General Byrd question on fit, finish & feel

[xceptnl]

I own many Spydercos and find joy in each of them for their own unique reasons, but i have never really thought to buy a Byrd for myself. I have gifted a few to friends who were Spyderco curious, but whom I also knew didn't care for their tools/gear. I only this year handled my first FRN Byrd, a Robin 2 LW wharncliffe. I must say, it is a tremendous value and the friend I gifted it to, raves over it. My curiosity is about the feel in hand. I only have the FRN and G10 Dragonfly 2 models to compare it to, and I was disappointed. The edges of the FRN created many hot spots for me in the hand. Could this be muscle memory telling me it feels like a Dfly 2, but that it isn't quite right? I suppose this is a possibility.

Do other, larger FRN Byrds have similar feeling when compared to their Spyderco counterpart? I can only assume the G10 Byrds will be more alike their Spydie kin. Any feedback is appreciated.

[ChoilsChoilsChoils]

I own a G10 Dragonfly, a G10 Robin 2, a FRN wharnie Robin 2 I got for a blade swap ( see the results here viewtopic.php?t=97477 ), and I've handled a G10 Meadowlark 2. The G10 lockback Byrds are fantastic, 90% of the value of their Spyderco analogues for about 30% the cost (and much easier to find in stock). I think they are ergonomically superior to the Spydercos, because the Robin has Delica-like ergos rather than unique weirdo Dragonfly ergos (ymmv), and the Meadowlark has a 50/50 choil that many folks think the Delica should have (again, ymmv). The fit and build quality is equally good, and the finish is noticeably but not terribly inferior to Seki.

I did not like the FRN Robin 2 at all, it was uncomfortable, clunky and felt cheap and unfinished. It's important to note that the FRN Harrier 2 is different from the others in the lockback lineup, with updated handles that are more contoured and nicer looking, so I'd try that out if you're looking for a nice FRN Byrd. Hopefully the other FRN models eventually get the same improved handles. Definitely check out the G10 (and titanium) lockback Byrds, though, they're very good, especially for the price.

[Switchback]

I own Robin 2's in FRN, G10, and Stainless Steel. The FRN Robin 2 is my least favorite among them. When I first got my Robin 2 FRN, I thought the new FRN was an improvement over the old FRN but after owning it for a while, I like the old FRN better. Much better actually. The difference is night and day. I just wish I could have the new FFG blade on the old FRN handles.

In my opinion, the G10 and Stainless Steel Robin 2 models are a far cry better than the FRN Robin 2 for the same reasons mentioned in the post above mine.

[Actinolite]

I have three Byrds, all are great values: Robin 2, Crow 2, and Raven 2. For a while, my least favorite of the three was the Robin 2 (G-10). It had a problem with rough, stiff, and difficult-to-use action. This problem appears to be unusual, based on posts on this forum. I have two other Byrds, but both are liner-locks (Crow 2, Raven 2).

I tried lubing the Robin, but it didn't help. I finally took it apart. I polished the pivot end of the blade and the phosphor-bronze washers, all of which were a bit rough. I then cleaned everything, lubed the pivot, and reassembled it. While the Robin is still stiff (acceptably so for a lockback), it is now smooth and easy enough to open/close.

I highly recommend this little knife, at least in G-10. I haven't tried the FRN, nor have I tried any other FRN Byrds.

[Actinolite]

I haven't tried the FRN, nor have I tried any other FRN Byrds.

Turns out my memory is none too great. I have 4 Byrds, not 3, and the last one I picked up was a Byrd Hawkbill, which IS an FRN backlock. It works very well, BTW, from its acceptably smooth operation to its SE blade. This little blade is a great help working around the yard, much better than any plain edge pocket knife I have.

[Jimandchris2]

Hey, I totally get where you're coming from. I also own several Spydercos and love each one for different reasons — but like you, I was slow to explore the Byrd line for myself.
I’ve found that FRN Byrds do have a different feel compared to their Spyderco counterparts. The edges and finish just aren’t as refined, and depending on grip and hand size, those “hot spots” definitely show up more. I think your muscle memory comparison to the Dragonfly 2 is spot on — you’re reaching for that familiar feel, but the subtle design differences make it feel “off.”
As for the larger FRN Byrds (like the Cara Cara 2 or Meadowlark), I’d say they do have similar quirks. They’re functional and an incredible value, but you’ll still notice those rougher edges and less polished ergonomics compared to their Spydie siblings.
The G10 models definitely feel closer to “true Spyderco,” in my opinion — more solid in hand, smoother contours, and just a more dialed-in experience. If you’re curious to give the Byrd line a real shot, that might be the place to go.

Hope that helps! Would like to hear if you end up trying one out.

[xceptnl]

Hey, I totally get where you're coming from. I also own several Spydercos and love each one for different reasons — but like you, I was slow to explore the Byrd line for myself.
I’ve found that FRN Byrds do have a different feel compared to their Spyderco counterparts. The edges and finish just aren’t as refined, and depending on grip and hand size, those “hot spots” definitely show up more. I think your muscle memory comparison to the Dragonfly 2 is spot on — you’re reaching for that familiar feel, but the subtle design differences make it feel “off.”
As for the larger FRN Byrds (like the Cara Cara 2 or Meadowlark), I’d say they do have similar quirks. They’re functional and an incredible value, but you’ll still notice those rougher edges and less polished ergonomics compared to their Spydie siblings.
The G10 models definitely feel closer to “true Spyderco,” in my opinion — more solid in hand, smoother contours, and just a more dialed-in experience. If you’re curious to give the Byrd line a real shot, that might be the place to go.

Hope that helps! Would like to hear if you end up trying one out.

That is exactly the feedback I was hoping to hear. I am looking at a Robin 2 G-10 immediately after reading your reply.

[jasonstone20]

Great assessment, I couldn't agree more!!

I own a G10 Dragonfly, a G10 Robin 2, a FRN wharnie Robin 2 I got for a blade swap ( see the results here viewtopic.php?t=97477 ), and I've handled a G10 Meadowlark 2. The G10 lockback Byrds are fantastic, 90% of the value of their Spyderco analogues for about 30% the cost (and much easier to find in stock). I think they are ergonomically superior to the Spydercos, because the Robin has Delica-like ergos rather than unique weirdo Dragonfly ergos (ymmv), and the Meadowlark has a 50/50 choil that many folks think the Delica should have (again, ymmv). The fit and build quality is equally good, and the finish is noticeably but not terribly inferior to Seki.