Folder Suggestion (Gayle Bradley 2)

bleedingfinger

bleedingfinger

Joined
Aug 14, 2010
Messages
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I sold off my 3 Enduras and bought a Techno a year ago.I love the Techno as my city knife.Its under 3" so it's legal and it's a capable brute.
However around the house type EDC I miss the Endura full flat grind at the barbecue outdoor cooking.I miss the saber grind combo edge Endura for utility work around the house.
I have XXXL hands.I need a big handle.But don't want to get over 4" blade for comfortable carry and practicality.I want a utility/slicer. So a thinner blade but tougher than the ffg Endura so I don't have to protect it from harder work to keep it slicing sharp.$200 MAX .
I have all but decided on the Gayle Bradley 2.
My only main concern was the carbon fiber handles.I ding handles and get barbecue sauce on them.I don't abuse my knives but I am the furthest from babying them.
Ive never had carbon fiber .Is it tough?Is it ok to get greasy,wet,dirty etc.. I always get heavy use type knives ,the Bradley looks gentlemanly.(only seen online)
For a good slicing ,utility with very big handle any other suggestions ? Does anyone have a GB2 and Endura picture ? I was considering a stretch or a military ...doesn't have to be Spyderco though .Thanks Ya'll!
 
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You absolutely cannot go wrong with the Gayle Bradley 2. It is designed to be a "work" knife and can/be used as such. The carbon fibre is nice to look at, but it is a very tough materal. The Military or Stretch are great choices, but I prefer M4 to S30V or to the ZDP 189 of the Stretch! Incidentally, I have both the GB1 and the GB2, the GB2 sees a little more pocket time though, maybe more used to it as I have had it considerably longer.
 
No need to worry about the CF layer on the GB2, it's one of the toughest handle materials available.

I don't have an endura, but here's a military with a GB2. These are my two favorite knives at the moment, with the military slightly ahead because of the longer handle. It's so light it carries just as unnoticed despite the larger size.



 
Wow! Your scale work is awesome!
I see the military is slightly thicker blade..much difference on slicing ? I'm talking mostly cooking like tomatoes n veggies. I really like the bigger handle .But was trying to keep blade size down...do you think either has a more solid lock?
I take up all the handle real estate on my swamp rat rodent 6 so the handle is a big consideration .
I may have to see if my local dealer has these both in stock and go try em on.
Thanks !! ( although now my decision is harder lol crap)
 
Onies said:
You absolutely cannot go wrong with the Gayle Bradley 2. It is designed to be a "work" knife and can/be used as such. The carbon fibre is nice to look at, but it is a very tough materal. The Military or Stretch are great choices, but I prefer M4 to S30V or to the ZDP 189 of the Stretch! Incidentally, I have both the GB1 and the GB2, the GB2 sees a little more pocket time though, maybe more used to it as I have had it considerably longer.
Click to expand...
thanks,yeah I think the stretch is out the race .
 
The ZT 0562 has a big handle, the blade is ground thin - Hinderer slicer grind - and Elmax is one of the toughest stainless steels you can get. If you want something lighter and more comparable to the Bradley you can still get a ZT 0770 CF with Elmax blade for under $200.
 
The peel ply CF on the GB2 is very grippy, and I've found that this type of CF hides all kinds of scratches etc and never really shows much wear. Even after riding in pocket with my keys daily, my Chaparral looks nearly brand new.

The hollow ground blade is amazing in the kitchen and you wont be disappointed. M4 is probably my favorite steel, but it isn't stainless so just wipe it off when done and I've never seen rust. My hand greatly prefers the GB1, but the GB2 is cheaper and lighter.
 
For the needed length in handle, the Military will be hard to beat.
Both were designed to be working knives. The military was designed for all weather usage, comfort in long durations, and operation with gloves due to the large hole.
-they are also available in liner or framelock, g10 and Ti scales and a Bunch of blade options via sprint runs.

The GB2 was designed to be a Fantastic performing EDC with the ability to shrug off hard use while having the looks to wear daily and not be seen as an "ugly" knife.

If you look for a sprint run Military, I would look for an M4, Cru-wear, pd1 or 52100 (not sure if they made the last two yet)
I love M4 and if I had to base a choice on knife steel alone, those listed above would be very high on my list.
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As far as whether carbon fiber is strong enough, they use it for formula 1 cars, if you are planning on exerting that much force on yur knives, even steel wouldn't be enough...

It might slightly ding or chip if you drop it, but it will be fine. I have dropped my zt770cfM4 a few times on bare concrete from 4'-8' each time and it only has one small chip in a corner.
 
Have you considered a Manix 2 XL? I find it slices nearly as well as my ffg Endura; it should also fit large hands well. It is a bit large in the pocket though.
 
Thanks everyone,I like those ZTs .I also like what I hear about the military.And I also like the Manix Xl .
I'm going to start watching the exchange and see what comes up.Manix 2xl..GB2 and Military all seem to fit the bill.although I'm leaning towards military.I saw some YouTube reviews said the liner locks develop lock rock? Specifically talking about the military.anyone experience this ?
 
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