Difference between revisions of "C11 Delica"

Latest revision as of 13:30, 6 July 2024

C11PBK (4th generation)

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.

Appearance in catalogs

Since at least 1993 the C11 Delica appeared in all Spyderco product catalogs .

(1991, 1992: must have been in there, if there ever existed such catalogs (?)).

These are the Spyderco Product Guides that feature the C11 Delica, that can be viewed online at the Spyderco.com website:

Designer

Sal Glesser designed the original 1990 Delica. Today's design updates he also designs together with Eric and Peter as a team^[1].

History, mentionings from the forums etc.

Historical note: The 1991 Swedish Mount Everest expedition used C11SBL as their expedition knife. These knives were etched with the text: EVEREST -91 on the blade. A total of 43 knives were made with this etching, the first of which was presented to the Swedish King in a box made of Bog oak. ^[2]

On the Spyderco forums:

Sal explains the history behind the use of G-2 and GIN-1 on the blades.
"Show your Delica's" thread contains a lot of pictures and information about variations
Delica 3 review by "Fisher of Men"
Delica 4 review1 by "Mr Blonde and review2 by "smcfalls13"
Solid ZDP-189 blade comments by "Mr Blonde". Spyderco first introduced a solid ZDP-189 blade with the blue FRN Delica Sprint run in 2006.
Descriptions of disassembling/assembling Delica 4 FRN variations by Mr Blonde in Delica 4 Lego and Delica 4 Lego Redux

Information from the Spyderco catalog on the web

C11BK (D4):

"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." ^[3]

See also other D4s: C11^[4], C11BBK^[5], C11FG^[6], C11GFG^[7], C11GRE^[8], C11GYW^[9], C11TR^[10], C11TRW^[11], C11WH^[12], C11F^[13], C11FBLM^[14].

Variations

The C11 Delica has a long and complex history. Since it's introduction in 1990 the Delica went through many minor and major changes (usually improvements). These changes were done from one production run to the next independent of calendar year. Grouping the variants into different generations, as done by collectors, in this article, and partly by Spyderco, simplifies handling the complexity. Generations are differentiated by major changes as described in the following subsections. See here for a more detailed discussion.

                 1996                     2006
                 |----- Generation 2 -----|---------------->
                                          |- Generation 4 ->
|---- Generation 1 ----|-- Generation 3 --|---------------->
1990                   1998               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, in later runs AUS-8 was used too.

Until about 1992 Spyderco knives were not marked with the steel used. This was because Hitachi had licensed the Gingami 1 name to another company already and wanted it to be exclusive. The G-2 stamp^[19] on the blade was then used till 1994. G-2 was a designation that Spyderco invented, meaning "Good s#it also"^[20]. In 1994, the steel remained the same, but the marking was changed to GIN-1, as Spyderco was able to get permission from the original company to use that name.

At one time, as shortage of GIN-1/G-2 caused the maker to order the replacement AUS-10 which, also being out of stock, resulted in AUS-8 being used, though the blades were marked G-2.

Initially a thin integral FRN clip was used, which was later changed to a wider one. In a less visible way, actually a total of 6 different clips exist: "The 1st generation, with the molded clip actually went through 6 modifications to the mold, but they were minor changes to the clip mostly."^[21]

Variations of the Delica 1

Left and right hand versions of the Delica 1s exist. Left hand versions are rare. The clip is positioned for tip-up carry.

Early D1s use GIN-1/G-2 steel and have a thin Integral FRN clip. Late D1s use AUS-8 steel and a fat clip.

Around 1995 the steel type and width of the clip changed. At least a black handled GIN-1/G-2 D1 in combination with a fat clip exists. Other combinations of handle color, steel type, and clip may exist.

Open questions include:

Do green or pink D1s with AUS-8 steel exist?

