Overall Impression of Byrds

J

Jake Bauer

Joined
Sep 19, 2007
Messages
4,293
Hey guys,

My recent study into spydercos (I currently own 3, with number 4 on the way) and my previous use with them has kind of drawn my attention away from my beloved benchmades. I'm just really liking the VG-10, the overall light weight (of the enduras), and the ergonomics. Looking closely at Spydercos has also got me interested in the Byrd lineup. I sold spydies and byrds at an outdoors store about a year ago. The byrd line came in for the last year that the store was open so I didn't ever buy one or really look at them. I handled a Cara Cara G10, and a Raven. I really felt that although these were chinese made knives (not to bash, but generally they aren't the highest quality), they were the best ones i have ever felt. They were very ergonomic, and very well built (solid lock up, no blade play, good edge). And of course, they were dirt cheap. I am almost tempted to buy a Tenacious, or one of the byrds (probably a cara cara G10, or flight G10. That Crossbill looks freakin sweet though). What are some of you byrd owners or anyone who owns a spydie/byrd made of the 8Cr13MoV Stainless' overall opinions of these knives? Specifically in edge retention/ease of sharpening/corrosion resistance and overall durability?

I realize that this topic has probably already been disscussed several times, so I apologize in advance.

Thanks!
 
I love my 2 Byrds. I've got a G-10 Cara Cara and the Firebyrd. I think most people liken 8Cr13MoV to AUS8 or so. Edge retention is pretty decent abd it sharpens super easy! Corrosion resistance is excellent in my experience, although I don't torture my knives. The fit and finish on them is great, they should be pretty durable.

My Cara Cara has been around for just over a year now and the Firebyrd is coming up on a year. For the money, I can't think of a better line of knives.
 
I have a Raven G-10. I like it, but I don't love it. It is a good solid mid-tier knife that feels like what it is. The scales are rough, liner lock pinched my thumb every time I closed it until I worked on it with my Dremel. Clip screws had so much Locktite, or whatever the Chinese equivalent is, that I stripped two out trying to remove the clip. I only paid $25 for it, but for that much I could have had a Kershaw, or a Boker, that would be much nicer.
 
Raven I really like this one,it's lite weight,the byrd G-10 scales are great,and the blade shape is cool. I have a fair list of Spydies,but find this fella spends more time in the pocket than the others. Maybe because I don't mind scratching this one up as much. :D

Tenacious Feels more like a true Spyderco product,one of the best buys out there,for quality and price,I liked the first one so much I purchased two more
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G-10 Cara Cara is an Awesome Folding knife for $21.00. Spyderco did another great job with this line! I am planning om picking up a (2) bladed Wings next...
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Babakanoosh: Thanks for great pic's, I was just about to order the Cara
with the black blade and black steel handle,for something different.
My supplier doesn't have the G-10 model with a plain blade, only serrated, at this time. I do have a Meadow Lark, with the G-10 and it's been a great little user.
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I would not hesitate to recommend any of the Byrd line. The Byrds are well made, well designed and the steel takes a great edge. I was so impressed with my first Byrd, I collected one each of all the models. :thumbup:
 
Overall, they are excellent knives for the money. I own a Tenacious PE, a Byrd Cara-Cara half-serrated G-10 and a Cat-Byrd PE. I like the Tenacious the best. All have cut things from flex-cuffs to hemp and other items in between and seem to maintain a very sharp edge with an occasional touch up on the Tri-Angle Sharpmaker. They are all backed by Spyderco's Limited Warranty and excellent service. In my opinion, you cannot go wrong with any of them.
 
Great knives for the $, especially for someone looking for a beater or someone who wants a quality knife but wouldn't spend more than $30 or so to get it. The Byrds edge retention is good and they take a nice edge (they seem to being running them hard), but they won't hold an edge as well as VG10. Rust resistance seems decent if not spectacular for stainless.


I think most people interested enough in knives to be reading this might be better off saving up for a Golden or Seiki City Spyderco. The main reseaons (aside for were they are made if that matters to you) is the USA and Japan Spyderco blade steels (S30V, VG10 0r H1 on most models), the Spyderco round hole along with a little better build quality (although the Byrds are not bad at all).




Frank
 
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I own a Robin, which even my wife loves, and today I bought the very impressive Tenacious. Everything you've heard/read is true. Great knives. Buy one and you'll buy more.
 
Chewy1 said:
I own a Robin, which even my wife loves, and today I bought the very impressive Tenacious. Everything you've heard/read is true. Great knives. Buy one and you'll buy more.
Click to expand...

Chewy I agree whole heartily, The Tenacious is great knife, I just bought two more, for gifts or back up, or or ??
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I have a PE FRN Cara Cara that is an awesome knife. It came shaving sharp, and with great lock up and action out of the box. Super light, and takes a great edge (now convex), and loves the strop. My youngest son has a matching Meadowlark, and wife has the PE SS Robin. We love the Byrd line, and will keep buying them, and wholeheartedly recommending them.

Beckerhead
 
i find 8cr13mov pretty good, I reground a cara cara to 20-25degrees inclusive and it's been working amazingly without much dulling, I have found that AUS8 on the boker trance rust far more easily than the 8cr13mov on the byrd.
 
They're cheap, they work well, and easy to collect them. :D (Overall quality almost as good as on the Tenacious - I love them. :))

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I'm ordering a G10 PE Cara Cara (along with a 4" Zytel CS Ti Lite) from my favorite local dealer tomorrow, have heard great things

I personally think the Cara Cara is a fantastic looking knife. I handled one of the stainless versions at another local dealer. Liked everything but the tacky stainless handles!
 
Hi,

I have 62 Byrd knives and think they are great fum. Probably my favorite is the FRM Meadowlark PE. That could change as I see what options the Flight comes with.

Best - Joe
 
Hi,

I have 62 Byrd knives and think they are great fun. Probably my favorite is the FRM Meadowlark PE. That could change as I see what options the Flight comes with.

Best - Joe
 
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