Byrd Gooney

[Manixguy@1994]

Sal count me in , really like the idea . MG2

[Aladinsane]

I could see myself carrying a SE Gooney when I go backpacking or hiking.

[SpeedHoles]

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!

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.

[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

[SpeedHoles]

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...


You're right though, this Gooney could potentially be a decent alternative to the Lil Mat

[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

Speaking of...


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]

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.

[Wartstein]

....If there is interest in a serrated version, we'll consider that as well.
...

On my end there IS, Sal!

[Manixguy@1994]

....If there is interest in a serrated version, we'll consider that as well.
...

On my end there IS, Sal!

Thanks Gernot supporting the SE idea . Buddy Dan

[Capt'n Boatsalot]

....If there is interest in a serrated version, we'll consider that as well.
...

On my end there IS, Sal!

Thanks Gernot supporting the SE idea . Buddy Dan

I think this blade shape would be exceptional in SE. However, I'm not sure I'm in for a SE in addition to my PE.

That being said, I'm going to grab my Gooney for carry the rest of today and tomorrow. It's really a great design!

[Manixguy@1994]

....If there is interest in a serrated version, we'll consider that as well.
...

On my end there IS, Sal!

Thanks Gernot supporting the SE idea . Buddy Dan

I think this blade shape would be exceptional in SE. However, I'm not sure I'm in for a SE in addition to my PE.

That being said, I'm going to grab my Gooney for carry the rest of today and tomorrow. It's really a great design!

I don’t fault your decision I think either blade style is interesting. I just think the way the blade rolls toward the tip would have positive effect cutting material . Sort of a miniature Hawkbill for lack of better words . Dan

[Capt'n Boatsalot]

On my end there IS, Sal!

Thanks Gernot supporting the SE idea . Buddy Dan

I think this blade shape would be exceptional in SE. However, I'm not sure I'm in for a SE in addition to my PE.

That being said, I'm going to grab my Gooney for carry the rest of today and tomorrow. It's really a great design!

I don’t fault your decision I think either blade style is interesting. I just think the way the blade rolls toward the tip would have positive effect cutting material . Sort of a miniature Hawkbill for lack of better words . Dan

Yeah I definitely agree that it's definitely a miniature Hawkbill, and those do better with SE. If both were available I'd probably get SE as this blade shape would be better for me in that edge.

But I do try to minimize my knives that are very similar in design or materials, so PE or SE isn't enough to duplicate.

[Wartstein]

On my end there IS, Sal!

Thanks Gernot supporting the SE idea . Buddy Dan

You´re welcome, but there is a lot of self-interest involved here...

[ugaarguy]

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

What was the rationale behind using 9Cr14MoV rather than 9Cr18MoV or 9Cr18Mo (GB naming equivalent to AISI 440C)? Both of the latter two steels have about 5x more Mo than 9Cr14MoV, as well as 4% more chromium, and should have significantly better corrosion resistance. With the Gooney being inspired by Albatross and being the first linerless Byrd back lock, it seems logical to me that a more corrosion resistant steel would be a fit.

[sal]

Hi Ugaarguy,

The model is a test of the design. We needed to use something, other than 8Cr that wouldn't affect the test of the design. If the design is well received, we'll relook at blade steel choices and and serrations.

The Chinese are offering a lot of new steels, many copies of US & European steels. They say they are making M390, MagnaCut and VG-10 along with others. It will be challenging in the future to select steels and to know what to call them. Steels like M390 and MagnaCut are trademarked names so it's a puzzlement. My choice would be 9Cr18MoV as we've used it before in a Mule and it is a designation of a Chinese made steel. Unfortunately all of the pieces were slightly warped, but I believe they've refined their heat treat and the blade is smaller than a Mule.

We are in the process of analyzing and testing some of their new steels. I'm waiting for results. Do you have any thoughts on this issue?

sal

[KeepCalm&Carrion]

I would put money down right now for a serrated Gooney. A steel upgrade (what that would be to, I have no idea) would be welcomed too, but mostly I want serrations and to keep the grey G-10.

[Manixguy@1994]

Hi Ugaarguy,

The model is a test of the design. We needed to use something, other than 8Cr that wouldn't affect the test of the design. If the design is well received, we'll relook at blade steel choices and and serrations.

The Chinese are offering a lot of new steels, many copies of US & European steels. They say they are making M390, MagnaCut and VG-10 along with others. It will be challenging in the future to select steels and to know what to call them. Steels like M390 and MagnaCut are trademarked names so it's a puzzlement. My choice would be 9Cr18MoV as we've used it before in a Mule and it is a designation of a Chinese made steel. Unfortunately all of the pieces were slightly warped, but I believe they've refined their heat treat and the blade is smaller than a Mule.

We are in the process of analyzing and testing some of their new steels. I'm waiting for results. Do you have any thoughts on this issue?

sal

I trust your judgment and 9cr18MoV would be a nice test bed . I would not be opposed to an upgrade either in the future . I am really excited of the possibility of a SE version and hope it becomes a reality. I see it as a great general purpose knife doing more than just yard work that I envision. MG2 ( Dan )

[opusxpn]

Love the gooney, nice feel and that beak just pulls in the cut. I am wanting to say it is my favorite Byrd knife right above the Byrd hawkbill SE. I do like the gooney PE but wouldn’t be opposed to a SE version. A bit more stiff opening than the Japanese counterparts but once it’s broken in it should be smoother. The length of the blade is perfect, my large fat hands get a full 4 finger grip on the handle. The texture on the G10 is not aggressive but still pretty grippy.

[JayTeeEmEm]

Received my Gooney today. Potentially first one bought in Australia . Grey G-10 looks great as does the full stainless back spacer. I really dig the blade shape and thinness of the stock, its got a bit of a dent/defect on the RHS just before the "beak" of the blade dips down towards the tip with two parallel marks which is a bit disappointing for what worked out to be a $100 AUD knife. Feels great in hand.