Gayle Bradley and Superleaf / I think I have a problem.

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Sep 12, 2011
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Got these two from fellow members this week and I am extremely happy with both of these great designs! :thumbup:

Superleaf: Similar to the Manix 2 (but far better) and the Paramilitary 2, the things I love most about this are the 4mm blade, wire clip, and compression lock. I took it apart twice before it was smooth, but now it flies open. I guess it could even be considered a beefed up Sage. It carries great in the pocket, has excellent ergonomics, and feels solid. It's going to be one hard worker. Two things to note; the closed knife is a bit wide and the choil is a little large for my tastes, but these are easily overlooked considering the overall knife.

Gayle Bradley: Wasn't sure how it would feel in hand, but I heard so many good things about it I had to try. The textured carbon fiber and blackened clip are beautiful! This thing just rockets open and locks up like I do when girls try to talk to me! :p Its elegant but feels so solid in the hand because of the great handle shape and thick liners! 4 way clip? Hollow grind? This knife is easily on the level of the Para 2. The only 2 'problems', if you will, are the smaller, slightly recessed thumbhole and flush liner lock. I'm glad they are the way they are though because that's what the design needs.

Oh almost forgot. Any recommendations for M4 steel care?


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And my problem is below! I can't stop! Help! :eek:

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I use Tuf-Glide on my M4 Spydies. I haven't seen any rust spots whatsoever on my GB in about 2 years of ownership, and same for my M4 Millie in well over a year of ownership. And yes, I carry both regularly. :p
 
I forced a patina using vinegar on my gayle bradley. A nice light grey.

I'm having the same problem got a UKPN, GB, Delica 4 FFG, and on preorder a P2 Orange and a P2 Green. Help my name is george and I am a Spyderholic.
 
this one was soaked in ferric chloride for something like a couple of minutes. vinegar will work but will take longer and will probably get lighter than that. this picture is after carrying this one for quite long, using it, washing it with the abrasive side of a sponge etc.

the day i did this it was darker than that, almost black.
 
The M4 on my Gayle Bradley developed a patina naturally over the course of a year. It spends 99% of the time in my truck's glove box. The blade is very dark grey right now. It's currently on the way to Tom Krein's shop for a little work on the scale and liner, but I'll take some pictures when it comes back. I don't see a need for force a patina unless you just want to play with patterns.
 
agreed, don't need to do anthing if you can take care of your blade a minimum. i did this just because it looks cool with an almost black blade.
 
To move off patinas for a moment (with your indulgence Gentlemen...)

This thread has really put the Superleaf on my radar. I really like the compression lock of my Para 2 and like the blade shape and less pronounced 'hump' on the Superleaf. One question - clearly the blade is thicker on the SL vs the Para 2 and one of the things that I love about the Para 2 is how it slices SOOO well. How does the SL hold up in various duties when compared specifically to the Para 2?

All thoughts welcome...

Cheers,

Ben
 
I know a guy who has 3 Superleafs he likes them so much. But while they do slice well, they aren't as good as the Para 2. Take a look at the top view of the blade profiles and you will be able to tell why.

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Nothing too special so far. I did slice a huge apple and tear down a box though. Since I got the GB I've mostly been carrying that.
 
Love the shape of that blade in the SL -- would you say it is akin to that of the Tenacious and certain Striders?

But I'm hesitant about the size. The Sages are perfect for me.

The SL appears to be just a bit shorter than both the Para and the GB, yes?

And the SL needed some work before it opened and closedly smoothly?
Anyone else have this issue?

Thanks.
 
Love the shape of that blade in the SL -- would you say it is akin to that of the Tenacious and certain Striders?

But I'm hesitant about the size. The Sages are perfect for me.

The SL appears to be just a bit shorter than both the Para and the GB, yes?

And the SL needed some work before it opened and closedly smoothly?
Anyone else have this issue?

Thanks.

I'd compare it to a Strider before the Tenacious. The Sage 2 is perfect for me as well, but I like a larger knife for EDC most days. It's .5" longer blade length and handle length than the Sage. The Para is slightly longer than the GB which is slightly longer than the SL, making the Para2 .375" longer than the SL. I did have to take it apart, but now the Superleaf is even smoother than my Para2.
 
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