Coming back to Spyderco

raindog101

raindog101

Joined
Jan 22, 2007
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I've been away from the fold for a few years now, finances have conspired to limit me to budget folders until now. But, I've decided to reinvest in the next few months, and would like to ask the opinions of the knowledgeable members here on my 2 finalists. I've narrowed it down to the Gayle Bradley, and the Caly3 in ZDP. I've had the Caly3 long ago, and it was one of my favorite knives. Love the ZDP and CF combo. Which is why I looked at the Gayle Bradley (I love M4 too). But I've never held one. I'd just like to hear everyone's compare/contrast on these 2. FWIW, I don't necessarily need a "heavy-duty" folder. I carry a FB for that.
 
Hey, Raindog! Welcome back!

You picked two really really really good blades here. I will resist the urge to tell you to "get them both" :rolleyes: These two choices are pretty different in pocket - so most of your decision needs to center around your carry style and usage.

The Bradley is one of the finest pocket knives I've ever put my hands on - bar none. The fit and finish is top notch, the materials are superb, and the design and ergos make it an excellent choice for a solid workhorse. When the blade is locked open, it is so solid that it almost feels like a fixed blade in hand.

The Caly3 is quite a bit different, as you know. Lighter weight, thinner, more agile, and with ergonomics that defined how good a knife can fit in your hand. The Caly family (including the Caly 3, Caly 3.5, Caly Jr., UKPK, and even the Sage) is probably my all-time favorite pocket knife design.

Best of luck!

TedP
 
They are two different animals imo. I've been carrying the GB for about a month now at work and.... wow! Amazing knife. This is my second GB, the first ones fit was great, but poor finish. New one it perfect. The caly to me is the standard for gentle man's knife. Sleek, elegant, slim, lightweight. And the zdp is something else. In my experience, zdp holds a better edge than m4, but m4 is rediculous in holding a working edge. This is MY experience tho. Kinda what phillipsted said, it just boils down to your intended uses and carrying style. The GB carbon fiber has some texture, where as the caly is smooth. This is a tough choice you have to make.
 
Thanks for the input, guys. I loved the F&F of the Caly3 when I had it, but I was still a bit of a sharpening newb back then, so I don't think I got the most out of the ZDP that I could. Even still, it was a hell of a cutter. It fit perfectly in my hand, and I didn't mind the smooth CF like some complained of. In fact, the Caly3 was my first thought when I decided to make the purchase (well, second after the Stretch 2 ZDP/CF, but those are gone for good unfortunately). But I've heard so many good things about the GB, I felt like I would be missing out if I didn't at least give it a try. So now I've got a real dilemma, although I guess it's a good one to have. My uses: well, my current EDC is a BM 943, so I think I have the delicate/refined EDC covered. I've been carrying a RAT1 as a backup, so that would be a heavy-duty folder, and probably first to be kicked out of the EDC rotation with this purchase. I know I'm talking myself into the GB, but I'm just a little hesitant, not having had an opportunity to inspect one for myself (no B&M stores locally carry anything like that). I feel a pilgrimage to the Spyderco factory store is in my future (I live only about 4 hours away).
 
The Gayle Bradley and the Caly series are two of my favorites and I certainly wouldn't want to part with either.

The GB has considerably more heft and takes up more pocket real estate than the Caly. I tolerate the liner lock on the GB because of the excellent fit & finish, good ergos and high performance M4 blade. The carbon fiber has a nice grippy texture, but I do wish that it was flush to the edges.

Having owned the Caly before, you know about the excellent ergos and design. I prefer the 3.5 to the 3 due to the longer blade and handle, but both are great. The carbon fiber on the ZDP is highly polished and looks great but also provides little traction. The 420J2 cladding on the ZDP scratches easily and I would prefer it uncladded, but my understanding is that the maker Moki insists on cladding all ZDP. You may want to consider the Super Blue G10 version as an alternative. I'm carrying my 3.5 Super Blue today. The light grey G10 shows dirt & oils easily and the blade will quickly patina unless constantly protected, but I believe that is part of it's rustic charm as a user and it is a slicing machine. I have also found Super Blue to be less prone to micro-chipping than ZDP.

The best thing about this choice is there is no wrong answer.
 
Hard to choose between the two. I don't have a ZDP Caly, but I have 3 others and they are all great knives. But you have to hold a Gayle Bradley to believe it. The slight extension of the liners beyond the footprint of the scales gives it one of the most comfortable grips of any knife in my collection. It feels totally indestructible too. It's DEFINITELY one of my top 5 favorite Spydies.
 
Looks like I'll be trying the GB then. So many good things said about it, I feel I have to try it out.
 
I definitely would have gone for the Gayle Bradley as well. Everyone seems to like that knife, I need to get me one someday.
 
If you don't need a heavy duty folder, skip the Broadly and get the Caly. No need for the extra weight and bulk.
 
rsberry21 said:
endura 4 gets my vote :) ffg
Click to expand...

Sadly, the Endura is illegal to carry in my state (formerly free Colorado). I'd have to grind it down to the legal limit of 3.5". I'm no stranger to that, I ground my RAT 1 down to just under 3.5" to be compliant. But I'd not willingly buy a knife that is over the limit, so I could grind it down. Especially when other options are available (read: Delica). That's why the Caly3 and GB made the list. They seem to be the ideal in that blade size. For the price point I'm looking at.
 
Spyderco Gayle Bradley is one of a kind.Everything works well for this knife,starting with M4 steel blade,to carbon fibre handles,ergo,fit and finish,strong liner lock,slicing ability and toughness.Looks amazing for any occasion.Well lets not forget the price as well.For those who think that non stainless steel is pain to maintain just wipe it dry after use and GB is a winner IMO.
 
Darn. Just missed a nicely-priced GB in the exchange yesterday. But, I'm in negotiations to pick up a factory second from someone in Denver for a very reasonable price. Will keep you guys posted. Very nearly grabbed a display model Stretch in ZDP too. Guy only wanted $72 for it.
 
Welcome back!
Lesson learned... never leave, which also means do not sell your Spyderco knives. I have learned.
It's funny how this works. I just got in a Salt1 and now ordered a Brn E4. Far-Out. :D
 
Lycosa said:
Welcome back!
Lesson learned... never leave, which also means do not sell your Spyderco knives. I have learned.
It's funny how this works. I just got in a Salt1 and now ordered a Brn E4. Far-Out. :D
Click to expand...

*sigh*...there are many fine knives that have trickled through my fingers over the years, not a few of them Spydercos. I've enjoyed every one. I do, however, have this problem of always chasing my next new interest, whether it be within the knife genre (Benchmade, Kershaw, customs), or without (guns, guitars, backpacking gear). So I've sent on some good ones. Biggest regret: selling my CF Stretch. What's worse, I had 2 of 'em. Couldn't hold on to either. And the world keeps turnin...
 
I can relate. ^
I have this knife-thing narrowed down though, as to which knife EDC... a Spyderco or a Strider.
 
Well... yes. Salt1, Brn E4 or the Para. I'd love to find a Brn Para Military.
 
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