I received my Byrd G10 Flight today and I'm impressed. The knife is much more refined in regards to fit and finish than earlier Byrd models I handled. Some specific things I noticed comparing it to my Cara Cara:
-G10 surface texture is grippier
-Much better overall fit and finish
-Absolutely no play in any direction. The Cara Cara had a noticable amount of vertical play.
-Factory edge was a little more acute
-Small things like a circled R instead of TM near the China stamp and a slightly different clip design.
Here are some photos. I'm mainly just impressed at how much better everything looks on the flight. If this is any indication of how the "Tenacious" will be, looks like it'll be just fine. The knife itself is very ergonomic and carries quite comfortably. The Byrds represent an amazing value for the price.
Thickness comparison, Cara Cara was a little tilted...
The lock-up on the Cara Cara. Solid in use but a little sloppy aesthetically.
Much cleaner on the Flight.
Backspacer of the Cara Cara showing some crooked lines.
Same thing on the Flight, much cleaner and straight, though there is still a slight gap on the right side.
Lock release are on the Cara Cara. Again, perfectly functional, just not the fit and finish level Spydercos main line is known for.
The Flight's lock release. Much improved.
The Flight's edge, which is more acute than the Cara Cara's factory edge was. Burr free and shaving sharp as expected.
Overall my initial impressions are nothing but favorable. I was surprised the Flight lacked thumb ramp jimping, but I'll add it myself at some point. Thank you Sal for producing this line of inexspensive, quality knives.
-G10 surface texture is grippier
-Much better overall fit and finish
-Absolutely no play in any direction. The Cara Cara had a noticable amount of vertical play.
-Factory edge was a little more acute
-Small things like a circled R instead of TM near the China stamp and a slightly different clip design.
Here are some photos. I'm mainly just impressed at how much better everything looks on the flight. If this is any indication of how the "Tenacious" will be, looks like it'll be just fine. The knife itself is very ergonomic and carries quite comfortably. The Byrds represent an amazing value for the price.
Thickness comparison, Cara Cara was a little tilted...
The lock-up on the Cara Cara. Solid in use but a little sloppy aesthetically.
Much cleaner on the Flight.
Backspacer of the Cara Cara showing some crooked lines.
Same thing on the Flight, much cleaner and straight, though there is still a slight gap on the right side.
Lock release are on the Cara Cara. Again, perfectly functional, just not the fit and finish level Spydercos main line is known for.
The Flight's lock release. Much improved.
The Flight's edge, which is more acute than the Cara Cara's factory edge was. Burr free and shaving sharp as expected.
Overall my initial impressions are nothing but favorable. I was surprised the Flight lacked thumb ramp jimping, but I'll add it myself at some point. Thank you Sal for producing this line of inexspensive, quality knives.