Byrd Gooney

[skeeg11]

Interesting blade shape. It's even somewhat similar in shape to the bill of an actual Gooney bird. Would have preferred it with teeth, tho.

[Mushroom]

Fun Fact - This knife was created from a sketch submitted here by forum user @Albatross four years ago!

Also, you are correct to say the blade looks like the bill of a "Gooney" (also known as an "Albatross." ) That was the design intent.

This knife has a fun back story that, probably, not many people are aware of -

In an unrelated thread asking about a K390 Shaman, Sal answered a question from Albatross but ended the post with a question of his own -

Hi Albatross,
[...]
Also, Albatross, If we were to make a byrd model called the Albatross, what should it be?

sal

As anyone would do, Albatross provided input and a sketch!

Hi Sal,
[...]
Wow, I'm flattered you would ask my opinion on a potential model. Given the agressive look Albatrosses have, I think a Wharncliffe blade would be perfect. It also would be a nice nod to the shape of the Albatross' beak. The Byrd line seems to be missing a good utility Wharncliffe blade. Since the CaraCara 2 is 4", it might not make sense to go larger, unless the market is there for it. A 3-3.5" blade, hump-less, Wharncliffe, in a budget line, would be perfect for no-nonsense tradesmen and do-it-yourselfers. I do have a very rough sketch of a Wharncliffe blade I've been dreaming of.
download/file.php?id=37222&t=1

Boom - Sal likes it! Short and sweet response.

Hi Albatross,
[...]

I'll think about your byrd idea. Harrier 2 handle might work? 3.5" blade.

sal

Quick confirmation from Albatross -

Hi Sal,
[...]
The Harrier 2 handle looks perfect and 3.5" is definitely nice sweet spot for blade length.

Thank you for your consideration and all the info!

Four years later here we are in Reveal 16 with the "Gooney" as an upcoming release.
https://publications.spyderco.com/view/541740483/8/


https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/detail ... rade-/2584

So, thats that! In a matter of four forum posts in a totally unrelated thread, the Gooney was born. In a way, it's kind of like the "Jazz Delica," except this is the "Albatross Harrier 2." Gotta love Spyderco!

[Wartstein]

Well - perhaps I´ll also copy and paste my post from the "Reveal" thread to here where it might fit better:

" - The Reveal [says] that the Gooney has no liners .. what´s a bit weird though:
It still has the same weight (3.4 oz) as the Harrier (which appearantly has the same handle and just an a tad shorter blade) - but the Harrier features "minimalist nested steel liners" according to the Spyderco site.

- What I like: The upgrade in steel (from 8CR (Harrier) to 9CR (Gooney) does not reflect in the prices (Harrier MSRP 74, Gooney 75).
Wonder if there´ll perhaps be a "rolling change" from 8CR to 9CR in ALL Byrd knives - ?

- Anyway :The Gooney is really something to try out!
Decent price point, the for Spyderco "new" 9CR steel, of course the interesting blade shape and for me the very "low" and probably a bit more robust tip (two features I like in a tip)

Gooney: https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/detail ... rade-/2584
Harrier: https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/BY01G2/1792

[the third ajax]

Fun Fact - This knife was created from a sketch submitted here by forum user @Albatross four years ago!

Also, you are correct to say the blade looks like the bill of a "Gooney" (also known as an "Albatross." ) That was the design intent.

This knife has a fun back story that, probably, not many people are aware of -

In an unrelated thread asking about a K390 Shaman, Sal answered a question from Albatross but ended the post with a question of his own -

Hi Albatross,
[...]
Also, Albatross, If we were to make a byrd model called the Albatross, what should it be?

sal

As anyone would do, Albatross provided input and a sketch!

Hi Sal,
[...]
Wow, I'm flattered you would ask my opinion on a potential model. Given the agressive look Albatrosses have, I think a Wharncliffe blade would be perfect. It also would be a nice nod to the shape of the Albatross' beak. The Byrd line seems to be missing a good utility Wharncliffe blade. Since the CaraCara 2 is 4", it might not make sense to go larger, unless the market is there for it. A 3-3.5" blade, hump-less, Wharncliffe, in a budget line, would be perfect for no-nonsense tradesmen and do-it-yourselfers. I do have a very rough sketch of a Wharncliffe blade I've been dreaming of.
download/file.php?id=37222&t=1
image.png

Boom - Sal likes it! Short and sweet response.

