 4 Wharncliffe Folding Knife 2.87" VG10 Satin Serrated Blade, Black FRN Handles.

It only has a 2.87" blade, which would meet my anticipated needs for a roadtrip folder of no more than 3", as well as being able to have an aggressively cutting serrated blade with a straight edge profile.

It could let me retire the early original, fully-serrated Delica I have, which has the first all-plastic handle with the "clip" molded into the handle and no steel liners. Great cutting, but I do tend to prefer a stronger metal-lined handle. (Which I wish my Salt 1 and another original Spyderco folder had.) Still under $70 on some sites. (Never thought that would be considered a bargain price for a Spyderco. )

__________________
Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

If I'm not mistaken, the Kahr Delicas are no longer in production. I'd been wanting one for a while but couldn't find them for a reasonable price.

I ended up buying a Delica specifically to have it shortened to just under 2.5" and reprofiled to more of a Wharncliffe pattern. The cost of the Delica and the work will end up being noticeably less than what I've seen Kahr Delicas going for recently.

I stumbled onto the plain-edge version while browsing the Interwebs and have to say, I was very close to getting one. I ended up getting a regular Delica to be shortened, as I mentioned above. However, that Wharncliffe Delica is probably next on my list to get.

I prefer the Gen 1's, so I did it myself.

From the man himself...." grinding one isn’t hard if you have a belt sander like a 1X30 or 1X42. Use an 80-grit belt and grind a little, dip in water, and repeat. Keep the blade cool and don’t let its color change. Finish with a 240-grit belt."

I know my limitations.

The new Spyderco Lil Native comes with a 2.5" blade.

Spyderco Lil' Native Compression Lock Knife Black G-10 (2.5" Satin) C230GP - Blade HQ

The Cat comes in a tad under 2.5".

Spyderco Cat G-10 Folding Knife (2.44" Satin Plain) C129GP - Blade HQ

Knives Plus does custom grinds on Delicas, but cutting one down 1/2" is major surgery.

MODIFIED Spyderco Delica 4 - Regrind - Brown Handle

If you need a 2 1/2" knife, I recommend buying a 2 1/2" knife. Cutting down a 2 7/8" knife to 2 1/2" is best left to knife makers. Even then the outcome may be classed as Bubba made.