Exclusive: Spyderco Delica G-10/ZDP-189 "Blackout"

Since 1990, the Spyderco Delica has been a staple of the EDC community—and for good reason. For one, it was among the first affordable pocket knives that could be opened with one hand. For another, it’s not only lightweight and compact but can be carried by both righties and lefties (tip up or tip down). This Massdrop-exclusive version sports black G-10 scales—which Spyderco hasn’t offered on a Delica for over three years—instead of standard FRN scales. The blade is also a serious upgrade. Made from ZDP-189 stainless steel, it’s etched with Spyderco’s proprietary new “Scratch” pattern: a never-before-seen combination of black and gray evocative of a spider’s sticky, twisting web.

One of the most popular materials used in EDC folders, G-10 is known for providing a secure grip in harsh conditions. A fiberglass-based laminate, it’s made by compressing and baking layers of fiberglass that are soaked in resin. The result is a rugged, lightweight, heat- and water-resistant material with high tensile strength. This Delica’s handle features Japanese G-10 scales—which have not been available on a Delica for more than three years. The tight checkered pattern offers a solid grip for detail work and tough slicing tasks.

Hailed as a super steel, ZDP-189 is a powdered metal manufactured by Hitachi in Japan. As opposed to the standard process of manufacturing steel, powdered metallurgy starts with raw elements in powdered form, thus creating a more uniform and refined microstructure. ZDP-189 features a Rockwell hardness rating of around 64, far harder than most steels on the market, which means it will retain an edge much longer. It’s capable of being hardened to 65-67 HRC without chipping, too—a testament to its impressive chemical makeup. Composed of 3 percent carbon and 20 percent chromium, it’s also one of the most corrosion-resistant steels ever produced.