Spyderco Byrd Line?

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afishhunter

afishhunter

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Cara Cara 2 (plain edge) is the model I'm thinking of getting.
Worth getting?
I know it does not have the "Latest and Greatest" anything.
 
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They're reliable and functional work knives, but they do feel kind of cheap. You wouldn't be making a mistake buying one if you really like Spyderco's design sensibilities, since those are kind of unique. But IMO the Byrd line was an easier recommendation when it came out; back then we didn't have the explosion of Chinese brands offering high value knives like we have now.
 
Tsujigiri said:
They're reliable and functional work knives, but they do feel kind of cheap. You wouldn't be making a mistake buying one if you really like Spyderco's design sensibilities, since those are kind of unique. But IMO the Byrd line was an easier recommendation when it came out; back then we didn't have the explosion of Chinese brands offering high value knives like we have now.
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This really says it all. The Byrd line offered more cost effective Spyderco styles at a discount, but the competition has left them in the dust.

It looks like most Byrd models are discontinued and at clearance prices, so maybe that’s your sign.

At clearance prices they still make a viable choice but not otherwise.
 
I think they are great and very functional.

I would prefer them to most other budget Chinese made options.

If you care mostly about performance (not appearance and style) and you like back locks and a choil, then I disagree with the previous two posts regarding value.
 
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I had a couple of those but don't remember the models they were good for the price but never had a real use for them so gave them to a friend.
 
I’ve never owned a Cara Cara but it looks like a budget version of the Endura.

I have owned a few other Byrd models and I still own 6 Robins that I bought around 2009 or so. I also have a Wings Slip-It.

I love my Robins. I handled a couple of Dragonflies which the Robin somewhat resembles but I like the Robin better.

The only model I once owned and didn’t like was the Meadowlark FRN. It did feel cheap but my FRN Robins don’t feel cheap in my opinion.

I’ve been thinking about getting a Robin 2 because mine were all bought before the upgrade to full flat ground blades.
 
I had a Harrier 2 with G10. It did everything I expected it to do.
At least his point in time, I feel like you could find something in better steel for about the same cost. Byrd uses 8cr13mov when you could have something in 14c28n or nitro-v.
 
I had/have a Byrd flight with the stainless steel handles. Nice enough for the price. Works hard. Steel decent enough if you can sharpen. Grinds are pretty uneven. But does feel like a cheap knife. Thin handles. Sriff lock. Always found the ‘comma’ hole kinda ugly.
 
The only Byrd knife I have is the serrated hawkbill model. I bought it to see if I liked it enough to upgrade to a "real" spyderco model. I was/am happy with it, but didn't think it brought anything to the table that a regular serrated blade didn't. Having "fat" fingers, I really like the opening hole shape better than the round hole.
 
I liked them for what they were until Spyderco came out with the Tenacious and the Resilience. At the time, they were just a couple of bucks more than the Byrd line, and they felt more substantial. I have 3 or four Byrd models of some variety kicking around somewhere. I don't think I have picked them up in maybe 15 years or so. They are solid budget knives, but the whole premise of them being a Spyderco on a Chinese budget is outdated. Spyderco keeps pushing the premium steel and cutting edge designs with the pricing that matches it (which I think is smart). Subbing out Chinese factories to make stuff that Chinese companies are already successfully marketing and producing in-house doesn't seem to be a winning strategy in 2024 compared to 2004.
 
Also check out the Ruike (P801-SF) on Amazon. It comes in silver or black and to this date is the cheapest very high quality folding knife I have found. I've got lots of high end folders and not one of them beats this $33ish dollar knife for what it is. 14C28N and very smooth action. I always carry this knife with a random high end model I have. If I'm in a situation the cutting something I know might cause the knife damage, I always use the Ruike. Ive tried about 50 or so inexpensive Chi knives and this is the best to date. I have a black and silver one and thinking about getting another just to leave in my truck console.
 
The Byrd knives with G-10 scales are quite nice. :cool:
Have not handled any with FRN scales, so I cannot say about them personally.

A friend of mine bought some Byrd rescue knives for work (FRN scales, I believe), and they have been going strong.
Work order for knives for multiple people there, and so far everyone has been happy with the performance...and they do get used to cut things, given the type of work.
 
I have a Cara Cara with FRN, it is my first Spyderco knife. I also bought it to see how it goes and whether or not I would like Spyderco's knives. It went quite well, I would say I liked it — although Spyderco is not my favourite knifemaker, by far!

The Cara Cara is quite decent, but I bought an Emphasis after that, and the Emphasis feels better and is more fidgety. I don't think you will regret buying a Byrd just like I didn't, but I believe "real" Spydercos just feel better in the hand.

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I haven’t read any mention of the David Boye dent on the lock bar.

That’s a feature that I’ve always enjoyed on my Robins. Not because it limits the risk of accidentally disengaging the lock but because it feels better than a straight lock bar when disengaging the lock.
 
I got a handful of the old ones. maybe that model. they weren't bad for the price back then.

i agree with Steely's comments.
 
Hackenslash said:
It looks like most Byrd models are discontinued and at clearance prices, so maybe that’s your sign.

At clearance prices they still make a viable choice but not otherwise.
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Where/when did you read/hear this? I've seen nothing to this effect on Spyderco's site, nor on dealer sites.
 
I had a Byrd Rescue and liked it more than my Spyderco Rescue. Unfortunately, I lost it. I would have replaced it since I liked it so much, but I have a Stretch XL fully serrated, which kind of fills the same role, but it did get a ton of use while I had it.
 
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