SKU	Handle	Edge	Steel	From/To	MSRP	Note	Number made	Grind	Clip
C11PBK	Black FRN	PE	GIN-1/G-2	1990-1994	34.95$ (1990), 45.95$ (1994)	SKUs: 1011RP (1990), C11RP (1991)	N/A	Hollow	Integral FRN, thin
C11PSBK	Black FRN	PS	GIN-1/G-2	1993-1994	42.95$ (1993), 45.95$ (1994)		N/A	Hollow	Integral FRN, thin
C11SBK	Black FRN	SE	GIN-1/G-2	1990-1994	34.95$ (1990), 45.95$ (1994)	SKUs: 1011RS (1990), C11RS (1991)	N/A	Hollow	Integral FRN, thin
C11SBK	Black FRN	SE	GIN-1/G-2	?	?	Eddie Bauer edition	?	Hollow	Integral FRN, thin
C11PBL	Blue FRN	PE	GIN-1/G-2	1990-1994	34.95$ (1990), 45.95$ (1994)		N/A	Hollow	Integral FRN, thin
C11SBL	Blue FRN	SE	GIN-1/G-2	1990-1994	34.95$ (1990), 45.95$ (1994)		N/A	Hollow	Integral FRN, thin
C11PGR	Green FRN	PE	GIN-1/G-2	1990-1993	34.95$ (1990), 42.95$ (1993)		N/A	Hollow	Integral FRN, thin
C11SGR	Green FRN	SE	GIN-1/G-2	1990-1994	34.95$ (1990), 45.95$ (1994)		N/A	Hollow	Integral FRN, thin
C11PPN	Pink FRN	PE	GIN-1/G-2	1990-1993	34.95$ (1990), 42.95$ (1993)		N/A	Hollow	Integral FRN, thin
C11SPN	Pink FRN	SE	GIN-1/G-2	1990-1994	34.95$ (1990), 45.95$ (1994)		N/A	Hollow	Integral FRN, thin
C11BK	Black FRN	SE	GIN-1/G-2	?	?	rare	?	Hollow	Integral FRN, fat
C11SAF	Black FRN	SE	GIN-1/G-2	1995	65.95$ (1995)	Black blade, black box with yellow background, number on blade	?	Hollow	Integral FRN, thin
C11SAF	Black FRN	SE	GIN-1/G-2	1995	65.95$ (1995)	Black blade	?	Hollow	Integral FRN, fat
C11SAF	Black FRN	SE	AUS-8	1995	65.95$ (1995)	Black blade	?	Hollow	Integral FRN, fat
C11PBK	Black FRN	PE	AUS-8	1995-1998	65.95$ (1995), 48.95$ (1998)		N/A	Hollow	Integral FRN, fat
C11PSBK	Black FRN	PS	AUS-8	1995-1998	65.95$ (1995), 48.95$ (1998)		N/A	Hollow	Integral FRN, fat
C11SBK	Black FRN	SE	AUS-8	1995-1998	65.95$ (1995), 48.95$ (1998)		N/A	Hollow	Integral FRN, fat
C11SBL	Blue FRN	SE	AUS-8	1995	65.95$ (1995)		N/A	Hollow	Integral FRN, fat

Generation 2

In 1996 the Delica II was introduced with an originally different SKU (C43 Delica II). The major modifications from the D1 are

stainless steel handle,
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".

Variations of the Delica 2

SKU	Handle	Edge	Steel	From/To	MSRP	Note	Number made	Grind	Clip	Clip positions
C11/C43P	Stainless Steel	PE	AUS-6	ca. 1996?	?	blak-ti finished handle and blade, no boye dent, C43 black box with an added white sticker with black lettering "BLAK-TI FINISH"	?	Hollow	Metal	RH, TD/TU
C11P	Stainless Steel	PE	AUS-6	1996-2005	48.95$ (1997), 69.95$ (2005)	SKU C43P (1997-1998); 2002-2005: Boye dent	N/A	Hollow	Metal	RH, TD/TU
C11S	Stainless Steel	SE	AUS-6	1996-2005	48.95$ (1997), 69.95$ (2005)	SKU C43S (1997-1998); 2002-2005: Boye dent; at least one C11S exists that is TD-only.	N/A	Hollow	Metal	RH, TD/TU
C11PS	Stainless Steel	PS	AUS-6	2002-2005	68.95$ (2002), 69.95$ (2005)	always with Boye dent	N/A	Hollow	Metal	RH, TD/TU

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.

Variations of the Delica 3

All 2001-2005 D3s have a Boye dent.

SKU	Handle	Edge(s)	Steel	From/To	MSRP	Note	Number made	Grind	Clip	Clip positions
C11PBK	Black FRN	PE	ATS-55	1998-2001	62.95$ (1998-2001)		N/A	Hollow	Barrel bolt	LH/RH, TU
C11PSBK	Black FRN	PS	ATS-55	1998-2001	62.95$ (1998-2001)		N/A	Hollow	Barrel bolt	LH/RH, TU
C11SBK	Black FRN	SE	ATS-55	1998-2001	62.95$ (1998-2001)		N/A	Hollow	Barrel bolt	LH/RH, TU
C11SPN	Pink FRN	SE	ATS-55	1999	62.95$ (1999)	Sprintrun	1200^[22]	Hollow	Barrel bolt	LH/RH, TU
C11PBL	Blue FRN	PE	ATS-55	2001	62.95$ (2001)		N/A	Hollow	Barrel bolt	LH/RH, TU
C11SBL	Blue FRN	SE	ATS-55	2001	62.95$ (2001)		N/A	Hollow	Barrel bolt	LH/RH, TU
C11TR	Red FRN	N/A	AUS-6	2001-2003	62.95$ (2001), 66.95$ (2003)	Trainer	N/A	N/A	Barrel bolt	LH/RH, TU
C11PBK	Black FRN	PE	VG-10	2002-2005	66.95$ (2002-2005)		N/A	Flat Saber	Barrel bolt	LH/RH, TU
C11PSBK	Black FRN	PS	VG-10	2002-2005	66.95$ (2002-2005)		N/A	Flat Saber	Barrel bolt	LH/RH, TU
C11SBK	Black FRN	SE	VG-10	2002-2005	66.95$ (2002-2005)		N/A	Flat Saber	Barrel bolt	LH/RH, TU
C11PBL	Blue FRN	PE	VG-10	2002	66.95$ (2002)	last run used VG-10?	N/A	?	Barrel bolt	LH/RH, TU
C11BBK	Black FRN	PE PS	VG-10	?	?	Black blade	N/A	?	Barrel bolt	LH/RH, TU
C11OD	Olive Drab FRN	PS	VG-10	2004	66.95$	Black blade	N/A	Flat Saber	Barrel bolt	LH/RH, TU
C11TR	Red FRN	N/A	AUS-6	2004-2005	66.95$ (2004-2005)	Trainer, holes/blade	N/A	N/A	Barrel bolt	LH/RH, TU

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.
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 Boye dent.

