Dissecting a byrd

[cbrstar]

If you are a Spyderco nut you eventually wonder about byrd knives. They are cheap, they look similar to their much more expensive Spyderco's.

I got this used from a member here, and I was pretty impressed by it. I believe it's an older one so I decided to take it apart and clean it, and see how well it's made.

Despite some rough grinding it doesn't look too bad, they even went to the trouble of lightening up the liners.

This is where the problems begin...

I found a stripped screw. It's stripped because the holes don't line up between the scales and liner.

I wanted to take the knife completely apart but it's hard to see. The lanyard tube is slightly flared out. This prevented me from removing the back spacer.

The other problem is I couldn't remove the lock lever. I tried gently taping on it but it wouldn't budge ad I didn't want to break it.

I forgot to take pics...I never taken a lockback apart before and I removed the spring. I don't know if this will help any one but here's how I found it easiest to install it.

1) Put screws back into back spacer to hold it in place.
2) With the blade removed push the the lock lever all the way down towards the blade pivot. This gives you a little extra clearance to make it easier.
3) Use a tool (I used another knife) to push the spring back underneath the lock lever. Then make sure the spring is well seated and won't push out.
4) Using the lock lever like you would normally to unlock the knife lift the lock lever up away from the pivot. Then replace the blade in the closed position.

Here it is all clean and freshly oiled.

 

[Minnesota Man]

Thank you for the nice write up bud! I've only handled a few from the Byrd line and they all felt really heavy. How's the weight? Especially while in pocket?

 

[Bob6794]

I just got a Byrd Hawkbill yesterday. This Byrd feels heavier than it looks due to the liners and has a balance point right in front of the pocket clip if that helps on giving you an idea. It has no give in the handles and feels completely solid, quite a difference in feel because of that in comparison to my Kabar Dozier and Buck 110 LT. Weight disappears in the pocket, it's not heavy enough to notice. But I've never had a knife that was such a pain to get in the pocket which is due to the big Hawkbill blade that protrudes out.

Haven't taken it apart or ran it through it paces yet so I can't comment on any of those things.

 

[cbrstar]

Thank you for the nice write up bud! I've only handled a few from the Byrd line and they all felt really heavy. How's the weight? Especially while in pocket?

It hard to explain but it's a tiny bit heavier then a tenacious, but not as light as an actual Endura. According to the Spyderco website it's 4.25 ounces or 121grams

 

[Bob6794]

My Hawkbill is the only Byrd knife I handled but it feels quite a bit heavier than my Kabar Dozier in the hand but the weight is almost identical. 2.6oz vs 2.2oz, it's more in the distribution of the weight and ergonomics when you hold it.

For me the kabar Dozier is one of the most comfortable knives I have owned or handled. It is also blade heavy as it has no liners. The Hawkbill has better weight distribution but ergonomics is lacking for me and feels a bit awkward so weight is precieced differently. The reinforced nylon handles makes the handle solid which gives me the illusion it's beefier and heavier than it is in comparison to my Dozier and Buck 110 LT which has a little give and reminds me it's lighter in weight.

This is all me nit picking to try to describe how my particular Byrd knife feels. So don't take it as these are big differences their more minute than anything but it should give you a better idea.

Edited in:
Looks like I replied to the same question again I just didn't realize it when I was it quoted, oh well I leave it up I gave some more information.

 

[Chris "Anagarika"]

A better way to reinstall lockback, especially Spyderco FRN with the small nub that holds the spring, it needs both liner to hold it so the spring stays strong.
https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-take-apart-clean-and-reassemble-a-Spyderco/
Now I always do it this way (I did several like OP’s, inserting blade & pivot last).

 

[cbrstar]

A better way to reinstall lockback, especially Spyderco FRN with the small nub that holds the spring, it needs both liner to hold it so the spring stays strong.
https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-take-apart-clean-and-reassemble-a-Spyderco/
Now I always do it this way (I did several like OP’s, inserting blade & pivot last).

My problem was the lock lever was actually stuck so I couldn't remove it. Next Spyderco I will try this method.

 

[Chris "Anagarika"]

My problem was the lock lever was actually stuck so I couldn't remove it. Next Spyderco I will try this method.

Ah yes, I see. Being G10 with metal backspacer, the nub misalignment is not an issue. The technique I shared only works if the lockbar can be removed.