Doubtless, this post is going to get a lot of hate for making a claim this polarizing, but the title says what it meant to say. No need to repeat it.
There is good reason that the Delica 4 (and every iteration of the Delica, actually) appears on every “best of” list featuring Spyderco.
So let’s get to the bottom of why this might be the best Spyderco pocket knife ever.
What the Delica 4 with FRN Scales Offers
For nearly 35 years now, the Delica has been a perennially popular Spyderco pocket knife. The iteration we’re covering here, the Delica 4 with black FRN scales, just keeps the legend rolling.
The Delica 4 is just a smidge bigger than its predecessor, the Delica 3. It has an overall length of 7.11”, a closed length of 4.25”, and a blade of 2.9”. This particular one weighs 2.6 oz.
The blade is saber ground, with a high humpbacked design like pretty much all Spyderco knives. It has a graceful drop point (some call it a leaf shape profile) that is elegant and utilitarian at once.
The blade steel, VG-10, is one more thing to love about it. It boasts excellent chemistry, with 1% carbon, 15% chromium, 1.5% cobalt, 1% molybdenum, and a smidge of vanadium, too.
With that much carbon and cobalt, along with the other carbide forming elements, it is able to hold an edge for a long time, without the plagues associated with other excessively hard knife steels – it is not that hard to resharpen.
The vanadium and molybdenum also increase toughness, making this a much more durable and wear resistant blade. And, it should go without saying that all that chromium makes this steel uncommonly corrosion resistant.
So it takes and holds an edge and requires little maintenance – making it tops for EDC. That alone qualifies it as a contender for the title of “best Spyderco pocket knife.”
Another thing that’s nice about the new Delica is that Spyderco’s commitment to continuous refinement has yielded a design that is made with screws, streamlining both adjustment and cleaning.
This Delica 4 is outfitted with fiberglass-reinforced nylon, or FRN scales, that are lightweight and exceptionally low maintenance. This FRN handle material hardly even requires a periodic cleaning. It’s basically immune to moisture and provides sure traction even in markedly adverse conditions.
Spyderco sweetens the deal with its “bi-directional” texturing applied to the handle scales which, though not exclusive to the Delica 4, is still something to take in sum.
The pocket clip is reversible for either tip up or tip down carry on either side of the blade, and the knife is outfitted with phosphor bronze washers in the bearing mechanism that are smooth as silk from day one.
As with pretty much all Spyderco knives, deployment is through a naturally ambidextrous thumb hole (AKA “spydie” hole). This one also features a back lock mechanism with a bar that is set in the middle, not near the end, of the handle, making accidental disengagements much more unlikely.
Everyman’s Spyderco Pocket Knife
So, in a nutshell, the Delica 4 is sized perfectly for EDC and not too specialized for any one task. It would be great for carving camp tools and it would also be great for opening envelopes. Surely it wouldn’t balk at cutting a seatbelt or two.
This makes it one of the best Spyderco knives out there, for all users – first responders, paramilitary, LEOs, ranch hands, outdoorsmen, or just those that practice EDC.
Not the Best Spyderco Pocket Knife for You?
While the Delica 4 would make a great EDC folder, if you feel that there’s a better Spyderco EDC knife for you, visit White Mountain Knives.
They carry a massive inventory of Spyderco pocket knives, many others of which, like the Tenacious and Paramilitary series are also great as everyday carry knives. They also offer free shipping in the United States. Visit their website for more details.
