Why I'm buying more Byrds than Spydies lately

[MG_Saldivar]

I live in Colorado, which has a fairly generous definition of "knife" as in "weapon" -- any single-edged folder with a blade under 3.5" is legal in most areas. Before moving here, I grew up in Texas, which has even more generous knife laws (outside a few urban centers). And yet, I've always preferred shorter blades - 3" max. In my white-collar day-to-day life, I've never felt a need for anything larger, although I usually have something like an Endure (or Buck 110) in my collection.

This is why most of my Spyderco purchases lately have been Byrds rather than Spydies. I appreciate the art, quality construction, and ergonomics of most of the Spyderco line, and my usual EDCs are a Delica or a Salsa. But the current Spydie lineup doesn't offer any smaller knives that appeal to me.

The Lava and Spin have great ergos (I've handled them at the Spyderco Outlet), but my big paw doesn't handle stainless steel scales very well. (This is why I stopped carrying my Scorpius, which otherwise has the best ergos for my hand of any knife I've ever handled, period.) Indeed, the cellidor scales of a SAK are as smooth as I will tolerate in a knife handle, and even cellidor can be textured with sandpaper, or replaced with Victorinox nylon scales. So, I've turned to the various FRN and G10 Byrds to meet my knife needs in terms of blade length while providing the grippy handle that I desire -- Robin, Meadowlark, and Finch. They're the only knives I've found currently in production that rival the grippy ergos of my beloved Meerkat.*

If either the Byrd or Spyderco lines ever produce a knife with the blade shape and handle ergos of a Salsa or Navigator with G10 or even FRN scales, I would be set for life!



*I know the Dragonfly is available in FRN but I've never taken the plunge due to the non-metal pocket clip on that model.

 

[Lava]

I had a Dragonfly, I absolutely loved it.. right up until I lost it

I'd absolutely buy another one except that I'm worried that I lost it due to its size, and that if I had another one, I'd just lose that one too. (I think it slipped between the gap between the counter & the wall for the cabinets at work and fell down behind)

I'm curious though, with the Lava, even though it does have the stainless steel handle scales & you have larger hands, did you not find that the sheer design of the handle would've made it next to impossible for it to slip? I haven't handled the Spin, but would love to, and the Lava's on my list of "to get" 's.

 

[MG_Saldivar]

I'm curious though, with the Lava, even though it does have the stainless steel handle scales & you have larger hands, did you not find that the sheer design of the handle would've made it next to impossible for it to slip?

You're correct - I doubt my hand would slip on a knife designed like the Lava (and, to a lesser degree, the Scorpius, which has a somewhat more shallow choil than the Lava). It's just that when I hold a SS handle longer than a few minutes, the metal feels clammy and uncomfortable against my hand. I will readily admit "uncomfortable" does not equal "slippery" or "dangerous to use."

Perhaps I just have sweaty palms?

In any case, non-metal grips are infinitely more comfortable for me.

 

[3mptin3ss]

the g-10 robin is one of my fav knives around.

the $20 byrd robin was my work knife at my last job and it performed admirably. its a ridiculous price for such a well designed knife. inmop the g10 robin is better than many spydercos. best bang for your buck.

 

[travistheone]

I often carry the above knife and it feels like knives ten times its cost. big thumbs up

 

[carrot]

The G-10 Delica is on its way, I hear. Also, if you like small G-10 scaled knives, how about a Caly3? It is Delica-sized and so much nicer.

 

[MG_Saldivar]

I own both the G10 and CF Caly III's. They are great knives but I only carry them when I don't anticipate having any 'messy' chores that day.

 

[3mptin3ss]

Also, if you like small G-10 scaled knives, how about a Caly3?

you could save yourself like $100 and get the g10 robin instead which i personally like more than the caly 3.

 

[jaislandboy]

you can't go wrong with an FRN or G10 Robin or Meadowlark .... :thumbup:

 

[Liveitloud]

I love the meadowlark. I have carried it everyday for the last 6 months. Still sharp as the day I bought it. Unbelievable quality in this reasonably priced knife!

 

[carrot]

you could save yourself like $100 and get the g10 robin instead which i personally like more than the caly 3.

The Robin is smaller than the Caly3, by a significant amount. I had one, gave it away. It is Dragonfly-sized, rather than Delica-sized, and so, a dramatically different knife.

I do love my Meadowlark G-10 though. Fantastic ergos and great build.