Why the byrd Harrier 2 Ltwt is a game changer

Discuss Spyderco's byrd knives.
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ASmitty
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Why the byrd Harrier 2 Ltwt is a game changer

#1

Post by ASmitty »

Last week, I received a byrd Harrier 2 lightweight in the mail. When I took the knife in hand, I was floored by the quality of it. I have other FRN byrds. I currently own a Cara Cara 2 and Meadowlark 2, and I've previously owned the first generation Robin, Meadowlark, and Cara Cara. The Harrier 2 leaves them all in the dust. Years ago, I watched a Youtube review where the reviewer expressed the opinion that the Cara Cara 2 and Meadowlark 2 served as replacements for the Endura and Delica for him. I remember thinking at the time that even though the CC2 and M2 were great blades, they just couldn't compete with the quality of the E4 and D4.

I'm saying now, the FRN Harrier 2 can compete for the E4 and D4 in quality. There are multiple things that makes this true.

1. The quality of the FRN feels noticeably better. I've had my CC2 and M2 for years, so this might be true of the whole line at present. I may have to buy a newer M2 to see if it is better than my old one. The FRN on the Harrier 2 feels less rough and more polished to the touch. I know Sal has spoken at length in the past about the amount of testing Spyderco has done to get the optimum amount of fiberglass in the overall composition. Not sure if the maker in China is using Spyderco's formula or has just upgraded the material in general. Either way, I'm pleased.

2. The bi-directional texturing on the Harrier is an improvement over the CC2 and M2. This is, in part, due to the improved FRN, but it's also due to the pattern of the texturing being made up of smaller "ramps" that are placed closer together. The reduced "dead" space between the texture ramps combined with the improved FRN allows the texture to provide the same level of grip with increased comfort and less "hot spotting."

3. The overall handle ergonomics are better. The edges of the handle are less "blocky" and have greater contouring, allowing for the handle to fit more comfortably in the hand. I know molds for FRN knives are expensive, but I would love to see the CC2 and M2 incorporate through CQI some of the changes to the handle the Harrier 2 has. Particularly, the contouring just behind the finger choil that makes the knife so much more comfortable to grip in that spot.

4. The fit/finish is better. On my Harrier 2, the overall fit of the parts is better. The backspacer, in particular, on both my CC2 and M2 has uneven fit. On my M2, it rises above the handle scales for its entire length. On my CC2, it's raised by the lockbar and recessed at the butt of the knife. The Harrier 2 is much less uneven and is equally smooth to the handle scales as my D4 and E4.

5. The design is exceptional. I've seen talk out there saying that the Harrier 2 is a byrd equivalent to the Endela. While I understand that comparison, I tend to disagree. The Harrier 2 has a much smaller overall profile than the Endela. To me, the Harrier 2 has more in common with the Caly 3.5 than the Endela. Someone on this forum once said the Caly 3.5 was "almost a Delica in handle length and almost an Endura in blade length." I feel that description is fairly apt for the Harrier 2 as well.

6. The blade steel isn't the con youtube would have you believe. I'm not referring to reviews of the Harrier 2 specifically. But I've seen a lot of knife reviews and comments on review videos in the last year or two that just trash 8Cr13MoV back to the stone age. Every China made knife in 8Cr13 gets the same comments: "I would paid more for D2", "Come on 'maker' put D2 in this for $5-10 more", "I would've bought this if it was D2, but with 8Cr, no thanks", etc. Listen, I'm glad the market has embraced D2, and I don't dislike it. But can we pretend for a second that not every maker making knives overseas needs to use it. I like 8Cr13MoV. It sharpens easily and can take a razor edge. My Ontario Rat folders are all AUS-8. I don't own any Rat folders in D2. I do own D2 knives (Steel Wills mostly) and I like them well enough. However, given the same knife in either AUS-8/8Cr and D2, I'll probably opt for the AUS-8/8Cr. It just a more manageable choice in my mind, and I like it better.
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Sonorum
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Re: Why the byrd Harrier 2 Ltwt is a game changer

#2

Post by Sonorum »

