Spyderco Salt 1 vs. Delica 4 Review
I just got a Spyderco Salt 1 and am very impressed. Besides being totally rustproof, one of the things I like about it is the high-visibility handle. That can come in handy when doing a last-minute spot check before leaving your campsite. Here's a long, boring video of me cutting some stuff with it and comparing it to my venerable EDC Delica 4.
I know there are a lot of people who prefer fixed-blade knives but I like the compactness of folders and find they're more than adequate for most basic backpacking tasks. What do you carry? Are you a fellow Spyderco fan?
Spyderco Salt 1 vs. Delica 4 Review
Reviewed by Jason Klass
on
September 17, 2009
Rating:
Reviewed by Jason Klass
on
September 17, 2009
Rating:
17 comments
I'm partial to the Doug Ritter MSK 1 folder, also in highly-visible yellow (http://www.equipped.com/rsk_mk1.htm) Made by Benchmade, so it's a high-quality construction, but heftier than their other folders. Much heavier than a backpacking knife NEEDS to be, but it's also designed to be a serious survival knife. Grab a chunk of wood to use as a club and wham away on the back of the knife to use it like an axe - build yourself a raft and float down the river to safety ;-)
Hampden,
That looks like a great knife and I like the orange handle. Some people have commented on the price of that knife but I don't think it's all that bad considering the features and the quality.
I always carry a fixed-blade knife, though not always a large, heavy one; it depends on the trip. If it's bushwhacking in a wilderness I might take my SRK. If it's a well-established trail not far from civilization I might take a smallish blade from ML Knives to which I'm rather partial.
Hi Jason!
I´m a fan of Spyderco knifes but dont like serrations on a blade, i think you just rip the material instead of cutting it, wich I admit can be good in some cases.
You should try out The Fällkniven WM1, a small fixed blade. I always carry it around my neck when I go backpacking. It can sometimes be hard to get into your pockets wearing hipbelt... And also its swedish...
Really like your very scientific cuttingtest! Must be tough to cut trough that must rawhide in just one slice, are you sure you are not a ninja or something!
Best regards
Anders from Sweden
Anders,
Did I do the math right? That knife is only $23 USD?
Andres, never mind. I thought it was 160 Kronors but it's actually 960. I knew it was too good to be true.
Jason,
Check www.lighthound.com for the highend 3G its about $135.
The Laminate VG10 steel is easier to sharpen and should be a bit cheaper. There should be many retailers in the US.
Its much cheaper in the US than in sweden:-(
Anders
Anders
Oh the horror - cutting Palin....
Nice review. I use a disposable mini box cutters (one that is a knife and a typical box cutter style) Super light!
Great video of a great knife. Loved how you sliced Palin's head off :D
Lucky you, living close to the Spyderco Outlet. Those knifes are hard to get in Finland, and I am not sure if it will come through customs (they're tough on knifes).
I'm carrying a Germany Army folder into the wild, useful with the blade and separate saw. But looking for something more lightweight at the moment.
Hi Jason!
Saw this and came to think about you...
http://www.snorgtees.com/mankindsgreatestcreation-p-789.html?osCsid=2c0ade30d67ade8f2e090eba8f356dcb
Cheers!
Anders
Palin...LOL
I just ordered one of these the other day, and it arrived today. So far, I really like it. Taking it on it's maiden voyage this weekend, backpacking with the family!
Thanks for the great suggestion, I hadn't heard of this knife until I saw it on your blog.
FWIW, I agree with Anders about serrations. I had less trouble slicing a tomato with my PE Mini Grip than you seemed to have using that Spyderedge--it required almost no pressure and very little sawing action and did not bruise the skin at all. I also think your PE Delica would have gone through the webbing like a laser, compared to the Salt.
A properly sharpened PE will cut circles around a serrated blade in most cases, IMO.
You don't like SE blades? Who cares! I'm not slicing tomatoes around town or in the field. My preferred carry knife is a serrated Delica from 92-93. The original Delicas have just OK Gin 1 or 2 steel and a built in FRN clip. This knife was sharpened once when the tip broke off and I had to send it back to the factory. It's done all the daily abuses, opening boxes, cutting apples, cleaning fish, etc. I should sharpen it, but the serrations are still scary. Only the plain tip edge dulls, and it's only a problem very occasionally. I'm going to the kitchen in a minute and give a touch up. The second time in nearly twenty years. I am looking forward to getting my first SALT in SE and yellow. I like PE too, but for a knock around knife, SE can't be beat. And I want avoid a repeat of that long hike back to my campground, when I dropped my black handled Delica. P.S. Good review Jason, and my riveted blade still has 0 play.
Sounds like a great knife overall. I am moving from gerber knives to Delica knives. I am a knife collector.
Spyderco also has the stainless knife. Its other version is a cold steel one.
I think the price of this knife is just reasonable. The features and style made this knife a compelling one. I think I should get one of these knives soon. It would be a great addition in my collection of knives that include cold steel, buck knife, swiss knife and more.
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