first post here. I've acquired two Spyderco's in one week - which I count as a good week! I picked my first Spyderco on monday, a BRG Delica FRN with a plain edge ZDP-189 blade. Honestly, this is the PERFECT EDC knife - light, strong, sharp beyond belief.
I got it while I had a Byrd Cara Cara G10 PE on order from my local brick 'n mortar (Davi's in Raleigh - GREAT people there, especially Richard). The Cara Cara came in yesterday and I came and got it today. Gotta say, this is massively impressive knife, and that's not eve considering the price. It's just rock solid. I ended up paying I think $29 for it. Among all the imported high end brand knives (Wal Mart Kershaws, BM Red Line, etc) the Byrds really stand apart to me. Maybe it's because I love Spyderco's design (and their design ethic, more importantly) but this is just a tough knife to beat at even twice the price.
So, thumbs up to Spyderco for both of these completely wonderful products!
I came upon a conundrum, though. Which to carry?
Answer: Delica in front right pocket, Cara Cara and right rear!
-James
ps: pictures soon when I find my camera. And hi all!
Byrd Cara Cara - Impressive!
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well I found my camera! Not the best photos, but here they are!
Tazkristi, I see you all the time in the Spyderco forum on BladeForums. Of course I'd see you here, haha.
I've already used the cara cara for a few things - including finishing off the grip on a walking stick I've been carving for the woods behind the house. It will also slice all the way through a Pizza box even though you only meant to open one side... heh.
Tazkristi, I see you all the time in the Spyderco forum on BladeForums. Of course I'd see you here, haha.
I've already used the cara cara for a few things - including finishing off the grip on a walking stick I've been carving for the woods behind the house. It will also slice all the way through a Pizza box even though you only meant to open one side... heh.
Those pics really show the Cara Cara's great blade
That's one of the best things about it ... that big, long, nicely curved blade in combination with one of the most ergonomically sound handles (both near and far grips) and thick, super-strong construction of the G-10 model.
It's extremely utilitarian ... it would be odd to see it fail in normal usage (unless you let it rust in salt water ... that would do it I suppose). The much lighter FRN model seems plenty strong enough too ( it probably stonger than the Endura 3 and equal to the Endura 4) ... but is not quite as robust as the G-10 Cara Cara pictured.
For a blade that's even more versatile ... try the combination PE/SE version. The PE part of the blade is acutely ground and the SE portion is very effective insurance for cutting tough stuff (also serves to "save the PE" if you think dulling is likely to occur when cutting a particularly tough material).
Overall, I like the Cara Cara just a little more than the Raven ... primarily due to the lockback design being somewhat easier to trust and use without any mild reservations that a liner lock sometimes presents. The Raven is a slightly handier mid-sized knife whereas the Cara Cara is a full-sized folder. It's size gives it the edge for larger cutting jobs requiring more leverage.
It's extremely utilitarian ... it would be odd to see it fail in normal usage (unless you let it rust in salt water ... that would do it I suppose). The much lighter FRN model seems plenty strong enough too ( it probably stonger than the Endura 3 and equal to the Endura 4) ... but is not quite as robust as the G-10 Cara Cara pictured.
For a blade that's even more versatile ... try the combination PE/SE version. The PE part of the blade is acutely ground and the SE portion is very effective insurance for cutting tough stuff (also serves to "save the PE" if you think dulling is likely to occur when cutting a particularly tough material).
Overall, I like the Cara Cara just a little more than the Raven ... primarily due to the lockback design being somewhat easier to trust and use without any mild reservations that a liner lock sometimes presents. The Raven is a slightly handier mid-sized knife whereas the Cara Cara is a full-sized folder. It's size gives it the edge for larger cutting jobs requiring more leverage.
:DI might actually get another one for my dad... I want him to stop beating his first production BM Rukus full size to death in the woods, it's just wrong.clovisc wrote:the G10 cara-cara is the absolute best deal in a large folder... period. i wouldn't hesitate to give one to any of my family or friends... and actually, i have... :D
Cara Cara G10 Plaine edge
Hi,
same here.
This morning while wandering in the city of Soissons at 120 km north east of Paris, France, I have found in the middle of Laguiole knives at 60 euros a stranger with a Comet carved in his blade.
-Oh! A Byrd !
It was in fact a Cara Cara plain edge with the g-10 handle at half the price of the laguiole. The place named "La Civette" is not a gun shop or even a knifeshop, it's just a place to buy cigarettes and lighter and pocket knives and to play the Loto.
I drop my baskets full of vegetable to my car and came back to see that Byrd knife (the only one lost in the middle of all the other knives).
I asked to the nice lady if I could have a look to than knife with the black handle and the hole in the blade. (it was the only one. She was even sailing some Delica Knockoff at the same price as the Byrd !!!)
She gave it to me so I was able to check the lock (no play in any direction), the feel (heavy and nice). And it was a deal.
So far I have not test the knife in the wood but what I can say about it is how outstanding are the evidences of its quality. All screw construction. Nice finish. Symetric grind. Nice geometry. Very nice G-10 handle (not to abbrasive). I also love the heavy handle feel toward the pommel (à la Wegner) and the balance toward the handle.