Hi Albatross,
[...]

I'll think about your byrd idea. Harrier 2 handle might work? 3.5" blade.

sal

Quick confirmation from Albatross -

Hi Sal,
[...]
The Harrier 2 handle looks perfect and 3.5" is definitely nice sweet spot for blade length.

Thank you for your consideration and all the info!

Four years later here we are in Reveal 16 with the "Gooney" as an upcoming release.
https://publications.spyderco.com/view/541740483/8/


https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/detail ... rade-/2584

So, thats that! In a matter of four forum posts in a totally unrelated thread, the Gooney was born. In a way, it's kind of like the "Jazz Delica," except this is the "Albatross Harrier 2." Gotta love Spyderco!

Randomly found that thread between Albatross and Sal a while ago. Saw Reveal 16 today, didn't realize. Thanks for making the connection, what an awesome story!

[Enactive]

I quite like the design and will buy one. I'm also curious about 9cr.

[Buddafucco]

Spyderco.com... https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/detail ... rade-/2584

[Manixguy@1994]

Spyderco.com... https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/detail ... rade-/2584

Just got email from National Knives . MG2

[Buddafucco]

American Edge... https://www.americanedgeknives.com/spyd ... -by24gpgy/

[ChrisinHove]

I’m *really* interested in this one.

I like interesting blade shapes. I’m hoping for something easier to use & sharpen than the Zulu!

[Capt'n Boatsalot]

I've got one inbound from NK. I'm definitely curious about the blade shape. We'll see what it's good at. Will provide some feedback once I get some time with it

[Capt'n Boatsalot]

Got mine yesterday from NK. (I really like NK. Usually some of the best prices around, and their package padding is a useful microfiber cloth and not just trash filler material. Plenty fast shipping for me too.)

Some initial thoughts:

- Interesting blade shape obviously, and definitely the main draw for me. The hook at the tip into the recurve grabs material to be cut and pulls it in. Like a combo of the S shape and a Sheepsfoot. The spine of the blade is useful for placing a thumb or finger for more detailed cuts. I like the blade shape because it's interesting, not sure yet if it's "better" for my uses than my more normal leaf shapes. Time will tell on the 9Cr.

- Harrier handle shape isn't the best for me (like a S2XL is), but definitely still good. The middle hump isn't quite where I'd prefer it, but certainly good enough. LOVE the wide chamfers all around.

- Mine came perfectly centered and good "action" (not gritty or sticky). Grinds are nice and even, and blade came more than adequately sharp. I touched it up on the Sharpmaker.

- I did give it a good soapy bath and scrubbed the G10 scales with a Mr. Clean scrubber. They came a little dirty or grimy. Cleaned up just fine.

- Only real design issue for me is the clip location and tip down carry. I assume this is an issue with all Harrier 2 handles (if the pivot is domed), but would need someone else to confirm. The clip screw holes are not lined up correctly to enable the hole in the clip to center correctly over the domed pivot screw. Instead the clip hole isn't centered over the pivot screw and thus the clip won't sit flat. I went with a deep carry clip for tip up carry, but if decide to go tip down will probably drill that clip hole bigger so it clears the pivot. Or need to find a deep carry clip that clears the domed pivot. (Ideally I would carry this tip down.)

Otherwise a very interesting knife that I am glad to have in my collection. It is definitely different from EVERYTHING else I own. Might grab a FRN Harrier 2 at some point, depending on how this one grows on me.

A few photos...

[Manixguy@1994]

Got mine yesterday from NK. (I really like NK. Usually some of the best prices around, and their package padding is a useful microfiber cloth and not just trash filler material. Plenty fast shipping for me too.)

Some initial thoughts:

- Interesting blade shape obviously, and definitely the main draw for me. The hook at the tip into the recurve grabs material to be cut and pulls it in. Like a combo of the S shape and a Sheepsfoot. The spine of the blade is useful for placing a thumb or finger for more detailed cuts. I like the blade shape because it's interesting, not sure yet if it's "better" for my uses than my more normal leaf shapes. Time will tell on the 9Cr.

