The C11 Delica was first introduced in 1990, together with its bigger
brother the [[C10 Endura]]. They have gone through most major and minor
revisions together.

==Generations==

The C11 Delica has a long and complex history. Grouping the variants into different generations (as done by collectors, in this article, and partly by Spyderco) simplifies handling the complexity.

1996 2006
|----- Generation 2 -----|---------------->
|- Generation 4 ->
|---- Generation 1 ----|-- Generation 3 --|---------------->
1990 1999 2006

===Generation 1===

The first C11 Delica variants introduced in the earlier 90s with an [[FRN]] handle and an integral [[FRN]] clip are considered first generation Delicas (D1).

Initially [[GIN-1/G-2]] steel was used for the blade, later [[AUS-8]] was introduced.

The G-2 stamp on the blade was used from around 1992 to 1995. Prior to that Spyderco knives were not marked with the steel used. Around 1995, the steel remained the same, but the marking was changed to GIN-1, the name given it by the steel's manufacturer.

===Generation 2===

In 1996 the Delica II was introduced with an originally different [[SKU]] ([[C43 Delica II]]). The major modifications from the D1 are a
* stainless steel handle and a
* stainless steel clip
* [[AUS-6]] steel blade
In 2000 the [[SKU]] was changed to C11. A Boye dent was added in 2002.

Nowadays, all stainless steel handled variants of the Delica (including the C43) introduced earlier than 2006 are considered to be second generation Delicas (D2).

Several engraved variations of D2 exist. Common ones are PRCA, DEA, FBI and "Bug and web".

===Generation 3===

The third generation of the Delica (D3) was introduced in 1999. The most prominent modifications from the D1:
* Different and more highly effective form
* Reversible, stainless steel clip that can be mounted for left and right-hand carry (barrel bolt clip)

A Boye dent was added in 2001.

===Generation 4===

The fourth generation (D4), including the Delica 4, Delica SS 4, and Delica Trainer 4 came out in 2006.

Major modifications of the blade from earlier generations:
* The blade has a less pointy and stronger tip, an enlarged 13mm opening hole, and jimping added to the spine of the blade.

Major modifications of the [[Stainless Steel]] handle from D2:
* The clip is connected to the handle with 3 small screws with four different possible mounting positions (4-way clip: tip-up/tip-down for left and right-hand carry).

Major modifications of the [[FRN]] handle from D3:
* The D4 has a screw together construction for easier cleaning and adjustments (see [http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21533&highlight=Delica+lego Delica 4 Lego] and [http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30875&highlight=Delica+lego Delica 4 Lego Redux] for more information).
* The scales are made using ''Bi-Directional Texturing'' (trademarked) to provide better traction and improve ergonomics.
* This is the first Delica to have skeletonized stainless steel liners (with holes cut in to save weight) to give it added strength without adding weight to the knife.
* The clip is connected to the liners with 3 small screws with four different possible mounting positions (4-way clip: tip-up/tip-down for left and right-hand carry).

All variants have a David Boye dent.

Additional variants introduced after the initial release:

* Waved navy blue [[FRN]] variant and a foliage green [[FRN]] variant later in 2006
* British Racing Green [[FRN]] with ZDP-189 steel blade in 2007
* Foliage Green [[G-10]] handle with full flat grind VG-10 blade in 2008
* Waved trainer variant in 2008
* Black [[FRN]] handle with black blade (combination edge only) variant in 2008
* Waved navy blue [[FRN]] variant with fully serrated edge in 2008

==Appearance in catalogs==

Since at least 1993 the C11 Delica appeared in the annual Spyderco product catalogs.
(1991, 1992: must have been in there but not yet verified).

==Designer==

[[Sal Glesser]] designed the original 1990 Delica. Today's design updates he also designs together with Eric and Peter as a team<ref>Sal Glesser's original comment can be found on Spyderco-Forums [http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36153|]</ref>.

==History, mentionings etc. from the forums==

No direct references so far, but part of the information in this article originally was posted in the forums. Too many to reference them all here.

