Byrd Robin 2 my best choice?

TripleB67 · Feb 13, 2016

First things first...I realize I've posted many topics here over the past couple weeks (being a newbie to knives my excitement seems to be a bit out of control right now) so I apologize for that and will make this my last new topic for a while...I appreciate everyone's patience!

With the great info you all have given me in my previous posts I've decided to purchase the Rat II (3" blade/2.8oz/thumbstud) and the Cold Steel Mini Tuff Lite (2" blade/1.7 oz/oval hole opening).

I would also like to try a knife from Byrd/Spyderco that is somewhere between those two as far as blade length (so around 2.5"), has a pocket clip, and is around $25 or less.

Is the Byrd Robin 2 my best option? (two options with it G10=$26, FRN=$20)

The only non-Byrd Spydercos I see with a 2.5" blade is the Urban Leaf black ($50) and a SE Delica 4 2.5" blade ($85).

Thanks again for all the help and patience!

TripleB67

NG VI · Feb 13, 2016

The G10 Robin is an excellent knife and you should get it even if it doesn't fill a role for you.

The lockback Spydercos like a long thumb throw if you like to open your knives without a wrist flick.

willc · Feb 13, 2016

The Meadowlark is about that length and available in frn and g10.
I've been carrying the frn version the past few weeks and it is a great knife.

Nap · Feb 13, 2016

My Tern has a very strong backspring which, when combined with the rougher finish of the Byrd line, means you really can't open it with one hand. That led to me pretty much immediately shoving it into the back of a drawer and more or less forgetting about it, though it seemed like a perfectly decent blade.

The Meadowlark is nice, and I think you'd be fine with any of the Byrd lockbacks. Or see if you can find a used Spyderco.

dozer2025 · Feb 13, 2016

For $35 you could get either the Spyderco Persistence (2.75") or Ambitious (2.25"). The Byrd line is good but Spyderco's name brand "cheap" China knives are a step up, IMHO and only a few bucks more.

roosterscrow · Feb 13, 2016

You might consider meadowlark as a better fit when factoring the cutting edge rather than the blade length.

I've carried a Byrd Cara Cara 2 everyday for the last year and love it! I'm not a thumb flipper though and if your after a smooth flipping blade a back lock might not be for you. I like to pivot the blade the entire way with my thumb for a solid lock up. I don't think it takes any more time to open this way.

NG VI · Feb 13, 2016

dozer2025 said:
For $35 you could get either the Spyderco Persistence (2.75") or Ambitious (2.25"). The Byrd line is good but Spyderco's name brand "cheap" China knives are a step up, IMHO and only a few bucks more.

The Byrds have the same steel, similar G10 texture, a Boye dented Clipit lockback, an admittedly crappier thumbhole, $10-$20 lower street prices, and sleeker in-pocket profiles, the knives also match the classic Spyderco product line.

Mine (5) have been smoother than my Endura and my friend's Delica, though I did have a G10 Meadowlark that I sent back because of a defective super hard lock bar.

I don't agree that the Chinese Spyderco line is an improvement over the Byrd 2 lineup, I think it's just a liner-locking alternative with the more attractive Spyderco logo and round hole.

dozer2025 · Feb 13, 2016

NG VI said:
The Byrds have the same steel, similar G10 texture, a Boye dented Clipit lockback, an admittedly crappier thumbhole, $10-$20 lower street prices, and sleeker in-pocket profiles, the knives also match the classic Spyderco product line.

Mine (5) have been smoother than my Endura and my friend's Delica, though I did have a G10 Meadowlark that I sent back because of a defective super hard lock bar.

I don't agree that the Chinese Spyderco line is an improvement over the Byrd 2 lineup, I think it's just a liner-locking alternative with the more attractive Spyderco logo and round hole.

To each their own...I find the Spydies to be smoother, faster and with better gimping, ergos and f&f. It all comes down to personal preference

JeremiahWeaver09 · Feb 13, 2016

if you could spend a bit more, i would recommend a spyderco delica

TripleB67 · Feb 13, 2016

JeremiahWeaver09 said:
if you could spend a bit more, i would recommend a spyderco delica

Since I'm basically a newbie to quality knives and knife collecting, I'm trying to order sort of a cheap variety of knives to see what my preference is as far as style, opening mechanism, carrying, size, etc. Once I make a decision on those items, or at least narrow down what I really like, then I'll look at putting more money into a higher quality knife.

I have a Cryo (2.8" blade/3.7oz) and I thought if I bought a Rat II (3.0" blade/2.8oz) for $26, a Cold Steel Mini Tuff Lite (2.0" blade/1.7 oz) for $19 { also like the 2.0" blade/1.5 oz CKRT Pazoda 2 just because of the deep pocket carry and it would work perfectly for work at only $13 }, and a Spyderco Byrd Robin 2 FRN (2.5" blade/2.2oz) for $20 I would have a great variety of knives for around $60.

After I've handled/used them for a good while trying to figure out what I like as well as what works best for me, I would then be better aware of the type of knife I want to spend more money on.

Thanks for everyone's help so far!

TripleB67

stonproject · Feb 13, 2016

Delica is the way to go. worst case scenario its not your style and you can sell it for about what you paid for it. if you go with cheaper models, they have a very slim chance of being sold if you don't like them

average gimp · Feb 13, 2016

The Robin is an excellent small knife. I've only tried the FRN, which gives you nested liners and 4-way carry. There's more than enough texture to keep you from dropping it. IIRC the G-10 model is only 2-way carry, albeit tip-up, which is my preference. G-10 does tend to "polish" with wear and become less grippy over time, another reason I went with FRN.

strategy9 · Feb 13, 2016

TripleB67 said:
...narrow down what I really like, then I'll look at putting more money into a higher quality knife.

