BM 581 vs Spyderco Gayle Bradley

[MVF]

Personally, I'm still trying to warm up to my GB. If it didn't cut so well it would've been gone long ago.

That Brad Southard looks like my next EDC though! Any details- price, steel, size?

 

[Flashpoint]

and I was doing so well not buying any new knives until I read this thread.

I just order a GB.

 

[FlaMtnBkr]

Try buying & using Navy k631 and Enlan EL02 to understand what a Spyderco vs BM feels given similar size vs design / ergonomics.

Having it in person & use it can't be represented by specs & pictures. Since the Chinese brands are much cheaper, you can get both, use them as comparison tools before making a decision.

The two are similar, yet a world apart.

One thing is obvious, hole is much easier to manage and use under stressful situation than studs, but YMMV.
With hole, your thumb is 'enclosed' and unless there's slippage, any force put will drag the blade out, even if the direction is not 100% accurate. With studs, if your direction of push is wrong, ypur thumb will 'leave' the studs, which is what all AO thing try to address. By nature, hole openig will not benefit from AO because the thumb is 'trapped' by the hole, so it will not allow AO to take over, but nor it needs AO to take over as the thumb will always be fully engaged.

In my view, the hole is a genius invention, as it allows full control over the blade opening action. Even among sheepies, you can open the blade partially, hold it in place, do the cut (assuming instant coffee package i drink) and close it. Very discreet.

Why would you buy either one of those knives if you want to try out a Benchmade or a Spyderco? Buy the time he buys those two knives and pay for shipping he would be half way to a decent knife from the real Spyderco or Benchmade.

 

[Stainz]

You could always buy a Bradley Alias... then you'd have a Benchmade constructed knife with 'Bradley' on it! Yeah, I know... I need more caffein...

Seriously, the new 581 is a nice knife - great blade steel - mine has a home here.

Stainz

 

[Cynic2701]

Not that there's anything wrong with Benchmade, but personally I'd go with the Gayle Bradley.

I've never been a big fan of A/O, and with an Axis-lock I see little need for one. When I handled the 581 at a store, it seemed a little fat or wide for my hands. If you really need a stainless blade though, the 581 would be the better choice. If it matters to you, the Benchmade is going to be US made, the Spyderco will be made in Taiwan.

While at first I wasn't very interested in the Gayle Bradley, over the past few months I've been eyeing one up; and I picked one up off the BF exchange last week--it's in the mail right now. Hopefully it gets here today! I'll be able to give more input when I finally get it.

 

[Czechmate]

I don't have experience with the BM; but I do have a Spyderco Gayle Bradley and I love it! :thumbup:

Next to a 0200ST to compare the texture on the scales:

The GB is an excellent edc; if that's what you're looking for...