If you are, get a G10 Byrd (Cara Cara or Meadowlark) and a Sharpmaker. I recently did just that and have been completely blown away by both products.
I have been carrying my Meadowlark instead of my Mini-Grip for the past few days and find myself idly comparing them side by side with one in each hand. For being 1/3rd the price of the Mini-Grip, the Byrd is AMAZING. Look at those THICK liners! What a great introduction to Spyderco quality and G10 scales at an exceptional price point. I had read people expressing disappointment in the "cheap feeling" scales of the Grip and never really understood until I held the G10. I think I'll get a G10 Cara Cara next.
As for the Sharpmaker, my worn out old S&W Baby SWAT has never been sharper in the several years I've used and abused it. And it only took about 7 minutes. The instructional DVD is a very appreciated bonus because I just don't like reading instructions. I had to cut the package open (with my Meadowlark
) and get started ASAP. It's quite addictive once you get going. I scoured the house searching for anything with an edge to sharpen on the Sharpmaker.
I definitely love my AXIS lock but can't help but feeling the Byrd is just a much better value. It's that warm and fuzzy inside value. Highly recommended. Everyone says slapping a G10 handle on a Grip would make it the ultimate knife -- but I say slapping an AXIS lock and a <insert super steel here> blade on a Byrd would make it the ultimate knife. The ergonomics just blow the Grip away.
I have been carrying my Meadowlark instead of my Mini-Grip for the past few days and find myself idly comparing them side by side with one in each hand. For being 1/3rd the price of the Mini-Grip, the Byrd is AMAZING. Look at those THICK liners! What a great introduction to Spyderco quality and G10 scales at an exceptional price point. I had read people expressing disappointment in the "cheap feeling" scales of the Grip and never really understood until I held the G10. I think I'll get a G10 Cara Cara next.
As for the Sharpmaker, my worn out old S&W Baby SWAT has never been sharper in the several years I've used and abused it. And it only took about 7 minutes. The instructional DVD is a very appreciated bonus because I just don't like reading instructions. I had to cut the package open (with my Meadowlark
) and get started ASAP. It's quite addictive once you get going. I scoured the house searching for anything with an edge to sharpen on the Sharpmaker.I definitely love my AXIS lock but can't help but feeling the Byrd is just a much better value. It's that warm and fuzzy inside value. Highly recommended. Everyone says slapping a G10 handle on a Grip would make it the ultimate knife -- but I say slapping an AXIS lock and a <insert super steel here> blade on a Byrd would make it the ultimate knife. The ergonomics just blow the Grip away.