==Information from the Spyderco catalog on the web==

"''In 1990 Spyderco shook things up by introducing two knives, the Delica and Endura. First of their kind on the market, both folders opened up the knife market to lightweight performance, one-hand open pocketknives that just about everyone could afford. They settled as Spyderco’s top two bestsellers and their improvement hasn’t slowed since. Refinement has been so ongoing and continual Spyderco tagged the updating/upgrading process with the term CQI- Constant Quality Improvement. During the Endura and Delica’s CQI journey Spyderco tweaked ergonomics, refined blade steels and fine-tuned their performance countless times. They are an evolutionary work in progress and the next level is here with the new Endura4 and Delica4. Both models now have screw construction making cleaning and adjusting easier. The fiberglass reinforced nylon handles come molded with Bi-Directional Texturing® for preferred traction and improved ergonomics. Inside the handle dual skeletonized stainless steel liners make the knife stronger without adding weight and make an anchor for all external and internal components to attach through adding sturdiness and rigidity. Their VG-10 blades are flat saber-ground with a stronger tip and larger 13mm opening hole. Added to the blade’s spine is slip resistant jimping. Phosphor bronze washers smooth out the open/close action and the clip is upgraded to a four-way tip-up, tip-down, left- or right-handed clip.''"
<ref name="current catalog">The C11 Delica in [http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=209 Spyderco's online catalog]</ref>

==Variations==

===Variations of the Delica 1===

{|{{Articletable}}
{{Tableheading}}'''SKU'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Handle'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Edge(s)'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Steel'''
{{Tableheading}}'''MSRP'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Note'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Number made'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Grind'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Clip'''
|-
|valign="top" |C11SAF
|valign="top" |Black [[FRN]]
|valign="top" |[[SE]]
|valign="top" |[[AUS-8]] black
|valign="top" |?
|valign="top" |?
|valign="top" |?
|valign="top" |[[Hollow]]?
|valign="top" |[[Integral FRN]], fat

|-
|C11BK
|Black [[FRN]]
|[[PE]] [[SE]]
|[[GIN-1/G-2]]
|66.95$
|1990-1994?
|N/A
|[[Hollow]]
|[[Integral FRN]], thin

|-
|C11BK
|Black [[FRN]]
|[[SE]]
|[[GIN-1/G-2]]
|66.95$
|?
|N/A
|[[Hollow]]?
|[[Integral FRN]], fat

|-
|C11BK
|Black [[FRN]]
|[[SE]]
|[[GIN-1/G-2]]
|?
|Year?, Eddie Bauer edition
|?
|[[Hollow]]
|[[Integral FRN]], thin

|-
|C11BK
|Black [[FRN]]
|[[PE]] [[PS]] [[SE]]
|[[AUS-8]]
|?
|1994-1995?, 1997-1998
|N/A
|[[Hollow]]
|[[Integral FRN]], fat

|-
|C11BL
|Blue [[FRN]]
|[[SE]]
|[[GIN-1/G-2]]
|?
|?
|N/A
|[[Hollow]]?
|[[Integral FRN]], thin

|-
|C11BL
|Blue [[FRN]]
|[[SE]]
|[[AUS-8]]
|?
|1994-?
|N/A
|[[Hollow]]?
|[[Integral FRN]], fat

|-
|C11GR?
|Green? [[FRN]]
|[[PE]]
|[[AUS-8]]
|?
|?
|?
|[[Hollow]]?
|[[Integral FRN]], fat

|-
|C11PN
|Pink [[FRN]]
|[[PE]] [[SE]]
|[[GIN-1/G-2]]?
|66.95$
|?
|?
|[[Hollow]]?
|[[Integral FRN]], thin
|}

