• The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
    Price is $300 $250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
    Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.

  • Today marks the 24th anniversary of 9/11. I pray that this nation does not forget the loss of lives from this horrible event. Yesterday conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was murdered, and I worry about what is to come. Please love one another and your family in these trying times - Spark

Byrd Cara Cara - FRN or G-10?

A

almasy87

Joined
Dec 27, 2009
Messages
72
I've been thinking about picking up a Byrd Cara Cara to replace my broken Tenacious (I like that the Cara Cara has a slightly longer blade). However, I'm trying to decide whether I should pick one up with FRN or G-10 handle material. I loved the feel of the G-10 on the Tenacious (grippy enough without being too aggressive), but it's more expensive than the FRN version. I certainly like that the FRN version is cheaper, but I've read a couple of comments that suggested that there may be more blade play in the FRN version because it's a less rigid material.

Can anyone comment here?
 
Last edited:
I vote G10 but you really have to decide if you want the older hollow ground version or the new flat ground version that just hit the streets. It's less than $30, I say buy that.
 
I sell Spydercos (in Argentina), and Byrds are probably one of my best selling knives. I've inspected a lot and carried a few to be able to give my customers an honest opinion about them.

IMHO, the G-10 ones feel more solid than the FRN handled ones. However, I've never had an issue with FRN handled Byrds other than a couple of Cara-Caras that came with badly machines clip screw threads (but that's a problem with the liners, not the FRN).

It really comes down to personal preference, price difference is not huge.
 
I like G10 better, the weight is an okay sacrifice for the better grip, in my opinion.

But do look into the new FFG versions! I got two coming in monday and I can't wait!

They have the same blade shape as the endura (no silly bird beak blade shape) and the FFG 8Cr13MoV should slice extremely well!
 
I had a G10 that I lost and still have a FRN that is in the box. I carried it a few times when I wanted a light large folding knife "just in case" but never took it out to cut anything. To me the FRN is just to light. I might get another G10.
 
I own both, and I find myself carrying the FRN one most of the time....why?
1- Both have the same cutting capabilities... but the FRN one is lighter and more comfortable in the pocket.
2- And they are beaters so why pay more for a G-10 heavier one?
3- If you want a folder for the "cool factor" get a Paramilitary 2 :-)
 
I have both versions and each have bben carried for a year or longer. I prefer the G-10 version as it gives, IMHO, a more solid feel in hand. I prefer the added heft of the G-10 version.

The FRN is not shabby at all. I look at it as the cheaper version of the FRN Endura if that can give you any idea of construction.

I've never had any problems with blade play on either version and I've two of each. Most were bought used from forumites here.

Hope this helps.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top