Gayle Bradley Flipper!

Surfingringo

Surfingringo

Joined
May 25, 2013
Messages
3,700
Well, I finally bought my first custom folder and boy did I pick a winner! I have been a huge fan of Gayle Bradley's designs ever since the Spyderco c134 Bradley Folder was released. That knife along with Phil Wilson's Southfork are by far my two favorite collaborations. As much as the c134 was a study in awesomeness, there were always a couple of minor hangups I had with it. It was not the most comfortable knife in pocket (or especially inside waistband) and it was not quite "stabby" enough for my taste. :cool: Well, this new Bradley flipper is like a c134 that mutated into absolute perfection!

Super slim at .300". Super light at 3.4 ounces. Full titanium scales with frame lock. Gorgeous flat grind that makes this an absolute cutting machine. The smoothest flipping action of any knife I have ever handled. And to top it all off this one has a functional opening hole as a secondary deployment method for those times when you would rather be a bit more discreet with your folder.

This knife for me is as near perfection as I have ever seen in a folder. I hope to do a full review on this one in the near future, but for now I just wanted to share the joy. :) Here are a couple of pics I've gotten so far. I will try to update with more soon.



 
Wow, that thing looks great! If you get a chance, I would love to see a pic of the lock side too. Enjoy!
 
Here you go Jstn. In case anyone is wondering, the black around the tang is a chemical oxide treatment he does to help prevent any possible corrosion inside the pivot area. I have had good luck with m4 but it is not stainless so I like it that he gives them this treatment. Makes for a cool look too imo.
 
Wow nice knife! Wish the Spyderco collaboration incorporated the lower profile thumb hole like the custom.
 
Wow! I really like this knife. Anxious to read your review. Light and M4 flat grind...outstanding.
 
I would absolutely call that a grail, any handmade knife from GB is awesome. Congrats man.
 
Looking good!

Congrats on a great new buy- look forward to hearing how it performs and more pics. :thumbup:
 
Spectacular knife, and Mr. Bradley and Mr. Wilson could NOT be a nicer couple of guys. I ran into them at Blade and they let me gush over the meeting a bit, I got a pic with them, and we went on our ways. I hope to own customs from the both of them in the future.
 
Dantone05 said:
Eeeeesssshhh that is good looking M4 goodness.
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Sonnydaze said:
Wow! I really like this knife. Anxious to read your review. Light and M4 flat grind...outstanding.
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Yeah, I am a big fan of M4 performance and have two of Phil's knives in that steel. Given that Gayle has probably done more work, research and ht's with this particular grade than anybody out there, it was kind of a no brainer when he asked which steel I would like. Pretty sure he was pleased with my choice too. ;)

Quiet said:
Spectacular knife, and Mr. Bradley and Mr. Wilson could NOT be a nicer couple of guys. I ran into them at Blade and they let me gush over the meeting a bit, I got a pic with them, and we went on our ways. I hope to own customs from the both of them in the future.
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They are both great guys and two of the best makers of our time IMO. I got to chat with them both at blade too. It was actually at Blade that Gayle pulled this prototype out of his pocket. As soon as I had it in my hand and opened it one time it was over. haha. Seriously.

Edit: Speaking of those guys and Blade made me go dig up a couple of pics my girlfriend snapped.

This was taken about 2 seconds before I first lay my hands on the prototype (which was about 7 seconds before I realized that I had to have one).


And this one is one of my favorites as it pretty much epitomizes Blade. A bunch of grown men sitting on the floor playing with knives like kids with hot wheels. :D
 
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Stays Sharp said:
What a knife. VERY nice, that is something to admire AND use. Would love to have something like it.
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This knife is ABSOLUTELY a user! Every single aspect of the design and build on this one screams "function". I love the aesthetics but I know the truth is simply this...it looks the way it looks because it was designed to be a perfectly functioning cutting tool; no other reason. Reminds me of some of Sal's designs in that regard. Those knives, the "form follows function" knives, are always the most beautiful to me.

Anyway, I was super lucky to get this one. Right after I talked with Gayle at Blade he got some big orders for this one. He agreed to get me one made even though he was deep in the weeds, since I was coming to the States. I am very grateful because otherwise I would be waiting until my next trip...next year! :thumbdn: Anyway, I have a feeling once this model starts getting in people's hands, someone's books are going to get full reeeal quick. ;)
 
I also saw the prototype! It was sublime, is that the model that yours is??? Wow, that is friggin' sweet!!
 
Quiet said:
I also saw the prototype! It was sublime, is that the model that yours is??? Wow, that is friggin' sweet!!
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Yes, mine is the same model! He did a new finish on the ti on mine though and I love it! Man, did you flip that proto he was carrying?? How insane is the action on this knife??? :eek:
 
Surfingringo said:
Yes, mine is the same model! He did a new finish on the ti on mine though and I love it! Man, did you flip that proto he was carrying?? How insane is the action on this knife??? :eek:
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It was absurd, and honestly, I imagine yours is worth every penny. I really do need to get on his books. What's funny is that I was standing there after having just spoken with Chris Reeve at his booth, and I heard his voice as he was standing there chatting with Mr. Wilson. I have watched multiple Spyderco videos with Mr, Bradley so it was immediately recognizable to me. I see from the shirts Mr. Wilson and Mr. Bradley are wearing that you met up with them on Saturday, same as I did. Man, definitely going to Blade next year also. Gah, sorry for derailing your thread, back to celebrating your beautiful new knife!!
 
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