I Need A Pocket Knife and Fast

**Phog Allen** · 10-12-2008, 09:33 AM

Good morning gents. Well, I've bollocksed it with my everyday pocket knife. I have managed to misplace it (read that; lost it) and I don't know how I will get on without it at work. I had carried it for nearly fifteen years and was amazed it didn't happen earlier. You know how it goes with that sort of stuff. Some attrition is expected.

Alright, down to specifics. The knife was a Spyderco Delica. I know there are several generations of these and I can't tell you which one I had. I can give you specifics as to size and blade style. It had a 2-7/8" blade (I am taking Spyderco's word that it was not really 2-15/16") and was about four inches overall length. It was Spyderco's typical clip point with full length Spyderedge. That's serrated in plain English. It had a pocket clip that made carrying it in my back pocket a snap. It was so flat you forgot it was there. I will tell you, I abused that thing beyond ANY expectation of service and it never complained. Poor old sod. He's laying in the street somewhere or more likely purloined by someone who won't give a hang about his condition. So I am in need of good pocket knife.

Now lets set some parameters. I will not and cannot in good conscience carry some sort of best quality, 100+ dollar pocket knife to work everyday. Nor could I imagine abusing such a nicety in the way the Spyderco was handled. When I bought it on closeout from Smoky Mountain Knife Works years ago, it was less than $24. A grand value even then. My thoughts immediately went to another Delica but after looking at Syperdco's latest incarnation on their website, uh maybe not so much. It just looks more bulky than the older version. So that leaves us where? I do need to meet at least three criteria. It must be stainless, have synthetic handles, and have a pocket clip(preferably metal). As to the serrated edge, I rather liked mine. I know that opinions rage about them but how would it go for a partially serrated edge? Convince me I don't need the serrated edge at all. I will listen guys. I have looked at some Kershaws and Gerbers. I like the Chive and Onion model Kershaws but the don't have a serrated edge option. The Gerber I looked at nearly went home with me save for two things. It had some damnable button for a lock release on the SIDE of the scales. Completely useless for a lefty. Also, the scales seemed to be of a hard plastic and not a bit pliable like my old Spydie. BTW, did I mention I would like to keep the cost under $40 if possible? I don't want much do I? I know the right choice is out there. I just have to find it and pretty quickly. An electrician uses a knife almost daily.

Regards, Todd

**yomuppet** · 10-12-2008, 09:44 AM

I like the serrated models too.

The Delica is a very nice knife. If you liked it, why not get another? If you want something just a hair smaller, the Dragonfly is your knife.

Either can be had on eBay with buy-it-now (instant purchase) for under $45 shipped. here

Best of luck.

J

**stobes21** · 10-12-2008, 09:55 AM

Options available at retail nearby:

Spyderco Tenacious: G10 handle, good quality steel, $30. About a half-inch longer on the blade and overall than your previous knife. Plain edge.

Spyderco Byrd Meadowlark: FRN handle, lighter weight, pretty close in size to your other knife. Serrated, good steel. $20

Cabela's XPG Knife: I carried one of these for 6 months or so before I lost it. Well made, serrated, and quick to deploy. Alluminum handle. May be too big for your taste. $30.

Buck Protege: Well respected brand, not familiar with this model though. $28.

Good luck. I've never much gone for serrated knives myself, so of the above options I'd probably go with that first spyderco myself.

**Phog Allen** · 10-12-2008, 10:03 AM

Hey guys. Thanks for the quick responses. I went back and took another look at the Spyderco website. While the Delica's blade looks almost identical, there is something about the scales that is not quite "right". It may just be the pattern of the checkering on the handles but it just looks a tad different. It is probably just my diseased imagination. It may be the choice yet. Trouble is, it is close to $80 now. Well over $50 at most knife shops. We shall see. Thanks for the great links.

Regards, Todd

Edited; I found some of the reason for my confusion. Look at

This is a Delica as well. Yet it has a longer blade, a different catalog number, etc. It is also why I said the knife looked bulkier. It is. I wish these companies wouldn't do this. There appears to a number of differnt Delicas and unfortunately, not all vendors get accurate photos so I will have to be careful if I go the online route.

**Sebright** · 10-12-2008, 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by Phog Allen

Good morning gents. Well, I've bollocksed it with my everyday pocket knife. I have managed to misplace it (read that; lost it) and I don't know how I will get on without it at work. I had carried it for nearly fifteen years and was amazed it didn't happen earlier. You know how it goes with that sort of stuff. Some attrition is expected.

Alright, down to specifics. The knife was a Spyderco Delica. I know there are several generations of these and I can't tell you which one I had. I can give you specifics as to size and blade style. It had a 2-7/8" blade (I am taking Spyderco's word that it was not really 2-15/16") and was about four inches overall length. It was Spyderco's typical clip point with full length Spyderedge. That's serrated in plain English. It had a pocket clip that made carrying it in my back pocket a snap. It was so flat you forgot it was there. I will tell you, I abused that thing beyond ANY expectation of service and it never complained. Poor old sod. He's laying in the street somewhere or more likely purloined by someone who won't give a hang about his condition. So I am in need of good pocket knife.

