rmeron wrote: ↑Tue Jan 10, 2023 4:52 pm
Why no new threads? Does everyone dislike the Byrd products.
I don't think it's dislike of Byrd products as much as it's lack of new releases and lack of anything enthusiast oriented in the lineup. The Byrd brand is a step below the value line, so it's inherently basic, utilitarian models. What's been new in the Byrd lineup? Colored handles were added 2 or 3 years ago. We got the Endela sized Harrier 2 in the same timeframe. We got some wharncliffe blades in the last couple of years, as well as an Emerson opener Cara Cara 2. Other than the Tern slip joint and the Raven liner lock they're all back locks. They all have 8Cr13MoV blade steel, other than the BD1 blade on the Raven. They're all either FRN, black G10, or black or plain stainless steel for the scales. There's really very little variance. They did Ti handles on the Robin, Meadowlark, and Cara Cara for a couple years, but those were discontinued. Apparently Ti handles alone don't justify the increased price for most consumers when the blades are still 8Cr13.
The Tern slip joint that came out over a year ago is one of the newest Byrds. I and a few others here thought the build quality was more in the value line range. Well, the recent Up Tern back lock version of that knife was released with a round hole as a Spyderco Value Line model.
Personally, I'd like to see the Byrd rescue models go liner-less for more secure clip mounting with thread inserts. If they used 7Cr17 instead of 8Cr13 to get better corrosion resistance as well I'd be pretty happy. Heck they could do that with all of the FRN Byrds and I'd probably buy a few as beaters and glove box knives.