Additional variants introduced after the initial release include (see the D4 variants table further below for a complete list):

Waved navy blue (officially grey) FRN variant and a foliage green FRN variant later in 2006, both VG-10
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
Waved navy blue FRN variant with fully serrated and combination edge in 2008
Black FRN handle with black blade (combination edge only) variant in 2008. These knives (including a similar Endura model) initially were planned to only be available in the SAS catalog for the Military and LEOs, but the public demand was so great it was decided to make them part of the stock line in 2008^[23]. They appeared in the main 2009 catalog.
Blue, green, gray, purple, and brown FRN variants with full flat grind VG-10 blades, first appeared in the 2010 Supplement^[24].

All Delica variations are made in Seki-City, Japan, and have a Back Lock locking mechanism.

Extending the set of major changes used to group the Delicas into different generations allows a further refinement of Delicas into variations, as done in the following tables. Even further refinements would be possible based on minor Delica changes (left for future generations of Spyderco collectors :-).

Variations of the Delica 4

SKU	Handle	Edge	Steel	From/To	MSRP	Note	Number made	Grind	Clip	Clip positions
C11PBK	Black FRN	PE	VG-10	2006-	67.95$ (2006)		N/A	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11PSBK	Black FRN	PS	VG-10	2006-	67.95$ (2006)		N/A	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11SBK	Black FRN	SE	VG-10	2006-	67.95$ (2006)		N/A	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11PGYW	Grey FRN	PE	VG-10	2006-	76.95$ (2006)	Waved	N/A	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11P	Stainless Steel	PE	VG-10	2006-	77.95$ (2006)		N/A	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11PS	Stainless Steel	PS	VG-10	2006-	77.95$ (2006)		N/A	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11S	Stainless Steel	SE	VG-10	2006-	77.95$ (2006)		N/A	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11PSFG	Foliage Green FRN	PS	VG-10	2006-	73.95$ (2007)		N/A	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11PBLE	Blue FRN	PE	ZDP-189	2006	109.95$	Sprintrun originally announced with a D3 handle. The Sprint run was late, and the handle changed to D4.	2x600	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11TR	Red FRN	N/A	AUS-6	2006-2009	67.95$ (2006)	Trainer	N/A	N/A	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11PPN	Pink FRN	PE	VG-10	2007	79.95$	Sprintrun (1st run, black clip)	500	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11SFG	Foliage Green FRN	SE	VG-10	2007-2009	73.95$ (2007)		N/A	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11PGRE	British Racing Green FRN	PE	ZDP-189	2007-end 2020	$114.95 (2007), $139.95 (2011), $170.00 (2020)	Changed from flat saber to FFG in 2011	N/A	Flat Saber/Full Flat	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11PSGRE	British Racing Green FRN	PS	ZDP-189	2007-2009	114.95$ (2007)		N/A	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11SGRE	British Racing Green FRN	SE	ZDP-189	2007-2009	114.95$ (2007)		N/A	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11PPN	Pink FRN	PE	VG-10	2008	79.95$	Sprintrun (2nd run, polished clip), 3rd run?	500	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11PSWH	White FRN	PS	VG-10	2008	79.95$	Inspired by New York artist Tom Sachs' full scale reconstruction of man's first walk on the moon. Sprintrun	1200	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11PSWH	White FRN	PS	VG-10	2008	$500.00	Inspired by New York artist Tom Sachs' full scale reconstruction of man's first walk on the moon. Tom Sachs customized 100 "NASA" editions, which have a serial number on the spine, red NASA logo hand-engraved on the handle, and a "Totin' Chip Card" certificate of authenticity.	100	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11PSBBK	Black FRN	PS	VG-10	2008-	104.95$ (2009)	Black blade	N/A	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11PSGYW	Grey FRN	PS	VG-10	2008-2009	104.95$ (2008)	Waved	N/A	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11SGYW	Grey FRN	SE	VG-10	2008-2009	104.95$ (2008)	Waved	N/A	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11TRW	Red FRN	N/A	AUS-6	2008-2009	104.95$ (2008)	Wave Trainer	N/A	N/A	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11GPFG	Foliage Green G-10	PE	VG-10	2008-2010	164.95$ (2008)		N/A	Full Flat	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11TR	Red FRN	N/A	GIN-1/G-2	2010-	89.95$ (2010)	Trainer	N/A	N/A	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPBL	Blue FRN	PE	VG-10	2010-	94.95$ (2011)		N/A	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPGR	Green FRN	PE	VG-10	2010-	94.95$ (2011)		N/A	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPGY	Gray FRN	PE	VG-10	2010-	94.95$ (2011)		N/A	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPBN	Brown FRN	PE	VG-10	2010-2023	94.95$ (2011)		N/A	Black 4-way Hourglass	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPPR	Purple FRN	PE	VG-10	2010-	94.95$ (2011)		N/A	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPOR	Orange FRN	PE	VG-10	late 2011	94.95$ (2011)		N/A	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FBLM	Blue FRN	PE	VG-10	2012-2014	$109.95	Delica4 Blue National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial Fund; blade has laser-engraved logo of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), Spyderco donates a portion of the sales of every commemorative Delica to the NLEOMF to support the museum project.	