No love for byrd?

M

mat_890

Joined
Mar 19, 2010
Messages
378
Hey everyone,

I have recently become a fan of spyderco when I handled one my buddy got for his b-day. I have seriously been missing out!! I'm a student and a little low on funds (or really low on funds) and I am just wondering why byrd knives are almost never discussed. The youtube videos I have watches suggested they are awesome for the price.

I figured I would ask you all kindly for your wisdom before I made a purchase. Am I better off waiting a few months and getting a spyderco, or picking up a byrd within the week.

Thanks guys! and sorry for the newbie post.
 
I can only speak for my personal reason, but it's the steel. I have too many knives in better steels to really get into Byrd knives. I like the designs--especially the ones that are practically an Endura and a Delica with a choil--but I'd never use one if I bought one--so I haven't bought any. I do have a couple Sanrenmu knives with 8cr13mov (which I only bought to see the quality after the many heated threads on the brand); it's definitely not a bad steel, but I don't carry those. If the FFG models had come out before I started spending too much money on knives, I'd definitely have a few models.
 
In a way, it's more surprising how many here actually use Byrds. The folks who frequent knife forums tend to be knife enthusiasts. Sal said from the beginning that the Byrd line wasn't intended to appeal to us, it was created to appeal to people just looking for a decent knife at a tolerable price.

Paul
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My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Kiwimania ---- Spydiewiki
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I have a cara cara and a PE crossbill and you really cant go wrong for the price. I'm by no means a steal junky to the extent of others, but the steal in the byrds isn't terrible and has served me well as beater work knives. As far as getting a byrd or a spyderco; I would recommend saving up for an endura or delica if you plan on getting a spydie eventually.
 
I have several Byrds and i´m waiting for the CaraCara2 and Meadowlark2.

I infected my wife with the Byrd Starling, now she understands and has a sweet little collection herself.

No love?
Far from it. A friend needs a budget knife? Byrd to the rescue. Last minute gift?
Get a Byrd.

Need a german legal blade?
Get a Wings Slipit.

Want to get a feel for hawkbill-blades? Crossbill will fix it...


If I had to I would be able to get my fix just with Byrds, but right now, I dont have to.
 
My 8Cr13MoV FRN Meadowlark 1 is just as good a user knife as my VG-10 FRN Delica 4. Mine gets rotated regularly with the best of my other Spydercos, Benchmades, Strider, and ZT.
 
I respect the line but am fortunate enough that I can afford all Spydies - so I have no motivation to try the Byrd line.
 
Byrds are perfectly good, usable knives and great values. I own and carry a few, and in some cases prefer them to similiar-sized Spydercos: The Finch, for example, has a much more comfortable handle for me than the Ladybug. Then there's the Wings and Wings slipit, which have no equivalent in Spyderco's current lineup...
 
I picked up a multitool to put a computer together and realized I do have a Byrd--the Byrdwrench! I use it all the time, so it's idiotic I forgot about it. The design is very cool; I love having two types of wrench on a single multitool.
 
Even being a broke student, I'd save up a bit more and get a real Spyderco, if you're into knives. The FRN models tend to be affordable, and you can get some awesome deals right here on the forums. I just got a brand new Camo Military for $90 shipped. The exchange is awesome. Lots of knife knuts trying to flip their blades for various reasons.
 
Byrds are great knives. Many on the forums mention the kife as a 'best bang for the buck' blade.

I love mine and used them for ultimate beater blades. I haven't killed one yet. Plus, if I'm ever in some position where I could lose the blade (stolen, confiscated, borrowed by an idiot) I've no worries as it costs nowhere near the Mils, E4's, etc.

Since you're a student, I'd get a Byrd for the reasons above. No offense intended, but, I had things swiped while in college or a person with a blade is reported to campus police and the blade is gone.

Hope this helps
 
The byrds, especially the new ones like the G-10 CaraCara 2, are just great. That knife is built very well and won't let you down.
The CaraCara 1 is a great knife, too, and right now the price is hard to beat.... I EDC'd this one for a while:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/...a-Cara-Folding-Knife-Combo-Edge-Lockback.html

If you just need something that is light and small enough to EDC, yet with a VERY good steel and decent edge length, and at the same time not breaking the bank, I'd definitely suggest a Native PE. Plus it it the "real thing", made in the USA to boot.

They pop up pretty regularly @ the exchange here or i.e. @ knife-bst.com.
Example (alerady gone, but you get an idea): http://www.knife-bst.com/bst/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2156

Even new, these are pretty affordable:

http://www.cutleryshoppe.com/nativelightweight-plaincomboedge.aspx
http://newgraham.com/store/product/713/Spyderco-Native-Plain-Edge-SC41PBK/
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=SP41PBK
[...]

Dennis
 
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They are ok for the money, but over time I've found that my demands exceeded what the byrds could deliver without constant resharpening.
 
I say save for a real Spyderco, the Byrds are nive for the money, but I personally don't like the designs and I prefer the Ka Bar Dozier knives for inexpensive lock backs.
 
Thanks for all the responses!

Tough decision lol, I think I might grab a byrd while saving for a spyderco then give the byrd to my dad or something :D
Seems like the best of both worlds.
 
I never cared for the Byrds -- neither the steels, nor the designs. But that's just my personal preference.
 
I would say go for the Spyderco. I like the Byrd line. A lot actually. I carry one for yard work or anything that might mess up my Delica.
I've bought quite a few Spyderco and Byrd knives this year. The Byrds are mostly for gifts to friends that aren't that into knives, but I'm tired of loaning them mine. :D
 
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