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The Delica debuted in 1990 as Spyderco's answer to a simple question: how light and compact could a serious folding knife become without sacrificing performance? The answer helped define an entire category. Three decades and three CQI (Constant Quality Improvement) generations later, the Delica 4 remains one of Spyderco's best-selling knives worldwide—a testament to getting the fundamentals right from the start.
Manufactured in Seki City, Japan, the Delica benefits from centuries of bladesmithing tradition combined with modern precision manufacturing. Each knife reflects the exacting standards that made Seki the cutlery capital of Japan.
The Delica's 2.9" blade strikes an ideal balance for everyday tasks. The full-flat grind creates thin cutting geometry that slices efficiently through cardboard, packaging, rope, and food prep. A textured thumb ramp provides control during precise cuts, while the leaf-shaped profile offers enough belly for general utility and a refined tip for detail work.
Spyderco's signature 11mm Round Hole enables fast, ambidextrous one-handed deployment—even with gloves. The bi-directional texturing on the injection-molded FRN handle scales delivers secure grip in wet or dry conditions while keeping weight under 2.5 ounces. Skeletonized steel liners provide structural rigidity without adding unnecessary bulk.
The Delica employs Spyderco's refined back lock mechanism, positioned at the spine for intuitive operation. Press the rocker arm to disengage the lock and close the blade. The lock engages with a solid, confident snap and has proven itself across millions of knives over three decades.
The Delica earns its place in pockets worldwide through pure practicality. At under 2.5 ounces, it virtually disappears during carry yet remains instantly accessible when needed. The sub-3" blade meets legal requirements in most jurisdictions while providing ample cutting edge for daily tasks. Spyderco's extensive color palette lets you match your style or visibility preferences, while sprint runs and dealer exclusives offer unique steel and handle combinations for collectors.
Whether it's your first quality knife or your fiftieth, the Delica delivers proven performance at an accessible price point. Many experienced knife enthusiasts keep returning to this lightweight classic precisely because it does everything well without pretense.
The Delica platform has hosted countless limited-production variants featuring premium blade steels and unique handle configurations. These sprint runs and dealer exclusives sell quickly—sign up for notifications to catch the next release
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Blade Length | 2.9" |
| Cutting Edge | 2.56" |
| Overall Length | 7.11" |
| Closed Length | 4.25" |
| Blade Thickness | 0.098" |
| Weight | 2.5 oz (varies by configuration) |
| Handle Material | FRN (standard); variants include stainless steel, carbon fiber |
| Lock Type | Back Lock |
| Pocket Clip | Four-position, tip-up/tip-down, left/right |
| Made in Japan | Seki City |