?	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FBK	Black FRN	PE	VG-10	2012-	$99.95	With Full Flat ground blade		Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11TIPD	Ti	PE	D.P.S. 15 Damascus/VG-10	2013	249.95$ (2013)		N/A	Full Flat	Chrome 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPGYE	Grey FRN	PE	Aogami Super Blue/420J1	Sept. 2013	124.95$ (2013)	sprintrun	1200	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11KAPBK	Black FRN	PE	VG-10	2014	99.00$ (2014)	Kahr Arms Exclusive, 2.5" semi-Wharncliffe blade, all metal hardware features non-reflective stonewashed finish, Kahr Arms logo laser engraved on blade.^[25]	N/A	Hollow	matte silver 4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11KAPDB	Denim blue FRN	PE	VG-10	2014	99.00$ (2014)	Kahr Arms Exclusive, 2.5" semi-Wharncliffe blade, all metal hardware features non-reflective stonewashed finish, Kahr Arms logo laser engraved on blade. Denim blue handle is a Kahr Arms exclusive color.^[26]	N/A	Hollow	matte silver 4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11KAPKH	Khaki FRN	PE	VG-10	2014	99.00$ (2014)	Kahr Arms Exclusive, 2.5" semi-Wharncliffe blade, all metal hardware features non-reflective stonewashed finish, Kahr Arms logo laser engraved on blade. Khaki handle is a Kahr Arms exclusive color.	N/A	Hollow	matte silver 4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPBORE	Burnt orange FRN	PE	HAP40/SUS 410	Dec 2015	139.95$ (2015)	Sprintrun. HAP40 core with SUS 410 cladding.	1200	Full Flat	Chrome silver 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11ZFGR	Zome Green FRN	PE	VG-10	Sept 2016 -	109.95$ (2016)	Zome (pronounced "zoh-may") is a class of Japanese handicrafts that specializes in dyeing textiles. Expert Japanese artisans use a technique reminiscent of traditional hiki-zome (brush dyeing) to hand brush various colors of dye onto the handles to create distinctive, one-of-a-kind patterns.	N/A	Full Flat	Black 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11	Black G-10	PE	"Scratch" pattern ZDP-189	CANCELLED	284.95$ (2017 MSRP), $169.99 (street)	CANCELLED The pre-order fell just a couple dozen orders short of triggering the production of this knife. Massdrop Exclusive, features a black/grey spiderweb etch on blade. Black hardware.	600-1000	Full Flat	Black 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPWCBK	Black FRN	PE	VG-10	Jan 2017 -	114.95$ (2017)	Wharncliffe blade	regular production	Full Flat	Black 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FSWCBK	Black FRN	SE	VG-10	Jan 2017 - 2023	114.95$ (2017)	Wharncliffe blade	regular production	Full Flat	Black 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11PFGD4	Foliage Green FRN	PE	D.P.S. 15 Damascus/VG-10 core	Apr. 2017 -	139.95$ (2017)	Moteng Distributor Exclusive. Collector's Club Variant	500	Full Flat	Black 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11WDP	Mahogany Pakkawood	PE	HAP40/SUS 410	July 2017, Mar. 2018	$219.95 (2017), $239.95 (2018)	KnifeCenter dealer exclusive.	Limited (two batches so far)	Full Flat	Chrome silver 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11ZFPPN	Pink and Purple Zome FRN	PE	VG-10	Nov. 2017	$114.95 (2017)	Lone Star Wholesale Exclusive. Zome (pronounced "zoh-may") is a class of Japanese handicrafts that specializes in dyeing textiles. Expert Japanese artisans use a technique reminiscent of traditional hiki-zome (brush dyeing) to hand brush various colors of dye onto the handles to create distinctive, one-of-a-kind patterns.	Limited	Full Flat	Black 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11ZFPYL	Yellow and Green Zome FRN	PE	CPM-S30V	Nov. 2017	$129.95 (2017)	Lone Star Wholesale Exclusive and the first Delica to use CPM-S30V. Zome (pronounced "zoh-may") is a class of Japanese handicrafts that specializes in dyeing textiles. Expert Japanese artisans use a technique reminiscent of traditional hiki-zome (brush dyeing) to hand brush various colors of dye onto the handles to create distinctive, one-of-a-kind patterns.	Limited	Full Flat	Black 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPWCOR	Orange FRN	PE	CPM-S30V	Nov. 2017-Oct. 2018	$129.95 (MSRP), $77.97 (street)	Cutlery Shoppe Exclusive. Wharncliffe blade.	Limited	Full Flat	Black 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPTL	Teal FRN	PE	VG-10	May 2018	114.95$ (2018)	MGE Wholesale distributor Exclusive	Limited (1200?)	Full Flat	Chrome silver 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPWCBORE	Burnt orange FRN	PE	HAP40/SUS 410	June 2018	$144.95 (2018)	Sprintrun. HAP40 core with SUS 410 cladding. Wharncliffe blade.	1200	Full Flat	Chrome 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11GPRDBKE	Red G-10	PE	Black TiCN coated HAP40/SUS 410	July 2018-Mar. 2019	$289.95 (MSRP), $189.00 (street)	St. Nick's Knives dealer Exclusive. HAP40 core with SUS 410 cladding. Black hardware (screws, lock bar).	