Question about the Byrd Cara Cara

T

tomjoyce

Joined
Jan 1, 2007
Messages
13
Hi
I'm kinda new to knives. I don't own much, a folding lockback utility knife, a kitchen knife (non-serrated steak knife i s'pose it is?), as well as a standard utility knife (normal retractible kind), and a boxcutter. I'm hoping to start a collection of all kinds of knives, although probably focusing on folding knives, and maybe balisongs.

I'm probably going to buy a [cheap] balisong to play around with from a friend. I'm also considering getting a Spyderco Byrd Cara Cara, as pictured here: http://www.thebladeshop.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3018 ... I'd like to know, though, what kind of locking system it has. Anyone know?

Thanks in advance!
 
As he said it is a lockback, and a strong one at that. Look at Vivi's pictures of what he did to his G-10 Cara Cara (I prefer that over the Stainless or FRN models) in the thread in this forum. They are very tough, well built knives with a good steel. They are a tremendous value, possibly the best in the knife market.
 
Well, technically it's a front lock, or mid lock. The difference is small, but can be quite important. On a lockback, the kick (the small protrusion on the blade, directly behind the cutting edge) rests against the lockbar ahead of the lockbar pivot when the blade is closed. For that reason, accidental pressure on the spine, with the knife closed can lift the lockbar and "crash" the cutting edge against the lockbar, lock spring, or backspacer, dulling it. Al Mar improved on that with the lock type he graciously allowed Spyderco to use. In a front/mid lock, the kick hits behind the lockbar pivot, so the lockbar cannot move, and the cutting edge cannot be forced, accidentally or intentionally, agaist the lockbar, spring or backspacer. Opening an closing actions are the same with both lockbacks and front/mid locks.
 
The Deacon said:
Well, technically it's a front lock, or mid lock. The difference is small, but can be quite important. On a lockback, the kick (the small protrusion on the blade, directly behind the cutting edge) rests against the lockbar ahead of the lockbar pivot when the blade is closed. For that reason, accidental pressure on the spine, with the knife closed can lift the lockbar and "crash" the cutting edge against the lockbar, lock spring, or backspacer, dulling it. Al Mar improved on that with the lock type he graciously allowed Spyderco to use. In a front/mid lock, the kick hits behind the lockbar pivot, so the lockbar cannot move, and the cutting edge cannot be forced, accidentally or intentionally, agaist the lockbar, spring or backspacer. Opening an closing actions are the same with both lockbacks and front/mid locks.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the lesson, or is sermon most appropriate, Deacon:D ? Seriously, I always wondered about the whole front/back/midlock thing, that was a great explanation, definately very clear and concise.
 
That was great, Deacon, I thought about asking for a very descriptive answer, but decided not to. I s'pose I didn't have to! I don't want to push my luck, but anyone want to explain how a liner-lock works? I don't own any liner lock knives, nor have I seen any in person, to my knowledge. I've been having trouble understanding how they work. So how DO they work?
 
Another question about the Cara Cara ... has anyone seen a Cara Cara with a G-10 handle (black) with a 8Cr13MoV black blade? I may just be overlooking it, but I have yet to see one on any site, I think.

They sell Cara Cara's with Black stainless handle/black 8Cr13MoV blade, so why not Black G-10 handle/black 8Cr13MoV?

If you do know of one, plz let me know! :-) will be buying soon after I sell some of my stuff (non-knife stuff, computer parts etc.)
 
I have a stainless one from when they were still being stamped 440C. Its pretty much a flawless knife. I use it a lot and it has always performed and cut very well right up there with knives many times its price point. They are fine knives with very good solid, reliable locks on them.

STR
 
the best advice i can possibly offer a new collector is QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
 
I've changed my mind, I think I am going to get a Meadowlark, but AFAIK they are essentially the same, just the meadowlark is smaller. Any opinions on G-10 vs FRN? I'm leaning towards G-10 ... I tend not to like anything in my pockets that is too light ... then I don't realize if it is missing from my pocket :-)
 
Byrd's G10 are (surprisingly) top quality, I warmly recommend it over the FRN ones. The G10 Meadowlark is a great bang for your bucks. :)
 
Yup, I was planning on going with a PE g10 meadowlark from newgraham..but then I impulse bought a PE s30v native from wally world yesterday...for twice the price almost...
 
I'm sort of picky, however I can't findy anything to say against SS Caracara (apart from it's weight and pocket clip :))
 
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