Reviews > Knives > Folding > Spyderco Delica CombinationEdge > Shandra Hunt > Field Report

Field Report - Spyderco Delica CombinationEdge Folding Knife

Name: Shandra Hunt

Age: 26

Gender: Female

Height: 5' 3" (1.6 m)

Weight: 145 lb (66 kg)

Location: Ben Lomond, California

Email: jns170@yahoo.com

Date: 5/9/05

Biography:

            Growing up in the Santa Cruz mountains, I have always been an avid hiker and camper.  Only recently however, I have evolved into a backpacker. I started backpacking about three years ago. Since then I have done many trips throughout California and the Southwest. I spent five days packing in Grand Canyon, which fueled my love for the sport even more. I try to backpack as often as possible, I think I may be addicted, and I am constantly looking for more efficient and lightweight alternatives for the gear that I own.

Product Information:

URL: www.spyderco.com

Manufacturer: Spyderco

Year of Manufacture: 2005

Advertised weight: 1.9 oz (55 g)

Measured weight: 1.9 oz (55 g)

MSRP: $66.95 U.S.

Item number: C11PSBK

Product Description:

The Delica SpyderEdge knife has a black fiberglass reinforced nylon (FRN) handle. The nylon is a polymer mixed with glass fiber that is molded into the lightweight knife handle. The handle is pebbled with Spyderco's special volcano grip texturing. The Volcano grip is a trademarked name for the waffle texture Spyderco has used for the Delica knife. This grip is a continuous pattern of small squares that is intended to provide better hand grip. The Delica is contoured for ergonomic comfort which is intended to reduce operator fatigue and discomfort and to increase safety.

The overall length of the Delica CombinationEdge knife is 7 in (178 mm). When closed this knife is only 4 in (102 mm) long. The Delica knife has a combination straight and serrated blade edge that is 3 in (77 mm) with a 2 11/16 in (68 mm) cutting edge. The blade is 3/32 in (2.5 mm) thick. The steel VG-10 blade is flat saber-ground for optimal cutting performance. This knife has a David Boye dent for enhanced lock security for heavy duty use.

Field Trial:

I have mainly used the Spyderco knife in the kitchen since I got it. I have found that this knife can cut just about anything, and cuts it well. Even though this knife is small, the patented volcano grip provides excellent hand grip. I have tried to cut a vast variety of things since I got the Delica knife. I have found that some things, like a baguette for example, can be a little harder to cut, but overall, this knife can do it all. I think the volcano grip design prevents a lot of hand slippage that might occur on a small knife like this. I really like the CombinationEdge on this knife. It is like having two knifes in one, a serrated and straight edge. This allows for a wider variety of things to be cut easily and safely. The Delica knife also features an ergonomic design that I really like. I have used this knife to prepare many dinners at home that have involved a lot of prep chopping and I didn't experience any hand fatigue.

I carried the CombinationEdge knife on a few day hikes and used it to cut cheese, salami, and fruit. I am impressed how versatile this knife can be and how easily it cuts through different things. The first backpacking trip I used the Delica knife on was a trip to the Los Padres National Forest near Big Sur, Ca. The campsite is about 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from the coast and it was really foggy and damp when I was there. This was an overnight trip, and I used the knife to cut cheese, salami, fruit, bell peppers, and a few other things. I also used this knife to open a couple of packages and I didn't have to put any effort into it. I wore the Spyderco knife on my waistband, using the CLIPIT. I am always a little wary of clips because it seems less secure than carrying the knife in a pocket, but the CLIPIT on the Delica knife seems to work fine. I like that this knife is small and compact, so it was comfortable to wear on the waistband of my pants when hiking, sitting, and moving around. After a lot of opening and closing and washing, the Delica knife worked as smoothly as when I first got it.

My only dilemma is that the Delica knife went missing after I came home from my last backpacking trip, so I haven't been able to use it for a few weeks. Perhaps the knife is a little too compact, because I have looked everywhere for it and it has not turned up. I am really bummed because I really liked the Delica knife, and I am looking to get another one to replace it. Overall, this is one of the best knives I have used. Aside from the fact that I can't find it, I don't have any complaints about it. All of the added features Spyderco has put into the Delica knife really make a difference. The ergonomic design is really comfortable to use and the volcano grip provides an excellent grip. I really like the CombinationEdge features on this knife, it makes it more versatile in the field and reduces the need for another tool. The Spyderco Delica CombinationEdge knife is so lightweight, and compact that it is hard to tell if I even have it on. I hope to replace the knife that is missing, and I wouldn't consider any other brand of knife. This knife has it all and would be the perfect knife for someone looking for a lot of great features all rolled into one.

Good Things:

> Lightweight and compact

> Excellent hand grip

> Ergonomic

> CombinationEdge

Bad Things:

> So far I don't have any complaints

Reviews > Knives > Folding > Spyderco Delica CombinationEdge > Shandra Hunt > Field Report