Gayle Bradley Collab. This could be "It"!

Jenner 515

Jenner 515

Joined
Nov 27, 2002
Messages
2,145
For years I EDC'd a Large Manix - G10, S30V, Locked up like a bank vault, stayed wicked sharp despite much use - and carried in pocket like Tractor vs. a Ferrari.

I loved the knife, it was what I needed as an EDC and my work conditions permitted me to carry and use such a knife without it feeling like too much knife.

But like all Knife nuts I was in search of "The One" a D2 Millie replaced the Manix, a Para in D2 replaced the Millie. An FRN Stretch in ZDP was carried for a time as was a JD Smith (still one of my faves, I just worry about that tip sometimes) A Caly3, DKPK, Urban and UKPK had some pocket time as did a Kopa, Byrd Wings Slipit, Bob T slipit and MicroDyad.

All good, just not "The One" to replace my beloved Manix.

Then I acquired the Gayle Bradley in M4.

It's the right size, the lock is rock solid and "thicker" than I had envisioned (a good thing) I Love the Carbon Fiber and the steel. It just feels right in my hand and so far...It cuts like a SOB.

Could this be the perfect EDC for me? So far, so good.

As for the other Bradley owners out there, what say you?
 
I agree the liner-lock is beefy, more of a thin framelock. I like the fact that the lock is pretty well concealed from inadvertent release.

Build quality is good - as I've come to expect from Spyderco. The carbon fiber is nice, the "proud" frame affects a radiused edge that isn't too sharp. Lots of "little things" that show consideration, like the chamferring on the off-side liner by the lock. No complaints as to craftsmanship or materials.

A bit butt heavy IMO, though this does make the blade "lively". I'd like to see the butt lightened up to move the balance point towards the blade.

Not too happy with the how the knife feels in various grips - the design seems happiest when used in a "pistol" grip, index finger in the most forward groove; hammer grips, reverse grips, etc. just don't feel too comfortable in my hand. I was comparing the feel to various knives and it seems closest to one of my puuko knives.

Took the knife and did some minor woods stuff cutting, e.g. making a fuzz stick, cutting a small tree limb off, making a point on the end of the limb, cutting 1 inch poly rope. Shaved before the play and shaved after the play.

For me, the Gayle Bradley won't make the EDC rotation, though, due to the weight and how it feels in various grips.
 
I think The Bradley is one of the best knives Spyderco has put out in awhile.:thumbup: It comes with a super high quality blade steel and carbon fiber scales all for $130 or so. This knife is built for work and will definetly make my edc rotation.;)

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Thanks for the pic's, I believe they must be the first of many to follow.
A fantastic knife for sure.
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I can't agree more. Not only is it a world class production folder for fairly hard use, it also sports a little more refinement than a few other Spyderco's I've seen in the past (not all for sure, just some). The liners seemed partial buffed along the edge (certainly finished more than you see sometimes), the lock bar fits perfectly and locks up early and dead solid, the CF scales are functionally and aesthetically amazing (similar to the Sage 1 if not the same) and the F&F is worthy of any top-o-the-line production standard and more. Plus you get uncoated CPM M4! I also like how the scale edges are recessed back from the liner edges. Not only does this protect the edge of the CF but it also lends more purchase in the hand. All for a relative song. This must be a dream :D
 
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I've been EDCing mine for about a week now. It really is a great knife. I always think every new knife I get is going to be "the one", but maybe this one actually is? :p
 
I bought one of these just last Saturday. Very impressed with this knife. Much more of a solid feel to it than my Para, but then the Para is a little lighter weight to carry. Very comfortable in my hand. Smooth opening and solid lock up. I hope there are more collaborations with Gayle Bradley and Spyderco in the future.
:thumbup::thumbup:
 
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Does anyone know when or where these are or will be available. Everyplace I have tried seems to not know when they will get more.
 
I ordered mine on the 5th, last Tuesday, and was told they are expecting a shipment this week and that Spyderco has held them up for a few days to engrave the Gayle Bradley logo on the blades. Probably the case for most of the other dealers.
 
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It actually looks well defined and sharp - the extreme magnification doesn't do it justice.
 
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