Byrd Fixed Blade

[Wanimator]

I'd definitely jump on a larger Byrd fixed blade, like a bowie or Shemp Rock kind of fixed blade, maybe even a short machete style.

[3rdGenRigger]

What steel would a Byrd fixed blade feature? I'd like to try something in 9Cr18Mo.

[ASmitty]

I personally would love to see a byrd rendition of the Bushcraft. If I had my way it would be available both with and without handle scales and would be in 9Cr18.

[sal]

We do have one maker that is using CTS-BD1. That would be my prefered steel. 9Cr is available, but our experience with the material in a Mule Team showed more warpage than we would like. We can always use 8Cr.

Let's discuss more about what the design would be?

sal

[TomAiello]

Either a smallish utility knife (like an Enuf) or a larger fixed blade (4.5" or 5" maybe) with a comfortable handle for general fieldcraft would be awesome.

I think that BD1 would be a great steel.

[3rdGenRigger]

Either a smallish utility knife (like an Enuf) or a larger fixed blade (4.5" or 5" maybe) with a comfortable handle for general fieldcraft would be awesome.

I think that BD1 would be a great steel.

I second every part of this. If they can get and use BD1 I'm all for that in place of any of the Chinese steels.

[ASmitty]

We do have one maker that is using CTS-BD1. That would be my prefered steel. 9Cr is available, but our experience with the material in a Mule Team showed more warpage than we would like. We can always use 8Cr.

Let's discuss more about what the design would be?

sal

BD1 would be perfect for me. I'd prefer it over any of the regularly available Chinese steel. It is my absolute favorite user steel (a spot previously held by VG-10). I'd like to see something in a Scandi grind in a byrd fixed blade. If not Scandi then FFG. I just find the Scandi to be an extremely good for utility fixed blades; however, FFG makes for a superb slicer. I'd prefer a blade length of around 4-4.5 inches. I'd prefer full tang construction with G-10 handle scales. My preference would be for the handle scales to be attached by screws rather than pinned on. I'd prefer flat head screws as those are easiest to carry a tool for in the field as almost any SAK or multitool has a flat head driver. This would allow the handle scales to be removed in a pinch for emergency use as a spear.

I'm not sure what would be available out of China for sheaths. Kydex would be my top preference followed closely by leather, but I trust Sal and Co to give us a functional sheath regardless of materials.

[defenestrate]

I'm glad to hear that the situation with Chinese manufacture appears to be resolved. CTS-BD1 seems a fine steel, and I'm excited to hear that it is going to be available. I could be okay with 8Cr as well. 4.5-5" seems a good blade length. General fieldcraft sounds about right. Just a good all-around camp knife like the Temperence would be nice.

[araneae]

Something around the size of the Enuff sounds right. FFG please.

[sal]

I'd like some more opinions on size, design style, designers, etc. Eric has a maker that he believes can do a good job on fixed blade byrds, so we're getting more serious.

sal

[DutchBlades]

I'd like some more opinions on size, design style, designers, etc. Eric has a maker that he believes can do a good job on fixed blade byrds, so we're getting more serious.

sal

The size of an Enuff is something I would surely like to add to the collection as a fixed utility blade,
and it seems I'm not the only one liking this size.
CTS-BD1, 8Cr13MoV or even just 8Cr are all steels that will work on a fixed blade and are within the budget of the Byrd product line.

I could whip up some concept idea's on a design if that would help,
but I'm sure I won't be the only one jumping at this opportunity! :p

[Wanimator]

Something Shemp Rock sized, that I could use to *oh no god forbid* chop with?

[DutchBlades]

Something I desperately need is a cheaper (thus Byrd) Pygmy or Warrior.
Love those...

[Ookami]

I resubmit my design from page 1 :D
http://www.spyderco.com/forumII/viewtop ... 81#p970183

I think a light knife in the 3.5" range with a nice sheath that can be used for belt (vertical or horizontal), neck or boot carry would be a winner. IMO, there aren't many high quality low price options in the field.


Ookami

[3rdGenRigger]

I'd like to see something in the size range of the Enuff, a tad larger but not a lot larger. Leaf shaped blade or maybe a spear point, but I'd prefer a leaf shape over other options. As for designers...I trust Sal and Eric utterly and would prefer an in house design over a collaboration. FRN handles would also seem appropriate on a knife of this price range, plus I think the utility and traction would be perfect. I'd buy a couple for sure...one for outdoor use at home and one as a beater fixed blade for work.

[Eee]

I'd suggest that a scandi grind doesn't play to Byrd's strengths as it would go into direct competition with Mora.

Byrd seems to me to be about ergonomic utility. There it a certain honesty to them. When I am being honest with myself I realise I spend a fair bit of time doing food prep, with other tasks as add ons.

So how about something:
Ffg
CTS BD1
PE & SE options
Leaf blade
Enough height to have some drop on a chopping board
Frn handle onto aqua salt style tang for easy washing
Thin enough to be slicy, thick enough to split small kindling and do feather sticks.

Happy to draw something up in the next couple of days

[opusxpn]

If we are going traditional a skinner type knife 3.5"-4" would be nice. If not a drop point 5" would work. In a more exotic shape a 4" wharncliffe blade would come in handy and it goes well with the Byrd name and comet hole.

[v8r]

Wharnecliff style blade with Mule handle shape. This would make handle scales from Halpern titanium readily adaptable to the platform. Spyderco could package it with some basic black g10 handles and sheath, but for those of us that want to customize , the scales could be swapped out easily.

[sal]

We are thinking 2 models. One large and one smaller utility. We have a maker that looks good and wants to try to work with US steels.

sal

[opusxpn]

We are thinking 2 models. One large and one smaller utility. We have a maker that looks good and wants to try to work with US steels.

sal

Thats cool news which steels were you considering?