Byrd Harrier 2 LWT (1st impressions/bladeplay)

Discuss Spyderco's byrd knives.
samiam
Member
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Nov 16, 2005 4:48 pm

Byrd Harrier 2 LWT (1st impressions/bladeplay)

#1

Post by samiam »

Replacing a Delica sent to the unknown.

Great thin slice-y option with a blade and handle length intermediate in length between Delica and Endura. For day-to-day use I appreciate the less swept point of the Delica/Endura profile much more than I expected, otherwise I would have replaced the Delica with a Stretch; but, $$ and I have a million other knives for animal processing (swept points).



However, the side-to-side play in the unlocked blade seemed excessive and I was unable to tighten the pivot enough to change this (doesn't even begin to stiffen opening, and the blade will still rattle with the lock-bar depressed. If this isn't a design feature, I suspect pivot washers from a thicker bladed model using the same lock-bar thickness were used. It seems like a 3mm lock-bar was used and the blade is, nominally, 2.8mm.

Is this normal? I notice it in use. If normal, are there suggestions on replacement washer thickness's to get?

Thanks all,

:-)
rangefinder
Member
Posts: 209
Joined: Mon Apr 27, 2009 12:19 am

Re: Byrd Harrier 2 LWT (1st impressions/bladeplay)

#2

Post by rangefinder »

I have the G10 version of the Harrier 2, not the FRN/lightweight version. But with my knife, there is zero side-to-side movement with the blade in any position, from fully closed to fully open.

I also have a Byrd Cara Cara 2 rescue that has FRN handles. And it also has no side-to-side blade play.

So I'd say that this not normal. You should probably contact Spyderco customer service (or the dealer) to have it checked or exchanged.
z1r
Member
Posts: 1631
Joined: Thu Mar 18, 2021 10:39 pm
Location: Lakewood, CO

Re: Byrd Harrier 2 LWT (1st impressions/bladeplay)

#3

Post by z1r »

My first Spyderco was a Byrd Harrier 2 Lightweight. I initially thought it too big but have really come to appreciate the size and value the knife represents. Mine is but a month old but has no play in it.
bjz
Member
Posts: 402
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2013 10:13 am

Re: Byrd Harrier 2 LWT (1st impressions/bladeplay)

#4

Post by bjz »

I purchased two of these last summer (just in case one had QC issues). They are both 100% solid with zero adjustments needed. I have a meadowlark 2 as well as a meadowlark rescue all in frn. Zero side to side play. (The rescue has developed vertical play from years of use and sitting wet for days on end in a life vest, but still no side to side).

Id say have it checked if you are worried, especially since you weren’t able to adjust it out.
User avatar
sal
Member
Posts: 16967
Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 12:00 pm
Location: Golden, Colorado USA

Re: Byrd Harrier 2 LWT (1st impressions/bladeplay)

#5

Post by sal »

I Samiam,

Welcome to our forum. Blade play is most important in the open and locked position. We really don't push for very close tolerance in the unlocked position. If it's really a problem for you, you can send it to us and we'll make it right.

Hi Bjz,

Welcome to our forum and thanx for the comments.

sal
samiam
Member
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Nov 16, 2005 4:48 pm

Re: Byrd Harrier 2 LWT (1st impressions/bladeplay)

#6

Post by samiam »

Thanks all! I must have notifications off because I didn't notice all the replies. I contacted the seller (big internet retailer) and they basically said they would facilitate sending it to Spyderco, so I just sent it direct to Golden, CO.

Sal: Thank you, if I had noticed this earlier I would have first touched bases with you or whomever you suggested before sending it in (PM sent).

Once I have it in my hands again, I'll let you guys know it works: I'm sure it will be great, it has a thin and flat blade. What else could one want?
User avatar
sal
Member
Posts: 16967
Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 12:00 pm
Location: Golden, Colorado USA

Re: Byrd Harrier 2 LWT (1st impressions/bladeplay)

#7

Post by sal »

Hi Samiam,

Keep us posted.

sal
samiam
Member
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Nov 16, 2005 4:48 pm

Re: Byrd Harrier 2 LWT (1st impressions/bladeplay)

#8

Post by samiam »

Hello Sal, thanks for hosting such a responsive, informative and civil
forum!

I sent in the Harrier with the warranty form and just got a letter back
saying that "no defects in manufacturing" were found, do I want the knife
back or do I want to pay 25$ to have it "fixed" (Ref: XXXXX). I kinda disagree:
I know you mentioned the tolerances don't need to be extremely refined, but I
think this particular example is out of even generous spec.

I think I sent an email through the forum to you, but I'm not sure it went?
User avatar
sal
Member
Posts: 16967
Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 12:00 pm
Location: Golden, Colorado USA

Re: Byrd Harrier 2 LWT (1st impressions/bladeplay)

#9

Post by sal »

Emails are funny these days. Please send it to Alex (asmith@spydrco.com) and explain in detail the problem. Alex can check with Warranty and get the back story.

sal
Post Reply