Gayle Bradley 2

This model has a standard pivot with PB washers, same as the other GB folders. None of them use a bushing pivot as found on the PM2.

It's not the free swinging, near frictionless action of a well tuned pm2. More like the slick "hydrolic" action of a sebenza, which I prefer.

As I understand it, the GB1 was not designed with style or panache in mind. It was made to be a solid hard working folder that cuts like a demon.

I recall a lot of complaints about the lack of lockbar cutout on the original, and several members calling the handle "turd shaped". It was the outstanding performance that made it so popular.

I believe this is mostly an improvement. Lighter and slimmer in the pocket, while mostly keeping the attributes that made the original a winner.

I can't say I appreciate the addition of a choil, just doesn't make sense to me. I'd rather have a bit of smooth unsharpenable steel in that area. Cutting a choil only gives a place for cloth and soft materials to snag on. Think I can live with it in this case anyway.
 
I was optimistic about the 2, before this thread. Now that I see it next to the 1, and the video of it in hand, Im convinced I don't want it.
Too long for me, and I feel like it would be less heavy duty than the 1.
 
First of all, I am grateful for the great folks at Spyderco continuing to innovate and give us great knife designs and great variety.

That said, seeing the GB 2 and hearing that the GB 1 is discontinued, made me rush out and get the GB 1. I have always liked the looks and have read great things about the GB 1. And I find it kind of interesting that the most common complaint I see about the knife is that there isn't a relief cut on the presentation side to allow for both easier unlocking/closing and also allowing full access to the spyder hole instead of it being slightly obscured. Some folks have actually added this relief cut themselves or sent the knife out to be customized.

I find it somewhat peculiar that the GB 2 design doesn't address this issue. In fact, the hole seems a bit more obstructed and the unlocking is nearly the same. I don't have any problem disengaging the lock on my new to me GB 1 and I am really happy with the knife!

I hope those that like the GB 2 are as delighted with theirs as I am with my GB 1.
 
spketch said:
I recall a lot of complaints about the lack of lockbar cutout on the original, and several members calling the handle "turd shaped". It was the outstanding performance that made it so popular.
Click to expand...

Had myself a great laugh at this. I think I've reconsidered my opinion!
 
I received a Bradley 2 yesterday, can't comment on the first version, but I sure like this one. :thumbup:
 
Hey kmhawaiidh, thanks for the review. Great looking knife, just ordered one!

The "choil" (where the edge stops on a blade), does appear to be deeper. As for a "finger choil", now that seems to be lacking, just my .02 cents of knife knowledge, lol..........
 
Last edited:
full flat grind said:
Apparently, turds are quite the ergonomic marvel (not that I have ever handled one in person [emoji12] ).
Click to expand...

Ergonomic carbon fiber turds! :D

In all seriousness, the GB1 was a real hit. I think I can trust the Spyderco team, in all their knife wisdom, to improve upon the knife. Looking at the GB2, there are certainly some things I really like about it compared to the original: it's slimmer, lighter and longer! These are all design improvements I can appreciate. The only thing that I dislike about the GB2 in relation to the original is its lack of a choil. I like choils, especially as done by Spyderco.
 
I like choils, too.

It seems to me that the GB1 is more of a hard use knife whereas the GB2 is more of an EDC.

Nothing wrong with either, but I already had lots of EDCs so the GB1 seemed a better fit for my needs.
 
full flat grind said:
I like choils, too.

It seems to me that the GB1 is more of a hard use knife whereas the GB2 is more of an EDC.

Nothing wrong with either, but I already had lots of EDCs so the GB1 seemed a better fit for my needs.
Click to expand...

I think this design change, when I think about it, makes a lot of sense. I've always held that liner locks do not belong on hard use knives, and while I used to hate them I now feel that their place and proper application is EDC, where they excel due to their convenience. I recently bought a Sage 1 that I just couldn't stop carrying for a week after I got it...before I start gushing about that knife, I'll say that the GB2 looks like an objective improvement for my own personal carry philosophy. Of course, YMMV.
 
I owned a GB1 a while ago. I ended up selling it because for me at least, it was a PITA to open compared to other spydercos. On top of that since M4 is prone to rusting, that was kind of a deal breaker to me.
 
Kwon Kwang said:
... I've always held that liner locks do not belong on hard use knives ...
Click to expand...

I see your point. I guess it depends on what is meant by "hard use." The GB1 is the knife I would choose for heavy all-day cutting, but that doesn't mean I would use it for digging or prying. For that, I would use a fixed blade — or if I had to use a folder, I'd pick my CS American Lawman, because that Tri-Ad lock is solid, yo. :D

But yeah, the GB2 would make a nice EDC, even if it isn't the kind one would play with / flip open all day, IMO.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top