Having trouble deciding between the two. It won't be for any specific task. The gayle bradly was on the short list last time but with the superleaf being discontinued I'm torn. Any info would help. After this purchase ill have to wait another year. Thanks.
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Gayle Bradley or Superleaf
- Thread starter tipup09
- Start date
powernoodle
Power Member
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- Jul 21, 2004
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- 11,974
The Gayle Bradley probably rides easier in the pocket (in my view), and for whatever reason its gets a lot more love around here than the Superleaf. However, on the GB the access to the liner lock is intentionally limited (I think so you don't accidentally disengage the liner lock), and the scale also partially occludes the Spydie hole when the blade is closed. I don't care for that at all, and had my GB modded to give good access to the liner lock and Spydie hole. So, I would probably rather have the Superleaf just because I really don't like how the GB doesn't give you good access to the liner lock. I don't think this bother most guys, though. But really, I'd rather have the Manix 2 XL than the Superleaf, but that's not what you asked. 
If you are not buying another knife for a good while (how sad), maybe go for the Superleaf now because the GB will probably still be here when you are ready to buy again. Don't sweat it too much, though, because you will be a happy camper with the GB, Superleaf or Manix 2 LX.
If you are not buying another knife for a good while (how sad), maybe go for the Superleaf now because the GB will probably still be here when you are ready to buy again. Don't sweat it too much, though, because you will be a happy camper with the GB, Superleaf or Manix 2 LX.
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- Apr 4, 2009
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I prefer the GB by a wide margin. It's very comfortable to use, the M4 cuts like a dream, and the construction favors extended heavy use. Oh, and it looks great. The blade to handle ratio is nicely balanced.
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2013
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You can't go wrong with either, but if your not going to buy another knife for a year or so, I would go with the SL as it will be more difficult to find in a year. The GB will most likely be available in 2014 and if it's still on your want list, you can get it than.
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- May 28, 2013
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Gayle Bradley. I Absolutey love this knife
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2010
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- 1,315
I love both knives for outdoor use - but I find the SuperLeaf slightly easier to use with gloved hands. The "ungloved" ergonomics of the Bradley - plus the M4 steel make it a real winner, too.
And everyone's right about the SuperLeaf going out of stock. Get one while they are hot!
TedP
And everyone's right about the SuperLeaf going out of stock. Get one while they are hot!
TedP
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2010
- Messages
- 707
I too have both & think that you'll struggle to go wrong with either. That said, whilst it may be sacrilidge to some, I had to adjust my Superleaf. Given that it is already quite wide when folded I found that at least one of the three pointier 'corners' dug into me, especially when sitting. (I carry in my front right pocket).
So...
[/URL][/IMG]
[URL=http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Peroni1973/media/Superleaf1_zps48596879.jpg.html]
[IMG]http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc385/Peroni1973/Superleaf1_zps48596879.jpg[/URL][/IMG]
I de-horned the beast. Whilst it now isn't a typical SL, it works for me and sees more pocket time as a result. I probably carry the SL slightly more than the GB (now) but that is more down to the deep-carry pocket clip. I love the GB & am really glad to own one, but for EDC it is just a bit much for me. That said if you wear jeans it carrys well and in standard form is much more comfortable than the SL in the pocket.
Of course YMMV...
Good luck in your decision!
Ben
So...
[URL=http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Peroni1973/media/Superleaf1_zps48596879.jpg.html]
[IMG]http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc385/Peroni1973/Superleaf1_zps48596879.jpg[/URL][/IMG]
I de-horned the beast. Whilst it now isn't a typical SL, it works for me and sees more pocket time as a result. I probably carry the SL slightly more than the GB (now) but that is more down to the deep-carry pocket clip. I love the GB & am really glad to own one, but for EDC it is just a bit much for me. That said if you wear jeans it carrys well and in standard form is much more comfortable than the SL in the pocket.
Of course YMMV...
Good luck in your decision!
Ben
Any particular reason for the Superleaf instead of say a Para2 or Manix2?
I have a Para2 and a Manix2 but have not tried the Superleaf. My impression is that the Para2 is a good EDC knife because of its size and weight. My Manix2 is significantly heavier, and a little taller, but feels like a real solid knife. I also have a GB and it is a solid feeling knife and relatively trim. I would use the GB if I needed a tough knife that wasn't real large, and wasn't pulling it out of my pocket and putting it back a lot. I say that because for me it is harder to open and close than many of my other knives. I have been using my Manix2 quite a bit the past few weeks for packing boxes while we were moving and I found that it was very convenient to pull it out, flip it open with my thumb, make a cut, close it quickly and put it back in my pocket. If I had tried using my GB for that my fingers would be raw by now. The Para2 would have worked for me too but I think the Manix2 is quicker and easier to close than even the Para2. The Superleaf looks to be a little larger than the Manix2 and I've read that it has a thicker blade so it might be a little heavier. I might prefer to just go to the Manix2 XL instead of the Superleaf. However I have no doubt that the Superleaf would be a good knife for most uses if the size and weight is OK with you.
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- May 25, 2013
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- 3,700
Let us know how it goes. I haven't tried the super leaf yet, but would like to. Looks like a beast of a knife. I bought the GB and ended up selling it. Great knife that's deserving of all the love it gets around here, but the blade shape just didn't work for me.
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2006
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- 1,021
That Gail Bradley is a fairly large boy! I never realized it was so beefed-up. I just read where is weighs in at 5.5 oz... I carry some ZTs that don't weigh that much. Now, I can see why.
Hmm. Might have to get me one.
Hmm. Might have to get me one.
I love them both but right now, for the simple fact the Superleaf is going to get rarer, I'd grab one now before the price escalates. And it will.
Great knife! Compression lock, big beefy blade, low ride clip, and as smooth as the Bradley.
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2004
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- 654
I own both. Both are great. Personal preference is the GB, but... If your a big Spyderco fan then you definitely want to grab a SL before they start going for collector prices...
I own both and they are good knives, but very different obviously. Perhaps you would make your choice based on your own preferences for: Stainless vs High Carbon, full flat grind vs hollow, G10 vs Carbon fiber laminate and compression lock vs Liner lock.
