Crow & Raven 2 Full Review

[araneae]

First of all, thanks to Sal for sending these out. Second, wow. These are far and above the nicest Byrds to date. Fit and finish meets or exceeds the Tenacious line in my opinion. Blade stock is thicker and made from Carpenter's bd-1 and it wears Sal's signature proudly. Grinds are clean and the jimping is precise and exactly where it should be. Lock up is solid and the lock release is easily accessed. The g-10 feels quality and the pocket clips are brushed SS. Hardware looks high quality as well. Liners are all skeletonized. These are quality pieces well worth the higher price over the original versions. I'm sure the US steel is part of the cost; I like 8Cr just fine so we'll see how bd-1 is as a replacement.

My initial thought opening the Raven was it felt like a small super leaf. The Crow puts a somewhat smaller blade in a well designed and ergonomic handle that gives a 4 finger grip with or without the choil. I like both of these knives a lot already. If fhe Ti Byrds are coming from this maker, they will be impressive for sure. They need to give this factory more work.

Some teaser pics:

[Donut]

That looks pretty awesome. I almost ordered the pair, but $45 each would have put the total around $100 with shipping and everything.

I will probably pick them up at some time. I'm eager to give them a shot.

[Ecchi-Spud]

Now the hard part: Deciding WHICH ONE to order. (Knowing me, I'll probably have BOTH eventually . . . )

[araneae]

Some more pics.

[Chinook3]

Hi araneae, nice reveiw I too just purchased the Raven 2 getting use to it and liking it. Bought the knife to take the place of my Tenacious which I also really like no issues except ergo's really. I have been waiting to purchase a knife in this steel CTS-BD1, personally not a real hard knife user but just enough to get them dull and re-sharpen, the Raven 2 will be no exception. What about you what kind of "work" do you plan on putting your Raven 2 through? thanks

[MichaelScott]

I'm looking forward to you continuing comments. I like the Tenacious a lot for what it is in the price range, but, I could not get entirely comfortable with the ergonomics of the handle. I am interested in your experience with the Raven in that regard.

[Donut]

Any chance of an "in hand" picture?

[araneae]

A good chance.
Raven




Crow

[araneae]

Today the Raven got a little use at work. I cut some dirty burlap off a balled tree and some jute twine. Also opened a box up. The factory edge lost its hair shaving ability. I won't sharpen it yet. The blade has picked up a few light scratches. Going to try and give it some more work this week.

[Donut]

Thanks for the review and pictures. It looks like a real quality knife!

[Donut]

araneae, when these two knives are closed and you put a little pressure on the spine, is the blade solid or does it move?

My Crow, the stop pin presses on the blade and it doesn't give. On my Raven, it feels like the closed is resting on the detent and when I press on the spine it gives until the choil hits the stop pin.

[araneae]

araneae, when these two knives are closed and you put a little pressure on the spine, is the blade solid or does it move?

My Crow, the stop pin presses on the blade and it doesn't give. On my Raven, it feels like the closed is resting on the detent and when I press on the spine it gives until the choil hits the stop pin.

Mine seem firm in the closed position.

[Donut]

Thanks.

[shoggoth80]

Those are looking really nice! Gonna have to keep my eyes peeled.

[v8r]

I like the new script on the blade.

[bornagainprimative]

First ones I'm interested in

[mts49]

araneae,

Thank you for the pictures and the review! Have you sharpened yet?

Also, Could you throw in a picture of the Crow2 and Raven2 with a Delica4 or PM2 or CaraCara for a size comparison?

Thanks!

[Donut]

I can't remember if I still have the Cara Cara, but I know I have the other 4.

[JAfromMN]

I may have to give a new Byrd a try.

I couldn't get along with the steel they used in the old ones.

But I already know from my lwt manix experience that bd01 is a good steel for me.

[SpeedHoles]

Excellent review! Any more updates?

I now have a Crow 2 on the way...