Spyderco fan, don't shoot! Part 2

flyfishrman

flyfishrman

Joined
Jul 23, 2006
Messages
507
Back in March I posted a thread asking Sal "Why the Byrd line?" He gave me a lengthy response to which I stated -
If you can take time out of your day to give me such a nice response I can show my continued support of your latest effort through a purchase. I'll pick up one of your Byrd knives and post another thread down the road.
Click to expand...

Well it took me 6 months, but I was at a local sporting goods store and picked up a Cara-Cara today.

WOW!

As much as I appreciated why Sal and company went this route every bone in my body wanted to not like that thing so much, but it is without a doubt the best knife of this style that you can buy for under $30. Strong statement, but I believe it.

The fit and finish were nice, not like my Mini-Manix or Caly 3, but head and shoulders above what many other companies slap their names on. A bit rough in spots, but tight as a drum on performance. Absolutely zero play in the blade and the blade blends into the backspring perfectly. I love the jimping on the choil area as this is a feature along with the rest of the ergonomics that make this knife feel great in the hand. Did I mention zero blade play? I got home and pulled out my Manix and it even had a bit of play. The only complaint I have is the sharpness of the blade. This knife was no where near as sharp as my beloved Spydies are out of the box, but the sharpmaker will sort that out.

All in all I'm more impressed than I ever thought I would be. Not sure how many more I will buy, just because I really like my beautifully finished Spydercos. However if I ever need beater knives to throw in a tackle box, tool box or truck for some good abuse byrd will be the line for me. I'll also point any knife newbie I know in the byrd direction if they are not yet ready to drop the bigger bucks on a more expensive knife. We've all said it, "I'm not spending more than $30 on a knife!" Those of us that are blade crazy enough to post here have eaten those words many times over. These are truly low priced knives, not "Cheap" or "low-cost." Quality materials at a working mans price.

Sal, great job with this line. Sorry it took me so long to make good on my word, but hopefully you're a believer in better late than never!

Next time you guys have $29 bucks burning a hole in your pocket, pick up a Byrd.
 
darn fine post. as you said i really like the idea i can recommend a very good knife to a newbee and he/she is hardly emptying their pocket
 
They're fine knives, I can't count the times I've recommended them. I recently sold my backup G10 Cara Cara to a friend who "Wanted just a normal knife, with a pocket clip and stuff" and didn't want to spend more than 25-30$. He's been very happy with it so far from what I can see.

I think the Cara Cara is one of the most ergonomic folders I've ever held, period. After a little time with some 1200 grit sandpaper on the insides it's also one of the smoothest operating folers I have. They're an incredible value.

I'm also a big fan of the bladesteel. It's tough, holds an edge very well and has proven to be stable under very thin edges. Mine is ground at about 10-12 degrees inclusive.
 
I agree completely. I have been EDC'n a G-10 Meadowlark for about 6 months. It is a great little knife. It has been rode hard and put up wet and it keeps taking abuse. On the off occasions that I grab another knife to take to work, I find myself wishing I had grabbed the Meadowlark. Great knife for the money. Actually, better knife than what I have got for the same price!!
 
I ordered a byrd flight yesterday after loseing my 94 endura glad the craftsmansip is good will be going to bass pro shop tommorow to pick up a ss endura , Sal was wondering if you sold these knives at sears in oakbrook in 1982 , I remember someone selling a knife he invented with a hole in the handle for one hand opening and a belt clip , I was a young kid then and when I purchased my spiderco ,always wondered if it was the same knife
 
Hi Sidecarr,

Back in the late 70's and early 80's we sold our products at shows and fairs (dealers wouldn't carry our "ugly" folders). At Christmas time, we demonstrated in a few Sears Stores.

We did invent the opening hole and the pocket clip in 1981, so If it wasn't me, it was one of our small group of salesmen. ("pitchmen"). No doubt the same company and the same knife.

sal
 
I bought a CARA SS PE. Gave it to a friend who don't owns any quality knive.
He's very enthousiatic about it.
I had to tinker the handle inside because it had a little production burr on the lower insides . Some varied waterproof sandpapers took care of that.
I agree ; great knives for the buck.
Myself i'm waiting for my dutch dealer to get the pe g10 ones.

Something else
I just got myself the new chad los banos MPT in plain edge
Also great knive for the buck
You can check it out as i posted a threat in the boker section : MPT Gray PE first impressions.
 
thanks for responding so quickly Sal , I went and brought a delica today at bass pro shops ,wanted a straight edge stainless model ,but they didnt have any ,so I settled for a black handled combo blade , to my surprise when I got home I found a straight edged centofante 3 , in the box ,was thinking of returning it but I really like this knife , will have to order the stainless straight edge from smokey mountain knife works next week
 
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