Byrd line origin?

[Candyman]

What year did Spyderco start the Byrd line?

Rich

[The Deacon]

If memory serves, it was late 2004. First one was called the Harrier, which looked something like a knockoff of the Schempp Persian. Clip is flimsy, feels like tin can stock> OTOH, I have to say that to my eyes the rounded scales show off the micarta better than the flat ones on the Persian. Spyderco found the quality to be lacking, so it didn't last long. Next, IIRC, were the Meadowlark and Cara Cara.

[Candyman]

Great, thanks for the information. I was actually trying to find out information on the exact knife you posted!

[sal]

As Deacon mentioned, the quality was vacant. Long term plan calls for an updated "Harrier" model. We've been working with a variety of makers in China for a while now. As with Japan, we found some of the "good" makers and began raising quality levels. We're actually working with a few that are very good, and they appreciate the opportunity to work with a quality oriented company..

sal

[Larry_Mott]

You can congratulate the Raven 2 factory from me! Excellent knife! That and the Crow 2 feel like they aren't made in China at all :)
EDIT: You can pat yourself on the back as well Sal for a great design that leaves the Tenacious for dead IMO.

[Candyman]

That's good to hear. I really like the look of this knife and I'm really a sucker for wood scales too.
Reminds me of a knife I would've found when rummaging through my Grandpas old boxes of hunting and fishing gear.
Rich

[sal]

Thanx Larry,

I've been working closely with the maker for more than a decade. He's been coming along nicely. He's now working on two new Spyderco designs.

sal

[Larry_Mott]

That's nice news!
Can't wait to see them! Any idea if they will launch in the forseeable future?

[timlara]

Totally agree, I really like my Crow 2. IMO, it has crossed the line from "good for the price" to just "good because it's good".

[Larry_Mott]

Totally agree, I really like my Crow 2. IMO, it has crossed the line from "good for the price" to just "good because it's good".

Exactly! Raven/Crow are good knives! No if's and but's, just plain really good knives.

[SpyderEdgeForever]

sal, I have a question. IF the Japanese who make the Enduras and others were to make a version of the Byrd, say, the Cara Cara, would there be a definite difference in the grind and feel and shape, or would it be mostly the same level of quality and structure to it?

My Byrd Cara Cara is right with me and man what an excellent knife. Thanks!

[sal]

The Japanese steels are better and the fit and finish would probably be better, but the downside would be a much more expensive knife.

sal

[SpyderEdgeForever]

Thanks, sal. Yeah the Byrd Cara Cara is great. I lent it to someone else for general-cutting chores and they were amazed at the combination of economical price and superb quality, compressed into one well-designed knife. I said "That's Spyderco, best in the world."

[tstetz]

I've been very impressed with the quality level of the recent Byrds. I really like the G-10 models especially and just started working with a Ti handle Cara Cara. They're my go to suggestion for folks who need a good folder but don't have a big budget. I've given a number of guys at work (police officers) Byrds when I've caught them with subpar folders :-p

[Larry_Mott]

Thanx Larry,

I've been working closely with the maker for more than a decade. He's been coming along nicely. He's now working on two new Spyderco designs.

sal

Would that by any chance be the Efficient and Polestar? :)