Gayle Bradley 1, Advocate or Slysz Bowie

T

texmex03

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Nov 17, 2014
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I have had a hard time on deciding which one I would choose as a large folder. I had the GB1 before and I loved it even though it was heavy. It was sold (and regret it) in anticipation of the Advocate which would be everything I was looking for.

I never bought the Advocate after hearing about the washer issues, a little put off by a flipper tab and I wish the handle wasn't quite so shiny and bling bling. But that blade shape is so nice. The Slysz Bowie looks amazing, just not sure how useful that blade shape is with the upswept tip.

So which would you choose after everyone has had them for a while GB1, Advocate or Slysz Bowie. Any size comparison pics would help.

Thanks
 
The GB1 is one of my very favorite folders. The Slysz Bowie is tremendous as well, but not 2 to 3 times the GB1 (price) - in fact, I'm not sure I even prefer it even up. Never had an Advocate - the flipper puts me off (if it was a front flipper, no way I could resist it).
 
Had the GB1, never could warm up to it - gone now.
Have the Advocate - probably one of my favorite Spydercos.
Slysz bowie - doesn't quite do it for me, aesthetically - never even tempted to buy one.

My choice? The Advocate.
 
Ive had both the gale Bradley and the slysh bowie, the slysh bowie is nice, but not relative to its price unfortunately. The gale Bradley is a speciality knife, a real work horse. It feels so good in hand while doing hard push cut.
 
That is not and easy question to answer. If you put any emphasis on value then I think the GB1 is the better option but they are all great designs.
 
Out of those 3 I would say GB1 for sure. The Slysz is a nice framelock, and the Advocate a decent flipper, but there are knives that do a better job at being those things.

When it comes to a tough ass work knife then the Gb1 is one of the best in that field.
 
Tough call without more info.

Pure user - GB1
Pure beauty - Slysz Bowie
Bearings & flipper :poop: Advocate
 
Tough call. I have all three and never quite warmed up to the Advocate, though I did eventually warm up to the GB2. I love how slim the Advocate is, but the ergos overall just don't work for me like the other GB colabs.

GB1 is my all time favorite beater, but I rarely carry it out of the house. It's perfect for digging into serious projects. The GB2 sees regular carry out and about because it does it so well.

Slysz Bowie is arguably my favorite knife and has had a ton of EDC carry, which it is perfect for. It melts in my hand and carries much smaller than it is. The blade shape works great once you get used to it. It's grind is thin and XHP is a perfect EDC steel. I'll try to get a comparo pic up tonight, but for now...

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Between the Slysz, or GB1, you won't be disappointed with either. I have had a Slysz and own the GB1. The GB1 is the one knife that has stayed with me the longest thus far; sold the Slysz a while back. The GB1 is a joy to handle and use, of which you know since you have had one. On the other hand, the Slysz is an absolute joy to carry, and the action is incredible. I regret selling mine, and will get another in time. If I had both at the same time, I know the Slysz would be carried more simply because it is nicer in pocket.

I have never owned an Advocate, but would like to in the future. I would say go with the Slysz since you haven't tried it. If you don't like it, you won't loose much on re-sell as they hold their value pretty well, and can pick up the Gayle Bradley you know you already like, or maybe the Advocate down the line.
 
I have all three, and personally, I carry the Advocate the most. I wouldn't worry about the bearing issue, mines been great since day one, but if you think it's going to be the same as a ZT, you're wrong. Nice flipping action but it's defintly not like a ZT. The GB1 is just a classic and a tank of a knife, everyone should own one imo. The Slysz Bowie is just wow, nicest and smoothest knife I own. I'd definitely consider it getting close to a Sebenza..you'll eventually own all three, and all three are fantastic, that's a tough choice, you can't go wrong with either three.
 
Slysz Bowie 100%

However if you need a heavy duty work knife that you will actually use (some people just don't use knives they buy, I don't get it) then the GB 1 or 2 will suit you well.

I use my bowie without issues for EDC. And it's an amazing knife. Well worth the money
 
Well I appreciate everyone's help on the issue. I ended up ordering a NIB Slysz Bowie from someone on the forum after posting the WTB section for a nice price so I am pretty happy.

I have a techno and really like the fit and finish of that knife. Between my experience with the Slysz Techno and the size of the Bowie both in ease of carry and being a little shorted helped it out.

I very well could still end up with a GB1 if I find a good price.

Thanks,
 
Glad to hear! Be sure to post pics and your thoughts on it. There really is a level of polish to the entire knife that still impresses me every time.
 
texmex03 said:
Well I appreciate everyone's help on the issue. I ended up ordering a NIB Slysz Bowie from someone on the forum after posting the WTB section for a nice price so I am pretty happy.

I have a techno and really like the fit and finish of that knife. Between my experience with the Slysz Techno and the size of the Bowie both in ease of carry and being a little shorted helped it out.

I very well could still end up with a GB1 if I find a good price.

Thanks,
Click to expand...
Since you already appreciate the f/f on the Techno, the Bowie will really impress you. Handled a brand spanking new one in a store yesterday and it felt like a well broken in 3 month old edc.
 
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The techno has a finish that doesn't really come through on pictures. When I got it wow was the first thought.

It's really such a well thought out knife with all the little detail boxes checked.
 
texmex03 said:
The techno has a finish that doesn't really come through on pictures. When I got it wow was the first thought.

It's really such a well thought out knife with all the little detail boxes checked.
Click to expand...
I love the Techno too, but the SB takes fit & finish to a noticeably higher level.
 
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