byrd meadowlark 2 user review

[suedeface]

I decided to pick up a meadowlark 2 FRN PE after seeing the new improved flat ground models were released. I originally wanted a delica 4 FFG, but didn't have enough money for one at the time ( plus they didn't have black available as a scale color). For about a month now I have been using this knife almost daily for a home repair/remodel project, and it has proved it's worth.
I cut dense foam subfloor, carved, whittled and fit moldings, scraped and cut drywall,opened bags, boxes, peeled apples and even used it many times to prepare myself a salad. I have a feeling I tested it pretty decently. It performed so well that I bought myself a SS version about a week later for a backup.
I really have no complaints about the knife. Granted, I would rather have an actual ffg spyderco, but for $18 for the FRN and $21 for the SS model, I think these models are a great value. Also, the steel isn't as bad as people may think. Throughout my remodel, I have extensively tested 8cr13mov and found it to be a very serviceable "working mans" steel. While I've found this particular steel does dull faster than the more expensive ones, I found that I can steel it on a long shafted round screwdriver, or even the cheap steel in the kitchen knife block and get a very viable edge back on the blade. I could easily go a couple days of medium/hard use steeling the edge back to sharpness before it degraded enough to reprofile. However, even then it was pretty easy to get a fresh new edge back on it.
If I had to give one criticism to the knife/knives, I would note that they came out of the box fairly gritty and dirty on the insides for some reason. Both models came this way. I just cleaned them out with a pipe cleaner and a few drops of oil, and they are smooth opening now. Both models have the satisfying loud "click" of a well made lock when opened.
So, if you're on the fence about byrd knives, I'd say try one of the new ffg models out. I think they are a great value, and I will carry both these models into the next year and continue my real world tests on 8cr13mov stainless.

[araneae]

Thanks for the review. I am waiting for the frn Robin 2. Should be a great little knife.

[syphen]

I've got a Meadowlark 2, Rescue 2 and Hawkbill (meadowlark 2 with hawkbill blade). They are great knives. They aren't quite as good as their spyderco equivalents but I am VERY VERY happy with the quality considering the price. I got 3 of these knives for a Delica's MSRP... shipped.

I tend to carry my Byrds more then my Spyderco's just because I enjoy keeping my spydies in good shape (I have 3 "beater" spydies I carry as well, Delica, Endura and Salt I, the rest are safe queens).

I can highly recommend these Byrds for the price.

My only wish was that the FRN was bevelled more on the corners. The total width may be the same as a Delica but the squared off corners on the FRN makes them feel much wider and cheaper.

[greenfly]

If you like the solid feel of the ss but with a grippier feel I would recommend the G10 Meadowlark, heres my first gen.

[ChrisR]

Nice review ... I have a few Byrd knives and they seem very good value. If the Meadowlark FFG came out in a SLIPIT version then I'd have a couple to give to friends or use as beaters :)

[chuck_roxas45]

It's just too bad the G10 crossbill is DC'ed.

[greenfly]

It's just too bad the G10 crossbill is DC'ed.

Try one of these Chuck!

[chuck_roxas45]

Try one of these Chuck!

What is that?

That looks very nice, and especially in PE.

[greenfly]

Hey Chuck,Byrd Hawkbill (not available in Plain I believe)Heres a size comparison with FRN UKPK.


Ride height in pocket

[chuck_roxas45]

Thanks a lot green fly but blade length and SE is a deal breaker for me.

I thought for a moment there that the crossbill is now in FRN. :D

[ChrisR]

Nice knife ... but I'd use it to nip out the flower stem on that VFT ... it will only weaken the plant during its winter rest

[greenfly]

Thanks for the tip Chris consider it done.Ahh VFT dormancy aint the internet grand.Catch you on the flip side :)

[greenfly]

Thanks a lot green fly but blade length and SE is a deal breaker for me.

I thought for a moment there that the crossbill is now in FRN. :D

You really should try one the VFM is exellent & se is a piece of cake to sharpen on the sharpmaker.

[ChrisR]

Thanks for the tip Chris consider it done.Ahh VFT dormancy aint the internet grand.Catch you on the flip side :)

Well, the flowers are pretty awful anyway and the seeds take years to grow to a decent size so it's not worth the hassle. Just keep them in a cool room (above freezing) and don't water them as much for the cold parts of the winter - still keeping the soil fairly wet though and never let them dry right out. The plant will shrink a bit but that's normal as it goes into winter rest. Bring the water up to normal depth when the temperatures start to warm up in Spring and always keep them in the strongest sunlight you can give them ... then they'll last forever :)

[Deal4]

Thanks suedeface for the good review. Sounds like you have put it through its paces!
I've got one on the way with G10. Love how you can choke up with the finger choil, which besides the price, caused me to get the Meadowlark 2 over the Delica. Plus it will be a beater knife.
I know the Delica will take a beating, but from what you say so will the Meadowlark2 for a fraction of the cost!
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!