Now lets set some parameters. I will not and cannot in good conscience carry some sort of best quality, 100+ dollar pocket knife to work everyday. Nor could I imagine abusing such a nicety in the way the Spyderco was handled. When I bought it on closeout from Smoky Mountain Knife Works years ago, it was less than $24. A grand value even then. My thoughts immediately went to another Delica but after looking at Syperdco's latest incarnation on their website, uh maybe not so much. It just looks more bulky than the older version. So that leaves us where? I do need to meet at least three criteria. It must be stainless, have synthetic handles, and have a pocket clip(preferably metal). As to the serrated edge, I rather liked mine. I know that opinions rage about them but how would it go for a partially serrated edge? Convince me I don't need the serrated edge at all. I will listen guys. I have looked at some Kershaws and Gerbers. I like the Chive and Onion model Kershaws but the don't have a serrated edge option. The Gerber I looked at nearly went home with me save for two things. It had some damnable button for a lock release on the SIDE of the scales. Completely useless for a lefty. Also, the scales seemed to be of a hard plastic and not a bit pliable like my old Spydie. BTW, did I mention I would like to keep the cost under $40 if possible? I don't want much do I? I know the right choice is out there. I just have to find it and pretty quickly. An electrician uses a knife almost daily.

Regards, Todd

Kershaw knives are the only knife I purchase. They hold up great and look sharp, checkout the Ken Onion designs,.

**xChris** · 10-12-2008, 10:37 AM

Todd,

Your photo is of a Delica version 3. The latest model, as shown on Spyderco's website, is a version 4. The version 4 has nested steel liners in the handle (stronger & slightly heavier), and a modified tip to reduce breakage. The version 4 is also all-screw construction, instead of rivets, so you can take it apart for maintenance, cleaning, etc.

If cost is of concern, I think the Spyderco Byrd line will help you in "bang for buck." These are made is China (but to a high quality/standard), so decide accordingly.

**sandpaper** · 10-12-2008, 10:46 AM

+1 on the Ken Onion. I carry a chive with me all the time, but I'm a desk jockey.

**yomuppet** · 10-12-2008, 12:24 PM

Look at the Dragonfly, not bulky at all.

Regards.

J

**citizensoldierny** · 10-12-2008, 03:10 PM

another +1 on Kershaw here recently purchased a Junkyard Dog for under $40 , looks great , locks up great, very sharp and feels great in the hand.

**TorzJohnson** · 10-12-2008, 04:00 PM

I think your best bang-for-the-buck in the lower price ranges are the Spyderco models. There are others too, like this one for instance:

Bladetech Pro Hunter Lite, also available in black. Dual steel liners, 440C blade. Ergonomic, solid and sharp. Mine was made in Seki Japan but I think the new ones are made in Taiwan. This knife has been my work EDC for 3 or 4 years and it takes a beating. Cost $50 when I bought it. I have much more expensive knives, but this one is the one for every day use.

**Phog Allen** · 10-12-2008, 05:10 PM

Hey gents. Here is a youtube video of the Gerber Fast Draw. I nearly bought one of these this morning whilst at Wallyworld. As you can see from the video, these aren't the ideal knife for a southpaw.

Regards, Todd

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDHlT12fx4I[/YOUTUBE]

**grb** · 10-12-2008, 05:42 PM

+1 also for the Kershaw Ken Onion Leek. I carry one with the Damascus blade. In the proper hands, I believe you could get this hollow ground blade sharp enough to shave. The blade opens with a flick of the index finger.

Edit: Around $40-$50 via internet.

**stobes21** · 10-12-2008, 08:08 PM

Since so many people have endorsed the Ken Onion Leek, here is a version with a half-serrated blade. It's a bit more than your $40 limit, but not much.

**cybrok** · 10-12-2008, 08:26 PM

I hate FRN handles too.

Have you considered the Byrd line? Some of them have SS or G-10 handles.

**BUGZapper** · 10-12-2008, 08:34 PM

as far as being cerrated goes it depends on what your using the knife for. Gerber makes a good knife, so I don't think you can go wrong there. Kershaw also makes some very nice knives too. Pick one that you like and go for it.

**TimmyBoston** · 10-12-2008, 10:59 PM

Todd, I might be able to help you. Shoot me a PM if you haven't found a replacement yet.

**crazycliff200843** · 10-13-2008, 12:04 AM

What are you looking to cut with it? You seem to like the serrated...if you're not a fan of sharpening all the time, why don't you get one with the disposable blades, like a superknife? A lot cheaper than 40 bucks.

**TimmyBoston** · 10-13-2008, 03:17 AM

Originally Posted by sandpaper

+1 on the Ken Onion. I carry a chive with me all the time, but I'm a desk jockey.

What do you think of the Speed Assist thing?

**cybrok** · 10-13-2008, 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by TimmyBoston

What do you think of the Speed Assist thing?

Can't tell about Kershaw's, but I have a Camillus Heat and really like the assisted opening. Interresting gadget, but don't wave it in front of sheeples.

Necessary? no
Fun? sure

And legal in Canada since it wasn't invented when they made the laws.

**Phog Allen** · 10-13-2008, 10:13 AM

Good news guys! A fellow employee found the Spyderco this morning. It was "lost" in the service truck at work. What a schmuck I am. So no need to replace it. Now, buying another knife just for the heck of it is another story.

Regards, Todd