Gayle bradley or Yojimbo 2

T

tipup09

Joined
Feb 1, 2012
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56
The budget only allows for one and I haven't been able to decide. Will be used for EDC. Love the look of the Yojimbo but unsure of the durablility of the tip. Any advise would be appreciated.
 
I can't tell you anything about the yojimbo 2 because I have never used or handled one, but I bought a Gayle Bradley from Mr. Bradley at the blade show this year and it is an excellent knife. CPM-M4 is some great steel.
 
For an edc I would go with the gayle Bradley. M4 is an exceptional steel, the blade shape is better suited to everyday tasks, it is built like a tank in case you need to do some serious cutting, the design is less likely to scare the non knife crowd and the fit and finish is exceptional. I have a Gayle Bradley and it sees considerable pocket time and is always up for whatever job I ask of it.
 
I've had my Yojimbo 2 for about three weeks now. The tip of the blade is very thin, and I can see why people voice concerns about it breaking. That being said, it's a great slicer, and hasn't broke yet!
 
Never had the Y2, but my Gayle Bradley is an amazing carry knife. I'm thinking of buying a second to keep in the safe.
 
I have both knives if I to choose one it would be the gayle Bradley. It is heavier in weight than the yojimbo, but I like the blade shape better and m4 is a great steel and fairly corrosion resistant. The carbon fiber handles are easy the pocket and the pocket clip doesn't attract attention like the yojimbos polished steel does.
 
Ive been edcing my GB alot lately and have been thorougly happy with it. Quality, looks, and performance all A+. Freakin sexy beast of a folder.

I dont own a Yojimbo yet. I plan on getting one and making it my work knife, I deal with a lot of cardboard/packages throughout the day and the bladeshape looks to be ideal for it. Pretty mundane stuff considering what the yo was designed for, but given that it was constructed with maximum cutting potential in mind, I think it would do well. Great lock too.
 
The Yo 2 is a purpose built knife, you want to do everything you can to keep that tip as pointy as possible (just in case you ever need it) It is an awesome EDC but i only use it for very light tasks. It is a very capable slicer but you should be carful not to damage the tip

The Gayle Bradley on the other hand is meant to slice 2" thick manila rope, make short work out of lots and lots of cardboard...jobs of this nature are what this knife was made for. In short, you are probably not going to hurt this knife.
 
I have a GB, and its is an awesome EDC. Amazing bang for your buck.

Although opinions differ, the Yo is a bit too specialized and aggressive-looking for EDC IMHO.
 
The GB is amazing it's in my pocket right now it shares time with my Para2. I would carry it full time but since it's not US made it makes things awkward since I make holsters which I proudly market with only made in USA materials. Its one of those deals I get picked on since I am always dogging friends about foreign purchases. Silly I know but I really try my best. As far as the GB goes the fit and finish reminds me of a Brietling watch it is beautiful and tough and worthy of an exception
 
I decided i needed an off hand SD blade and was going with the yojimbo 2, but I waited too long and they were sold out. So instead i ordered a matriarch 2 and a tenacious. Figured i could get 2 knifes for less than the GB, and since i havent had a spyderco knife since 1998 id ease into it. Maybe the GB for Christmas.
 
I spoke to Michael Janich at a knife show last year about the Yojimbo 2, and how he designed it primarily as a defensive blade. He certainly has the the credentials in knife defense, but after handling one of the prototypes, I just didn't get it. I guess it just has to do with the style of fighting that he teaches. I took the Jim Wagner Reality-Based training course a few years back, and the Yojimbo just wouldn't fit that style.
 
There is no quEstion that the GB is, and should, be your decision for a single EDC knife. Personally, I carry the Y2 everywhere I go anlongwith my Amnumzaan or Sebenza. The Y2 is a fighting knife, pure and simple. It compliments my handgun and is clipped to my right pocket or is carried loose in my right jacket pocket or vest pocket so I might deploy it quickly if the need ever arises in a confined space. At three feet, I would rather have a Y2 in my hand than any type of firearm. I pray the need never comes up where I have to defend myself with either a knife or a handgun...

So, yes, by all means get the GB and enjoy a nice EDC. Not my personal favorite as I find it a bit difficult to operate with even light gloves -- the blade release is quite shallow and needs some repetitions to where it is easier to release. Quality and fit & finish -- superb; a top shelf knife made with excellent materials. I have yet to carry it as an EDC, and might consider selling or trading it somewhere down the line......cya
 
Gayle Bradley all the way for EDC. It's a work knife pure and simple. Prolly my favorite Spyderco along with the PM2.
 
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