~500	Full Flat	Matte black 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPBLE	Blue-gray FRN	PE	V-Toku2/SUS 310	July 2018	$124.95 (2018)	Sprintrun. V-Toku2 core with SUS 310 cladding.	1200	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11ZFPDCMO	Desert camo Zome FRN	PE	VG-10	Aug. 2018	$124.96 (2018)	Sportsman's Supply, Inc. distributor Exclusive. Zome (pronounced "zoh-may") is a class of Japanese handicrafts that specializes in dyeing textiles. Expert Japanese artisans use a technique reminiscent of traditional hiki-zome (brush dyeing) to hand brush various colors of dye onto the handles to create distinctive, one-of-a-kind patterns.	Limited	Full Flat	Chrome 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPCFW	Black CF	PE	HAP40/SUS 410	Oct. 2018	$249.95 (MSRP), $169.95 (street)	Fradon Safe and Lock Store dealer Exclusive. HAP40 core with SUS 410 cladding.	Limited	Full Flat	Chrome silver 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPBKSG	Black FRN	PE	Super Gold2/SUS 410	Mar. 2019	$119.99 (street)	Massdrop Exclusive. Super Gold2 core with SUS 410 cladding. Matte gold finish on lockbar. Pre-orders open April 3, 2018, with shipments projected to ship in October. The first drop is 600 units, but they have the option to order more (up to 1000 pieces total between both runs). On Sept. 30, 2019, they listed as available again, but sold out whatever small quantity was available quickly. They also show they've sold 1,100 of them as of this time, so they must have produced more than originally announced.	1100	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPBLM390	Dark blue FRN	PE	M390	May 2019	$108.95 (street), $144.95 (MSRP)	Bento Box Shop Exclusive	Limited	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11PDGY	Dark gray FRN	PE	Cru-Wear	Aug. 2019	$144.95 (2019)	Lone Star Wholesale distributor Exclusive	Limited	Full Flat	Chrome silver 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPNBD	Steel blue FRN	PE	D.P.S. 15 Damascus/VG-10 core	Oct. 2019	$94.25 (street)	KnifeJoy dealer Exclusive. Preorders open Sept. 30, 2019. Another run was released in March 2024.	Limited	Full Flat	Chrome silver 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPGITD	Glow in the dark FRN	PE	VG-10	Nov. 2019 / Apr. 2020	$145.00 (2019)	Sportsman's Supply/Moteng distributor Exclusive. FRN is off-white when not glowing, glows green. Second batch released April 2020.	800	Full Flat	Chrome silver 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPBKS90V	Black FRN with blue liners/backspacer	PE	CPM-S90V	Dec. 12, 2019	$160.00 (MSRP), $119.95 (street)	Knife Works dealer Exclusive.	Limited	Full Flat	Chrome silver 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11ZFPOR	Zome orange/black FRN	PE	HAP40/SUS 410	Feb. 2020	$159.95 (MSRP), $95.97 (street)	Cutlery Shoppe dealer exclusive. HAP40 core with SUS 410 cladding. Zome (pronounced "zoh-may") is a class of Japanese handicrafts that specializes in dyeing textiles. Expert Japanese artisans use a technique reminiscent of traditional hiki-zome (brush dyeing) to hand brush various colors of dye onto the handles to create distinctive, one-of-a-kind patterns.	Limited	Full Flat	Chrome silver 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11ZFPGITD	Zome GITD/black FRN	PE	VG-10	Apr. 2020	$143.95 (2020)	Sportsman's Supply/Moteng distributor Exclusive with a glow in the dark FRN. Zome (pronounced "zoh-may") is a class of Japanese handicrafts that specializes in dyeing textiles. Expert Japanese artisans use a technique reminiscent of traditional hiki-zome (brush dyeing) to hand brush various colors of dye onto the handles to create distinctive, one-of-a-kind patterns.	925	Full Flat	Chrome 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11ZFPGITDBK	Zome GITD/black FRN	PE	Black TiCN coated VG-10	Jun. 2020	$158.54 (2020)	Sportsman's Supply/Moteng distributor Exclusive with a glow in the dark FRN. Zome (pronounced "zoh-may") is a class of Japanese handicrafts that specializes in dyeing textiles. Expert Japanese artisans use a technique reminiscent of traditional hiki-zome (brush dyeing) to hand brush various colors of dye onto the handles to create distinctive, one-of-a-kind patterns.	575	Full Flat	Chrome 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPK390	"Distinctive" blue FRN	PE	K390	Aug. 2020-	$165.00 (2020), $176.00 (2022)		Regular production	Full Flat	Black 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPCWODBK	Olive drab green FRN	PE	Black TiCN coated Cru-Wear	Sept. 2020	$115.50 (street), $165.00 (MSRP)	DLT Trading dealer exclusive. All black hardware (screws/pivot/lock bar).	Limited	Full Flat	Black 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPDGR	Forest green FRN	PE	CTS-204P	Sept. 2020	$130.00 (MSRP)	Knifeworks dealer exclusive.	Limited	Full Flat	Silver 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11ZPGYD	Zome gray/black FRN	PE	D.P.S. 15 Damascus/VG-10 core	Oct. 2020	$160.00 (MSRP)	Sportsman's Supply/Moteng distributor Exclusive. Zome (pronounced "zoh-may") is a class of Japanese handicrafts that specializes in dyeing textiles. Expert Japanese artisans use a technique reminiscent of traditional hiki-zome (brush dyeing) to hand brush various colors of dye onto the handles to create distinctive, one-of-a-kind patterns.	Limited	Full Flat	Chrome 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11ZFRDB	Zome red/black FRN	PE	Satin CPM-20CV	Dec. 02, 2020	$105.00 (street), $150.00 (MSRP)	DLT Trading dealer exclusive. Zome (pronounced "zoh-may") is a class of Japanese handicrafts that specializes in dyeing textiles. Expert Japanese artisans use a technique reminiscent of traditional hiki-zome (brush dyeing) to hand brush various colors of dye onto the handles to create distinctive, one-of-a-kind patterns.	Limited	Full Flat	Black 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPNS30V	Pink FRN	PE	Satin CPM-S30V	Dec. 2020-	$175.00 (2021)		Regular production	Full Flat	Black 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TU
