Spyderco byte - July 2018

The Spyderco byte July 2018 e-newsletter was sent out on 31 July 2018, and it contained the following articles.

Colored Byrd Lightweights

BY03PBL2 / PBN2 / PGY2

MSRP: $36.95

Origin: China

BY04PBL2 / PBN2 / PGY2

MSRP: $34.95

Origin: China

BY10PBL2 / PBN2 / PGY2

MSRP: $31.95

Origin: China

Since its introduction in 2006, Spyderco’s byrd line of knives has provided an extremely affordable alternative—or supplement—to our Spyderco products. Inspired by some of our best-selling Spyderco designs, byrd knives proudly offer the same features, benefits, and reliable functionality, but at prices that are ideally suited to novice buyers and budget-conscious knife users.

Based on the groundbreaking Spyderco Delica®, Endura®, and Dragonfly™, the most popular knives in the byrd family are the Meadowlark™ 2, Cara Cara™ 2, and Robin™ 2—specifically the lightweight models featuring injection-molded fiberglass-reinforced-nylon (FRN) handles. Like their progenitors, these remarkable knives proudly offer quick, positive, one-handed opening, a sturdy back lock mechanism, the versatility of a four-position clip, skeletonized stainless steel liners, and lightweight, sure-grip, injection-molded handles. Although the 8Cr13MoV stainless steel used to craft their blades is not as sophisticated as higher-priced alloys, the full-flat-grinds and low-friction edge geometry of these knives allow them to cut exceptionally well, while making them much easier to maintain and sharpen than knives with more advanced blade steels. They also include a textured index-finger choil (finger groove) that allows a “choked-up” grip for increased control. For these reasons, when it comes to demanding, hard-use cutting tasks, even seasoned knife users with vast collections often include byrd Lightweights in their rotation of everyday carry knives.

Despite all their qualities, the Meadowlark, Cara Cara, and Robin Lightweights have always had one minor shortcoming: their handles only came in basic black. For most people, that’s never been an issue; function has always taken precedence over color choice. However, we do agree that variety is the spice of life, so we are happy to announce that all three models will soon be available with a choice of blue, brown, or gray FRN handles, as well as the original black. All three colors still feature a high-traction Bi-Directional Texture™ pattern to ensure a secure, non-slip grip. The colored Cara Cara 2 Lightweights are in stock and currently shipping, with the Meadowlark 2 and Robin 2 to follow later this year.

If you’ve never experienced the affordable cutting performance of a byrd knife, there’s no better time than now. Put a little color in your life without taking much “green” out of your wallet.

BY03PBL2 / PBN2 / PGY2

Overall: 8.53 in / 217 mm

Blade: 3.75 in / 95 mm

Edge: 3.25 in / 83 mm

Weight: 3.4 oz / 96 g

Grind: Full-Flat

Origin: China

BY04PBL2 / PBN2 / PGY2

Overall: 6.85 in / 147 mm

Blade: 2.90 in / 74 mm

Edge: 2.50 in / 64 mm

Weight: 2.5 oz / 71 g

Grind: Full-Flat

Origin: China

BY10PBL2 / PBN2 / PGY2

Overall: 5.70 in / 145 mm

Blade: 1.87 in / 47 mm

Edge: 2.1 oz / 60 g

Weight: 2.5 oz / 71 g

Grind: Full-Flat

Origin: China

Spyderco Exclusives

One of the most exciting developments in knife manufacturing in recent years has been the rise of “Exclusive” models—special configurations of established designs produced for a single wholesale customer or distributor. Like a Spyderco Sprint Run, an Exclusive is a one-of-a-kind combination of features and materials that is distinctly different from all other expressions of that same model. Unlike a Sprint Run, however, an Exclusive may be produced more than once. While multiple runs of it may be made, as its name implies, that specific version of the knife remains exclusive to that dealer or distributor and is commercially available only through them.

Spyderco dealers who commission Exclusives typically advertise their projects through their web sites, social media platforms, and e-mail lists. Often, they organize “launch” campaigns to promote the release of the knife and allow customers to pre-order in advance. We at Spyderco also do our part to share the news, featuring the Exclusives on a dedicated page on our web site and announcing their availability through our own social media sites.

Distributor Exclusives are a bit different. Because distributors only sell to dealers—not to the general public—the visibility of their Exclusive projects is more limited. In most cases, distributors only announce their Exclusives to their existing dealer accounts. Not until those dealers “pick up” an Exclusive and start promoting it themselves do the real knife fans get the news.