===Variations of the Delica 2===

{|{{Articletable}}
{{Tableheading}}'''SKU'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Handle'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Edge(s)'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Steel'''
{{Tableheading}}'''MSRP'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Note'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Number made'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Grind'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Clip'''
|-
|valign="top" |C11
|valign="top" |[[Stainless Steel]]
|valign="top" |[[PE]] [[PS]] [[SE]]
|valign="top" |[[AUS-6]]
|valign="top" |68.95$
|valign="top" |1996-2005: PE, SE; 2002-2005: PS; since 2002: Boye dent
|valign="top" |N/A
|valign="top" |[[Hollow]]
|valign="top" |Metal, right hand, tip up/down
|}

===Variations of the Delica 3===

{|{{Articletable}}
{{Tableheading}}'''SKU'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Handle'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Edge(s)'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Steel'''
{{Tableheading}}'''MSRP'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Note'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Number made'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Grind'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Clip'''
|-
|valign="top" |C11BK
|valign="top" |Black [[FRN]]
|valign="top" |[[PE]] [[PS]] [[SE]]
|valign="top" |[[ATS-55]]
|valign="top" |?
|valign="top" |1999-2001; 2001: incl. Boye dent
|valign="top" |N/A
|valign="top" |[[Hollow]]
|valign="top" |[[Barrel bolt]]

|-
|C11BK
|Black [[FRN]]
|[[PE]] [[PS]] [[SE]]
|[[VG-10]]
|66.95$
|2002-2005
|N/A
|[[Flat Saber]]
|[[Barrel bolt]]

|-
|C11BBK
|Black [[FRN]]
|[[PE]] [[PS]]
|[[VG-10]] black
|?
|?
|N/A
|?
|[[Barrel bolt]]

|-
|C11BL
|Blue [[FRN]]
|[[SE]]
|[[ATS-55]]
|?
|?
|N/A
|?
|[[Barrel bolt]]

|-
|C11BL
|Blue [[FRN]]
|[[PE]]
|[[VG-10]]
|?
|?
|N/A
|?
|[[Barrel bolt]]

|-
|C11PBLE
|Navy blue [[FRN]]
|[[PE]]
|[[ZDP-189]]
|109.95$
|2005 Sprint
|? <1500
|[[Flat Saber]]
|[[Barrel bolt]]

|-
|C11OD
|Olive drab [[FRN]]
|[[PS]]
|[[VG-10]] black
|66.95$
|2001?, incl. Boye dent
|N/A
|?
|[[Barrel bolt]]

|-
|C11PN
|Pink [[FRN]]
|[[PE]] [[SE]]
|[[ATS-55]]
|?
|?; no Boye dent
|N/A
|?
|[[Barrel bolt]]

|-
|C11TR
|Red [[FRN]]
|N/A
|[[AUS-6]]
|?
|2001-2003; trainer
|N/A
|N/A
|[[Barrel bolt]]

|-
|C11TR
|Red [[FRN]]
|N/A
|[[AUS-6]]
|66.95$
|2004-2005; trainer, holes/blade
|N/A
|N/A
|[[Barrel bolt]]
|}

===Variations of the Delica 4===

{|{{Articletable}}
{{Tableheading}}'''SKU'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Handle'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Edge(s)'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Steel'''
{{Tableheading}}'''MSRP'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Note'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Number made'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Grind'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Clip'''
|-
|valign="top" |C11BK
|valign="top" |Black [[FRN]]
|valign="top" |[[PE]] [[PS]] [[SE]]
|valign="top" |[[VG-10]]
|valign="top" |79.95$
|valign="top" |2006-
|valign="top" |N/A
|valign="top" |[[Flat Saber]]
|valign="top" |[[4-way]]

|-
|C11BBK
|Black [[FRN]]
|[[PS]]
|[[VG-10]] (black)
|93.95$
|2008-
|N/A
|[[Flat Saber]]
|[[4-way]]

|-
|C11BLE
|Blue [[FRN]]
|[[PE]]
|[[ZDP-189]]
|?
|2006 Sprint
|?
|[[Flat Saber]]
|[[4-way]]