C11ZFRDBBK	Red and black zome FRN	PE	Black TiCN coated CPM-20CV	Feb. 2021	$165.00 (MSRP)	DLT Trading dealer exclusive. All black hardware (screws/pivot/lock bar).	Limited	Full Flat	Black 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPNS30VBK	Pink FRN	PE	Black TiCN coated CPM-S30V	Feb. 2021 -	$190.00 (2021)	Features a titanium carbonitride coated black blade and hardware, including the lockbar	Regular production	Full Flat	Black 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TU
C11FPSBKBL	Black FRN with a bright blue lining	CE	VG-10	Jul. 2021-2023	$130.00 (2021)	Part of Spyderco’s “Thin Blue Line” series, created as a tribute to police officers. Every knife features a handle with a bright blue liner and backspacer, and the blade is laser engraved with the motto “ To Serve and Protect”. A portion of all sales of these knives will be donated to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (tunnel2towers.org).	N/A	Full Flat	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPSBKRD	Black FRN with a bright red lining	CE	VG-10	July 2021-2023	$130.00 (2021)	Part of Spyderco’s “Thin Red Line” series, created as a tribute to firefighters. Every knife features a handle with a bright red liner and backspacer, and the blade is laser engraved with the motto “Save and Serve.” Spyderco will donate a portion of all sales of “Thin Red Line” knives to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation (wffoundation.org).	N/A	Full Flat	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPBLBKS35VN	Bright blue FRN	PE	Black TiCN coated CPM-S35VN	Oct. 2021		Blade HQ/Nutnfancy dealer exclusive. "xxxx of 1230 TNP 10/2021" engraved on rear of blade. This was specially made for The Nutnfancy Project (TNP). Features all black hardware (screws/pivot/lock bar).	1230	Full Flat	Black 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPNB20CV	Navy FRN	PE	CPM-20CV	Nov. 2021-	$109.95 (street), $150.00 (MSRP)	KnifeJoy dealer exclusive, in the promotion text by KnifeJoy, the handle color is referred to as 'steel blue', whereas Spyderco refers to it as 'Navy'	Limited	Full Flat	Chrome 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11WDBKP	Black Pakkawood	PE	D.P.S. 15 Damascus/VG-10	Nov. 2021-	$210.00 (street), $300.00 (MSRP)	KnifeCenter dealer exclusive.	Limited (two batches so far)	Full Flat	Chrome silver 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPWNB20CV	Navy FRN	PE	CPM-20CV	Dec. 2021-	$109.95 (street), $150.00 (MSRP)	KnifeJoy dealer exclusive, in the promotion text by KnifeJoy, the handle color is referred to as 'steel blue', whereas Spyderco refers to it as 'Navy'. Wharncliffe blade	Limited	Full Flat	Chrome 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPWK390	"Distinctive" blue FRN	PE	K390	Jan. 2022 - 2023	$176.00 (2022)	This variant features a Wharncliffe Blade	Regular production	Full Flat	Chrome 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TU
C11FPWCTL	Teal FRN	PE	CPM-S30V	Mar. 2022 -	$140.00 (2022)	MGE Wholesale distributor exclusive. This variant features a Wharncliffe Blade	Limited	Full Flat	Chrome 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TU
C11FPTLBK	Teal FRN	PE	Black TiCN coated CPM-S30V	Jun. 2022 -	$136.95 (street)	MGE Wholesale distributor exclusive. All black hardware (screws/pivot/lock bar).	Limited	Full Flat	Black 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TU
C11FSK390	Blue FRN	SE	K390	Sept. 2022 - 2023	$176.00 (2022)		Regular production	Full Flat	Chrome 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TU
C11FPGRM4	Mint FRN	PE	CPM-M4	Nov. 2022	$165.00 (MSRP,2022), $114.95 (Street, 2022)	Blade HQ dealer exclusive	Limited	Full Flat	Chrome 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TU
C11ZFGYBL	Zome Gray-Blue FRN	PE	Aogami Super Blue/SUS 410	Mar. 2, 2023	$135.00 (MSRP)	SFO exclusive sprintrun	Limited	Full Flat	Chrome silver 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11ZFGYBLBK	Zome Gray-Blue FRN	PE	Black TiCN coated Aogami Super Blue/SUS 410	Mar. 2, 2023	$150.00 (MSRP)	SFO exclusive sprintrun. All black hardware.	Limited	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11FPGRM4BK	Mint FRN	PE	Black TiCN coated CPM-M4	May 2023	$180.00 (MSRP,2023), $124.95 (Street, 2022)	Blade HQ dealer exclusive	Limited	Full Flat	Black 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TU
C11BGBK	Deep burgundy FRN	PE	Black TiCN coated Micro-Melt PD#1	2024	$170.00(2024)	Sprint Run	~1200	Full Flat	Black 4-way hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU	Variant

