Byrd Cara Cara Review

[lava_lamp]

Byrd Cara Cara Review

Introduction

As many readers may know, Byrd is Spyderco’s brand for its lowest priced knives. So far, all Byrd knives have been manufactured in China. The MSRP on the FRN Cara Cara is $30.95, but most retailers sell it for considerably less than that. The Cara Cara has been discontinued in advance of the Cara Cara 2 and I got mine for $13.

Size

The Cara Cara is the equivalent of a Spyderco Endura. Here is a size comparison between those two knives and several similar offerings:

Fit & Finish

The Cara Cara is the fourth Byrd knife I’ve handled. The fit and finish on all of the Byrd knives I’ve owned has been generally good -- with smooth action, centered blades, and secure lock-up -- but inferior to Spyderco knives. The fiberglass reinforced nylon (FRN) handles on my Cara Cara, for example, aren't finished as nicely as a Spyderco knife and there are noticeable gaps between the scales and the liners.

Blade

Like all Byrds, the Cara Cara’s hollow-ground blade is made from 8Cr13MoV steel. My non-metallurgist conclusion is that it is the equivalent of AUS 8 or maybe AUS 6. It doesn’t seem to hold an edge like VG-10 or S30V, but does seem a bit easier to sharpen. The blades on the Byrd series knives feature a “comet” shaped opening hole, rather than the round Spyderhole. Generally, I don’t find much difference between them when opening, but sometimes the comet can pinch one's thumb and I do prefer the aesthetics of the simple round hole. The blade design is a just about perfect for a working knife. The hollow grind slices well while the 1/8" spine seems strong enough for light prying.

Handle

Byrd handle choices include FRN, G10, or stainless steel in many models. The FRN Cara Cara fits my large hand well and has a choil for more controlled cuts. There is lots of jimping on the blade and handle for a non-slip grip. My Cara Cara features screw-together construction and FRN scales. The Byrd FRN has a different pattern than the new bi-directional texturing on the newer Spyderco FRN models. and isn’t quite as grippy. It is grippier than the old style pattern on the Salt Series, though.

Byrd handles sometimes also add some additional holes and file work on the back spacers that aren't present in the Spyderco models. It’s a matter of personal choice, but I don’t care for it much. I've noticed that the newer "Version 2" Byrds aren't quite so over-embellished and have shorter "comet" shaped cut-outs. The new designs seem much more in keeping with the no-nonsense philosophy that Spyderco knives are all about. They are offering some full flat ground blades with the new Byrds, too.

Like most lockbacks, the Cara Cara seems lefty friendly. The clip is reversible, right/left and tip-up or tip-down. The unpainted steel clip is a little too tight. A lanyard hole is pre-driled at the butt end of the handle.

Conclusions

I took my Cara Cara on a ski trip and it did everything I needed it to do. I never thought: "Boy, I wish I had an Endura." All the Byrds I’ve handled are like that -- solid, well built knives at a great price. They are not quite Spyderco knives, though, and as an enthusiast, I’ve not that interested in owning them. It just doesn’t seem worth it to save $20 or $30 on a knife. I’d rather have the real thing. I also prefer to buy USA made goods when I can. That said, the Cara Cara has to be the best $13 knife on the planet.

 

[Will Power]

Well argued and presented review thank you.

I recently got a Byrd Meadowlark 2 in G-10. I'm no expert in this field as I tend to use Traditional knives, but I find the Meadowlark very good indeed and not just for the money either. Well constructed-I prefer G-10 to FRN-good opening action,no blade play and nice lock up.The clip is good without being trouser ripping aggressive. Cost me under 25USD plus shipping. I had a Spyderco Delica but I gave it away, the combo edge was not to my liking. Obviously better steel but then, it costs a lot more than the Byrd which seem to be low cost but not low quality knives. Well worth considering if you want a cheap good user but if you're a Spyderco afficionado, you wont be interested.

 

[powernoodle]

Nicely done, Mr. Lamp. For many moons, the Byrd lineup flew below my radar (pun). I played with a G10 Meadowlark on a passaround, though, and ended up buying one. I happy to drop big bucks on a knife from time to time, but really the best thrill for me comes from finding a solid knife for not many bucks.

 

[Will Power]

The Meadowlark 2 looks a bit different from the earlier model. The clip can be mounted either end now and the clip and screws are bright metal not painted.

 

[md02geist]

Totally agree with your review. I had one and gave it to a friend in the department and it is his edc. It is quite a solid knife, especially at it's price point.

 

[knarfeng]

Byrd Cara Cara Review
Conclusions

I took my Cara Cara on a ski trip and it did everything I needed it to do. I never thought: "Boy, I wish I had an Endura." All the Byrds I’ve handled are like that -- solid, well built knives at a great price.

They are not quite Spyderco knives, though, and as an enthusiast, I’ve not that interested in owning them. It just doesn’t seem worth it to save $20 or $30 on a knife. I’d rather have the real thing. I also prefer to buy USA made goods when I can. That said, the Cara Cara has to be the best $13 knife on the planet.

Excellent review. Well stated and well pictured.

I fully agree with your conclusions. I bought a Byrd Flight just to sample the Fit and Finish and to test the steel. I don't carry it much because, like you, I prefer to carry American-made knives and have many from which to choose on my dresser. But, there is no denying that the Byrd line is well built and the blades perform well.

 

[Major Chord]

I purchased a Byrd Cara Cara 2 FRN last month, and I love it. Bought the original Cara Cara back in September, as I decided I needed a decent larger knife. All in all, I think the fit and finish is slightly better on the original, but I like the CC2 better, because the pocket clip needed no modification to slide in and out of a pocket (I had to take some sand paper to the FRN under the clip on my CC1 to smooth it out-it was tearing up my jeans). For $20...I honestly can't complain. I love both of these blades, and the Stainless Steel Handled Cara Cara 2 that arrived last week.

It was mentioned above that the original Cara Cara is now out of production...I think I'll have to hunt around and pick up a few if I see a bargain price. Not only are they good gifts, but I want one or two more in my collection should anything ever happen to the first!