Something I noticed the other day!

[The General]

I remember when Sal was talking about the Byrd line when it first came out he said that (paraphrasing) "the Byrd line was not aimed at the Spyderco collector or user, it was intended to tap into the value end of the knife market. Better a well made and safe cheap knife than a nasty unsafe knock of etc"

That was the jist of what I got from Sal, the Byrd line was to be a range of economical knives for people that could not afford or want to spend the extra on a Spyderco. People that spend $5-$10 on a knife might just aim for a Byrd knife as it is not much more and much much better.

Well I tell you what, I remember the first Byrd knives and I was not overly impressed with them. However a couple of years ago at the IWA show, Sal showed me the improved Byrd knives and I was seriously impressed. Solid lock up, no play and a well made product. I was very impressed.

Well I have seen the latest Byrd offerings at the Leeds meet up and I have to say I am even more impressed. These are seriously good value and... I will get to my point now!

I notice a lot of the Spyder faithful own Byrd knives! A lot of us are happy with them and use them. They have become to many a genuine part of the Spyderco range up and are not really seen as a seperate brand with no real ties to Spyderco.

I know Sal wanted to give the Byrd knives a different look (comet hole) and name (Byrd) so perhaps the thinking here was to avoid people thinking the quality of the Spyderco range had in some way been reduced? Well I am now unemployed and the low price of the Byrd knives now seems VERY appealing. I find myself looking at the Byrd line up and seeing now just how important it is to have an economical choice that is also a trustworthy product.

So my question is this, what is the first Byrd knife I ought to buy? What is the most liked? I was thinking about a plain edge knife in the 3"-3.5" range.

[Padawan]

My suggestion would definitely be a G-10 Meadowlark or Cara Cara (unless of course you prefer SS or FRN).

[jaislandboy]

i've bought a byrd or two....:p
they are seriously good value.....i'd recommend either a G10 or FRN Meadowlark.....if you're hankering for a hawkbill....I'd also recommend the Crossbill....hard to go wrong with a Meadowlark though....:rolleyes:

[santiago]

I second Padawan's G10 Meadowlark recommendation. Don't know if it's the most liked but at 3" it sounds like what you're looking for. It's a fantastic knife for the price.

Then go for its little sibling, the G10 Robin.

[yablanowitz]

So far, the Flight is the only Byrd to get into my pocket. I think it may be the bird beak hump on the spine of the blade that turns me off the others, but the Flight is the only one I find visually appealing. And since I do most of my knife shopping online, that counts for a lot. I really look forward to seeing the G-10 Flight, hopefully this year.

[James Marsh]

I think the best Byrd model is the Cara Cara G10. I agree with a lot of your analysis that Byrd is seen by Spyderco fans as a brand extension, not a separate brand.

I have compared the FRN Cara Cara side by side with the FRN Endura, and I like the Cara Cara better. The handle has a little more height and is easier to hold. The handle on the Endura 4 is too skinny. It feels like it is going to twist in my hand. Also, the lockup and rigidity of the handle was superior on the Cara Cara.

Honestly, the Endura was a very disappointing knife to me. My first Spyderco was a CF BG-42 Military, then a ParaMilitary, then a Cara Cara G10, so once I bought an Endura it was a real let down. I really have trouble seeing how Spyderco built a reputation on that knife.

But I am getting off topic, and think the Byrd models are an outstanding value. To me, they are a Spyderco I can carry when I really don't want to risk losing or abusing a Spydie.

[The General]

To me, they are a Spyderco I can carry when I really don't want to risk losing or abusing a Spydie.

I think that sums it up best!:D

Cheers guys!

[cobrajoe]

James, you got me wondering a little bit. Could an endura blade be made to fit in the meadowlark's handle? I know there would be plenty of egronomic issues to work out without the choil on the endura's blade, but you'd have the better steel and a round hole.

[zenheretic]

I've used a SS Byrd to practice various "customizing" jobs. So far various Dremel bits and a blueing experiment gone wrong have been thrust upon it. Next up is a file work experiment. When I get done butchering it, this Byrd will look messed up, but will still be very sharp and functional. :D

[Bluntrauma]

I really like my G10 Meadowlark. It has a nice weight to it, good lock up. Sharp as hell out of the box and I have abused the hell out of it at work and it still performs well. I am very happy with the quality of this knife.

[Mr Blonde]

I'd suggest any variant of the Meadowlark, but I'm partial to the FRN version. Very well made and the design just works really well for this D4 fan.


Wouter

[Rogcohen]

I've got a G10 Meadowlark and Cara Cara, and I don't think you can go wrong with either of them. I find I cary the Cara Cara a little more. They both carry well and the ergonomics are great!

[Murdoc]

G-10 Cara Cara over here too.

With a round hole and VG-10, you would happily buy $100 or more for it. This knife is SOLID! I like it very much.... it's bigger than your 3,5'' limit, though.

Ambidextrous, G-10, :spyder: -sharp, full screw construction (-> adjustable pivot), steel liners, steel spacer unit (!)..... you name it!

Am I the only one to see resemblances to the Stretch II, by the way?

Dennis