|-
|C11FG
|Foliage Green [[FRN]]
|[[PS]] [[SE]]
|[[VG-10]]
|79.95
|2006-:PS; 2007-: SE
|N/A
|[[Flat Saber]]
|[[4-way]]

|-
|C11GRE
|British Racing Green [[FRN]]
|[[PE]] [[PS]] [[SE]]
|[[ZDP-189]]
|119.95$
|2007-
|N/A
|[[Flat Saber]]
|[[4-way]]

|-
|C11GYW
|Grey [[FRN]]
|[[PE]] [[PS]] [[SE]]
|[[VG-10]]
|104.95$
|2006-: PE; 2008-: PS,SE; Waved
|N/A
|[[Flat Saber]]
|[[4-way]]

|-
|C11PN
|Pink [[FRN]]
|[[PE]]
|[[VG-10]]
|79.95$
|2007 Sprint (1st run, black clip)
|500-600?
|[[Flat Saber]]
|[[4-way]]

|-
|C11PN
|Pink [[FRN]]
|[[PE]]
|[[VG-10]]
|79.95$
|2008 Sprint (2nd run, polished clip)
|500?
|[[Flat Saber]]
|[[4-way]]

|-
|C11TR
|Red [[FRN]]
|N/A
|[[AUS-6]]
|79.95$
|2006-
|N/A
|N/A
|[[4-way]]

|-
|C11TRW
|Red [[FRN]]
|N/A
|[[AUS-6]]
|104.95$
|2008-; Waved
|N/A
|N/A
|[[4-way]]

|-
|C11WH
|White [[FRN]]
|[[PS]]
|[[VG-10]]
|79.95$
|2008 Sprint
|1200
|[[Flat Saber]]
|[[4-way]]

|-
|C11GFG
|Foliage Green [[G-10]]
|[[PE]]
|[[VG-10]]
|164.95$
|2008-
|N/A
|[[Full Flat]]
|[[4-way]]

|-
|C11
|[[Stainless Steel]]
|[[PE]] [[PS]] [[SE]]
|[[VG-10]]
|99.95$
|2006-
|N/A
|[[Flat Saber]]
|[[4-way]]
|}

===Other variations===

{|{{Articletable}}
{{Tableheading}}'''SKU'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Handle'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Edge(s)'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Steel'''
{{Tableheading}}'''MSRP'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Note'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Number made'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Grind'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Clip'''
|-
|valign="top" |C11CF
|valign="top" |[[CF]]
|valign="top" |[[PE]] [[SE]]
|valign="top" |[[VG-10]]
|valign="top" |139.95$
|valign="top" |2003, shiny carbon fiber, single liner on clip side
|valign="top" |1500 total (600: PE/RH, 600: SE/RH, 150: PE/LH, 150: SE/LH)
|valign="top" |[[Flat Saber]]
|valign="top" |Metal, left/right, tip up/down

|-
|C11TI
|[[TI]]
|[[PE]]
|[[ATS-34]]
|?
|<2002?, no Boye dent, titanium, japanese market only
|?
|[[Hollow]]
|Metal, right hand, top down
|}

The [[C05 Economy/Standard]] and the [[C76 25th Anniversary Delica]] can be considered as variants of the C11 Delica, depends on individual preferences.

==Most collectible variation==

Collecting knives and selecting a specific variation to be most collectible is a very subjective topic and changing over time. Many would consider the [[C76 25th Anniversary Delica]] to be the most collectible variation, others might not even consider this a C11 Delica variation because of the differing [[SKU]].

All the earliest variants seem to be more and more sought after, and the SAF variants are made in very low numbers.
The CF variants are sought after as well.

===Questions regarding collecting the C11===

* There are open questions marked with '?' above and below. Any answers?

