Byrd Cara Cara 2

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PyroSpaz316

Joined
Mar 10, 2010
Messages
86
Hey guys, I was looking around BF, but I couldn't find much info on the Cara Cara 2. If any of you own one, can you posts your thoughts and opinions? Also, if you own an Endura 4, a comparison would be great. Thanks.
 
I only recently got a Cara Cara and haven't done much with it. But for the $19.95 I paid, it was a no-brainer. I have no problem with 8Cr13MoV steel, and the fit and finish were flawless.

I don't own an Endura, so I can't compare them for you, but I can recommend the Cara Cara as a very solid high-value knife.
 
Overall a good knife for the money. Ffg blade, cuts well. 8cr13mov steel, holds a decent edge. Very comparable to aus 8 in that regard, imho. Obviously ht is what really matters and byrd/spydercos chinese partner does a good job, imo. Solid mid lock or middle of knife lockback design. G10 scales are thin, but steel liners make it a solid knife. Of course I'm talking about the g10 version. I don't have an frn version so I can't comment on that. I don't think spyderco would put out anything that didn't do well though.

Cara 2 is very similar to the endura, but endura uses premium steel vg10 or the upgrade zdp-189 super steel for a price premium. Much better than 8cr13mov. Also other design differences like byrd eye or comet shape hole versus spyder hole, etc. You could call the cara2 a poor mans version of the endura. if you like a midlock, and the leafish blade design, and don't mind sharpening your knifeb every couple weeks, depending on use, the cara 2 won't let you down.
 
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I've got an FRN Cara Cara 2. It's a good knife for the price. It has more blade-play than I'm used to with an Endura and the jimping is not cut too well. It doesn't feel quite as solid as an Endrua either. But, I like the choil, and think I perfer the handle shape and grip pattern on the CC2 over the Endura. I haven't used it much, as it's part of my BOB, but it takes a very sharp edge.
I'd say it's a decent choice if you need a cheap knife or a beater knife for work. For the price, I doubt there's much better. I assume the G-10 version is slightly heavier, but probably has a more solid feel and "may" be slightly thinner.
 
I had the first model and for 20 bucks its a great knife. gonna be hard to beat the quality and blade length for that price.
 
PyroSpaz316 said:
if you own an Endura 4, a comparison would be great
Click to expand...
so,

SpydercoEndura4_C10PSFG_VS_Byrd_CaraCara2_dsc_0003-480x321.jpg



1. the Endura has more longest blade and handle

2. the steel is better than 8Cr14MoV at Cara-Cara 2

3. You can buy full flat grinded Endura at same price as shown C10PSFG

The sharpening (and grinding!) of Cara-Cara 2 is not so good... You can see resharpened one at this shots.

SpydercoEndura4_C10PSFG_VS_Byrd_CaraCara2_dsc_0002-480x321.jpg


I have not full metal Cara-Cara :( But Endura C10P is very good thing.

I have not G-10 version of Cara-Cara 2, but I don't like it. Endura C10PGFG is better, more better :)
 
the Cara Cara 2 is apart of my rotation and it holds well, i find that the grind angle for the FFG is rather shallow which creates a large secondary bevel so a standard v grind is not something i prefer for this. that being said it makes for an excellent intro into waved knives via Charlie Mike or start tinkering with convexed edges. the convexing has about doubled the life span of my razor edge on that sucker.

I have found some QC problems with my CC2, all minor IMO, dented jimping on top and bottom, sharpening choil looks like it was tapped by a grinder, threads werent cut too evenly on the clip placement in the steel liners.

but if you can deal with taht it makes an excellent gift and beater knife
 
I'm fully agree with all that been said above. If You have not any waterstones don't buy this Byrd :)
 
Thanks for the input guys. I already knew about the rough jimping and I'm used to reprofiling my knives. Anybody want to talk me out of the knife?
 
i got the g10 caracara 2 for a friend for edc cuz he got a pathetic cheapy sak at walmart. I'd say he was quite please with it and there it really did remind me a lot of my spyderco police but a shit load cheaper. some things like the jimping actually made it even better in some ways. I'd recommend it. One thing which I noticed could have used a bit of work was the edge. It wasn't in the top 5 sharpest edges I got stock. You could certainly cut with it and shave your arm hair with it but it wouldn't wittle free sanding hair (a minimum I demand from all my knifes now that I have had pratice with a set of paper wheels.). this was nearly a year ago so I never did get a chance to sharpen it up as I left the area about a month or so after I gave the knife away. I'm positive I could have put a true razor edge on it if given the chance.
 
I have a Meadowlark 2 in FRN (the smaller version of the Cara Cara) I carry at work. It's surprisingly smooth. Easily the smoothest backlock I own. That was a surprise. The handle is plenty grippy. Locks up solid with no play. It came sharp enough but I thinned it out a bit. Sharpens easy & takes a good edge. The jimping is fine. I plan on buying a Cara Cara FRN soon based on my experience with the Meadowlark.
 
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