- Harrier handle shape isn't the best for me (like a S2XL is), but definitely still good. The middle hump isn't quite where I'd prefer it, but certainly good enough. LOVE the wide chamfers all around.

- Mine came perfectly centered and good "action" (not gritty or sticky). Grinds are nice and even, and blade came more than adequately sharp. I touched it up on the Sharpmaker.

- I did give it a good soapy bath and scrubbed the G10 scales with a Mr. Clean scrubber. They came a little dirty or grimy. Cleaned up just fine.

- Only real design issue for me is the clip location and tip down carry. I assume this is an issue with all Harrier 2 handles (if the pivot is domed), but would need someone else to confirm. The clip screw holes are not lined up correctly to enable the hole in the clip to center correctly over the domed pivot screw. Instead the clip hole isn't centered over the pivot screw and thus the clip won't sit flat. I went with a deep carry clip for tip up carry, but if decide to go tip down will probably drill that clip hole bigger so it clears the pivot. Or need to find a deep carry clip that clears the domed pivot. (Ideally I would carry this tip down.)

Otherwise a very interesting knife that I am glad to have in my collection. It is definitely different from EVERYTHING else I own. Might grab a FRN Harrier 2 at some point, depending on how this one grows on me.

A few photos...

Thanks for mini review . I almost picked one up from NK but had doubts how much I would carry it . I wish it had been offered also in SE besides PE , but that’s just me . Must say really looks nice , big fan of gray G10 . MG2

[sal]

Hi Capt'n Boatsalot,

Thanx much for the review and pics.

sal

[Capt'n Boatsalot]

Hi Capt'n Boatsalot,

Thanx much for the review and pics.

sal

Hi Sal, definitely, and I am very happy to provide my thoughts on this very interesting new model!

Thanks for mini review . I almost picked one up from NK but had doubts how much I would carry it . I wish it had been offered also in SE besides PE , but that’s just me . Must say really looks nice , big fan of gray G10 . MG2

Hey MG2, I too really like the gray G10! Probably my favorite knife handle color, whether G10 or FRN. I'm not sure yet if I would have preferred a SE version. I am moving a bit away from SE WC (or WC ish blades), although not exactly sure why.

[Manixguy@1994]

Hi Capt'n Boatsalot,

Thanx much for the review and pics.

sal

Hi Sal, definitely, and I am very happy to provide my thoughts on this very interesting new model!

Thanks for mini review . I almost picked one up from NK but had doubts how much I would carry it . I wish it had been offered also in SE besides PE , but that’s just me . Must say really looks nice , big fan of gray G10 . MG2

Hey MG2, I too really like the gray G10! Probably my favorite knife handle color, whether G10 or FRN. I'm not sure yet if I would have preferred a SE version. I am moving a bit away from SE WC (or WC ish blades), although not exactly sure why.

My thoughts about SE is how the blade rolls and holds the material cutting towards the end of the blade . I must say the design surely works very well in PE . MG2 ( Dan )

[sal]

Thanx much for the input. The "Gooney" is a bit of an experiment for me, so all input is appreciated. If there is interest in a serrated version, we'll consider that as well.

sal

[Capt'n Boatsalot]

Used the Gooney today cutting up some veggies (potatoes and carrots) for a crockpot recipe. This was done on a cutting board.

Interestingly, the tip rode on the board surface, and then the 1-1.5" behind the tip held the veggie in place and cut it very nicely. No carrots escaping like happens (to me, a very amateur cook to be sure) with a drop point!

Just a data point, but it performed real well for me in this situation.

[Fastidiotus]

Glad to finally see some pics from out in the wild! This was a really refreshing step in the right direction for the Byrd line for me personally. Will definitely pick up a PE version to show support for the project but this blade shape just begs for a Spyderedge. With 9cr18mov steel and g10 handles at this price point I'd snag 3 or 4 SE versions as a nearly perfect work beater.

[sal]

I'll pass along the request. First CR9 with teeth?

sal

[yowzer]

Sign me up for a serrated version too.