Just got a G10 FFG Raven and a Persistence

EZ Bake

EZ Bake

Joined
Mar 5, 2009
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And I'm fully convinced that (at least as far as these two models go), the Spyderco Value line is way higher quality than the Byrd line.

The liners on the Persistence are well thicker than the Raven's. So are the G10 scales (and the G10 appears to be much better finished on the Persistence). Overall QC and finish is noticeably better on the Persistence. There is a touch (not much, but its there) of blade-play in the Raven as well when locked open.

I wish it came with the Choil and Jimping that the Raven had, but I'm honestly really impressed with pretty much everything else about the Persistence. I've not yet owned any of Spyderco's cheaper knives, but I can fully see myself picking up a Tenacious now.

I'm not a fan of the 8CR13MOV steel, but to be fair, I'm not super familiar with it. We'll see how it holds up under normal use. Blade-centering is excellent on both knives and even with my complaints, the Raven is still a very nice knife by most manufacturers' standards.

Anywho - I'm probably going to send the Raven back - which was a pity, but after seeing what $5 more could buy in the Spydie value line, I can't help it.

I don't know if the Byrd lock-back models are better than this one. Anyone have any experience with a Cara Cara 2 or Meadow Lark that can share their experience?
 
I have just about every model of the Byrd line and I am particularly fond of the Cara Cara and the Raven. One thing that I have found in the Byrd lineup, is that all are well finished, well designed and sharp as you could want. The 8Cr13MoV is a good working steel that touches-up easily and is close to AUS8 in it's edge holding. In my experience, the Byrds compare favorably to knives three times their price.
 
Congrats EZ on scoring a Persistence,I've had mine for over a year.It's the only made in China knife I own and it gets used a lot for cutting bailing twine.It's easy to sharpen razor sharp,smooth opening and has zero blade play.LOL, a $26 Sebenza.:):thumbup:
 
EZ Bake said:
Anyone have any experience with a Cara Cara 2 or Meadow Lark that can share their experience?
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Yep. I had a Byrd Cara Cara 2 with the FRN handle, but ended up giving it to a buddy who needed a new folder. I had also just picked up my Endura 4 SE and felt that I didn't really need both (they are very comparable.) I think I'll buy another Cara Cara 2 though for the plain-edge ffg option--for around $20, there's no compelling reason not to have both! There are actually a few things about the Cara Cara that I like *better* than the Endura: the bi-directional FRN pattern is super-cool lookin', the handle ergos are more comfortable, choil option, and cleaner lines when the blade is closed (no exposed tang like on the Endura.) For the price of a Cara Cara 2, I can find no flaws worth mentioning (other than the fact that I don't aleady have another one!)

The Endura is a lot smoother, imo, has much better steel, and you cannot get a Cara Cara in full-serrations. But if you've ever wondered if an Endura is too large for you to carry, a Cara Cara is a good inexpensive way to try out a similar knife before shelling out more cash.

Hope this helps! :)
 
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I carry a Meadowlark 2 in FRN at work. Real smooth action, no blade play, good jimping, & it takes a nice edge. Haven't dulled it yet but I don't cut things that often at work either. I'm very impressed, especially for the price.

I have all of the Spyderco value line & I prefer my Byrd. The Lady of the House much prefers her Persistence. She likes fat, leafy liner locks. I like pointier blades & finger choils. To me they're close enough in quality to make it subjective.
 
The first Bryd I got was a SS Robin2 full serrated. I have a Robin2 FRN that is one of my EDC knives. Easy to touch up and keep sharp, non-scary to the sheep. Just got another one in G-10 and I like it! Bought a CaraCara2 FRN to see if I like the length (I'm not sure, it's a little big - jury's still out). I think the Byrd line is just what it is - many of their knives are similar to the more expensive Spyderco's and let you 'try out' the size and then upgrade. The Robin2 is similar to the Dragonfly but just a tad bigger. I had a DFly in my hand and although it had a better steel, I thought it was a little small so I like the Byrd. I have 3 of the Tenacious line and a couple UKPK's - will eventually get at least a Delica, Ladybug H1 and Native at some point but for now, I will enjoy my "cheep' Byrds.
 
Nice thread! I have been wanting to get some feed back from people who own some Byrd knives as I really like the Spyderco design, but at present don't have the cash.
I already ordered a Meadowlark 2 with G10. Still thinking if I need a Cara Cara2 or maybe a Tenacious, but that will be a bit further down the road.
It's good to hear that the Byrd line is a good quality line as long as a person isn't looking for a high end knife!
I really like the finger choil that so many of the Byrd knives have! It almost makes me wonder why the Delica and Endura don't have it.
 
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