Gayle Bradley 2 vs Kapara

Gayle Bradley or Kapara

  • Gayle Bradley 2

    Votes: 46 73.0%

  • Kapara

    Votes: 17 27.0%
  • Total voters
    63
  • Poll closed .
Workingsloth777

Workingsloth777

Joined
Mar 10, 2019
Messages
306
I'm trying to decide between one of these two knives, So I figured I'd get everyone's opinion.

Thx,
Workingsloth777
 
I’d go with the GB2 simply based on the steel. I like M4 way more than S30V. I’m also a big fan of Gayle Bradley’s designs. However, if you are concerned with corrosion resistance, the Kapara would be the better choice.
 
The GB2 is a real go getter.
solid as a rock.
7nVquCa.jpg
 
GB2, I had both and I’d definitely recommend the GB2. It’s solid as a rock, great design, I mean it’s Gayle Bradley. And it’s M4!
 
my gb2 from another angle ; ) (cpm-m4 just has something no other steel has...
4ZYmbWiQ42nA.jpg


...over 5% moly and tungsten
& 4% vanadium
 
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oh, and fair warning, the detent & jimping/filework require thick skin & strength, or you may want to mod it
 
Thx for all the feedback you guys. ( I love the forums :) ) it looks like the GB2 might be my next spyderco but before I jump the gun what's the disengagement like. I've heard it's a little uncomfortable due to the lack of a cutout to disengage the liner lock. What are your experiences with this?
 
The Kapara is designed for food prep and is a better slicer w/its flat grind and more resistant to corrosion using S30V blade steel; read Spyderco's description.

The Gayle Bradley (both 1 and 2) are designed as more general purpose knives and heavier use, given the hollow/saber grind, swedge and thicker blade; the M4 blade steel while arguably stronger than S30V will also likely stain/discolor if used for food prep.

So, if you need a knife for slicing/food prep, the Karapa is the knife for you. If you need a knife for heavier and/or more general use, buy the GB1 or 2 instead.

I don't need a folder for slicing/food prep, so I never bought the Kapara and have no interest in buying the SpydieChef or any other knife claimed to be designed primarily for that purpose either.

There's a separate thread discussing the merits of the GB1 vs GB2. The consensus seems to favor the GB1 because it is more solidly built than the GB2. I have both and I prefer the GB1. However, others prefer the GB2 for its longer, thinner and lighter design. If you go w/the GB, choose the 1 that suits you best.
 
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The lock access is the one thing I don't like about my GB2. In the very near future I'll be trying the lock access mod, and grind it out a bit. I've seen it done on someone else's GB2. I've done similar on other knives so I'm not super concerned about it. Just need to find the time and energy.....both on the same day. Recently that's not easy.
 
I wasn't a fan of the GB1 in hand. I like the look of both the GB2 & Kapara...but, for me m4 wins over s30v. Unfortunately, my thoughts on the GB1 left me hesitant to try the GB2; and the Kapara doesn't ring my bell enough to open my wallet.
The message for you, Workingsloth777 Workingsloth777 , is that you shouldn't base your decisions on the choices of strangers. I've purchased knives that were strongly recommended (not to me directly)...and less than half of them were kept. Pick the one that appeals to you
 
bflying said:
The lock access is the one thing I don't like about my GB2. In the very near future I'll be trying the lock access mod, and grind it out a bit. I've seen it done on someone else's GB2. I've done similar on other knives so I'm not super concerned about it. Just need to find the time and energy.....both on the same day. Recently that's not easy.
Click to expand...

I agree, and that's why I no longer carry it. I love the knife (GB1) but since the stroke, I have neither the coordination nor the strength to close it. I don't have the skills to make a cutout. Especially with only one functioning arm.

I abhor S30V, so one of the GB's would be my choice.
 
Does steel matter to you?

Both have been on my radar and I'll more than likely own them both at some point. I personally adore M4 so I'd choose the GB2 if I could own just one.
 
The lock access doesn’t bother me, but it does to a lot of people. To each his own. It was designed like this by Gayle to prevent an accidental lock disengagement. I would say it’s kind of similar to a Hinderer on lock access, theirs nothing to worry about in my opinion.
 
Workingsloth777 said:
Thx for all the feedback you guys. ( I love the forums :) ) it looks like the GB2 might be my next spyderco but before I jump the gun what's the disengagement like. I've heard it's a little uncomfortable due to the lack of a cutout to disengage the liner lock. What are your experiences with this?
Click to expand...
Not a problem if you push down and over, cramming the meat of your thumb in there.

I've had both and still have the GB2, just sayin :)

y0mx4nV.jpg
 
I have the Kapara, and really like it. The blade shape reminds me of a slim stretch. It is an awesome slicer, and the compression lock is a plus.
 
Cscotttsss said:
Does steel matter to you?

Both have been on my radar and I'll more than likely own them both at some point. I personally adore M4 so I'd choose the GB2 if I could own just one.
Click to expand...
Steel is kind of going to be a deciding factor to me, I have plenty of s30v but no m4
 
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