Spyderco® makes some of the most popular EDC pocket knives on the planet. They offer an extensive product line. No matter what your budget, taste or need, you’ll find a Spyderco model that fits it.
Given the popularity of Spyderco knives, it’s not surprising to see companies come out with aftermarket accessories for them. The Signet Ring from Wise Men Company is one such product.
The Signet Ring is an innovative product designed for select Spyderco models to add a Karambit-style ring to enhance deployment, retention and control. The Signet Ring is currently available in four models and two colors to fit the Delica® 4; Endura® 4 and MatriarchTM 2; and ParamilitaryTM series. It simply replaces the factory backspacer.
The Signet Ring is CNC machined from a billet of 6061-T6 aerospace-grade aluminum and black MIL-A-8625 Type III Class 2 Hard Coat Anodized or machined aluminum finish. It has a one-inch (2.54 cm) inside diameter finger ring with wide outer jimping for control and a pointed striking surface for employment as an impact tool. It weighs less than a half ounce.
Installation of the Signet Ring takes only minutes. Wise Men Company has a video on its website that takes you step by step through the installation process. If you follow the instructions in the video it’s quite easy. Be aware that disassembly of the knife by anyone other than Spyderco will void the warranty.
I installed the Signet Ring on a Spyderco Delica 4 FRN with Emerson Opener which was provided to me by Spyderco for my evaluation. The Signet Ring for the Delica was provided by the Wise Men Company. Installation went without a hitch. Fit was perfect.
Now in its 4th generation, the Delica emulates all of the qualities that have defined the Spyderco Endura, but in a more compact and lightweight package. The Delica 4 family is available in wide range of configurations.
The Delica 4 Lightweight with Emerson Opener an outstanding EDC tactical folder. With a closed length of 4.98 inches and weighing a mere 3.7 ounces (104.89 g), it’s darn near perfect for pocket carry. The ergonomics are superb.
The Emerson Opener model has a 2.9-inch (7.37 cm) satin-finished Spyderco “Leaf-Shaped” blade made from VG-10. VG-10 is a high-end Japanese stainless steel developed for the cutlery industry. It has excellent corrosion resistance. It can be sharpened to a very fine and durable edge. The blade is sabre ground with a plain edge. There’s jimping on the rear of the spine for additional purchase/control.
The Emerson Opener model provides you with two opening options. In addition to the trademark RoundHoleTM, the knife is equipped with the patented Emerson “wave” opener, which Spyderco has licensed from Ernest Emerson.
The Emerson Opener allows the blade to be automatically opened as the knife clears the pocket. There’s no faster method of opening a folder. The Spyderco version is easier on the pocket and can also double in a pinch as a bottle opener for a cold one.
The Signet Ring and the Emerson Opener are a perfect couple. The addition of the ring dramatically improves deployment speed from the pocket.
The Wise Men Company offers an add-on pocket opener called the FANG™ for certain models of Spyderco knives not so equipped and for the Benchmade® Griptillion™. It works in a similar manner to the Emerson Opener. Although designed to work in conjunction with the Signet Ring, it works just as well without it.
The Delica 4 family features a back-lock locking mechanism. It is one of the strongest locking mechanisms for folders based on independent testing. Spyderco back locks feature a David Boye Dent to reduce the chances of the locking bar being accidentally depressed. The locking mechanism on my Delica has functioned flawlessly. There’s absolutely no blade play.
The handle on the Delica 4 FRN family is made of fiberglass reinforced nylon (FRN) with skeletonized stainless steel liners. The handle scales feature Bi-Directional TexturingTM, a patented molded texturing pattern that provides an exceptionally secure, non-slip grip.
The handles on the Emerson Opener model are a dark blue/grey. Stainless steel Torx® (star) screws are utilized to attach the scales and pocket clip, and for the blade pivot screw. To install your Signet Ring you’ll need the appropriate Torx drivers — T6 and T8 for the Delica family.
The Delica family has a four-position stainless steel hourglass clip for ambidextrous carry and operation, as well as a lanyard hole. The pocket clip on the Emerson Opener model is blackened.
To sum it all up, I am very impressed with the fit, finish and function of both the Spyderco Delica 4 with Emerson Opener and the Wise Men Signet Ring. The Signet Ring does add over an inch to the length of the knife, which needs to be taken into consideration.
They won’t set you out a lot of cash, either. MSRP for the Spyderco Delica 4 Lightweight with Emerson Opener is $135.00. MSRP for the Wise Men Company Signet Ring for the Delica is $35.00.
Specifications
Wise Men Company Signet Ring
Manufacturer: Wise Men Company
Model: Delica Signet Ring
SKU: SR
Overall Length: 2.87 in. (7.29 cm)
Width: 1.25 in. (3.18 cm)
Thickness: 0.30 in. (0.76 cm)
Material: 6061-T6 Aerospace Grade Aluminum
Weight: 0.33 oz. (9.36 g)
Origin: USA
MSRP: $35.00
Specifications
Spyderco Delica 4 FRN with Emerson Opener
Manufacturer: Spyderco, Inc.
Model: Delica 4 FRN with Emerson Opener
SKU : C11GYW
Type: Manual Folder
Overall Length: 7.15 in. (18.16 cm)
Closed Length: 4.25 in. (12.65 cm)
Blade Length: 2.90 in. (7.37 cm)
Edge Length: 2.56 in. (6.50 cm)
Blade Thickness: 0.098 in. (2.5 mm)
Blade Steel: VG-10
Grind: Sabre
Lock Type: Back Lock
Weight: 2.55 oz. (72.28 g)
Handle Scales: FRN
Clip: Ambi
Carry: 4-position
Origin: Japan
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
MSRP: $135.00
Material Disclosure
I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.
*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.