Byrd Knives?

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Aug 1, 2006
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What's the best one for EDC? Are they worth the cash, or should I spend just a little more money for a real Spydie for the don't-have-a-heart-attack-if-you-lose-it-when-you-carry-it EDC role; I don't want anything high end, I have enough of those right now to last a lifetime and I just spent a bunch of money on a Caly3, blue SE Dodo, and a Civie (just had to have one in the collection, you know). Thanks for the input.




"A chicken in every pot, a Spyderco in ever hand." - Glesser for Pres. '08
 
They are a good value. If you are on a budget but want one really great knife, I would advise stepping up to a Gen 4 Delica or Endura.
 
Last week I bought a Byrd Cara Cara, stainless steel model with a combination edge, it's wickedly sharp and an awesome buy. I think alot of people like the g-10 model, but Byrd is good stuff.
 
I was very impressed with the g10 meadowlark when I handled it in the store. I would say its as well made as the enduras and delicas, just different steel.
 
The meadowlark would be a good EDC folder IMO, but the ergos didn't fit me quite right.

The Cara Cara felt much more natural in my hand, both in and out of choil. It's a little big and heavy for some I'd imagine and did feel bulky to me at times, but keep in mind I never used the pocket clip.

The steel preformed very well for me. It reminded me of VG10. Good edge retention, very little burring when sharpening and no durability issues at the out of box edge angle when used to chop small branches, pry lightly or being used for it's intended purpose, cutting.

I think the Byrd line is a fantastic value and many aspects of the knives I find favorable to Spyderco's own line. If I were you I'd look at all the models and order the two or three that appeal to you the most design-wise.
 
I have a couple or three Byrds - SS Meadowlark, G-10 Meadowlark and a Crow. I found that the SS Meadowlark and the Crow were just a tad heavy. G-10 Meadowlark is better. Haven't got an FRN one yet:p Mine get used when I'm doing renovation work - so they get beat up pretty good. I haven't used my G-10 one that much yet, but my Crow has been thru enough "stuff" that I've had to re-profile more than few times on my 1x30 after a scraping session or two - paint, lino glue, silicon sealant, etc.:D They are pretty tough - especially for the money. Agreed with Vivi on the steel - very VG-10'ish. Also agree that stepping up to a Delica/Endura is a good option, but you know, for the money, it's pretty hard to beat.

- gord
 
I have a G-10 Cara Cara and an FRN Cara Cara. I have not used them for very long but I can give you my following opinions. Based on fit and finish if my G-10 one said Spyderco instead of Byrd on it it would sell for at least $100 reguardless of what country it was made in. If you want a heavy duty knife like you describe this is it. If you want lighter weight the FRN is almost as good as my Endura, (LOL). I would buy one of each (G-10 and FRN) Cara Cara or Meadowlark depending on size you like, if you lost one you would still have a good one for the next camp out etc. They are much better knives for the money than we had in my scouting days. They are a bargain. Can you tell I like them?
 
I couldn't tell..lol..I just placed an order for a G10 Cara Cara and a stainless Crossbill to try out the hawkbill style blade. If I like the Cara Cara I will probably pick up another one in FRN or stainless; seems like a good budget version of a Police to me. Any opinions on that Crossbill? Thanks for all the help.

God Bless America.
 
I couldn't tell..lol..I just placed an order for a G10 Cara Cara and a stainless Crossbill to try out the hawkbill style blade. If I like the Cara Cara I will probably pick up another one in FRN or stainless; seems like a good budget version of a Police to me. Any opinions on that Crossbill? Thanks for all the help.

God Bless America.
Yes. I personally wish they would make one VG-10 with FRN and nested steel liners. A better blade stop would also be nice although they should be out soon if not already.

I EDC a CE Crossbill every day most of the time;) . I love mine.

Here is a review I wrote some time past:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=357318
 
I EDCd a G10 Meadowlark, and own more 3 of them.
Pro: absolutely great design, surprisingly good edge retention, and cheap as dirt. ;)
Cons: I badly need a fixed and a flat one, an a G10 Flight too... :D
 
My first one was a crossbill... after a bit of time taken to get accustomed to the new hole style, I began to very much enjoy the knife. And, as an added bonus, if I should ever lose it... I won't begin to sob uncontrollably.
 
I'm planning to get CaraCara in G10 as a inexpensive present to a coworker. Seen it once and must say f/f are impeccable!
Any comments on edge retension?
 
I badly need a fixed and a flat one, an a G10 Flight too... :D

I agree with you. I wanted to buy a G-10 Cara Cara, but I fell in love with the Flight byrd (it looks a little bit nicer than Cara Cara ;) ) and now I am crying, why don't they make it in G-10 version :( .

I want more, More, MORE,...!!! :D
 
I had one of the G10 Meadowlarks and personally, I would prefer the FRN versions. The G10 versions are nice, but the weight difference between them and the regular SS versions is negligible at best. I'm waiting for that FRN Crossbill to come out. When they put out the FRN Cara Cara and Meadowlark with nested steel liners they knocked one out of the park.
 
I bought a ss Cara sort of on a whim,and when it got here,I was impressed!
The fit and finish of the Byrd knives is excellent-good,solid knife,GREAT value!
I now have 3 Cara Caras,carry one daily,and plan on getting more soon..
in my opinion,you can`t go wrong with the Byrd line of knives-TRY ONE!!:p
 
Hey, looking for a little help, and thought this would be the right thread to post it in.....I recently lost my Victorinox Pioneer SAK that I used for EDC (damn hole in my pocket) I am looking to replace it, and am wanting a one-hand open knife, so I am strongly considering the Byrd line. My question is which one of the Byrd knives is closest in size to the 91mm Pioneer?
 
91mm divided by 25.4 mm/inch = 3.58 inches. The Cara Cara is about 3.5 inches, the Meadowlark is 3 inches. I don't know about where you are, butin Michigan its against the law to carry a knife bigger than 3 inches, or any fixed blade, in a concealed manor... And of course in most places you can't walk around with a big old knife strapped to your leg either.
 
91mm divided by 25.4 mm/inch = 3.58 inches. The Cara Cara is about 3.5 inches, the Meadowlark is 3 inches. I don't know about where you are, butin Michigan its against the law to carry a knife bigger than 3 inches, or any fixed blade, in a concealed manor... And of course in most places you can't walk around with a big old knife strapped to your leg either.

I thought the 91mm on the Victorinox was the size of the closed knife, and not the size of the blade....am I wrong on that?
 
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