Delica size with fidget factor?

[Joelc73]

I love my Delica but miss the fidget factor of the compression lock PM2? Is there a Spyderco in the D4 size with a compression lock? Or at least similar fun factor to a PM? Thanks!

PS and if it came in a Salt version, I’d be smitten!

[PeaceInOurTime]

Para 3 Salt?

[Joelc73]

I was thinking of that knife. I think it’s a little bigger than a Delica but probably manageable.

I don’t know if there is an ETA on it yet though.

[mikey177]

Check out the Mantra 3 as well. It's discontinued, but should still be readily available on the secondary market.

[Joelc73]

Check out the Mantra 3 as well. It's discontinued, but should still be readily available on the secondary market.

Will do

[tzirconia]

+1 for a Para 3 LW, it's just a little bigger than a Delica, has the compression lock, and now has a Salt version shipping.

[mikey177]

Here are some comparison photos of the Mantra 3, Delica 4 and Para 3 LW.

[Wartstein]

I love my Delica but miss the fidget factor of the compression lock PM2? Is there a Spyderco in the D4 size with a compression lock? Or at least similar fun factor to a PM? Thanks!

PS and if it came in a Salt version, I’d be smitten!

Don´t know about "fun and fidget factor" generally and of a comp.lock (imo a backlock can do pretty much all a comp.lock can), but that´s just me.

I think the Para 3 LW is your option here indeed if you want a comp.lock and a Salt.
In all length dimensions it is almost exactly like the Delica (Closed, blade, edge), also the weight of the (lineress) Para 3 LW is the same as the (linered) Delicas.
To me the Para 3 LW just felt a lot more "bulky",thicker and wider, but that does not have to be a con (in hand)!

If you skip the "Salt" part, of course there are knives like the Sage 5 LW or the Watu (same package as the Delica, but a lot more cutting edge from what I read (don´t have one) - and perhaps discontinued? Not sure).

/ Or you go up a size category and opt for the Manix 2 LW Salt... I figure the CBBL would give you the "fidget factor" you want, but also a stronger closing bias and potentially improved ergos (no cutout) over a comp.lock.

[Joelc73]

Thanks so much. Great input.

I didn’t realize the PM3 was close in size to the Delica. That makes the PM3 LW a good option. I wish there was a ship date on the PM3 Salt.

[Brock O Lee]

Try the Watu. It is discontinued but there are likely still a few lingering on shelves. Thin CPM-20CV blade, slicy like a Delica, and fidgetty with a compression lock.

Taichung build quality and a deep carry wire clip.

Far right:


Edit: fixed steel name

[Matus]

Para 3 LW is hard to beat. Don't have one, but the action on the one I had a chance to handle was addictive. For some reason I enjoyed playing with it more than with the PM2 (which is a great knife!). I think it was the weight balance of heavy-ish blade and light handle.

If you would consider liner lock fidget-able (I do, btw), then try to get your hands on the Brouwer. One of the knives I really should have kept. For a lot less - Astute is more fun than I would have expected (smooth and great handle shape).

[mikey177]

... I wish there was a ship date on the PM3 Salt.

The Para 3 Salt started shipping to dealers over a week ago, and sold out fast in several places. You might still be able to find it in stock somewhere.

[Pokey]

Sage 5?

[abbazaba]

FWIW the Smock fits the fidget thing better than any Spyderco I've had. You can even get it chopped by Digdug if you require a 3"

[adv23]

Sage 5?

+1

[Wartstein]

Sage 5?

I´d go for that over the Para 3, but he wants a Salt...

[SaltyCaribbeanDfly]

Salt category-Para 3
Non-Salt category-Sage 5

[Joelc73]

Is the Sage similar in size to the Delica? And is the LW version the one to get?

[Wartstein]

Is the Sage similar in size to the Delica? And is the LW version the one to get?

Yes, in the length-dimension it pretty much is.
You can compare specs yourself by opening "technical specs" for a certain knife on the Spyderco site:

Here https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C11F/456 the Delica
Here https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C123BK/1790 the Sage 5 LW

/ I´d definitely go for the Sage LW version.
But keep in mind: It is "another kind of lightweight" than the linerless Para 3 LW.
The Sage LW still has liners and is actually not that light (same weight as a Manix 2 LW for example - as said, a knife I´d consider if I were you, and you can have it as a Salt)

[spydergoat]

Try the Watu. It is discontinued but there are likely still a few lingering on shelves. Thin CPM-20CV blade, slicy like a Delica, and fidgetty with a compression lock.

Taichung build quality and a deep carry wire clip.

Ok this got me thinking of buying a Watu before they're sold out everywhere. Can I ask what do you think of the handle, in terms of grip and ergonomics? I usually use G10 or FRN and never had any carbon fiber laminate Spydercos.