Battle of the 3" Blades: Delica4, Sage1/5, Native5, Para3, Chaparral

[EmperorMA]

Without bringing the availability of exotic steels into the argument, which is the best EDC for you of these five Spydies?

What do you like about each? Dislike? I am rather certain I could own and love all five.

Let the battle begin!

[ZrowsN1s]

Well between the Delica and the native, the delica has a very functional blade shape and is very thin. The Native has the blade choil and flat spine as well as a thicker blade. I like them both for different reasons. I own more natives.

[Robbob]

For me it's the Delica, hands down.

1. It's the most-affordable option
2. The blade shape is a better all-around shape for day-to-day
3. It doesn't tend to be as scary to the ignorant masses
4. It's available in many colors so there's less chance of clashing with my shoes

[Sharp Guy]

I'm definitely no help in these situations. I chose them all.

[EmperorMA]

I'm definitely no help in these situations. I chose them all.

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

I have a feeling I will end up with all five, as well. I may not keep them all, but somehow I think I'll buy them all and keep two or three. :)

[twinboysdad]

I have not yet owned a Chap or a PM3, but the N5LW beats the Delica for me. More rugged and substantial. The Sages really aren't a fair comparison to FRN knives because of the weight differential. The Sages vs G10 N5 is a fair comparison and one I couldn't call. I suppose since I prefer AMERICAN made and s35 over s30 the N5 G10 gets the nod but the Sage 2 is such a wonderful knife as well. All are good EDCs

[murphjd25]

Caly 3. See I'm no help either haha

[Tdog]

Love all these but if I had to choose one, it would be the Sage 1 Love the cf, pillar construction, wire clip, and liner lock. Wouldn't leave the Delica, Sage 2 or Caly 3 behind.

Edit to add, I'm really with Brock O Lee on this for his same reasoning. If it were on the list the Sage 2 would get my vote followed closely by the Caly 3, Delica, and Chaparral. :p Imo, the Sage 2 even though a production knife, could compete with customs in the same size range. A really classic design, made great by Taiwan.

[TomAiello]

Chaparral. Great ergonomics and super light to carry.

[ronT2]

Delica 4: not being a big fan of FRN I bought the ti-dam model hoping the premier model would have premium fit and finish. I was way wrong. The scales are so far out of parallel that they scuff the blade tang when opening and closing. Sadly I never carry it, I have a Mantra 1 if I want to carry a “nice” Delica.

Sage 1/5: have the 1 and the 5 and love them both. They are always in my rotation of about seven knives.

Native 5: had the G-10 model, very nice knife but a little heavier than I need. Gifted it to my son-in-law who seems to like it.

Para 3: don’t have one, happy with my Sage 5.

Chaparral: have two of the CF versions and they are probably my most carried knife. A lot blade in a small package. I love the fit and finish and they’re just pure class.

[Liquid Cobra]

Where's my ukpk option?

[holeshot]

I like my Sage/5 but you can't go wrong with any of the others :)

[Nate]

I've handled all of these except the Para3. Wanted to love the Delica, but the handle just didn't work for me.

Out of the Chaparral, Native, and Sage, it's hard to pick one since while they're sort of close on paper, they're pretty different knives. The Native is quite a bit more substantial than the Chaparral. Then the Sage is a notable step up from the Native.

I own multiple Natives, they're very good blades. Only have one Chap at the moment, but it's still my all time most carried :spyder:. I expect to pick up the RN and frn versions once available. No Sages yet. For me Manix2 > Sage.

So... today, out of these five, I'd have to say... UKPK! :D

[TomAiello]

I totally agree with Manix > Sage. I own several Sage 3's and the Manix just works better for me.

[EmperorMA]

Manix > 3"

Problems in many, many jurisdictions. :mad:

[AlwaysTomboy]

Caly 3. See I'm no help either haha

^^ This is my answer, too. :p Native 5 is a close second. Haven't tried Para 3 or Chap. yet, though. Sage handle is a bit wide/tall for my preferences and Delica lacks a choil and just doesn't feel right in my hand at all. All of that is personal preference, though. For my EDC needs, any of 'em will work fine so for me, it is just a matter of personal preference. & I totally realize how unhelpful that is. :o

[Sharp Guy]

Caly 3. See I'm no help either haha

Sage handle is a bit wide/tall for my preferences....

AT just for clarification, with the exception of the Sage 3, the handles on the Sage series are almost identical in shape and size to the handles on the Native 5s. The Sage handles are a tiny bit longer and the Native 5 LW is a tiny bit thicker. Otherwise they're basically the same. The Sage 3 is a little taller due to the bolt-action lock.

[Doc Dan]

The Native 5 is nice, but it is my least favorite between it and the Delica and Chaparral. The Delica and Chaparral both slice better and are better for everyday tasks. True, if I need something more rugged I would probably pick an N5 in this size range. The N5 is a little odd as to where the thumb wants to hit the blade for opening. I find I have to look for the hole if I am not paying attention. With the Delica and the Chaparral my thumb hits the hole first time every time.

[ZrowsN1s]

Don't forget the wharncliffe delica too!

[Brock O Lee]

I like the Sage 2 the most. Construction wise it is simplicity personified, easy to clean, smooth and thin handle and wire clip is easy on the pocket, ti seems to blend in with whatever I'm wearing, and the corners are well rounded and comfy. It is just the right size and weight for EDC. I thinned mine with a flat convex edge which is a joy to use, and it performs well enough even though it is "just" S30V.