Check out the new Byrd Wrench

[Cyblade2020]

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/st....html?s=SPBY15

I wonder what else is coming out. Maybe someone will post more of the new Byrd knives coming out.

[ront]

WOW, that looks a lot like:




I am very glad that I was able to get one of these!

Ron

[Chris_H]

Wow -- way more than similar... The price though is a little more than I'd expect for a Byrd.

[cobrajoe]

Ooooh, Now I know what I was saving my money for

[catamount]

"These are the new version of the Spyderwrench which was just too cumbersome and never worked quite right. This version, however, works great!"

Wonder what the differences are? Size? Weight?

[markg]

Wow -- way more than similar... The price though is a little more than I'd expect for a Byrd.

I am sure this is a bit more of a demanding project than the regular Byrd Knife, and that is reflected in the price.

It also seems to have pretty good finish, maybe they are pushing the quality, fit, finish side of the line a bit higher, again reflected in the price.

I would be interested in giving one a look.

[zenheretic]

Pliers and crescent wrench...not to mention screw bits....might prove most useful.

[SeanH]

I have one of the small batch of Taiwan AUS-8 models that resently came out an has some QC issues. I can see several diferences.

The file is now a standard round file instead of a diamond file with flat, convex and concave surfaces. Too bad, I kinda liked the diamond file.

The bit holder positiones the bits so that they are slightly easier to remove (I'll have to verify this when I have both models in front of me)

The creacent wreanch adjustment barrel has been improved so it should be less prone to shearing offf the teeth. Yippeee! Mine broke the first time I used it.

The way that the working bit is held in the driver socket has been changed. On mine it is a magnet that ie inserted from the side. It didn't do a very good job so the new design may be an improvement.

The extension locking pawl has been redesigned.

[yablanowitz]

Considering Sal said they were losing money on the Spyderench, that looks price looks pretty good to me

[zenheretic]

I have one of the small batch of Taiwan AUS-8 models that resently came out an has some QC issues. I can see several diferences.

the file is now a standard round file instead of a diamond file with flat, convex and concave surfaces.

The bit holder positiones the bits so that they are slightly easier to remove (I'll have to verify this when I have both models in front of me)

The creacent wreanch adjustment barrel has been improved so it should be less prone to shearing offf the teeth. Yippeee!

the way that the working bit is held in the driver socket has been changed. On mine it is a magnet that ie inserted from the side. It didn't do a very good job so the new design may be an improvement.

The extension locking pawl has been redesigned.

Sean,
Is your example a Byrd or Spyderco? Approximately a year ago, a batch was "accidentally" released and available only through an English dealer. I had assumed it was an actual Spyderco. Then some whispers in the wind said something about Byrd taking it on. Now we have a Byrd released. Was yours one of the English ones, one of the originals referbed and slowly sold on eBay by the designer, an actual original or something else entirely?

[jaislandboy]

looks neat... will have to check this out...thanx for the link Cyblade2020...

[SeanH]

Sean,
Is your example a Byrd or Spyderco? Approximately a year ago, a batch was "accidentally" released and available only through an English dealer. I had assumed it was an actual Spyderco. Then some whispers in the wind said something about Byrd taking it on. Now we have a Byrd released. Was yours one of the English ones, one of the originals referbed and slowly sold on eBay by the designer, an actual original or something else entirely?

Yo, Z!
Mine is an actual Spyderco, not rebuilt. It is from a factory in Taiwan that was originaly (I think) going to provide the new model of Spyderench. They had QC issues and It looks like that manufacturer has been dropped as far as the Spyderench is conserned. I think there were only 200 made but I could be wrong.

I got it late in '06 from a US source that I chanced upon, not the UK one you mentioned. They only had a small number of them at the time.

Once the Byrd model becomes available there I'll see if I can exchange it 'cause it looks like they have made several improvements.

Taz,
Can you provide a more detailed account of the travails of the Spyderench and it's current and projected status?

Sean

[zenheretic]

Thanks Sean.

Just to clear up what I was saying, this is how I understand the whole wrench thing:
Spyderwrench from Spyderco regular release, unknown qty, discontinued for QC issues.
Small number spyderwrench, refurbished by the designer (I believe he is an engineer in California) and released via eBay, qty small.
Small number of "New and Improved" Spyderwrench, "accidentally" released to HeinieHayes in England, again qty small.
Now we have the Byrd wrench released to the wilds.

[Echo63]

ooooohh, me likey
will have to get hold of one of these, maybe two
i love my spyderwrench but dont use it because i dont want to lose it/ break it
this gives me a chance to get one to use hard and a spare or three

[rcbalt2]

very tempting. I'll get one when they become avalible at a few other places.

[Jurphaas]

Yes, I was amazed by the quality, fit and finish of the byrdrench. This China made pocket tool is one slick powerhouse. The finish is excellent with no mold lines, a precise and sturdy feel. Bits don't fall out anymore 'cause they are housed in a internal plastic container. The crescent wrench works flawlessly - very little play - This is how the Spyderco original was mend to be. Unfortunately for Spyderco, at that time no one was able to build it like that.
Now however, this tool has matured and it will be released very soon at a very resonable price. Oh, btw despite it's pocket clip, it also comes with a good looking black nylon belt sheath!
Jurphaas

[Harry White]

oh yeah -- she will be mine! i like the looks of this one. wish it came with torx #6, 8, 9, and 10. are the bits interchangeable with other manufacturers?

[yablanowitz]

They should be. At least the bits on my original SpydeRench are standard, and my Torx bits fit it just fine.

[rescueseven]

on 11-23-2006, 12:47 AM at SpydeRench (pics inside)

Today I visited the mother ship in Golden, and low and behold this little guy followed me home.



This apparently was the last of them, as it was the display model (note the scratches on the handle).

Rumor has it the next batch will be more Byrd like and less like. Is it possible I got the last of the Taiwanese hole Renchs?

R7

Knifecenters price for the Rench is some 30% less then the price I paid for the above TaiRench at SFO in November even with the usual discounts.

I have had some problems with my TaiRench, but not as bad a Sean's stripped crescent adjuster. Alas Sean, maybe the TaiRench will be a rare find after all.

The tool is much more 'usable' than I initially thought it would be and it is now 1/2 of my EDC's (D'Allara rescue in my other pocket).

I wonder if a little ByrdRench will follow me home the next time I stop by SFO?

R7

[SpydercoKnut]

I would be interested in seeing how it works.