A little over 1 year ago I started to carry a Byrd Meadowlark 2 folding knife. I was sharpening the household knives today, and thought a follow-up was in order.

You should go back and read my short posting from last year as to why I started to carry it. Long and short? I was looking for something less expensive to carry than my Spyderco Delica. Why? Because there may be reasons that cause me to lose my knife (see: TSA agents stealing from luggage). I’m not happy to lose even a cheap knife, but the cost of replacement is more bearable.

I didn’t even realize until I started writing this post that it’s been a year! I never intended to carry the Meadowlark’s that long. I was thinking I’d carry for a couple months, evaluate, then move along.

I know one reason I stuck with it – the edge.

My Delicas are old. The tips are rounded, and despite semi-regular sharpening, they just aren’t as sharp as the factory. The Meadowlarks still have their pointed tips and are pretty close to factory sharp.

That said, that is one thing I noticed about the Meadowlark: they do NOT hold an edge as well. Yes, they are pretty sharp and are pretty easy to get sharp. However, the edge doesn’t hold as long. If they are subjected to regular cutting chores, they will need to be  sharpened (more) often.

That’s the only major downside I found to the knife. There were a couple other small downsides.

First, it’s all shiny. When the clip would be on my pants pocket, it’s mirrored and shiny for the world to see. I’d rather be more subdued. Alas, for the price point and intention of the knife, there just aren’t the options.

Second, the opener. I get that they can’t use the same big thumbhole as the Spyderco, and of course the shape works for the “bird” theme. It works well enough, but it’s just not the same level of purchase and leverage at opening as the full-hole.

I did like the slight profile difference of the handle vs. the Delica. There’s some jimping on the finger choil and it’s of a slightly different shape (more conforming to a fingertip), which I found handy a few times I was doing some more delicate cutting with the knife.

All in all, I’m pretty happy with the Meadowlark. I am going to switch back to my Delicas now, but I have no qualms about using the Meadowlarks when context dictates.