My New Big Byrd

[Actinolite]

I have a few smaller Byrds, but I’ve only had one Big Byrd before this, a Raven 2. Now I have a second Big Byrd, the Gooney SE. In my opinion, both knives are a little big for me to EDC carry, especially in a nanny state, but your mileage may vary.

As with other Byrds, the Gooney is generally well made, with very good fit and finish. However, this sample has a finish flaw that is ugly, though fortunately, not casually visible. With the blade open, on the underside of the backspacer, there is a bad flaw that was partially smoothed during build. This isn’t pocket jewelry, it has no effect on function, so I don’t really care.

As the handle appears to be the same handle used on the Byrd Harrier model, its comfort in use is already well established. The Gooney has narrow, embedded liners (minimalist, according to Spyderco) that tie the knife pivot to the lockbar pivot and the backspacer. I like backlocks for their sturdy reliability and in-pocket safety. But sometimes new ones can be like this Gooney: very stiff. It can be fully opened by thumb with minor difficulty, but Spydie flick? Not a chance. As a utility knife, all I care about is that it open and close with one hand. My Gooney sample currently cannot be closed one-handed. It’ll improve with use.

The Gooney blade is thin enough (0.11”), when combined with the Spyderedge should make the Gooney a superior cutter (the Raven 2 blade is listed at 0.15”).

The reverse-S shape of the edge lends itself to cutting cardboard, rope, hose, and other every day items. In my only cutting so far (cardboard and one rubber hose), the hooked bill and reverse-S shape of the Gooney edge effortlessly hangs in and keeps cutting, while blades with bellies need extra care in use as they tend to slide or roll out of the cut. I’m looking forward to putting this beast through its paces. As far as the steel goes, I thought 8Cr worked well enough, but it tended to rust more easily than it should have (I have to make certain my Hawkbill is clean AND dry before putting it away after gardening). With 18% chromium content, 9Cr18MoV should be very rust resistant.

The Gooney is different, but as usual with Sal Glesser designs, the style has function. I also really like it. The Gooney blade clearly is well suited for utility purposes and for EDC where carrying a knife of this size is allowed. This one will live in my shop. Some months from now, I’ll post a followup of how useful (or not) it truly is.

[Manixguy@1994]

I have a few smaller Byrds, but I’ve only had one Big Byrd before this, a Raven 2. Now I have a second Big Byrd, the Gooney SE. In my opinion, both knives are a little big for me to EDC carry, especially in a nanny state, but your mileage may vary.

04-both.jpg

As with other Byrds, the Gooney is generally well made, with very good fit and finish. However, this sample has a finish flaw that is ugly, though fortunately, not casually visible. With the blade open, on the underside of the backspacer, there is a bad flaw that was partially smoothed during build. This isn’t pocket jewelry, it has no effect on function, so I don’t really care.

05-gooneyflaw.jpg

As the handle appears to be the same handle used on the Byrd Harrier model, its comfort in use is already well established. The Gooney has narrow, embedded liners (minimalist, according to Spyderco) that tie the knife pivot to the lockbar pivot and the backspacer. I like backlocks for their sturdy reliability and in-pocket safety. But sometimes new ones can be like this Gooney: very stiff. It can be fully opened by thumb with minor difficulty, but Spydie flick? Not a chance. As a utility knife, all I care about is that it open and close with one hand. My Gooney sample currently cannot be closed one-handed. It’ll improve with use.

The Gooney blade is thin enough (0.11”), when combined with the Spyderedge should make the Gooney a superior cutter (the Raven 2 blade is listed at 0.15”).

06-bladestock.jpg

The reverse-S shape of the edge lends itself to cutting cardboard, rope, hose, and other every day items. In my only cutting so far (cardboard and one rubber hose), the hooked bill and reverse-S shape of the Gooney edge effortlessly hangs in and keeps cutting, while blades with bellies need extra care in use as they tend to slide or roll out of the cut. I’m looking forward to putting this beast through its paces. As far as the steel goes, I thought 8Cr worked well enough, but it tended to rust more easily than it should have (I have to make certain my Hawkbill is clean AND dry before putting it away after gardening). With 18% chromium content, 9Cr18MoV should be very rust resistant.

The Gooney is different, but as usual with Sal Glesser designs, the style has function. I also really like it. The Gooney blade clearly is well suited for utility purposes and for EDC where carrying a knife of this size is allowed. This one will live in my shop. Some months from now, I’ll post a followup of how useful (or not) it truly is.

Thanks for mini review , exactly what I was hoping to see . Gooney SE will definitely be added to yard work knives . Size is my sweet spot and no worries in my state . It will probably spend a lot of time stored and ready in my SxS . MG2

[Actinolite]

After shredding some heavy and dirty cardboard boxes, the edge still seemed reasonably sharp, but I was curious how easily it could be touched up on a Sharpmaker. Turns out, because of the size and shape of the serrations, using the Sharpmaker is smooth and easy, almost as easy as sharpening a Chaparral SE. Keeping the Gooney sharp will be no problem with this tool.

[SpyderEdgeForever]

Since the design is based on the albatross beak, would the Gooney make a good fishing and fish processing knife?