I agree with you on 8cr, it isn't as bad as reviewers make it out to be. If it dulls you can more or less strop it back on your belt and you are fine. Sharpens really easy and there is a lot to be said for that. I like steels that I can strop back! I have never gotten annoyed by my vg10 knives apart from the most extreme scenario where you cut a lot of cardboard and then try to make the finest slices.
/ David
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Re: Why the byrd Harrier 2 Ltwt is a game changer

#3

Post by Nate »

Thanks for the review. I like the looks of it quite a bit!
:spyder:
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araneae
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Re: Why the byrd Harrier 2 Ltwt is a game changer

#4

Post by araneae »

ASmitty wrote:
Mon Mar 02, 2020 12:40 pm
Last week, I received a byrd Harrier 2 lightweight in the mail. When I took the knife in hand, I was floored by the quality of it. I have other FRN byrds. I currently own a Cara Cara 2 and Meadowlark 2, and I've previously owned the first generation Robin, Meadowlark, and Cara Cara. The Harrier 2 leaves them all in the dust. Years ago, I watched a Youtube review where the reviewer expressed the opinion that the Cara Cara 2 and Meadowlark 2 served as replacements for the Endura and Delica for him. I remember thinking at the time that even though the CC2 and M2 were great blades, they just couldn't compete with the quality of the E4 and D4.

I'm saying now, the FRN Harrier 2 can compete for the E4 and D4 in quality. There are multiple things that makes this true.

1. The quality of the FRN feels noticeably better. I've had my CC2 and M2 for years, so this might be true of the whole line at present. I may have to buy a newer M2 to see if it is better than my old one. The FRN on the Harrier 2 feels less rough and more polished to the touch. I know Sal has spoken at length in the past about the amount of testing Spyderco has done to get the optimum amount of fiberglass in the overall composition. Not sure if the maker in China is using Spyderco's formula or has just upgraded the material in general. Either way, I'm pleased.

2. The bi-directional texturing on the Harrier is an improvement over the CC2 and M2. This is, in part, due to the improved FRN, but it's also due to the pattern of the texturing being made up of smaller "ramps" that are placed closer together. The reduced "dead" space between the texture ramps combined with the improved FRN allows the texture to provide the same level of grip with increased comfort and less "hot spotting."

3. The overall handle ergonomics are better. The edges of the handle are less "blocky" and have greater contouring, allowing for the handle to fit more comfortably in the hand. I know molds for FRN knives are expensive, but I would love to see the CC2 and M2 incorporate through CQI some of the changes to the handle the Harrier 2 has. Particularly, the contouring just behind the finger choil that makes the knife so much more comfortable to grip in that spot.

4. The fit/finish is better. On my Harrier 2, the overall fit of the parts is better. The backspacer, in particular, on both my CC2 and M2 has uneven fit. On my M2, it rises above the handle scales for its entire length. On my CC2, it's raised by the lockbar and recessed at the butt of the knife. The Harrier 2 is much less uneven and is equally smooth to the handle scales as my D4 and E4.

5. The design is exceptional. I've seen talk out there saying that the Harrier 2 is a byrd equivalent to the Endela. While I understand that comparison, I tend to disagree. The Harrier 2 has a much smaller overall profile than the Endela. To me, the Harrier 2 has more in common with the Caly 3.5 than the Endela. Someone on this forum once said the Caly 3.5 was "almost a Delica in handle length and almost an Endura in blade length." I feel that description is fairly apt for the Harrier 2 as well.

6. The blade steel isn't the con youtube would have you believe. I'm not referring to reviews of the Harrier 2 specifically. But I've seen a lot of knife reviews and comments on review videos in the last year or two that just trash 8Cr13MoV back to the stone age. Every China made knife in 8Cr13 gets the same comments: "I would paid more for D2", "Come on 'maker' put D2 in this for $5-10 more", "I would've bought this if it was D2, but with 8Cr, no thanks", etc. Listen, I'm glad the market has embraced D2, and I don't dislike it. But can we pretend for a second that not every maker making knives overseas needs to use it. I like 8Cr13MoV. It sharpens easily and can take a razor edge. My Ontario Rat folders are all AUS-8. I don't own any Rat folders in D2. I do own D2 knives (Steel Wills mostly) and I like them well enough. However, given the same knife in either AUS-8/8Cr and D2, I'll probably opt for the AUS-8/8Cr. It just a more manageable choice in my mind, and I like it better.
Got mine today and agree almost 100%. The handles are what they should have been for the 2nd gen Byrds- more contoured, more refined and just plain great. Thank you Sal for listening, I hope square, slab sided FRN handles are on the way out. Viva la contour! I bought an Endela at the seconds sale and found the handle just wasn't right for me, the Harrier 2 is a much better fit.