C11KIT: The C11 SKU is also used for the C11KIT internal replacement parts kit for the FRN Delica 4 Lightweights. This kit was introduced in 2008.

Other variations

SKU	Handle	Edge	Steel	From/To	MSRP	Note	Number made	Grind	Clip	Clip positions
C11PTI	Ti	PE	ATS-34	<2002?	?	No boye dent, titanium, Japanese market only	?	Hollow	3- screw old standard clip	RH, TD
C11CFS	CF	SE	VG-10	2003	139.95$	shiny carbon fiber, single liner on clip side, right handed.	600 SE/RH (out of 1500 total)	Flat Saber	Metal	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11CFP	CF	PE	VG-10	2003	139.95$	shiny carbon fiber, single liner on clip side, right handed.	600 PE/RH (out of 1500 total)	Flat Saber	Metal	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11CFLHS	CF	SE	VG-10	2003	139.95$	shiny carbon fiber, single liner on clip side ,left handed	150 SE/LH out of 1500 total	Flat Saber	Metal	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11CFLHP	CF	PE	VG-10	2003	139.95$	shiny carbon fiber, single liner on clip side, left handed	150 PE/LH (Out of 1500 total)	Flat Saber	Metal	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11JBBP	Blue Bone, Blue Ti	PE	D.P.S. 15 Damascus/VG-10	2010	$299.95	Sprint, blue jigged-bone handle, blue Ti bolsters, jimping on liners, file-work on spine, zippered pouch	600		None	N/A
C11JBOP	Honey Bone, Gold Ti	PE	D.P.S. 15 Damascus/VG-10	summer 2011	$319.95	Sprint, honey-colored jigged-bone handle, gold-colored Ti bolsters, jimping on liners, file-work on spine, zippered pouch	?		None	N/A
PLKIT1	Glow in the Dark Plastic polymer	PE	Glow in the Dark Plastic polymer	June 2014-	$19.99	For children 7 and up. "Smooth edges and rounded for safety. Build and customize with paint. Assembles by hand. A real working model of a lockback knife. Includes one complete kit; ready to assemble." The parts come in a snap-out sheet and include a plastic non-sharpened blade, dual handle scales, a lock bar and the pins needed to build the knife and take it apart again and again. The Delica Knife Kit is a perfect way for adults to teach children 7 and up about the function and safe handling of a folding knife without the worry of a sharpened cutting edge. It assembles in minutes without tools or glue.	?	Full Flat	None	N/A

The C05 Economy/Standard and the C76 25th Anniversary Delica can be considered as variants of the C11 Delica, depending 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.

One of the rarest versions is the Tom Sachs NASA Edition (100 pieces), which uses the white Delica and has a red NASA logo on the center of the handle and Sachs' signature engraved on the blade. Made in 2007 in conjunction with Tom Sachs: Space Program at Gagosian Gallery, Beverly Hills.

