Upgrade from Byrd Robin 2?

TripleB67

TripleB67

Joined
Jan 28, 2016
Messages
183
I have been carrying a Byrd Robin 2 for a while now (along with a Cryo 2 some) and unfortunately I've have either lost it or it was stolen. Which is a real shame because I really loved everything about the Robin 2...the blade length, size, opening of it, locking blade, carrying ease, etc.

I considered ordering another one but now that I know the Robin 2 represents the perfect size and type for my daily needs, I'm thinking about getting something that is very similar but spend a little more to get a bit better quality.

What knife comes closest to the Byrd Robin 2 while staying under $70 or so?

Thanks for any and all input!

TripleB67
 
Spyderco Dragonfly 2 is nearly identical. The VG-10 FRN version is around $53. Slightly larger is the Delica 4 FRN for about $65. Highly recommend checking those first!
 
Seneca18 said:
The obvious next step up would be the Dragonfly by Spyderco.
Click to expand...

What's the difference between the Dragonfly and the Dragonfly 2?

Also, is it worth the extra $35 to move from the Robin 2 to the Dragonfly?

Thanks!

TripleB67
 
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The Dragonfly had the molded pocket clip, and has been out of production for quite a few years now. The II has a swappable wire clip, and is available now. Essentially the same design. Both are an upgrade over the Robin II.
I would keep an eye out on the Exchange for the G-10 version. It doubles as a nice gentlemans folder as well as being sturdier due to having steel liners.

Basically, if you really liked the Robin, you will absolutely LOVE a Dragonfly.
 
For me, absolutely it's worth it. Better ergos, a knife that small that fits as well if not better than most of the larger blades i've ever had. A much improved steel upgrade, 8CR13MOV is good for a budget knife but is inferior to the Dragonflys entry steel of VG-10. Everything about the Dragonfly is just sharper and more refined than the Byrd. Dragonfly 2 is just the newer model of the Dragonfly series. In the $75 and under range you will be limited to the regular VG-10 and the H1 Salt series. Definitely take a look at the H1 steel to see if its worth it for you, if not then go with the VG-10.
Untitled by Danny Nystrom, on Flickr
I'll echo what Northern said as well, the G-10 version is the most versatile of the bunch. If you watch the exchange, be on the lookout for a ZDP-189 version as well, this will be a HUGE improvement over the Byrd's steel. The dark green FRN is the ZDP one.
Untitled by Danny Nystrom, on Flickr
 
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Seneca18 said:
If you watch the exchange, be on the lookout for a ZDP-189 version as well, this will be a HUGE improvement over the Byrd's steel. The dark green FRN is the ZDP one.
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It only comes in green and it's about $21 more than the FRN VG-10 model? That's the one?

I've owned knives a long time but have never really worked on how to sharpen them properly...is there a difference in ease of sharpening between the VG-10 and the ZDP-189 blades?

And the H1 is probably out...love the yellow (as well as the orange on the VG-10), but really need for this knife to have low visibility :D Is the green on the ZDP-189 a really dark green?

Sorry for all the questions but thanks for all the input!!!

TripleB67
 
Yeah it's very dark green. Will look black in some pics. Zdp 189 is a much better steel than Vg10.
Much longer edge retention. You do give up a touch of rust resistance, but if you aren't using it near salt water often that won't make a difference.
 
TripleB67 said:
It only comes in green and it's about $21 more than the FRN VG-10 model? That's the one?

I've owned knives a long time but have never really worked on how to sharpen them properly...is there a difference in ease of sharpening between the VG-10 and the ZDP-189 blades?

And the H1 is probably out...love the yellow (as well as the orange on the VG-10), but really need for this knife to have low visibility :D Is the green on the ZDP-189 a really dark green?

Sorry for all the questions but thanks for all the input!!!

TripleB67
Click to expand...

The ZDP-189 is a very dark green, so it shouldn't stand out much. It's also not the easiest thing in the world to sharpen. Touching up the edge on something like a Spyderco Sharpmaker isn't an issue, but if it develops any chips or the point breaks, you're going to want to use diamond rods/stones.

It can be done with ceramic stones, but you'll be there a while.

You won't be disappointed with VG-10s performance though, and if low visibility is desired, the black FRN models in vg10 can often be had dirt cheap.
 
TripleB67 said:
It only comes in green and it's about $21 more than the FRN VG-10 model? That's the one?

I've owned knives a long time but have never really worked on how to sharpen them properly...is there a difference in ease of sharpening between the VG-10 and the ZDP-189 blades?

And the H1 is probably out...love the yellow (as well as the orange on the VG-10), but really need for this knife to have low visibility :D Is the green on the ZDP-189 a really dark green?

Sorry for all the questions but thanks for all the input!!!

TripleB67
Click to expand...

The dark green (British racing green, as Spyderco calls it) does not stand out at all, in my pic you can barely tell it's green. ZDP-189 will hold an amazing edge and if you keep it maintained with regular touchups sharpening will never be an issue. But, if you do use it a ton and let it get dull ZDP is one of the harder steels to bring an edge back on, VG-10 is very easy to sharpen but will not hold that edge as long, so you have pros and cons to each.
 
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