I will say I received a knife where the lock bar sits proud when closed and doesn't have the best "H" as Sal and Eric refer to it (the meeting of the lockbar and tang). I have about a 1 mm step down from the lockbar. Otherwise a very nice knife, period. Well done Sal.
So many knives, so few pockets... :)
-Nick

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The "Spirit" of the design does not come through unless used. -Sal
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araneae
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Re: Why the byrd Harrier 2 Ltwt is a game changer

#5

Post by araneae »

After having mine a few days, I decided the proud lockbar was bugging me and decided to fix it myself. A bit of sanding would remedy it if I could disassemble. Unfortunately, the lockbar screw is not moving, I stripped out the screw head despite cautious turning. I checked the other 3 body screws, 2 turned freely, the last is also very firmly in place so I didn't push it. There must be a crap ton of locktite on a couple of them combined with over tightening at the factory. I'll see if I can send this one back for another.
So many knives, so few pockets... :)
-Nick

Last in: N5 Magnacut
The "Spirit" of the design does not come through unless used. -Sal
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Re: Why the byrd Harrier 2 Ltwt is a game changer

#6

Post by Wartstein »

I never really looked into byrds (only had a Meadowlark once), but this one really looks like a great choice (other than your qualitity problems, araneae).
What I particullarily like: The thin, 2.8 mm blade (even thinner than an Endela blade). Would be great in full SE (but only comes in PE and CE), I guess 8CR18MoV could be good steel for serrated edge
Top three going by pocket-time (update March 24):
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
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Re: Why the byrd Harrier 2 Ltwt is a game changer

#7

Post by Sonorum »

Wartstein wrote:
Tue Apr 14, 2020 2:26 am
I never really looked into byrds (only had a Meadowlark once), but this one really looks like a great choice (other than your qualitity problems, araneae).
What I particullarily like: The thin, 2.8 mm blade (even thinner than an Endela blade). Would be great in full SE (but only comes in PE and CE), I guess 8CR18MoV could be good steel for serrated edge
I think 8cr works very well with serrations!
/ David
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Re: Why the byrd Harrier 2 Ltwt is a game changer

#8

Post by Steeltoez83 »

I bought a harrier 2 in FRN awhile ago and forgot how great of a design it is. Only when I heard about the serrated wharny did I pull it out from my collection. Bcuz I'm testing so many different steels priorities shifted. The harrier is a better design, however the endela would most likely receive zdp 189 at some point. A steel that escaped me until a friend gifted me a zdp endura recently. The Raven 2 might win in edge retention but the harrier hits that Goldylock sweet spot in it's specs and size. Fit and finish is much much better than the Robin 2 I bought a decade ago. Testament to the constant quest for improvement. After I saw BD1 hit the Raven 2/crow2 I did wish the whole line would switch to BD1. Especially after the Rockwell tested at 60 hrc on the small guy, think it's the Finch or the starling I can't remember. The lines just seem to flow, the blade shape I think is spot on, and the feel in hand is great. It's a pipe dream to see this get the onslaught of exotic steels but a serrated wharny is the blessing in disguise.
"Nothing is built on stone; all is built on sand, but we must build as if the sand were stone."
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Re: Why the byrd Harrier 2 Ltwt is a game changer

#9

Post by Bemo »

Just received my Harrier 2 partial SE today. I'm really impressed. The FRN scales are much more comfortable than those on my recently received Byrd Hawkbill. And I think the size is really perfect for me, not to mention I'm a huge fan of choils. Would love to see this with some other SE blade options down the road. Oh and maybe upgrade to BD1?
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