Originally used by the marine industry, the blade shape holds rope, line, webbing and netting against the sharpened edge, keeping it from slipping off the tip. The Crossbill's hollow-ground blade is manufactured using 8Cr13Mov stainless steel, which contains both molybdenum and vanadium, enhancing the blade's ability to hold a sharp cutting surface and wear less over time and use.

Its comet-looking blade hole is a trademark of the byrd line and is synonymous with the stringent quality requirements, high performance materials and manufacturing, which go into every byrd knife. Entirely stainless steel, the handle has ergonomic contours making long term and strenuous cutting more comfortable. A David Boye Dent is ground away from the lock release to inhibit the chance of gripping the knife tightly enough to unintentionally release the lock during use.