Just got a new Spyderco

wildmanh

wildmanh

Part time Leather Bender/Sheath maker
Joined
Jul 9, 2000
Messages
7,764
Hi guys, Friday afternoon a friend and I went to the local B&M knife shop to check out the swords and some knives for the fun of it. After checking everything out I ended up getting a NIB Byrd Raven model #BY08P. Wasn't intending to by anything but couldn't pass up the chance to check out the Byrd line of knives. It's my second frame lock knife (The first one I had back in Highschool and lost durring a move many years ago) and 3rd Spyderco knife.

Right after picking up the knife I went home, finished packing and went on a campout. While talking around the camp fire that night I grabbed a stick from the firewood pile and my Raven and started whittling on the stick. This knife is awesome!! Not only does it open quick, have a comfortable handle for me, but it also works great for carving sticks. I practiced making S-hooks and fuzz sticks for a while before going to bed. Carving wood and packages of food has not noticeable effected the edge.

Can't wait for my next campout. My raven will be coming along clipped to my pocket for general cutting and carving duties. :)

Heber
 
Yep that's why spyderco stays in business. They always stick to standards of quality and reliability.
 
nutfancy of youtube fame has a review of the Raven and compares it to the Delica..I have one...great knife...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mQQ5KdwoKw&feature=PlayList&p=44317A653F0579EF&index=20

"At a $20 to $25 price point you'll get a lot of quality knife with a Byrd Raven. It's an offshore sub-brand of Spyderco but benefits from Spyderco's excellent design and commitment to quality. High points are deployment speed, solid lockup, great blade jimping, take-apart construction, and good clip. Low points are a skin ripping liner lock and slick sided aluminum scaling. It compares favorably against its cousin the Spyderco Delica but is 1.6 oz heavier. Still for $25 it's an excellent way to satisfy your knife craving! Correction: knife scales are made of aluminum not Zytel as I said"
 
Not trying to sound tart but the Raven is a Byrd and NOT a Spyderco. If it was up to Spyderco standard it would have the Spydie hole and spydie stamp on the blade like the Tenacious. I know that's nit picking. I have a Cara Cara and its a sure enough nice knife but the quality is just not up to the Spyderco standard but then neither is its price.

All in all, the Byrds are excellent knives for the money and make great hard use knives that won't hurt you feelings or your wallet if you loose, break, or whatever. Enjoy you Raven and start saving up for a Manix II or Endura you love those. :)
 
Thanks for the great review.

Some of the Byrds (like the G10 Crossbill) aren't far off some of the Spyderco knives and 8CR13MOV is a wicked steel for the money. It is true about the hole and name designation.

I actually prefer some of the Byrd's blade shapes to some of the Spyderco knives. I like to see a hollow-ground blade with an aggressive swedge sometimes. The Tenacious is a cool knife but a little bland to me in appearance.

Glad your enjoying it!

PS: What I truly like about Spyderco is that they don't split the product line by price and by build location, but rather by quality. Whether its Japan, China or Taiwan the knives speak for themselves and if they aim to be a "budget offering" they will have a Byrd hole & name. I don't need a color code designation to figure out where the knife comes from...it's stamped on the dang blade. :)
 
My Meadowlark combo edge and byrd robin in frn are the best knives i have ever had. Not my Fav but the best. I have a Caly 3 and Sage and Lum i like better than my byrds. But i use the Byrds when i work and have for 4 years and there still going . GREAT value great knives.

Sixheads
 
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