Massdrop x Spyderco Delica Super Gold Steel

Since 1990, the Delica has been an EDC staple—and for good reason. For one, it was among the first affordable pocket knives that could be opened with one hand, even with gloves. For another, it’s lightweight, compact, and carries on either side thanks to the four-way pocket clip. A couple years ago an idea was tossed around the Spyderco forums for a Delica made with Super Gold (SG2) steel, a high-performance powdered steel manufactured in Japan. While there was plenty of interest, the project never came to fruition after Spyderco founder Sal Glesser deemed it unfeasible due to the high cost. Now, thanks to the strength and size of the Massdrop community, we’re bringing the project back to life! This limited-edition run of 1,000 pieces features the classic black FRN handle, but with super-premium blade steel that's never before been used on any Spyderco. As a subtle nod to the Super Gold steel, the lock bar is coated in a matte gold finish.

Manufactured by Takefu in Japan, Super Gold (SG2) steel is characterized by its exceptional edge retention and relative ease of sharpening. Capable of being hardened to an HRc of 64, which is far higher than most steels, it’ll hold an edge much longer. However, sharpening Super Gold is not nearly as difficult as it can be with other steels of similar hardness. That’s what makes it so special. Another reason? It’s made through a process of powdered metallurgy with 16 percent chromium, contributing to excellent corrosion and wear resistance. This Delica features a core of Super Gold steel with SUS410 cladding on both sides. This unique three-layer construction is revealed when the blade's stronger cladding near the edge is ground away, exposing the harder SG2 core.

The Delica’s handle is the product of nearly 30 years of honing and fine-tuning. Ergonomically contoured to fit the hand, it’s made from fiberglass-reinforced nylon with bi-directional texturing for grip retention. In addition to its excellent durability, FRN is super lightweight so it won’t weigh down your pocket—not to mention the Delica’s liners are skeletonized to further lighten the load. The locking mechanism behind the folder is a back lock, which provides secure lockup even during taxing work. A jimped spine and thumb ramp facilitate a comfortable hold for any task. Carry it on the right or left side, tip up or tip down: The four-way pocket clip has you covered no matter your carry style.