Knife Review: Spyderco Delica Emerson Opener

[Charlie Foxtrot]

I had no idea where to post a knife review on a Gun Forum.  However, to honor Travis Redshirt's ritualistic self-mutilation, I'm posting this review of the Spyderco Delica Emerson Opener to the GunDudes forum. 

First, I'm not a knife geek.  However, sailboats and the Sea will quickly teach you to keep a knife about; carrying a utility folder became second nature. Recently, with all the challenges of modern life, an EDC knife just seemed prudent.

I'd heard about the interesting Emerson opener folder; but never wanted to pay the freight for a true Emerson. Then I heard Spyderco had paid the royalties and brought out their own -- and affordable -- version.  $66 later, I had a Spyderco/ Emerson (Over-The-Line reference anyone? Buehler? Buehler?) opener.   

I'm pretty impressed with the Spyderco. The SS VG-10 2.5" blade is stout and very sharp. The GRP handle is well textured for a firm grip. The handle covers a SS backbone that contains the knife pivot and blade lockup and release; the result is a very rigid knife and handle.  The blade is not spring assisted, but the sprung lockup positively pulls the blade closed. Nine-thumbed Travis'es should take note.   

What does set this knife apart is the method of opening. The Emerson Wave is a hook on the blade, designed to catch the back of the pocket when drawn. Carried tip up, the blade jumps open with an up, back, then down draw. Done properly, the hand is already correctly gripping the handle long before the blade is fully open. I can't imagine a faster draw. There were times offshore that I would've given the skipper's left nut to be able to quickly and assuredly draw a knife one-handed to take care of a line threatening to cut me in half or fling me overboard. Me likey.   

What don't I like: I couldn't get a combination blade. Modern high modius fibers (Spectra, Kevlar, Dyneema, etc) are everywhere, like seatbelts. A plain edge wont cut the fibers as easily as a sawtooth edge. I'd guess the combo blade is coming: just makes too much sense. Also, the Emerson hook will TEAR up your pants if you practice the draw -- as you should. You'll need training pants again. The final dislike irritates me no end: shiny bolts. The knife is held together by bolts: nice shiny polished bolts. Real shiny. Five bolt heads are visible when the knife is clipped in the pocket. The effect is like rhinestones against the blue/black of the plastic handle. Dumbe. I would've liked dark anodized bolt heads. Maybe Gail will lend me some black fingernail polish.   

Here's a photo. I apologize for the poor color. The handle is actually a very dark blue/black. Darker than navy. And the blade is polished stainless: I don't know where the bronze color came from.



Above the Spyderco is my former favorite walkin' 'round knife, a Kershaw Ken Onion Leek.

   

       

[otis]

Nice review, Charles!  I've owned my Delica Wave about a year now, love the knife, carry it (or my Endura Wave everyday)!  I like to keep it sharp enough that I can shave with it.  With the steel used in the blade, it is pretty easy to get it that sharp.  Holds the edge pretty well, too.  Also, the clip can be moved to different locations, so you can carry in either your right or left pocket, with the tip of the knife either up or down (I prefer right hand pocket with tip up).  The screws have tiny torx heads on them.  I was able to find a tool at Home Depot with multiple torx bits for like $5 that will work on the two sizes on these knives.  This will also allow you to adjust the tension on the blade opening/closing to your preference.  I really like the texture on the handle, gives you a very solid grip, even if the knive is wet. 

At first, I was reluctant to use the knife, wanting to save the blade edge for any emergency/self defense scenarios.  I've changed my thinking on this, however.  It is more important I get as much practice using the knife so I know it intimately, should the need arise.  The Spyderco Sharpmaker does a nice job of putting a great edge on the knife.  I know the knife snobs despise this device, but it has done a fine job for me!

I also have the Endura Wave, a 4" blade, vs. the 3" blade of the Delica.  That length makes it illegal to carry in a couple cities I visit, so I am forced to carry the Delica.  I have yet to find a jurisdiction that doesn't allow the carry of a 3" blade. 

Amazon.com (or their affiliates) normally stock the Delica and Endura in both the plain edge and the combo edge, price normally includes free shipping.  Remember, if you purchase anything on Amazon, to use the GRRN mention so Mr. Vanderberg gets some financial credit! 

The Wave feature also works well to open your bottle of bacon soda (or other adult beverages of choice).

In all, a couple excellent products at a reasonable price.  I think the Emerson Wave is a brilliant addition to an EDC knife and am very thankful Spyderco has stepped up and added to their line of knives.

[Tennessee Jed]

I've carried a Spyderco Endura Emerson for many years now.  It does take some practice to make sure you always hit the wave, but it's worth the time and effort.  I used to be a member of the new-knife-every-2-months club, looking for the perfect defensive folder, and stopped after getting the Endura. 

[Charlie Foxtrot]

Good stuff Otis and TJ!

I never thought I'd spend $66 on a knife -- happily!  

[goofwrench]

I have spent over $50 on knives three times, two were Spyderco Natives and the third was a Buck multipurpose hunting knife.  Not one of them do I regret.  There is hardly a minute I am out of the house you will not find one of the three on me.  After reading your review CF, looks like I am about to do it again.  Thank goodness I don't have one of them wife things any more to nag me to death, or buy off with a purchase of her own (usually for twice as much as what I spent.)  I can deploy my current Spyderco's on the draw with the thumb hole, but I like the idea of the pocket hook deployment.  I like you am not a knife snob, I have many Schrade and cheaper knives, but after having quality, it is hard to go back.  The Spyderco Sharpmaker is a good knife sharpener, is there better, yes, but if it works for you, who cares what others think.  IMHO.  I use a Gatco kit I have had for a couple decades, for most of my sharpening needs.  It works for me, and I don't care what others say.  I do have true wet stones I use for some of the kitchen knives, but that is such a pain in the rump to drag out, soak, set up, work up the slurry, sharpen, clean up, dry up and put away, I can do 10 w/the Gatco by the time I get one done with the stones.

[Charlie Foxtrot]

Mr. Goofwrench;

Thanks for the tips on sharpening systems.  Never done it.  I usually lose the knife long before it's needed. King Neptune probably has a drawer full of my offerings. 

Still, I've got a treasured Buck Folder and several others that could use some attention...

[katmandoo]

I absolutely recommend the Spyderco Sharpsmaker.  Of course, none of my 9 fingers do!  Great sharpener, very portable.  You can get "extra fine rods", but realistically you don't need them for a EDC knife, the rods that come with the kit can get you shavin' sharp without a problem and without much work.  very nice setup.

i have a couple Japanese water stones and they do a nice job, but they are a pain.