Although we also include Distributor Exclusives on the dedicated page of our web site, we want to make sure we do everything possible to spread the word of these remarkable knives to both dealers and end users. And with that in mind, we’ve got some great news for you.

H.L. Dalis is currently offering an extraordinary expression of the iconic Para Military™ 2 featuring a 52100 tool steel blade and peel-ply-textured solid carbon fiber scales. Best known as the steel used for industrial ball bearings, as a blade steel, 52100 was traditionally reserved only for bladesmiths who could hand forge it. Now available in flat stock suitable for factory production, this classic knifemaking steel provides incredible wear resistance and edge holding qualities. Nevertheless, this demanding material is rarely seen in production knives. The H.L. Dalis Exclusive not only supercharges the performance of the Para Military 2 with this elite steel, they also offer choice of both PlainEdge™ and CombinationEdge™ configurations.

Not to be outdone, the handle of this Exclusive knife features stunning peel-ply-textured solid carbon fiber scales. Precision machined recesses in the scales house nested stainless steel liners that ensure excellent structural strength, while keeping the knife slim and lightweight. They also provide excellent support for its patented Compression Lock™ mechanism and a mounting base for its four-position pocket clip.

This remarkable expression of the Para Military 2 is ideal for both collectors and hardcore users alike. If you are a dealer interested in adding this unique knife to your selection, you owe it to yourself to establish a relationship with H.L. Dalis. If you are a knife enthusiast who can’t live without one, H.L Dalis can refer you to a dealer who can “scratch your itch.” Either way, contact Jonathan Blumenfeld at 1-800-453-2547, ext.2802 and he will point you in the right direction.

Heavy Half

On June 16, a dedicated group of athletes from the Spyderco Crew tackled the Leadville “Heavy Half”—a grueling half marathon event that runs through the old mining roads and trails around historic Leadville, Colorado. The pinnacle of this demanding course, spectacular Mosquito Pass, is at an altitude of 13,185 feet!

While running a half marathon at that altitude (or any altitude) is an incredible accomplishment, for some members of the Spyderco Crew that wasn’t enough. They completed the full Leadville Trail Marathon—a 26.2-mile course through some of the most rugged terrain in the Rocky Mountains.

We are extremely proud of our Spyderco athletes and congratulate them all on their amazing accomplishments!

Kick it!

While Spyderco’s extreme athletes were conquering mountain trails, another group of Spyderco Crewmembers have been tearing up the kickball field. Every Wednesday night, our intrepid kickball warriors compete against other local teams as part of the Golden, Colorado Parks and Recreation league. Although the competition is serious, the real focus is on having fun, meeting new people, and enjoying the summer, all while getting some great exercise.

No matter what the score, all of our players are winners! Go Team Spyderco!!!

Spyderco Summer Picnic

Spyderco’s annual picnic is one of the highlights of the summer and a perfect opportunity to relax with our amazing Crew and their families. Thanks to our in-house grill masters, Roque DeRobles and Boots Lewis, we enjoyed mountains of mouthwatering carne asada and salmon to go with an incredible buffet of pot-luck dishes.

To make this year’s event even more special, we combined it with “Bring Your Child to Work Day,” which featured everything from arts and crafts projects to BaliYo® lessons and gave the children a great insight into their parents’ roles at Spyderco.

Thanks to all who participated for making it an unforgettable day of food, fun, and family!

Outdoor Trade Fair

From June 18-21, Spyderco also exhibited at the OutDoor Trade Fair in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Widely regarded as the European equivalent of the US-based Outdoor Retailer Show, this remarkable event highlights the broad scope of the European outdoor lifestyle and showcases every conceivable type of outdoor and leisure product. This year’s show featured nearly 1,000 exhibitors attracted more than 20,000 visitors from more than 90 countries.

Edge-U-Cation Correction

In last month’s byte, our article on changing the position of your knife’s pocket clip stated that the clip screws of our knives are not treated with thread-locking compound during assembly at the factory. That statement was inaccurate. In fact, all the clip screws on our knives are treated with non-permanent thread-locker when they are assembled. We apologize for that mistake and any confusion it may have caused.

If you choose to remove or reposition the clip on your knife, we still recommend a fresh application of thread-locking compound on each screw to help prevent them from loosening over time.

Techno Discontinued

The first-generation Techno, designed by Polish custom knifemaker Marcin Slysz, has been discontinued and all current stock has been depleted. This model will be replaced by the second-generation Techno 2, which is currently being manufactured in Taiwan and should be available later this summer.