Byrd Gooney

Discuss Spyderco's byrd knives.
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Manixguy@1994
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Re: Byrd Gooney

#21

Post by Manixguy@1994 »

Sal count me in , really like the idea . MG2
Last edited by Manixguy@1994 on Tue Feb 04, 2025 7:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Aladinsane
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Re: Byrd Gooney

#22

Post by Aladinsane »

I could see myself carrying a SE Gooney when I go backpacking or hiking.
-Jeff-
A falling knife has no handle!
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SpeedHoles
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Re: Byrd Gooney

#23

Post by SpeedHoles »

Mushroom wrote:
Fri Nov 01, 2024 8:22 pm
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 -
sal wrote:
Wed Mar 18, 2020 4:04 pm
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!
Albatross wrote:
Fri Mar 20, 2020 9:07 am
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.
sal wrote:
Fri Mar 20, 2020 12:56 pm
Hi Albatross,
[...]

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

sal
Quick confirmation from Albatross -
Albatross wrote:
Fri Mar 20, 2020 3:09 pm
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/

Image
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! :cheap-sunglasses :respect :bug-red


This is a really cool story and definitely a celebration of members here - nice work Albatross!
I must have missed it when I took a several year break hiatus away from forums...
I'll keep my eye out for one of these Gooneys, maybe pick one up eventually.
Going back to Caly.
Tims
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Re: Byrd Gooney

#24

Post by Tims »

Very happy to see a reverse S mode in reveal 16. I never managed to get a Lil Matriarch so I'll be jumping on a Gooney. I'd love to see more reverse S models in general
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SpeedHoles
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Re: Byrd Gooney

#25

Post by SpeedHoles »

Tims wrote:
Sun Feb 02, 2025 6:22 pm
Very happy to see a reverse S mode in reveal 16. I never managed to get a Lil Matriarch so I'll be jumping on a Gooney. I'd love to see more reverse S models in general
Speaking of...
Image

You're right though, this Gooney could potentially be a decent alternative to the Lil Mat
Going back to Caly.
Tims
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Re: Byrd Gooney

#26

Post by Tims »

SpeedHoles wrote:
Sun Feb 02, 2025 6:32 pm
Tims wrote:
Sun Feb 02, 2025 6:22 pm
Very happy to see a reverse S mode in reveal 16. I never managed to get a Lil Matriarch so I'll be jumping on a Gooney. I'd love to see more reverse S models in general
Speaking of...
Image

You're right though, this Gooney could potentially be a decent alternative to the Lil Mat
Shes a beaut mate 👍 I wish they were regular production.
I think the Matriarch 2 is the only other reverse S currently in production isnt it? A bit big for my needs unfortunately.

Edit: and the Cricket, how could I forget about the mighty Cricket
yowzer
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Re: Byrd Gooney

#27

Post by yowzer »

I got a Gooney the other day, and while I knew I'd probably like it, I'm very impressed. Overall F&F is probably better than the mainline Chinese Spyderco knives I have. Nice thin super sharp blade, good ergonomics for my hand, and the slight steel upgrade is welcome. It might have just displaced the Wings Slipit from its long-standing spot as my favorite byrd model.
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Wartstein
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Re: Byrd Gooney

#28

Post by Wartstein »

sal wrote:
Sun Jan 26, 2025 2:09 pm
....If there is interest in a serrated version, we'll consider that as well.
...
On my end there IS, Sal! :smlling-eyes
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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