C11 Delica

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.

Generations

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. The G-2 stamp on the blade was then used till 1994. In 1994, the steel remained the same, but the marking was changed to GIN-1, the name given by the steel's manufacturer.

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."

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".

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.
• 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. They appeared in the main 2009 catalog.

Appearance in catalogs

Since at least 1993 the C11 Delica appeared in all Spyderco product catalogs (older, newer).

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

Designer

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

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.

On the Spyderco forums:

• "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."

See also other D4s: C11, C11BBK, C11FG, C11GFG, C11GRE, C11GYW, C11TR, C11TRW, C11WH.

See also D3s: C11BK.

See also D2s: C11 (listed as C11SS3 Delica 3 Stainless Steel in Spyderco's online catalog , but belongs to Generation 2 in this article).

And also C11CF as well as C11KIT.

Variations

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 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(s)	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

Variations of the Delica 2

SKU	Handle	Edge(s)	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

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
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
C11SPN	Pink FRN	SE	ATS-55	1999	62.95$ (1999)		N/A	Hollow	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	2001-2003	62.95$ (2001), 66.95$ (2003)	Trainer	N/A	N/A	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

Variations of the Delica 4

SKU	Handle	Edge(s)	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
C11PSBBK	Black FRN	PS	VG-10	2008-	104.95$ (2009)	Black blade	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
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-	114,95.95$ (2007)		N/A	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11PSGRE	British Racing Green FRN	PS	ZDP-189	2007-2009	114,95.95$ (2007)		N/A	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11SGRE	British Racing Green FRN	SE	ZDP-189	2007-2009	114,95.95$ (2007)		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
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
C11GPFG	Foliage Green G-10	PE	VG-10	2008-	164.95$ (2008)		N/A	Full Flat	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
C11TR	Red FRN	N/A	AUS-6	2006-2009	67.95$ (2006)	Trainer	N/A	N/A	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
C11TRW	Red FRN	N/A	AUS-6	2008-2009	104.95$ (2008)	Wave Trainer	N/A	N/A	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11PBLE	Blue FRN	PE	ZDP-189	2006	109.95$	Sprint	2x600	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11PPN	Pink FRN	PE	VG-10	2007	79.95$	Sprint (1st run, black clip)	500	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11PPN	Pink FRN	PE	VG-10	2008	79.95$	Sprint (2nd run, polished clip), 3rd run?	500	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU
C11PSWH	White FRN	PS	VG-10	2008	79.95$	Sprint	1200	Flat Saber	4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU

The Blue FRN ZDP-189 Sprint run was announced with a D3 handle. The Sprint run was late, and the handle changed to D4.

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

Other variations

SKU	Handle	Edge(s)	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

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.

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 G-10	181mm	108mm	73mm	65mm	13mm	2,5mm	92g
Delica 4 FRN Wave	182mm	108mm	74mm	65mm	13mm	2,5mm	72g
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 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	7"	4 1/4"	2 7/8"	N/A	1/2"	3/32"	2.5oz
Delica 4 Wave Trainer	7"	4 1/4"	2 3/4"	N/A	1/2"	3/32"	2.5oz

Related Articles

• C05 Economy/Standard
• C10 Endura
• C43 Delica II
• C88 Salt I

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