Which Byrd?

F

Frostyfingers

Joined
Aug 27, 2008
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854
I recently visited a local outdoor store, and they have a good deal on the Byrd knives. I've seen lots of great comments on here about the Cara Cara, but not so much about the other models. I understand that the CC is a lockback, whereas the others are liner locks, but the CC seems to me to be a bit large for EDC, which would be my primary purpose for it.

So, what about the others? Are they worth the bucks? Alternately, has anyone EDC'd a Cara Cara, and what was your experience like? Did you get used to the large size?

Thanks,

Frosty
 
No, they are not worth the bucks, they are worth way more. ;)

The Byrd line of knives is among the best buys on the market. My personal favorite Byrd is the G-10 Flight. It is a lockback like the Cara Cara. It is also a bit smaller, and lacks the hump on the spine at the tip that most of the Byrds have. Eric Glesser did an excellent job on this one.
 
Actually, the Finch, Flight, Meadowlark, and Robin are all lockbacks with the Raven and Crow linerlocks IIRC. All are great products imo and are great bangs for the buck. I have a CC but carry the Meadowlark. If you get caught using a knife in a bad situation and have a blade over 3 inches in MI, you could be charged with carrying a dangerous weapon. I just keep to 3 inch blades or under to skip any potential hassle. A 2.5-3 inch blade is enough for EDC tasks.

Find out one fits your hand best. Any of them are great products.
 
Although carrying a 4-incher to me is just right, you can buy anything with the Byrd name and be assured that you're getting a quality product. The FRN model is very light, but I'd pay the extra and get the G10 grips.
 
I can't say enough good things about the Byrd line. In fact, I have collected all of them. If size is a factor, you may want to look at a Meadowlark or a Robin.

The Cara Cara is in a class of it's own. The blade has a fantastic design and is very utilitarian. Another possibility is the Catbyrd, which has a frame lock and a deeper blade. All in all, the Byrds are well made and finished, so from that standpoint, you can't go wrong.

My advice is to go and handle a few if possible.
 
I EDC the G-10 Cara Cara and it´s just perfect! I had carried the frn Robin too and it is quite capable for everyday tasks.
 
I have many Byrd knives. I also gave away 15 of them this Christmas. My impressions are the Cara MODEL BY03GP G-10 MODEL BY03GP FRN are huge value and huge knives.

Flight MODEL: BY05GP G-10 Handle Great lockback, great blade.

Meadowlark SPBY04GP in G-10 & BY04PBK in FRN 3’’ blade carry very well.
Think Delica size.

Raven 3.5" Plain
BY08BKP Liner lock, aluminum handle (Black Blade) Love it.
BY08GP Handle Material: G-10
GREAT BLADE shape for EDC. 3.5”
My problem is the liner lock (I’m not a liner lock snob) This one is just too cheap.

Catbyrd BY18 Frame lock with grippy stuff on one side. This one was a shocker to me.
3.5 flat grind leaf style blade . Flick the comet hole and the blade jumps out like an AO.
Problem, The frame lock and lock release are so sharp you can cut your hands during normal operation. It took a dermal and a bit of time to grind down all the sharp stuff and buff it back to order. It’s smooth now. But at $31-$32, you can get a Tenacious for the same price. Better knife too, but not if they fix the problem.

The all stainless steel models, stay away from. In my experience. I have been through 5. Only one will open correctly. Or should I say smooth. Blades are to TIGHT with no adjustment pivot. Work it in, lube it up whatever. NO GO AMIGO.

Hey....get your Byrd on.;)
 
I have the Byrd Wings. Practical with its 2 blades, but the handle is a bit wide. Still consider it instead of a meadowlark at in essence the same blade length. In general a good quality/price ratio.
My only issue with Byrd is the existence of the Tenacious from motherbrand Spyderco in the same price range!
 
I had the FRN Caracara, FRN Meadowlark and the G10 Robin.
All are great knives but the Caracara was too big to *my* uses (urban EDC) then I sold it.
I think the Robin is better designed in shape and portability, but the Meadowlark has a very good compromise between size and weight , IMHO.
 
+1 on the G10 Meadowlark. Very nice affordable knife.
My new Crow and Raven have grown on me, but aren't as impressively well built as my Cara Cara and Meadowlark.
I favor these all above my stainless steel Robin and Pelican.
 
I had gotten an FRN CC, it was just too much metal slinging about IMO. Was definitely impressed with the quality though. If you don't mind having a longer blade, I would definitely recommend it.

Me however, I ended up giving it away. Looking to get another Byrd, but I am not a huge fan of the cosmetic aspect of the comet hole being so very pronounced. Not sure which to get :P The thumb ramp protrudes way too far for my tastes.
 
Just got a G-10 Robin a few days ago, and I really like it. Something about the design just begs to be carried and handled. The blade is only 2 1/2" so you should not have any legal problems with it. It is small but I can get a comfortable four finger grip with the forward choil, and it's not bad in a three finger grip either. This is my first Byrd but I really think the g-10 is worth it. My only complaint would be that it came very dull. I'm going to have to get very good at sharpening soon since I want to take it on a trip by weeks end.
 
Dagon said:
I have the Byrd Wings. Practical with its 2 blades, but the handle is a bit wide.
Click to expand...
I just recently bought one of these, and was plasantly supprised at the apparent quality for the price. The blades don't lock up with the same satisfying "clack" as a good Spydie, but they seen solid enough with no play at all. Feels good in the hand and opens easily and cleanly.

The double-blade Wings is a bit thick for pocket carry, but it is light and if you are wearing loose pants it seems to ride in the pocket pretty comfortably. If not, it does come with a belt pouch.

Based on the Wings, I don't think you can go far wrong for the price with a Byrd knife. :thumbup:
 
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