Byrd vs Spyderco main line

znode

znode

Joined
May 4, 2007
Messages
413
I'm considering yet another knife to add to my EDC rotation :o. I have decided on yet another under $50 knife, and the current toss-up is between Delica and Meadowlark. Native is not in the running due to its looks (the swedge is a bit tactical), unfortunately.

Meadowlark +: I love the G-10 scales, and the "bird" aesthetics of the blade, and the fact that it is half the price of the Delica.
Meadowlark -:On the flip side, it is in a less wear-resistant steel, and manufactured in China. I don't mind the steel all entirely much; I enjoy sharpening, and with its edge stability 8Cr13 should perform like a razor.

Delica +: Comes in VG-10 steel, the blade is sabre-ground and would perform slightly better than hollow on binding material, and the Spyderco name. The overall profile should also therefore be thinner than Byrd.
Delica -: On the other hand, I hesitate on "skeletonized" liners and cheaper-feeling FRN. Also it is twice the cost :p. I believe there were old concerns with the clip rotating in place, but that is now fixed with the newest version having 3 screws.

You know it's an upstanding company of great R&D when its own product lines compete against each other :thumbup:.

I think the real solution is to get a Caly3, if only they weren't close to $100. :rolleyes:

But I guess my ultimate goal is to push me either way, and for future readers of the thread. Are there fit-n-finish concerns with Byrd that would not be in flagship Delica/Endura? Consistency in QC and manufacture? Are there more variations in perhaps cosmetic defects for the Byrd line? Any other concerns I may have missed?

EDIT: Err, Delica is Japan-made.
 
I'm sure you realize that the Delica is not American made?

My choice would be the Delica 3. No liners, but you don't really need them, the FRN doesn't feel cheap, and a much more usable tip as compared to the new Delica 4. VG-10 is also my favorite steel.

I EDC'd an Endura 3 for a long while and never had a problem with the knife. For weight concerns in a knife of this size, the Delica would be my pick. But you should also look at the Centofante 3 or 4. Very light weight, thinly ground slicing machines with one liner (and they feel anything but cheap). Price is right around what you'd pay for a Delica.

I've never had a Byrd, so I can comment on the fit and finish.
 
I have a Delica 4 and the FRN scales don't feel cheap to me. It's actually a pretty solid little knife. I'm not sure about the overall edge profile being thinner than a Byrd, as most byrds seem to be hollow-ground.

As with any knife, regardless of where it is made, I prefer to actually handle individual knives before deciding. I check for general fit/finish, lock play, edge grind, etc. These variations can occur on any model, regardless if manufactured in U.S., Japan, Germany, China, etc.

In the end, it will be what feels best to you. There would be no loss to try out a Byrd first, though.
Jim
 
If you can pony up $70, get a ZDP-189 Calypso Jr. Very lightweight, superior steel and full flat grind. Really a classic design.

FWIW ... should you still be considering a Meadowlark or Delica, at the higher hardness run in the Bryd 8Cr13MoV, I've found it holds an edge better than Spyderco VG-10 knives I've tested it against.
 
I guess a more clear and informative question, especially for people who own both Delica/Meadowlark or Endura/Cara Cara, should be: if the G-10 [Cara Cara/Meadowlark] was made in VG-10 and priced the same as the [Endura/Delica], which would you choose and why?
 
My work gave out Byrd Robins for Christmas last year so I have got to see several of them well used. They all seem to have similar fit and finish which is excellent. I personally really like the feel of the G10 Byrds, nice and solid.

I guess what is important is which one do you like best? I think Byrds make great working knives. I currently EDC a Crow and plan on getting a G10 Meadowlark as well. They hold an edge fairly well and sharpen up quick. And your not out too much cash if you lose it.

To answer your above question I'd surely take a VG10 Byrd over a Delica. Just personal preference in the way they feel in the hand.
 
I am in a different boat, I really like the slim profile of the stainless handled knives, and would like to get one with a wharnnie blade on it. My research has led me to a Byrd model but I had not been able to decide if the steel was going to be worthwhile. Now, after reading this thread I believe that I will go ahead and get one.

Thanks
 
I'd go with the stainless steel version of the Delica, no questions asked.
 
znode said:
I guess a more clear and informative question, especially for people who own both Delica/Meadowlark or Endura/Cara Cara, should be: if the G-10 [Cara Cara/Meadowlark] was made in VG-10 and priced the same as the [Endura/Delica], which would you choose and why?
Click to expand...

