Byrd Cara Cara v. CS Voyager

C

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I've been impressed with both knives. The Byrd under consideration has a 4-inch 8Cr13MoV blade while the Voyager has a 4-inch AUS8/VG-1 blade. Both come sharp out of the box, but the CS is generally sharper. Both knives are well made and comfortable to use. The Bryd has G10 scales while the Cold Steel has Zytel. The Byrd, too, is more inexpensive than the Voyager (Large).

What would be your choice, and why? (And please, let's keep ol' what's-is-name outta this. Just judge the knives as they are.)

BY03PBK_1.jpg


Byrd Cara Cara


CS29MC.jpg


Cold Steel Voyager


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Eh... I know it's Spyderco, and I generally like Spyderco, but I always have "chinese, chinese, chinese" in the back of my mind when I see Byrds.. I'm chinese myself, so don't pull the race card on me :p

I don't like what I hear of the 8Cr13MoV steel too much. It's supposedly OK, but I wouldn't use it much for utility. VG-1 is supposed to be a step up, but to me, the Voyagers have been tried and tested.
 
I agree with everything THG said. Well, I'm not personally Chinese. But everything else. Even to taking the Voyager over the Bryd if I had to have one or the other.

Frankly, I wouldn't get either. I'd go mainstream Spyderco, Benchmade, or Kershaw.
 
The Byrd's a beast man. I have it in all steel handle and I've used it for digging around a door lock since I locked myself out and the ID trick wouldn't work. I've chopped and push cut through 2 to 3 1/2" ash branches. Ive used it as a can opener, cut tires to use the rubber as a dampener, cut 14/10 AWG for the rewiring on one of my rental house, used the handle to hammer finishing nails in for floor boards even shaved with it. The steel is awesome IMO. It takes a very very keen edge, is tough enough for digging a door out. The only draw back would have to be maybe the edge retention. It's not bad at all but it's not exceptional either. I would have to compare it to my AUS8 knives.

I don't know if mine differs from the one you posted as the only thing seemingly different is the handle material. but I LOVE mine very much man and I beat the 5hit out of knives. I suppose I could do a vid of some of the examples I gave you if you like and show you how it does if thats what you need...
 
I dunno... I'm sure they're OK knives, but being the owner of a real Delica (these seem to be "cheaper" versions of Delicas and Enduras), the sight of the Byrd knives make me cringe.

I have to say, I'm more comfortable with the ones that aren't meant to look like the Delica/Endura family.
 
I prefer the Byrd ergos, especially the "spyder"hole. And I have also subjected my Byrds to some abusive handling, just to see what they were made of. They did quite well, especially considering they run less than $20.
 
There isn't absolutely nothing wrong with the steel from the Byrd. I get it shaving sharp easy, and it is very responsive to stropping too. And it will hold an edge very well. I prefer it over VG1.

CZ
 
I like the Cold Steel Voyager line, but in that price bracket there is a lot of competition. As you mentioned the Byrd is cheaper so that would be my first choice for an ‘extra’ knife. Byrd knifes: good knives, great value.

No complaints about the 8Cr13MoV steel but I got some (very) slight pitting after I forgot to clean the knife after using it in salt water. The Voyager would have had the same problem but probably less so. I have a medium Voyager that I occasionally use as a beater.

The Voyager looks ‘prettier’ but the Byrd line has a nice functional look.

Anyway, I don’t think that either one is better than the other and both are great knives, so if I could own only one knife, I would choose on price. If price is not a factor, I would choose a Spyderco Endura.

Rafael
 
I own several Byrds and they are all great knives. The Cara Cara is one of my EDC/EDU, and I really like that steel. I don't have a Voyager, cause I just don't like the design and I'm more of a Spyderhole-guy. There are just one or two knives I might consider to buy from Cold Steel, but the Voyager is none of them. I would always choose the CC over the Voyager.
 
I like the VG1 steel better, but overall would take the cara cara as I like the ergonomics better. It fits my hand better and opens without my having to readjust the knife grip as I open it, like I do the cold steel. I've almost cut myself on the cold steel trying to open it but the Cara Cara opens just fine in my hand.

As far as the steel goes the difference isn't that big, but VG1 gets the nod. To be honest I like VG10 more than either of the two choices. Joe
 
I just got a Cara Cara in G-10 as I've only recently taken an interest in Sypderco. I got to tell you its a fine knife. I've found the edge is easy to touch up and as someone said earlier it has excellent ergonomics. I like my Cara Cara enough to have bought another to give to a buddy.

I can't say I'm over the Chinese thing with knives but Sypdie must run a tight ship as far as quality is concerned. Hell this Dell computer is made in China. I digress.

Buy which ever feels better in your hand if your locked in on these two. The Cara Cara is probably a poor man's Endura which is OK with me for a EDC/EDUer knife.
 
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