Unloved and underated

David Bowen · **on:** January 18, 2010, 06:04:44 PM

There is not much love out there for the Spyderench/Byrdrench and it's sad.

This tool not only comes from a well known and respected company but it's such an awesome feat in engineering. They had the setbacks on production and availability in the past but then when it finally got a stable foothold where enough were available for anyone to purchase one that Spyderco announces that it's being discontinued again. I realize this tool does not have needle nose pliers or a can opener/bottle opener....or heck even scissors; but you have to be in awe of how darn cool this tool is. It's the only tool out there that features slip-jointed pliers and an adjustable at the same time! It's features 6 different drivers and a one hand opening blade which is by far the best in the business. How many other tools out there can be separated so the wrench and the drivers can be used independently of each other? I just wish more folks would give this oddity more of a chance in the multitool industry, it's really not that bad and it's so unique that there may never be another tool so radical that it makes folks take notice. So come on folks, let's hear it for the Spyderench and give the 'ol girl a go! Once you get one for you collection/use you will use it more than you ever thought.

Gadget Guy · **Reply #1 on:** January 18, 2010, 07:27:58 PM

It's too clunky, IMO.

DaveK · **Reply #2 on:** January 18, 2010, 07:28:45 PM

Whilst I agree with just about everything you said there David, the fact is that I don't use it as much as I thought I would.

It is totally ingenious, an absolutely unique design, but ultimately it's too awkward and fiddly to get to the things you want to use.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #3 on:** January 18, 2010, 08:02:01 PM

I have actually been carrying the ByrdRench for the last week or so. Not bad, but I find the slippy plier jaws tend to slip a little too often and "lock" when the joint comes partially apart. It's not the end of the world, but it can be a little annoying.

Still, I like the adjustable wrench and the ability to use the screwdriver independently of the wrench.

Def

GotUCovered · **Reply #4 on:** January 18, 2010, 11:40:42 PM

It looks neat, but man does it look heavy. What's that badboy weighing in at?

Freudian Frog · **Reply #5 on:** January 18, 2010, 11:44:47 PM

It's too expensive for me to love and rate it. =P

DaveK · **Reply #6 on:** January 18, 2010, 11:52:49 PM

Oh it's not too heavy, I make it 7.6oz (compared to the Surge at 12oz, it's lightweight)!

It really a fantastic piece of design and engineering, and you can see where the manufacturing cost comes from. Each tool is excellent in isolation, and the way it separates into two halves makes it very useful. In theory.

I simply find it a little too much hassle to get to the tool you want, so it'll never replace my favourites.

If you collect tools at any level though, you've really go to get one of these - it is so unlike anything else. Apart from the Byrdrench of course.

I've been wanting to do another Youtube video on tools actually, and this is a great candidate. Maybe that will spread some love David

Crouton · **Reply #7 on:** January 19, 2010, 02:53:06 AM

I've only held one that a friend owned and I found it ingenious but I just couldn't see myself carrying it. The fact that it has no needle-nosed pliers precludes it from EDC for me, I use that daily.

If I ever see one up for trade I'll probably give it a try.

glorn · **Reply #8 on:** January 19, 2010, 02:57:28 AM

Alright... I might be persuaded.

Found it here: http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?ttl=Spyderco%20Multitools&srch=woCATE%20CODEdatarq%3Dsp%20by%26eqWWWCAT_1datarq%3Dmulti

Which should I get? Byrd or Spyder?

And has anyone bought from that site before?

glorn · **Reply #9 on:** January 19, 2010, 03:01:01 AM

And no, "Made in Taiwan" does not bother me. Taiwan makes some pretty good stuff if you ask me.

David Bowen · **Reply #10 on:** January 19, 2010, 12:05:33 PM

Like I said, it's kinda far out there as far as multitools go but it's not as bad as some folks think. I would go for the Spyderench and not the byrd if I was you Glorn, course that is just a personal opinion. I see the Byrd line is in China and they are not bad at all, maybe it's a psychological thing with me?

I think if I can find time I will make a video like you Dave and show the world what makes this tool tick and how it can stack up against the competition. I have been carrying my tool for a couple days and I figure why not, I need to keep carrying it and see how it holds up to most situations I come across. It won't fit the bill for everything so I will have another tool around if need be but only as a last ditch effort.

Glad your using it Grant, hmmm

My tool doesn't have those issues (the slipping), mine is ok enough that I can open and close the tool one handed. I have heard that complaint about the "renches", maybe I got lucky with this one?

Gareth · **Reply #11 on:** January 19, 2010, 12:57:57 PM

I found this nice little video on the Byrdrench.

MultiMat · **Reply #12 on:** January 19, 2010, 02:44:35 PM

I find my Byrdrench is a little bulky to use & actually meant to use it when fixing my son's BMX today , but I went for my Schrade ToolBox because it was at hand. Bloody clever bit of kit

Styerman · **Reply #13 on:** January 19, 2010, 04:28:38 PM

I tried one, just too Klugedup for my taste . The removeable folder was as loose as the proverbial goose !

Chris

Zed · **Reply #14 on:** January 19, 2010, 04:37:50 PM

Ive not got one of these yet and due to my taste im sure ill get one soon, also handy on my bike trips,

paul

joebw · **Reply #15 on:** January 19, 2010, 05:51:24 PM

Hi Glorn,

In response to your question regarding the Knife Center, I've bought quite a few things from them and found them to be top-notch.

Best - Joe

1jump2many · **Reply #16 on:** January 19, 2010, 06:25:52 PM

Quote from: glorn on January 19, 2010, 02:57:28 AM

Alright... I might be persuaded.

Found it here: http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?ttl=Spyderco%20Multitools&srch=woCATE%20CODEdatarq%3Dsp%20by%26eqWWWCAT_1datarq%3Dmulti

Which should I get? Byrd or Spyder?

And has anyone bought from that site before?

I own a Byrd and bought it from Knife Center. I've bought several knives from them. They can be a bit high but they definitely are dependable. I think the biggest difference between the Byrd and Spderco is the Byrd has a plain edge blade and the Spyderco has a serrated edge. If you are getting one to collect then I would say get the Spyderco because they are no longer made.