While ordering a couple of Streamlight AAA lights and a Buck X-Tract through Lighthound, I realized that adding another item for 20 bucks would put me over the minimum for free shipping. So, acting on impulse, I clicked the button to add a Byrd Cara Cara plain edge with G10 scales to my cart - for an additional 22 bucks.
After carrying and using the knife for a week, I'm happy that I yielded to impulse and bought it. Eventually, I'll get around to posting a review of this knife - and also of the Buck X-Tract - but until then I'll post these initial impressions.
Fit and finish are not bad - adequate for a knife in this price range.
At 5.6 ounces and 4.75" closed, the knife feels fairly substantial in my hand and also when clipped into a trouser pocket.
Ergonomics are excellent. The G10 grips are very grippy indeed and the handle design allows for excellent control, even when wet, in the 'normal' grip position.
The very cleverly shaped handle and the jimping on the blade's choil and spine allow the user to 'choke up' on the blade to improve control during fine cutting, which works very well.
The handle design also allows for moving one's grip down the handle to provide more leverage for chopping.
My main ergonomical gripe is that the knife is slightly handle heavy, with the balance point falling just behind the forefinger in a 'normal' grip.
The 4" long by 1/8" thick blade is big enough for serious cutting chores. At first I wasn't sure about the shape of the blade, but after using it for a while I've come to like it - good shape for a general utility blade.
Over the last several years I've grown used to EDC of 3" to 3.25" blades weighing from 2 to 3 ounces. This knife feels substatially heavier, but it also feels much more capable than my normal EDC knives.
Out of the package the knife was sharp, but not 'shaving sharp.' The blade would grab hair on my arm, but would not shave it smoothly. The blade would push cut newspaper, but only after careful initiation of the cut. (By contrast, the brand new Buck X-Tract would easily shave arm hair and would push cut newspaper effortlessly.)
After breaking down a few cardboard boxes, pruning back some bushes, opening a few clamshell packages, splitting some 1" diameter sticks, and a whole lot of whittling of some very hard wood - the edge is still usable, but could definitely do with a touch up.
After using it for a variety of tasks for over a week, I've become rather fond of this knife. While capable of fairly heavy duty tasks, its clever design also allows fine control when whittling or performing delicate tasks.
So far this knife seems to be great "bang for the buck," but only time will tell how durable it really is. Decent build quality. Good ergonomics. Versatile enough to handle a variety of tasks, including fairly heavy duty tasks.
A decent general utility knife at a very reasonable price.
.
After carrying and using the knife for a week, I'm happy that I yielded to impulse and bought it. Eventually, I'll get around to posting a review of this knife - and also of the Buck X-Tract - but until then I'll post these initial impressions.
Fit and finish are not bad - adequate for a knife in this price range.
At 5.6 ounces and 4.75" closed, the knife feels fairly substantial in my hand and also when clipped into a trouser pocket.
Ergonomics are excellent. The G10 grips are very grippy indeed and the handle design allows for excellent control, even when wet, in the 'normal' grip position.
The very cleverly shaped handle and the jimping on the blade's choil and spine allow the user to 'choke up' on the blade to improve control during fine cutting, which works very well.
The handle design also allows for moving one's grip down the handle to provide more leverage for chopping.
My main ergonomical gripe is that the knife is slightly handle heavy, with the balance point falling just behind the forefinger in a 'normal' grip.
The 4" long by 1/8" thick blade is big enough for serious cutting chores. At first I wasn't sure about the shape of the blade, but after using it for a while I've come to like it - good shape for a general utility blade.
Over the last several years I've grown used to EDC of 3" to 3.25" blades weighing from 2 to 3 ounces. This knife feels substatially heavier, but it also feels much more capable than my normal EDC knives.
Out of the package the knife was sharp, but not 'shaving sharp.' The blade would grab hair on my arm, but would not shave it smoothly. The blade would push cut newspaper, but only after careful initiation of the cut. (By contrast, the brand new Buck X-Tract would easily shave arm hair and would push cut newspaper effortlessly.)
After breaking down a few cardboard boxes, pruning back some bushes, opening a few clamshell packages, splitting some 1" diameter sticks, and a whole lot of whittling of some very hard wood - the edge is still usable, but could definitely do with a touch up.
After using it for a variety of tasks for over a week, I've become rather fond of this knife. While capable of fairly heavy duty tasks, its clever design also allows fine control when whittling or performing delicate tasks.
So far this knife seems to be great "bang for the buck," but only time will tell how durable it really is. Decent build quality. Good ergonomics. Versatile enough to handle a variety of tasks, including fairly heavy duty tasks.
A decent general utility knife at a very reasonable price.
.
