Quality of Byrd knives vs Spyderco

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Corny9

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Jul 26, 2013
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What are the differences in terms of quality of the Byrd knives and actual Soyderco knives. Besides the blade material what else is different? For example Byrd Meadowlark vs Spyderco Delica and Byrd Cara Cara vs Spyderco Endura.
 
There is some variation within each model. From the ones I've owned, about 2-3 of each, F&F on the Byrds are good. F&F on the Delica and Endura are noticeably better.
 
The Byrd knives are perhaps on par with the lower end, Chinese produced spydercos such as the ambitious/persistence/tenacious/resilience, but do not hold a candle to the USA, Japanese, and Taiwanese produced knives. The Byrd knives make good beaters and glove box knives, but the spyderco branded knives are substantially better.
 
anyone who claims a byrd knife is only good for a glove box knife probably had never actually used one. I have carried and used a byrd rescue every day for close to four years now. The first one was retired when it went overboard and the second one has been going strong for two years. I am a commercial mariner, a lobsterman and a part time harbormaster and I do a lot of cutting of rope and other tough materials. I've pried with the knife, scraped, dug, sawed and chopped. The fit and finish might not be on par with a $150 knife but it is above and beyond that of a $30 knife. Don't let the price tag and the China stamp on the blade fool you. These aren't throwaway knives. They are good inexpensive folders for people who use their knives for work and don't have the kind of money to afford a fancy "made in USA" blade of the newest "super steel."
 
I have really enjoyed my byrd Meadowlark II in G10. It isn't a fancy knife, but it works well. I cannot complain for the price of $25! I would recommend it to anyone who needs a hard working edc for not much cash. The FRN handled knives are far cheaper and still good quality. I would not hesitate to buy a bryd knife again though I do like my Spydies better!
 
Byrd are good knives. Their fit and finish might be slightly lower than Spydercos, comparing my Cara Cara and Endura, but they're still good user knives.

I also have a Meadowlark 2, and if I weren't so fond of the Endura I'd say it was a perfect cheap EDC knife.
 
The Byrd knives that I have run the gambit from 'meh' to 'Great!'. I bought a couple when they were first released, and the liner lock models had some issues. One of mine came with a blade the squeaked when opening even after lubricating and another came with a liner that locked up at 100% right out of the package. On the other hand, the more recent Byrd knives that I've picked up were really solid performers with zero lockup or fit and finish issues. The G-10 Kara Kara 2 is a great alternative to the Endura if you need to save a few bucks. Another favorite of mine is the Robin 2 for a smaller knife. I've probably given over a dozen Byrd knives away to friends and co-workers who were just starting to get interested in knives.
 
Thank you everyone for the responses. So besides the blade steel what is different between the Meadowlark and Delica, and the Cara Cara and Endura?
 
The FRN has a slightly different pattern, and the Byrds have jimped choils for better grip up close to your work. The Delica and Endura consequently have a longer cutting edge.
 
Corny9 said:
Does anyone have experience with 2 of the comparable knives from each brand name?
Click to expand...

Yes, I've owned a meadowlark and still own a couple of delicas. The delicas are better, also more expensive. The delica/endura will give you better steel, tighter tolerances, better fit and finish, and the pride of the spyderco logo. I'm not sure if the Byrd knives have the same warranty as the spyderco branded knives, but if not, that's another plus for the spydercos. It sounds like you're wanting someone to tell you there's no difference and you should just get a Byrd. Unfortunately that's just not the case, they're close(ish), and are clearly inspired by some of spyderco's flagship models, but a Chinese meadowlark, while a good value to be sure, falls well short of a delica in my book. There's nothing glaringly wrong with the Byrd knives, but the spydercos are just flat out better. Save up some money and go with spyderco, you won't be disappointed.
 
I had a Byrd Raven with G-10 scales. It was a nice design; good choil. A fairly heavy knife, though, and the G-10 had kinda sharp edges. I carried it some and liked it, but then my ex-wife saw it and wanted it, so I gave it to her.
 
I've had a meadowlark for years, half serrated version. It's been great, the only problem I had was that the pocket clip wasn't screwed into the liner, only the G10, it broke off after a few weeks.
 
Corny9 said:
Does anyone have experience with 2 of the comparable knives from each brand name?
Click to expand...

My Meadowlark 2 kicked my Delica 4 FFG out of my pocket as my EDC. I have big hands and I like that I can choke up on the choil on the Meadowlark 2. Also I will be less worried about losing it with it being so much cheaper. I don't find the FRN handles to be too aggressive on the Byrds but I do plan to get a Meadowlark 2 in G10 sometime soon.

The Robin is a little small for me (compared to my Dragonfly 2) but my kids love them.

Lately I have been using my Byrd Tern a lot more and it's really growing on me. The Byrds are definitely not a sub-standard knife by any stretch of the imagination. To my mind they represent some of the best bang for buck on the knife market.

Delica_Para2_Meadowlark2.jpg
 
Thanks for all your reviews. I think I am going to get a Byrd knife, probably the Cara Cara.
 
i owned a meadowlark rescue and the hawkbill. best thing about it ( compared to spyderco's delica, is the choil. my meadowlark is the frn one. fit and finish, delica is definitely better. meadowlark's frn looks cheap but it is only cosmetic , the performance still superb.
 
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