Byrd Wings & Wrench

thefirefox

thefirefox

Joined
Feb 19, 2006
Messages
291
Well I spent a week with the Wings and Wrench by Byrd/Spyderco. Here's my impression of the two:

Wings: :thumbup::thumbup:A knife with excellent build quality for its price point. Fit & finish were above average. Lock up was perfect. Nice to get both edge types in one handle. Not too bulky in the pocket. I like the high hollow grind on the PE blade- good slicer. I wish Spyderco would do more grinds like this. A worthwhile knife easily worth its price. Buy one!

Wrench: :thumbup:A nice take on the multitool. A bit too bulky for me to carry on a daily basis. Perhaps best used with the included sheath rather than the pocket clip. Would be nice in a glove box or a motorcycle bag. Worked well and was well built. I like the fact that you can separate the knife from the tool if you desire. If you are into multitools check it out.
 
Thanks for the reviews!

For some reason, the rench seemed more suited for pocket carry to me than the Wings, but I didn't get a chance to carry either of them much, so I could be wrong.



Frank
 
I went to a few knife stores to find the wing n' wrench. I found the Wings at one store as well as a Spyderench, not the Byrd.

I wanted the Wings when I first saw it in a magazine. When I got my hands on it, it turned out a bit bulky. Also, I didn't like the shape of the blades. For some reason, their shapes seemed odd. As for pocket use, Nope. I had some 'baggy' pants on (not jeans). The knife fitted, but was just to bulky for pants. Jacket wear maybe. Also, my little finger got caught in the opposite blade's thumb hole, like others have noticed.

The Spyderench, though it looked good on paper(screen), was a disappointment once in the hand. The actual jaws, at both ends, were a bit too short for practical use. Perhaps my Gerber multitool has spoiled me (the blunt nose ones without the tool locks). Using the knife while on the tool was impractical, while off the tool, was uncomfortable.
 
I actually like the ByrdRench quite a bit. I usually pack mine a couple days out of the week. While it is true that the pliers are pretty stubby and don't open very wide, they tend to get most of the jobs required of them done. They also work well for prying off beer bottle caps;)

The bit change out is slow and cumbersome, but having standard 1/4" bits makes customizing the tool a breeze. I wish the wrench jaws opened a bit larger, but they have come in handy several occasions where I needed a small bolt held while I used a screwdriver.

Finally, i love the blade on this thing. To my knowledge, it has the beefiest one hand locking blade of any multi-tool on the mass market. The 8Cr13MoV takes a great edge and the lockback design keeps the blade rock solid. I will say that it is not a comfortable knife to hold when removed from the tool, but as a complete tool I think the ergonomics are just fine.

In all honesty, the LM Skeletool probably suites me a bit bit better day in and day out. The Rench is probably not the best tool for the casual multi-tool user or one who has done his homework on what works best easiest. However, the Rench is a must have for any multi-tool fanatic. I see it sort of as Spyderco's love letter to the multi-tool market. It brings something cool, unique, and still quite functional to a world dominated by LM and Gerbers;)
 
I take Wings already half a year, very good impression. Quality build the highest for this brand. And when placed in two blade you can frighten others :)
 
Thanks for the review guys, i was looking to buy a 'wrench and before i seen this i have only noticed the Spyderench.

the only difference i've noticed between the Spyderco and the Byrd is the blade, where the Sypderco is partly serrated. I think because of that, i want the Sypderco. but can anybody tell me how good either of these blades are? is the Spyderench as sharp as all their knives?
 
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