Anyone modify or improve their Byrds?
Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2022 4:01 pm
Thought I'd share a little with what I do with my Byrds after I get them new.
I realize Byrds may be for the budget conscious folks, but it doesn't mean that they need to look/feel budget.
When I get a new Byrd Meadowlark, FRN/G10, there are several areas where I do a little fine tuning to freshen them up.
- First step is to do a take down and and clean.
- While the knife is apart I look for areas than can be smoothed or edges that can cause a minor scratch or scuff to my skin,
a. The thumb hole and blade in general - sometimes have very acute edges. Well machined but sharp, so I take down the edges for the thumbhole, spine, jimping, and then do a light polish (reduces corrosion IMO - I use around salt water and rinse after each use, no problems so far). fine tune lock bar and blade contact areas - for smoother deployment.
b. I do the same for the scales, clean up screw holes, knock down the edges etc....
c. The backspacer on the FRN does protrude a bit, so I take it down a little to level with the scales. The G10 has less of an issue with the stainless backspacer, but I polish the entire spine/backspacer to satin finish and knock down edges.
- Then I just check the factory bevel and correct if needed, or just strop to hair splitting - before re-assembling. :)
I've gotten compliments on them many times. My friend who turned me onto these knives was surprised at what a little work can do to make them feel premium. Functionally I think they are great knives. The lack of fit and finish on some can be easily remedied to an extent, then they become a fine working instrument. The 8CR13MoV has been a great daily user and easy to touch up if needed. The Byrd and 8Cr13MoV lettering is fine, but sometimes I wish I can polish out the "Ⓡ and China". :P Best of all, if I lose or scratch them up during use, it doesn't hurt like some of my other more pricier knives.
Any other mods folks do regularly on these?
I realize Byrds may be for the budget conscious folks, but it doesn't mean that they need to look/feel budget.
When I get a new Byrd Meadowlark, FRN/G10, there are several areas where I do a little fine tuning to freshen them up.
- First step is to do a take down and and clean.
- While the knife is apart I look for areas than can be smoothed or edges that can cause a minor scratch or scuff to my skin,
a. The thumb hole and blade in general - sometimes have very acute edges. Well machined but sharp, so I take down the edges for the thumbhole, spine, jimping, and then do a light polish (reduces corrosion IMO - I use around salt water and rinse after each use, no problems so far). fine tune lock bar and blade contact areas - for smoother deployment.
b. I do the same for the scales, clean up screw holes, knock down the edges etc....
c. The backspacer on the FRN does protrude a bit, so I take it down a little to level with the scales. The G10 has less of an issue with the stainless backspacer, but I polish the entire spine/backspacer to satin finish and knock down edges.
- Then I just check the factory bevel and correct if needed, or just strop to hair splitting - before re-assembling. :)
I've gotten compliments on them many times. My friend who turned me onto these knives was surprised at what a little work can do to make them feel premium. Functionally I think they are great knives. The lack of fit and finish on some can be easily remedied to an extent, then they become a fine working instrument. The 8CR13MoV has been a great daily user and easy to touch up if needed. The Byrd and 8Cr13MoV lettering is fine, but sometimes I wish I can polish out the "Ⓡ and China". :P Best of all, if I lose or scratch them up during use, it doesn't hurt like some of my other more pricier knives.
Any other mods folks do regularly on these?