I have a Cryo (2.8" blade/3.7oz) and I thought if I bought a Rat II (3.0" blade/2.8oz) for $26, a Cold Steel Mini Tuff Lite (2.0" blade/1.7 oz) for $19 { also like the 2.0" blade/1.5 oz CKRT Pazoda 2 just because of the deep pocket carry and it would work perfectly for work at only $13 }, and a Spyderco Byrd Robin 2 FRN (2.5" blade/2.2oz) for $20 I would have a great variety of knives for around $60.

After I've handled/used them for a good while trying to figure out what I like as well as what works best for me, I would then be better aware of the type of knife I want to spend more money on...

That's not a bad approach... There really is no wrong way to collect knives, unless your bills aren't getting paid, but IMO opinion it's great to be frugal early, figure out what you prefer, and then invest more money into nicer knives with a little bit of education, rather then blindly throwing money out there, and then finding out you don't like something and having to go through the inconvenience of reselling, trying to get your money back... And all those little "cheap" knives, are at least "quality-cheap" knives; some of the best on the market for their respective price ranges, so if you do find out you don't like one, or two, who cares if you can't make your $10-20 back, stick one in the glove box or tool box as a spare. If you come across someone you know (and like) in need of a knife. Either without, or using some flea market garnage, gift it, and help someone in need... The Robin is a fine choice for a smaller Byrd, the Meadowlark IS essentially a Spyderco Delica clone... The Pazoda is super thin and will literally disappear in your pocket, perfect for discretion and/or office carry

TripleB67 · Feb 13, 2016

Thanks for everyone's input!

I just placed an order for an Ontario Rat II, CKRT Pazoda 2 (tough decision between this and the CS Mini Tuff Lite but I had to make sure I had one truly deep carry knife for the office), and a Spyderco Robin 2 FRN...all for under $60 shipped. I think this will give me a good range of sizes and styles at a good price (and decent quality) to try beside my Cryo G10 to see what type of knife really suits me. Once I can narrow down what I really need/want out of my EDC I'll probably spend a little more to get a bit better quality. But for right now I can't wait to get these three knives in and run them through my EDC routines with my Cryo.

I truly appreciate everyone taking the time to give me your honest feedback, opinions, and help!

This an awesome forum with many incredible people...cannot wait to spend more time here throughout the years!!!

TripleB67

a2avery · Feb 13, 2016

I purchased a Spyderco Cat as a gift for a friend, he needed a 2.5" blade for Boston carry. Fit and finish were excellent and opening was smooth. I think it was mid-$30s on Amazon. Just another great knife for you to consider.

strategy9 · Feb 13, 2016

I love that You got a backlock and a liner lock to compliment your frame lock(s), covering the 3 most common lock types. You got a thumbstud w/o a flipper, as well as two thumb hole varieties: the Byrd, being a Spyderco value model, will give you a basic feel for spyderco in the hand, the Pazoda is all metal, no g10, giving you a feel for Naked metal handles as well as a deep carry clip, and the rat II will give you a feel for a nice 3" blade. You have a lot of your bases covered with a nice variety, and should definitely have a much better idea of what you prefer, and what you can (and can't) tolerate.

blade dude · Feb 14, 2016

The delica has a 2.5inch edge but from handle to tip is almost 3 inches. I have learned to wrist flick it open, it's all in the timing. You open it some with thumb and then flick your wrist. Eventually you'll get good and it'll become fluid

TripleB67 · Feb 15, 2016

strategy9 said:
I love that You got a backlock and a liner lock to compliment your frame lock(s), covering the 3 most common lock types. You got a thumbstud w/o a flipper, as well as two thumb hole varieties: the Byrd, being a Spyderco value model, will give you a basic feel for spyderco in the hand, the Pazoda is all metal, no g10, giving you a feel for Naked metal handles as well as a deep carry clip, and the rat II will give you a feel for a nice 3" blade. You have a lot of your bases covered with a nice variety, and should definitely have a much better idea of what you prefer, and what you can (and can't) tolerate.

Thanks...I tried to get a good variety!

I was hoping to get one with a partially serated blade and one with a tanto blade, but those with have to wait.

TripleB67

NG VI · Feb 19, 2016

blade dude said:
The delica has a 2.5inch edge but from handle to tip is almost 3 inches. I have learned to wrist flick it open, it's all in the timing. You open it some with thumb and then flick your wrist. Eventually you'll get good and it'll become fluid

I don't use a wrist flick on the Dragonfly/Robin on up.

I use a firm, long thumb throw, sometimes I will roll my wrist slightly at the end to help the tighter or lighter blades finish their travel.

It's a different approach than the shorter kick that Axis knives like.

Yo Mama · Feb 19, 2016

NG VI said:
The Byrds have the same steel, similar G10 texture, a Boye dented Clipit lockback, an admittedly crappier thumbhole, $10-$20 lower street prices, and sleeker in-pocket profiles, the knives also match the classic Spyderco product line.

Mine (5) have been smoother than my Endura and my friend's Delica, though I did have a G10 Meadowlark that I sent back because of a defective super hard lock bar.

I don't agree that the Chinese Spyderco line is an improvement over the Byrd 2 lineup, I think it's just a liner-locking alternative with the more attractive Spyderco logo and round hole.

The Byrds were upgraded to BD1 this year!