I've got them all.....If the G10 Byrds were made with VG10 but sold at the same price of the E4/D4, I'd probably get the Spyderco's .....well just because they're incredible knives (and i prefer lighter than heavier knives for EDC).... the FRN Volcano pattern /texturing of the E4/D4 has amazing traction compared to the 3rd generation handles and the ergonomics of the E4/D4 are very "refined".....the clip has no issues other than you might want to use Blue loctite on the clip screws.... now the G10 Byrd Meadowlark / Cara Cara have wonderful ergos as well.... with jimping at the forefinger choil as well as on the spine cusp..... the fit and finish are very good.......the steel holds an edge longer than AUS-8 and is easy to sharpen....at their pricepoints its hard to say no to the Byrds....esp. if you're shopping on a budget.... :)
 
I think there are some things you should consider before you purchase a Delica. The Delica 4 have different tips than the older Delica models, with the Delica 4 Wave as an exception. The new tips are not as pointy and are supposed to be more durable.

I first purchased a Delica 4 with Stainless Steel handles, and I did not like it at all. The tip was not as pointy as the older Delicas; I couldn't tell from pictures, and found out after I opened the box to examine it. I thought SS handles were cool at first, but it did not suit me. SS handles are significantly heavier than FRN. Also, since my hands are naturally a bit sweaty, fingerprint marks get all over the handle and clip. I ended up selling the Delica 4 SS and buying a Delica 4 Wave.

I did not like the D4Wave at first, but after seeing it in action, it grew on me and got me to buy one. The volcano grip FRN handles are way better than the older FRN handles. I agree with you that the older FRN handles did feel cheap.

Pricing. You're right about twice the cost. Byrds go for ~$20 and Delicas go for ~$40. I really wanted a Raven, but I could not get myself to purchase it. IMO, if your budget was ~$25, you should go for the byrd series. Since your budget is ~$50, you should go for a Spyderco series.
 
I can tell you the fit and finish on byrd is as good as main spyderco line. I had a ss robin and it's as solid as my endura 4. I returned it thou since it's too small for my hands, but now I have a crossbill on the way.

mmarkh said:
:thumbdn:Byrd + Chinese:thumbdn:
Click to expand...

I really can't tell if you are being serious or being a troll. :thumbdn:
 
I disagree about the fit and finish of the Byrds being as good as the regular line. They are an exceptional knife and a great deal but personally if I was going to carry it every day as mu primary EDC then I would spend the extra money on a real Spyderco. My Crossbill is a fantastic stash knife but the clip moves and the lock up and fit and finish is not perfect.
I am not dissing the Byrds they are a great knife for the money and I find it incredible that Sal can get so much quality out of 25$ but there is still a place for the regular line.
 
Unsub said:
I disagree about the fit and finish of the Byrds being as good as the regular line. They are an exceptional knife and a great deal but personally if I was going to carry it every day as mu primary EDC then I would spend the extra money on a real Spyderco. My Crossbill is a fantastic stash knife but the clip moves and the lock up and fit and finish is not perfect.
I am not dissing the Byrds they are a great knife for the money and I find it incredible that Sal can get so much quality out of 25$ but there is still a place for the regular line.
Click to expand...

You probably happened to get the bad one of the bunch. I looked through the store inventory, there are a few that had wobbling blade etc. but majority are good quality. The robin I had was absolutely solid, not a tiny bit of play anywhere.

No one carry crossbill locally thou so I had to mail order it, hope I don't end up with a bad one.
 
In my book, Byrd knives are Spyderco knives... just made specifically in China. The only practical difference is the shape of the hole.
 
If it is a bad D^%MN I want to see a good one. It is pretty impressive just not up to the standard of the regular line. The clip wiggle is annoying though.
 
I have PE and SE Delicas and my friends have Meadowlark PE and CE. I handled these knives and sharpened for friends. In my opinion fit and finish on these two byrds not even close to my Delicas, also VG10 is better steel.
This is how I see it
Delicas are the good knives
Byrds are acceptable knives for people who do not want or cannot spend $40 on the knife.
However, the best solution is to be patient, if you can; safe money and get Caly3, this is the masterpiece of production knives.
 
If I were you I'd get a Byrd but plain SS one only. From pieces I bought (SS Caracara, all black SS caracara, G-10 caracara and SS crosbill) best quality were SS Crosbill and (plain) SS Caracara.
 
huugh said:
If I were you I'd get a Byrd but plain SS one only. From pieces I bought (SS Caracara, all black SS caracara, G-10 caracara and SS crosbill) best quality were SS Crosbill and (plain) SS Caracara.
Click to expand...

Yeah seems to me that the SS byrd are better than other types.
 
I got one byrd on a whim after reading glowing reports and I just keep getting them. I have a wing, catbyrd, and a tenacious, which I guess isn't really a byrd but made of the same steel in the same place, and the F&F is just like the (good) comments I've read.

The wing feels a little awkward but it's only to be expected, I could find no flaw. I am eyeballing a raven, or one of the ones with that shaped blade.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top