Questions regarding collecting the C11

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

Technical information

Measurements (mm and grams) of the C11 Delica:

Variations	Length overall	Length closed	Length blade	Length edge	Hole Ø	Blade thickness	Weight
Delica 1	173mm	?	72mm	63mm	?	2.5mm	50g
Delica 2	173mm	102mm	72mm	63mm	12mm	2.5mm	110g
Delica 3	178mm	102mm	77mm	68mm	12mm	2.5mm	55g
Delica 4 FRN	181mm	108mm	73mm	65mm	13mm	2,5mm	71g
Delica 4 FRN (full flat grind)	181mm	108mm	73mm	65mm	13mm	2,5mm	64g
Delica 4 G-10	181mm	108mm	73mm	65mm	13mm	2,5mm	92g
Delica 4 FRN Wave	182mm	108mm	74mm	65mm	13mm	2,5mm	72g
Delica 4 Wharncliffe	181mm	108mm	73mm	64mm	13mm	2,5mm	68g
Delica 4 SS	179mm	106mm	73mm	65mm	13mm	2,5mm	114g
Delica 4 Trainer (AUS-6)	178mm	108mm	73mm	N/A	13mm	2,5mm	71g
Delica 4 Trainer (GIN-1)	178mm	108mm	70mm	N/A	?	?	73g
Delica 4 Wave Trainer	178mm	108mm	70mm	N/A	13mm	2,5mm	71g

Measurements (inches and ounces) of the C11 Delica:

Variations	Length overall	Length closed	Length blade	Length edge	Hole Ø	Blade thickness	Weight
Delica 1	6 13/16"	?	2 7/8"	2 1/2"	?	3/32"	1.75oz
Delica 2	6 13/16"	4"	2 7/8"	2 1/2"	15/32"	3/32"	4oz
Delica 3	7"	4"	3"	2 11/16"	15/32"	3/32"	1.9oz
Delica 4 FRN	7 1/8"	4 1/4"	2 7/8"	2 9/16"	1/2"	3/32"	2.5oz
Delica 4 FRN (full flat grind)	7 1/8"	4 1/4"	2 7/8"	2 9/16"	1/2"	3/32"	2.3oz
Delica 4 G-10	7 1/8"	4 1/4"	2 7/8"	2 9/16"	1/2"	3/32"	3.25oz
Delica 4 FRN Wave	7 5/32"	4 1/4"	2 29/32"	2 9/16"	1/2"	3/32"	2.55oz
Delica 4 SS	7 1/16"	4 3/16"	2 7/8"	2 9/16"	1/2"	3/32"	4oz
Delica 4 Trainer (AUS-6)	7"	4 1/4"	2 7/8"	N/A	1/2"	3/32"	2.5oz
Delica 4 Trainer (GIN-1)	7"	4 1/4"	2 3/4"	N/A	?	?	2.6oz
Delica 4 Wave Trainer	7"	4 1/4"	2 3/4"	N/A	1/2"	3/32"	2.5oz

References

↑ Sal Glesser's original comment can be found on Spyderco-Forums [1]
↑ As per the former Swedish Spyderco importer by Email to the author
↑ The C11BK Delica (D4) in Spyderco's online catalog
↑ The C11 Delica (D4) in Spyderco's online catalog
↑ The C11BBK Delica (D4) in Spyderco's online catalog
↑ The C11FG Delica (D4) in Spyderco's online catalog
↑ The C11GFG Delica (D4) in Spyderco's online catalog
↑ The C11GRE Delica (D4) in Spyderco's online catalog
↑ The C11GYW Delica (D4) in Spyderco's online catalog
↑ The C11TR Delica (D4) in Spyderco's online catalog
↑ The C11TRW Delica (D4) in Spyderco's online catalog
↑ The C11WH Delica (D4) in Spyderco's online catalog
↑ The C11F Delica (D4) in Spyderco's online catalog
↑ The C11FBLM Delica (D4) in Spyderco's online catalog
↑ The C11BK Delica (D3) in Spyderco's online catalog
↑ The C11 Delica (D2) in Spyderco's online catalog
↑ The C11CF Delica in Spyderco's online catalog
↑ The C11KIT Spyderco Parts Kit for the FRN Delica 4 Lightweight in Spyderco's online catalog
↑ A comment by Sal Glesser on the G-2 stamp can be found on the Spyderco-Forums[2]
↑ Sal explains where the steel name G-2 comes from [3]
↑ Information provided by Sal from Spyderco, found in the Spyderco Forums [4]
↑ The Spyderco Story by Kenneth T. Delavigne, pg. 53
↑ Information provided by TazKristi from Spyderco, found in the Spyderco Forums [5]
↑ Spyderco 2010 Catalog Supplement[6]
↑ Michael Janich explains how the Kahr exclusive came about.
↑ Michael Janich gives some more details on the Kahr Exclusive.

Pictures

Delica 1s
Delica 2s
Delica 3s
Delica 4s
other Delicas
Early blademarking on a 1.gen. C11PPN
Early blademarking on a 1.gen. C11PPN
Handle marking on a 1.gen. C11SBL

C11PBK front view (D4)
C11PBK back view (D4)
C11PBK top view (D4)
C11PBK bottom view (D4)

About this article

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: (older, newer)
- Several Spyderco collectors and Delica specialists active in the Spyderco and the Messerforum.net forums. Thanks to all! (See for example this Spyderco forum thread for specific names.)
- Rob's priceguide
- Golden Edge Cutlery 1994 catalog
- Ironstone 1996 catalog
- Pictures by RIOT and others