Gayle Bradley vs Southard

SpeedHoles said:
But... Here's my opinion - if your budget is $200, then get a new Gayle Bradley 1 for about $130, and you'll have a hard use knife with M4. Then spend the remaining $70 on a Pacific Salt SE for your carrying needs in full on wet sloppy conditions.

And there you go - Bases covered, budget retained.
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We have a winner...shut down the thread. ;)
 
I have had both and prefer the GB. For me it was better because of the reversible pocket-clip, a feature that the Southard lacks. I also like the symetry of the design better. Finally, I don't really like flippers for some reason. Both are quality knives though.
 
calc said:
Because the shallow choil and lack of a liner cutout are pretty polarizing, you should definitely try to get your hands on the Bradley before making your decision so you know where you fall on those.

Personally, I like the Southard well enough. It's visually striking and very nicely made. But when it comes to actual use, it's hard to beat the Bradley, especially at what it retails for.

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Is the handle longer on the Bradley? I have pretty large hands, xl gloves.
 
firefighterguy said:
Congrats on the long career. This is purely for my station pants. I don't want an expensive knife in my bunker pants. I don't necessarily have plans to hard use it. But there are times when it can be needed for hard use.

It would also see time in my pockets outside of work. My wife got me a pm2 for my bday. I just have to wait a couple more weeks to get it. I'm just itching for another :)
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The pm2 will take care of your needs. Wait and see.
 
There is one currently on the trader forum... but probably not for long!


Oh, nope, it is now sold pending funds... :(
 
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hi,my dads brother was a firefighter chef for about 30 years in LA.boy would he get a kick out the knifes they offer these days!as didn't offer the tactical folders now available on the market! but i don't see using a brad southard! rather a gayle bradley 1) would be better for hard use/firefighter use,i have both these knifes and really like the GB 1 for day to day hard use both home and hunting,southard is more if your in the bad part of town!!kind of folder,also the stretch in G10 is a grate little knife!good luck with your pick,hope i helped.
 
Several Ebay dealers are legit and stock Spyderco products at very reasonable prices, often far below what you'd see elsewhere.

Anyone questioning the Bradley needs to just get one before the prices go crazy. Worst case, you can be "one of those guys" who sells it later at a profit. But best case you'll have a nice working folder at a more than fair price. Honestly any price less than $150 is a downright steal.

As for the Southard, you can always get one later.
 
Well I purchased a black Southard. I know I'll end up getting a Bradley at some point. The possibility of rusting on the Bradley was the deciding factor. Well, that and I found a killer deal on the Southard. The black looks incredible.

I will pick up the Bradley at another time. Thanks everyone for the advice. Ultimately., I just want them both even more now. Y'all are not helpful!!!!!! :)
 
Nice choice, the Darth Vader Southard is a rad knife. Mine seems to flip better than brown ones I've handled.
Just keep those bearings clean.
 
firefighterguy said:
Well I purchased a black Southard. I know I'll end up getting a Bradley at some point. The possibility of rusting on the Bradley was the deciding factor. Well, that and I found a killer deal on the Southard. The black looks incredible.

I will pick up the Bradley at another time. Thanks everyone for the advice. Ultimately., I just want them both even more now. Y'all are not helpful!!!!!! :)
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Right on. Check back in and let us know what you think when you get it.
 
When I put the Southard in my pocket the lock cutout grates on my pants. I don't like that. Otherwise great knife.
 
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