EDIT: My GB is here! (pics inside page 2)

i own or have owned all 3, though my stretch was carbon fiber.

if the military had a four position clip, i would recommend that over the others. as it is, i would go with one not on your list, the para 2.

but of your three choices i think i like the bradley best. i think you give up little in cutting ability but gain the multi position clip, thicker tip, and cf scales. it is also the smoothest opening spyderco i have ever owned. smoother than my manix 2.
 
For your uses (generally light) and size range (around 3-3.5in)...Stretch, for sure, no contest.

Gayle Bradley is excellent, but heavy. Military is unnecessarily large. Also consider the Para.

Also I love FRN.
 
another vote for the bradley, i have all 3 of the spydies mentioned & for strength ,edge durability, & smooth operation the bradley is the champ.
 
I did not read all the replies so don't know if it's already mentioned.

All 3 are very good choices and are real work horses.

You have chosen 3 types of handle material en 3 types of blade steel.

The g10 and frn are very grippy. So if you want the best grip the Bradley cf would not pass comparing to these 2.

The bradley CF is the "good looker".

So you could make a decision on the handle material on its self.



But if you compare the steel you have chosen 2 that will need some care.
m4 and zdp will patina (if used with cutting foods).

The 30v is most maintenance free steel of the 3.
But you chose a coated variation. The coating will wear off when used a lot.
Would you like this.


So which one 2 chose:

if i would have to chose and look at the looks only i would take the military.
But that my taste.
 
Argh!!! You guys are killing me here. Right now, I have, by my count, a 7 to 5 vote in favor of the Miliitary and the Gayle Bradley being a close second. I sorely wish I could have both knives or try them out in some way.

Those talking about the size of the military. When using it in comparison to the Manix 2, how much bigger does it feel? I believe it is around an inch longer, but does it feel considerably bigger in the hand?

When talking about the patina developed from M4, it will stain (similar to 154cm) if I forget to clean it after cutting tape and sticky crud for a day?

This is exactly what I have been looking for. Thanks for the advice so far guys! :thumbup:

M16a
 
The handle will feel much longer in the hand compared to a Manix 2.
S30V and 154CM will stain/pit under some circumstances (food, for example), M4 will stain or rust much faster, even compared to D2.
 
LorenzoL said:
The handle will feel much longer in the hand compared to a Manix 2.
S30V and 154CM will stain/pit under some circumstances (food, for example), M4 will stain or rust much faster, even compared to D2.
Click to expand...


This will be coated S30V, so I assume that will help and not be a problem. I only have experience with uncoated 154CM, coated D2, and a bit of 440C. By feel longer, is it uncomfortably longer feeling? (Sorry for the specific questionjs, I'm just trying to get a feel. I have relatively small hands, and when I first got it, the manix felt massive, but I adjusted to it and it's an excellent size now imho.)
 
The handle is narrower than on the Manix so you should be OK.
As for the coating, I do not think it is really necessary with S30V, it will get scratched pretty fast if you use it on boxes all day.
 
Although I dont have a Bradley many people say its one of the finest knives Spyderco have ever made.

The Military is certainly a contestant for one of the greatest Spydies ever.

The Stretch is a superb package, although I prefer the CF variant over the FRN.

So you have three great choices!

That said, I would place the Bradley at the top of the list if you intend to use the knife hard. The Millie is no creampuff but it does have a thin profile and more delicate tip than the Bradley.

That said, S30V is FAR more rust resistant than M4. I have several knives in S30V and have yet to have a problem with rust on ANY of them and I use my knives on food a LOT.

The other factor to consider is WEIGHT. The Millie is so light you won't notice its there. The Bradley is substantial. If you prefer a lighter ride in your pocket then the Millie should definitely go to the top of the heap. Or the Stretch.

I would say that weight and rust potential are the biggest points against the Bradley. If you enjoy cleaning and oiling your knives then it shouldnt be an issue.

However, if - like me - you occasionally forget to do so, then go with S30V because it wont rust at the drop of a hat.
 
Are you guys really having that much troubles with M4 rusting? I had a hard time even getting a patina on mine (mule not GB)
 
Ok, i couldn't take it. I ordered the last GB I could find. M4 was calling to me. I wanted a Military too. Definitely gonna get one eventually. GB for now. WooHoo! :thumbup:
 
Holy moley this thing is a beauty. First CF I've felt I liked the feel of. (nice and grippy), extremely solid lockup (not a smidgen of blade play at all), beautifully sharp edge, and wonderfully well built. It's also the smoothest opener I have ever seen. This is a major compliment, especially since I own a Grippy and a Manix 2 (highly smooth openers in their own right). It's also got a pleasant heft to it, you can certainly feel the toughness in this bad boy. Enough from me. Here's some pictures of my newest EDC. She sure is a beauty. Please excuse my poor hobby related photography skills. I excel at other types, but never knives or lights.

First off, some very standard comparisons and "typical" here's the knife photos.

img1427qo.jpg



img1437o.jpg



img1438.jpg


A standard "in hand" pic. I would choke up a bit more in usage. Very comfortable ergos. I wear mens small gloves for size reference. I do have small hands and it still fits in the hand well.
img1436fn.jpg


A Family photo of my "high end" knives. BF privileges revoked if you can't ID all three. I'll be nice and help. Top to bottom: Spyderco Gayle Bradley, Spyderco Manix 2, Benchmade Mini Griptilian (556)
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The EDC of toughness. A Gayle Bradley that has been BF demonstrated to take a beating and the mighty HDS Systems Ra Clicky (easily the toughest Clicky flashlight that can be bought)
img1433f.jpg


The new brothers in a slightly more stylish view.
img1432l.jpg


Enjoy! :)
 
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1. Cold Steel Pocket Bushman
2. Kershaw Blur
3. Case Trapper?

Haha just playing. Gayle bradley, manix 2, mini grippy?
 
Congrats, m16a, you got yourself one hell of a knife there. I carry mine often and yes, you really must experience the Military too. :thumbup:
 
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