Spyderco is one of those brands that everyone knows, whether they like it or not. The use of “spyderholes” (used for blade deployment, but a calling card of the brand) and the typical humpbacked design of the knives are both unmistakable features.

And most people do like them. Spyderco knives exhibit excellent workmanship, use top-tier materials, and are highly ergonomic and tough. But what’s the best Spyderco knife?

That’s tough to say, but we’re going to take a look at two that are frequent flyers on “best of” lists for Spyderco: the Delica and the Tenacious.

What the Delica Offers

The Delica is made with a number of different blade steels and handle materials. It is available with titanium and stainless steel scales as well as in FRN scales in numerous colors. There is even a variant with a wharncliffe-style blade.

The majority, however, are made with VG-10 steel blades and FRN handle scales. They are available with either serrated, partial serrated, or straight edge blades. The straight-edged models feature a full-flat grind which is excellent for slicing.

The FRN models feature bi-directional texturing which improves traction in all conditions, even when the user’s hands are cold, wet, or greasy. Inside the knife handle, there is a stainless steel skeleton that improves the strength of the frame.

The Delica offers a large, easy-to-engage 13mm hole for deploying the blade. The action is fluid and crisp and the blade pivots around phosphor bronze washers that are silky-smooth. Carrying the knife is just as easy, thanks to the four-way pocket clip.

A classic back lock mechanism locks the blade open. While difficult to disengage with one hand, it is also stronger than most liner lock systems, and some might even call it stronger than some frame locks.

Weight varies based on handle material, but most FRN models weigh about 2.3oz. As for the other dimensions, the Delica (not the wharnie version) is 4.25” closed and 7.125” open with a 2.875” blade.

What the Tenacious Offers

Like the Delica, the Spyderco Tenacious is available in quite a few different configurations. The Tenacious is available in a few different blade steels, including CPM-S35VN and 8Cr13MoV, and different handle materials, but most of them are made with G10 (G-10) handle scales.

Also like the Delica, the Tenacious is available with multiple different edge configurations, including straight, partially serrated, fully serrated, and a special “SpyderEdge.” The straight-edge has a full flat grind, which, as stated, is excellent for slicing tasks.

The G10 models also have the internal skeletonization that the Delica features, improving the structural integrity of the knife. The Tenacious is less aggressively textured than the FRN models of the Delica, but still offers great traction. Also, G10 is exceptionally tough and resistant to wear, tear, and chemical attack.

The Tenacious also deploys via a thumb hole, but the locks on Tenacious models are liner locks. This means they are easier to disengage with one hand but are not as strong as lock-backs.

They also feature four-position pocket clips for ease of carrying for those of you that would use them as an EDC knife, which is a nice feature of this folding knife’s design.

Now, for dimensions and ergonomics. This is a slightly larger, beefier model than the Delica, albeit with less aggressive contours. The humpback of the leaf-shaped blade is less pronounced, which some users might find more comfortable and which still affords a good grip.

Since G10 is heavier than FRN, these knives are a bit bulkier. The G10, 8Cr13MoV model weighs 4.2oz. It’s also 4.45” closed, 7.76” open, and has a 3.39” blade.

Which Should You Choose?

Both of these are excellent pocket knives and you wouldn’t be wrong to call either the best Spyderco knife.

Really, it comes down to preference. Both are equally easy to deploy and carry. If you like the ergonomics and use of a liner lock, get the Tenacious. If you like the security and strength of a lock back, get the Delica.

Also, about use: these are both equally tough knives, but the Tenacious is quite a bit larger. If you’re going to use one of these knives for hard-cutting chores, choose a Tenacious. If you just want some fresh pocket candy for EDC and will only be using it for light work, you can’t go wrong with a Delica.

Of course, the best advice is just to get one of each. It won’t break the bank and you’ll have two excellent knives.

Save on the Best Spyderco Knife at White Mountain Knives

The knife community agrees on the primacy of Spyderco, and even if you can’t decide which one of these is the best Spyderco knife, there’s something in their line of products that will meet your needs. Consider instead a Spyderco Para, a Spyderco Dragonfly, or even a Spyderco Manix. They’re all excellent knives.

Whichever you’re looking for, we have it, and we offer free shipping on orders in the U.S. Take a look through our catalog and let us know if you’re looking for something you don’t see here. Shoot us a message at WhiteMountainKnives@Gmail.com and we’ll see if we can get it fo