Cara Cara 2 and Hawkbill 2: Great

J

JNieporte

Joined
Nov 1, 2004
Messages
3,352
I got some new Byrds and wanted to share my impressions. Now, I had an FRN Cara Cara 2, but gave it to a fellow service member.

The first difference between the Cara Cara and the Cara Cara 2 is the blade grind, but that has been discussed a lot. The handles, likewise, have been covered. I saw the opening hole (comet?) and noticed a difference right away; the Cara Cara has a much larger slot than the Cara Cara 2.
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The Meadowlark Hawkbill has the same shape and size opening hole as the Cara Cara 2:
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I have two Cara Cara 2s: one FRN and one G-10. The opening holes (in fact, the entire blades) are the same, but the hole on the FRN was significantly smoother.
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Thickness comparison. Cara Cara 2 in G-10 and Cara Cara 2 in FRN...
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I questioned this about the first version of the Cara Cara: one has a smaller "China" stamp than the other, but they're both 8Cr13MoV steel. No other differences noticed.
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I really like these guys. The change in handle grip is noticeable, but there was nothing wrong with the older version.
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Much appreciation shown to Sal and the crew for introducing the Byrd line in the first place, and again to continue to improve it. Most companies with a "value" line don't improve it, just make more. I haven't taken a big group shot, but I have two Meadlowlark 1s (one G-10, one FRN), five FRN Cara Cara 1s, one G-10 Cara Cara 1, two Cara Cara 2s (one FRN, one G-10), two Meadowlark Hawkbills, two Catbyrds, two Cara Cara Rescue 1s (one plain edged, one fully serrated), and the waved Cara Cara 1 I EDC.

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Nice pics. Glad to see some appreciation for these. How smooth is your FRN Cara Cara 2? I have a Meadowlark 2 in FRN that's considerably smoother than my Cara Cara 2 in G10.
 
jeffphansen77 said:
Nice pics. Glad to see some appreciation for these. How smooth is your FRN Cara Cara 2? I have a Meadowlark 2 in FRN that's considerably smoother than my Cara Cara 2 in G10.
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My FRNs are smoother than my G-10s (all models) but I wouldn't say "noticeably". I had to go out of my way to notice, and it's probably not detectable if you're not looking for it. The oldest Cara Cara (the waved one shown) has really loosened up and is buttery smooth now, but still locks up 100% every time.
 
Great reviews. I really like the Byrd line. I use a D4 FFG for my main carry and a FRN meadowlark 2 as a back-up to my delica when it gets dull. Believe it or not, the meadowlark has less blade play and a bit stouter tip than my D4. I almost prefer it over the delica because of the choil. I have all three versions of the meadowlark 2 and they all work great. I agree with you about Sal introducing and improving this line. I don't like to spend a lot of money on knives, but still like a good quality blade that will stand up to hard use. The byrd line is just the ticket for a good reliable user blade.
 
I'd love your opinions of the FRN Cara Cara 2 versus the G10 Cara Cara 2. The price difference isn't enough to sweat, IMHO, but I'm concerned about the weight and overall feel. I'm inclined to get the FRN because I prefer a lighterweight carry, but if the G10 weight isn't much different and it has a noticeably higher quality feel to it, I'll spend the extra few bucks. Thanks.
 
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