==Technical information==

Measurements of the C11 Delica 1 (AUS-8 blade):
{|{{Articletable}}
{{Tableheading}}'''Length overall'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Length blade'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Length edge'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Hole Ø'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Blade thickness'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Weight'''
|-
|align="right"|173mm
|align="right"|73mm
|align="right"|?
|align="right"|?
|align="right"|?
|align="right"|50g
|-
|align="right"|6 13/16"
|align="right"|2 7/8"
|align="right"|?
|align="right"|?
|align="right"|?
|align="right"|1.75oz
|}

Measurements of the C11 Delica 2:
{|{{Articletable}}
{{Tableheading}}'''Length overall'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Length blade'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Length edge'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Hole Ø'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Blade thickness'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Weight'''
|-
|align="right"|173mm
|align="right"|73mm
|align="right"|?
|align="right"|?
|align="right"|?
|align="right"|110g
|-
|align="right"|6 13/16"
|align="right"|2 7/8"
|align="right"|?
|align="right"|?
|align="right"|?
|align="right"|4oz
|}

Measurements of the C11 Delica 3 (ATS-55 blade):
{|{{Articletable}}
{{Tableheading}}'''Length overall'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Length blade'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Length edge'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Hole Ø'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Blade thickness'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Weight'''
|-
|align="right"|177mm
|align="right"|77mm
|align="right"|?
|align="right"|?
|align="right"|?
|align="right"|54g
|-
|align="right"|7"
|align="right"|3"
|align="right"|?
|align="right"|?
|align="right"|?
|align="right"|1.9oz
|}

Measurements of the C11 Delica 4 (FRN handles, VG-10):
{|{{Articletable}}
{{Tableheading}}'''Length overall'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Length blade'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Length edge'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Hole Ø'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Blade thickness'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Weight'''
|-
|align="right"|181mm
|align="right"|73mm
|align="right"|65mm
|align="right"|13mm
|align="right"|2,5mm
|align="right"|71g
|-
|align="right"|7 1/8"
|align="right"|2 7/8"
|align="right"|2 9/16"
|align="right"|1/2"
|align="right"|3/32"
|align="right"|2.5oz
|}

Measurements of the C11 Delica SS 4 (Stainless steel handles, VG-10):
{|{{Articletable}}
{{Tableheading}}'''Length overall'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Length blade'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Length edge'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Hole Ø'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Blade thickness'''
{{Tableheading}}'''Weight'''
|-
|align="right"|179mm
|align="right"|73mm
|align="right"|65mm
|align="right"|13mm
|align="right"|2,5mm
|align="right"|114g
|-
|align="right"|7 1/16"
|align="right"|2 7/8"
|align="right"|2 9/16"
|align="right"|1/2"
|align="right"|3/32"
|align="right"|4oz
|}

Closed lengths:
* C11 Delica 4 (FRN, VG-10): 108mm, 4 1/4''
* C11 Delica SS 4 (SS, VG-10): 106mm, 4 3/16''

==References==

<references/>

==Pictures==

<gallery>
Image:C11-Delica-1-thin.jpg|Delica 1s (thin clip)
Image:C11-Delica-2.jpg|Delica 2s
Image:C11-Delica-3.jpg|Delica 3s
Image:C11-Delica-4.jpg|Delica 4s
Image:C11-Delica-others.jpg|other Delicas
</gallery>

See the [http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34206| "Show your Delica's"] thread in the Spyderco forum for more pictures.

==About this article==

* Status: Draft covering basics. Open for all Wiki editors to continue correcting, extending, and adding article information.
* Scope: C11 Delicas manufactured and sold by Spyderco only (ie. no Santa Fe or other custom models or aftermarket variations)
* Information sources used so far:
** [[C10 Endura]] article
** Spyderco catalogs: ([http://www.spydie.nl/catalogs/ older], [http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/download.php newer])
** Several Spyderco collectors and Delica specialists active in the [http://www.spyderco.com/forums/ Spyderco] and the [http://www.messerforum.net/ Messerforum.net] forums. Thanks to all! (See for example [http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34206| this] Spyderco forum thread for specific names.)
** Rob's [http://spyderbug.com/downloads/ priceguide]
** Pictures by RIOT