The blade is beautiful and the Comet Hole a pleasure to use (it's my first Byrd so I'm discovering this new opening system. I really appreciate it.)
The opening and the closing is so smooth. The blade is closing only with the gravity.
Like I said there is no vertical play with the lock. The Cara Cara feels even more solid than my Ocelot.
Very solid ! Ultrasharp. the blade is a razor and keep its thickness like the Wegner again...
The choil is really welcome and give a lot of control and a feel of security.
Overall the Cara Cara is a beauty and an incredible bargain.
What a knife !
I'm going to use it a lot as it will be first folding beater ! :cool:
Who else is VERY" happy with his Cara Cara ?
Cheers
Nemo
same here.
This morning while wandering in the city of Soissons at 120 km north east of Paris, France, I have found in the middle of Laguiole knives at 60 euros a stranger with a Comet carved in his blade.
-Oh! A Byrd !
It was in fact a Cara Cara plain edge with the g-10 handle at half the price of the laguiole. The place named "La Civette" is not a gun shop or even a knifeshop, it's just a place to buy cigarettes and lighter and pocket knives and to play the Loto.
I drop my baskets full of vegetable to my car and came back to see that Byrd knife (the only one lost in the middle of all the other knives).
I asked to the nice lady if I could have a look to than knife with the black handle and the hole in the blade. (it was the only one. She was even sailing some Delica Knockoff at the same price as the Byrd !!!)
She gave it to me so I was able to check the lock (no play in any direction), the feel (heavy and nice). And it was a deal.
So far I have not test the knife in the wood but what I can say about it is how outstanding are the evidences of its quality. All screw construction. Nice finish. Symetric grind. Nice geometry. Very nice G-10 handle (not to abbrasive). I also love the heavy handle feel toward the pommel (à la Wegner) and the balance toward the handle.
The blade is beautiful and the Comet Hole a pleasure to use (it's my first Byrd so I'm discovering this new opening system. I really appreciate it.)
The opening and the closing is so smooth. The blade is closing only with the gravity.
Like I said there is no vertical play with the lock. The Cara Cara feels even more solid than my Ocelot.
Very solid ! Ultrasharp. the blade is a razor and keep its thickness like the Wegner again...
The choil is really welcome and give a lot of control and a feel of security.
Overall the Cara Cara is a beauty and an incredible bargain.
What a knife !
I'm going to use it a lot as it will be first folding beater ! :cool:
Who else is VERY" happy with his Cara Cara ?
Cheers
Nemo
The Cara Cara remains a favorite of mine. I would gladly pay for a version from Golden with a compression lock, FG G10 and S90V blade steel. I find the ergonomics superior to all versions of the Endura, and the inclusion of the choil makes it much more adaptable to a variety of cutting tasks IMO. I re-ground mine flat to the stone and it cuts very well now.
I EDC'd one for the better part of a year before I found a US made Spyderco that I liked (UKPK). Still goes into my pocket from time to time. My only complaint is it's kind of heavy, lacks the round hole and I have other steels I'd take over 8Cr13MoV, but it's still an exceptional value regardless of my nitpicking.
I EDC'd one for the better part of a year before I found a US made Spyderco that I liked (UKPK). Still goes into my pocket from time to time. My only complaint is it's kind of heavy, lacks the round hole and I have other steels I'd take over 8Cr13MoV, but it's still an exceptional value regardless of my nitpicking.
Hi James and Nemo and Vivi - I highly appreciate your unbiased view on the byrd series. Spyderco takes great care and effort into these knives. Good chance that these are the best quality knives built in China to date.
Especially the G-10 series is excellent value. The price you pay for these knives will keep a smile on your face for a long, long time.
Although you are right about the Cara cara, I personally like the smaller blade sizes. Meadowlark and Robin are my choices and they too shine at all fronts.
Yes, even if you are not directly on a budget, these knives deliver big time and their build and quality impresses.
Excellent choice use it with pride!
Jurphaas :)
Especially the G-10 series is excellent value. The price you pay for these knives will keep a smile on your face for a long, long time.
Although you are right about the Cara cara, I personally like the smaller blade sizes. Meadowlark and Robin are my choices and they too shine at all fronts.
Yes, even if you are not directly on a budget, these knives deliver big time and their build and quality impresses.
Excellent choice use it with pride!
Jurphaas :)
Clipits Work!
* WTC # 0107 *
* WTC # 0107 *
Hi Jur,
it was you ! :-)
More than 2 years ago who gave me a quick lookl to a G-10 Byrd !!!
Since then your enthousiasm was ticking in my head.
In fact, I was heading to try and review the "jimping" on the new beautiful Police but it seems like the Cara Cara got almost the same kind of "cockpit".
Cheers
Nemo
it was you ! :-)
More than 2 years ago who gave me a quick lookl to a G-10 Byrd !!!
Since then your enthousiasm was ticking in my head.
In fact, I was heading to try and review the "jimping" on the new beautiful Police but it seems like the Cara Cara got almost the same kind of "cockpit".
Cheers
Nemo