C11 Delica
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 quite complex history. Grouping the variants into different generations (as done by collectors, in this article, and partly by Spyderco) simplifies handling the complexity.
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).
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
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).
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)
Generation 4
The fourth generation, the Delica 4 (D4) came out in 2006. It has some major modifications 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.
- The clip is connected to the liners with 3 small screws with four different possible mounting positions (tip-up/tip-down for left and right-handed carry).
Additionally, for FRN handle variants:
- 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.
Appearance in catalogs
Designer
Spyderco, probably Sal Glesser and team
History, mentionings etc. from the forums
Information from the Spyderco catalog on the web
Variations
Variations of the Delica 1
Variations of the Delica 2
Variations of the Delica 3
Variations of the Delica 4
SKU | Handle | Edge(s) | Steel | MSRP | Note | Number made | Grind | Clip |
C11BK | Black FRN | PE PS SE | VG-10 | N/A | Flat Saber | 4-way | ||
C11BBK | Black FRN | PS | VG-10 (black) | N/A | Flat Saber | 4-way | ||
C11BLE | Blue FRN | PE | ZDP-189 | Sprint | ? | Flat Saber | 4-way | |
C11FG | Foliage Green FRN | PS SE | VG-10 | N/A | Flat Saber | 4-way | ||
C11GRE | British Racing Green FRN | PE PS SE | ZDP-189 | N/A | Flat Saber | 4-way | ||
C11GYW | Grey FRN | PE PS SE | VG-10 | Waved | N/A | Flat Saber | 4-way | |
C11PN | Pink FRN | PE | VG-10 | Sprint (1st run, black clip) | 500-600? | Flat Saber | 4-way | |
C11PN | Pink FRN | PE | VG-10 | Sprint (2nd run, polished clip) | 500? | Flat Saber | 4-way | |
C11TR | Red FRN | N/A | AUS-6 | N/A | N/A | 4-way | ||
C11TRW | Red FRN | N/A | AUS-6 | Waved | N/A | N/A | 4-way | |
C11WH | White FRN | PS | VG-10 | Sprint | ? | Flat Saber | 4-way | |
C11GFG | Foliage Green G-10 | PE | VG-10 | N/A | Full Flat | 4-way | ||
C11SS | Stainless Steel | PE PS SE | VG-10 | N/A | Flat Saber | 4-way |
Other variations
SKU | Handle | Edge(s) | Steel | MSRP | Note | Number made | Grind | Clip |
C11? | CF | PE | VG-10 | left and right hand | ||||
C11? | CF | SE | VG-10 | right hand | ||||
C11? | TI | PE | ATS-34 | titanium |
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.
Questions regarding collecting the C11
Some interesting questions we are looking for an answer to:
Questions with an answer:
Technical information
Measurements (mm and grams) of the C11 Delica 4 with FRN handles:
Length overall | Length closed | Cutting Length edge | Hole Ø | Blade thickness | Weight |
181 | 108 | 65 | 13 | 2,5 | 71g |
Measurements (inches and ounces) of the C11 Delica 4 with FRN handles:
Length overall | Length closed | Cutting Length edge | Hole Ø | Blade thickness | Weight |
7 1/8" | 4 1/4" | 2 9/16" | 1/2" | 3/32" | 2.5oz |
References
Pictures
See the "Show your Delica's" thread in the Spyderco forum.
About this article
- Status:
- early draft not even covering basics
- all existing parts are subject to major changes
- Current goal: cover the Delica basics as starting point for all Wiki editors to continue correcting, extending, and adding article information
- Scope: C11 Delicas manufactured and sold by Spyderco (ie. no or very little on Santa Fe and custom models)
- Information sources:
- C10 Endura article
- Spyderco catalogs (for Generation 4 variants)
- Several Spyderco collectors and Delica specialists active in the Spyderco forum. Thanks to all! (See for example this Spyderco forum thread for specific names.)