Byrd eats Spyder

H

Hardman

Joined
Dec 27, 2004
Messages
108
Well, I finally decided to buy a Byrd Robin to stick in my backpack emergency kit since it was so inexpensive. When I took it home to compare to my other Spyderco's, I noticed that the fit and finish were not only comparable, but almost better than most Spyderco's. The lockup was as tight, if not tighter. Aside from the lower quality blade steel and funny 'byrd' shaped cutouts in the blade and handle, it is almost identical to the Navigator which is 4 times the price of the Robin. In addition, the blade was just as sharp out of the box as any other Spyderco. I don't think I will leave this blade anywhere other than my pocket for now.

Way to go Spyderco (and Sal) !!!

Just my 2 cents,
Mike
 
Despite what some Americans think, the Chinese workforce aren't a bunch of lazy retards. They build our cell phones, laptops, and $5,000 HD TVs. They can make some stinkin' knives.
 
Masteroffajitas said:
Why do we look to get inexpensive knives for emergency? Isn't that when you'd want a nice knife?
Click to expand...

Good Point. It just seems to be a waste to leave an expensive knife never to be used 'just in case.' At least, that was my thinking prior to your reply. I may now have to rethink the whole emergency kit idea.

Thanks,
Mike
 
Phat chance

goliathbirdeating-spider003.jpg
 
At first look, the byrds match the Spydies.

But if you take them apart, you will notice the difference.
I took apart my Crossbill. The washers are very thin and sloppy cutted.
You will find a lot of china-gunk inside and under the G10.

The finish of the "unseen" parts is rather rough.

If you put it back together, parts dont match as bevor.

BUT:
All together, the byrds are well build and sharp as hell at this very decent price point.

Some of our german knifemakers let their blades be made in China, I still have one to fail on me.


I fust ordered two Starlings, because for 09 they seem to be discoed...
 
Mongomondo has it right. They are a manufacturing force to be reckoned with. I have Spyderco's made in USA, China, And Japan. They are all good!
 
THG said:
Phat chance

goliathbirdeating-spider003.jpg
Click to expand...

Talk about shock and awe. :D

I have found that my byrd Wings has been made to excellent fit and finish standards. That being said, my Golden and Seki City Spyderco's (especially comparable knives with liner locks, e.g. the Military) have significantly more positive lockup, tighter tolerances, etc.

Mr. Glesser and his Chinese makers have collaborated to make very nice knives at an attractive price point; that much is obvious.

Spyderco has been importing knives for years---from Japan. They attacked Pearl Harbor, but no is skeptical of buying a Delica, Endura, Caly3, etc. China was essentially a republic before we ALLOWED the communist party to take it over in the early-middle twentieth century to allow for freer trading.

The debate should be over: no matter where it comes from, it's still a good knife if Spyderco is behind it, and they will stand behind it.

I still like the ones from Golden the best though---ah, the Military. :D
 
steelscout30 said:
Talk about shock and awe. :D

I have found that my byrd Wings has been made to excellent fit and finish standards. That being said, my Golden and Seki City Spyderco's (especially comparable knives with liner locks, e.g. the Military) have significantly more positive lockup, tighter tolerances, etc.

Mr. Glesser and his Chinese makers have collaborated to make very nice knives at an attractive price point; that much is obvious.

Spyderco has been importing knives for years---from Japan. They attacked Pearl Harbor, but no is skeptical of buying a Delica, Endura, Caly3, etc. China was essentially a republic before we ALLOWED the communist party to take it over in the early-middle twentieth century to allow for freer trading.

The debate should be over: no matter where it comes from, it's still a good knife if Spyderco is behind it, and they will stand behind it.

I still like the ones from Golden the best though---ah, the Military. :D
Click to expand...

The military. :D

I've been feeling up to getting a couple of Byrds as gifts and such. I especially like the G-10 handles. How does the Bird cutout compare to the hole on standard spyderco's?
 
Josh K said:
The military. :D

I've been feeling up to getting a couple of Byrds as gifts and such. I especially like the G-10 handles. How does the Bird cutout compare to the hole on standard spyderco's?
Click to expand...

Since the hole is asymmetric, the thumb does not roll in the hole as well during the 180 degree opening arc as if it were round. The placement of the hole in the blade is, however, almost exactly as where you would expect Spyderco to place its hole.

Mike
 
I find the byrd opening hole to be easy to manipulate, if not as much so as the traditional SpyderHole. In any normal-use situation, I cannot imagine a significant difference in function.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top