GayleBradley-Should I Keep It

28gauge

28gauge

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Joined
Dec 5, 2005
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226
Just got my Gayle Bradley and I'm on the fence about keeping it. First off let me say, it's beautifully made; no question. My hesitation is that it's quite heavy, and the liner lock it extremely hard to operate being it's quite strong and there is no relief in the liner & scale for you to get a purchase on it with your thumb. The fact that it really is not solid carbon fiber doesn't bother me (assuming the laminate doesn't seperate). Would appreciate feedback from anyone that's been using one for a while.
 
Honestly it sounds like you possibly did not understand what you were getting with the GB and why the knife is designed the way it is.

Do a little more research before tossing this one aside.
 
When I need a good solid slicer, guess what come with me? I know that it will keep an edge longer then just about any of my knives and it will never close on my fingers if I stress it out. Yes a little heavy and I did modify mine a little on the liner release, but it's a tool that works very well. That's what I got it for.
 
It sounds like it's not the knife for yo. If it's a recent purchase send it back and pick out another style. For the money you have to be good with it.
Or donate it to the first member with 935 posts that comes along ;)
 
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Instead of pushing straight over on the lockbar, try pushing at around a 45 degree angle, up toward the the blade a bit. The lockbar's jimping should catch your thumb and make it easier to open. You could always grind out a relief if that still doesn't suit you.
 
spketch said:
Instead of pushing straight over on the lockbar, try pushing at around a 45 degree angle, up toward the the blade a bit. The lockbar's jimping should catch your thumb and make it easier to open. You could always grind out a relief if that still doesn't suit you.
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That works some. The hump back blade is reminiscent of the Terzuola collaboration I had many years ago, although that was more of a sheepsfoot. I'd say this is more of a spear point. Everything seems to be for strength here.
 
Too many awesome knives, if I had to ask that question than I already know that at some point i'm getting rid of this thing. I.E. the Domino is probably one of the nicest knives I've ever owned. Loved it, but it had no place in my collection because it was too thick too big to EDC, and too pretty to throw around when doing yardwork at home where I love a bigger folder. So I got rid of it. Someone out there loves it. At 1/3 of the cost of the Domino is my beat up Delica. Cheaper steel, cheaper scales, not as good fit and finish, lock rock. I will keep this thing forever. I couldn't imagine not having a Delica. If this one dies I'm just going to buy another one. I have other Spydies that are like that too but the Delica is the #1 example. It's not the nicest knife, but if I have to run out of the house and am putting a folder that isn't a slipjoint in my pocket most of the time it's a Delica.
 
I love the GB, but I never really liked carbon fiber for handle materials, and IMHO, this knife, as rugged and heavy as it is, and, IMHO, would be preferable and probably superior for hard use over a PM2, should have been offered in a G10; either in orange or foliage green. If G10 becomes a handle material in the future, I would not hesitate to buy one.
 
A G10 GB would definitely have been more honest! If the Domino was in G10 I'd still be owning it.
 
cchu518 said:
Too many awesome knives, if I had to ask that question than I already know that at some point i'm getting rid of this thing. I.E. the Domino is probably one of the nicest knives I've ever owned. Loved it, but it had no place in my collection because it was too thick too big to EDC, and too pretty to throw around when doing yardwork at home where I love a bigger folder. So I got rid of it. Someone out there loves it. At 1/3 of the cost of the Domino is my beat up Delica. Cheaper steel, cheaper scales, not as good fit and finish, lock rock. I will keep this thing forever. I couldn't imagine not having a Delica. If this one dies I'm just going to buy another one. I have other Spydies that are like that too but the Delica is the #1 example. It's not the nicest knife, but if I have to run out of the house and am putting a folder that isn't a slipjoint in my pocket most of the time it's a Delica.
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Well put. I have bought so many knives as "users" that were never used. However, lately I'm trying to use more of these fine tools and works of art. Free them from the safe and enjoy them rather than just fondling them while watching TV. The best survival knife is the one you have on you in a survival situation. I've been doing a lot of Delica myself. It appears the faux carbon fiber is more of an issue than I thought it was. I'd prefer to have 100% of either material but as long as the laminate holds up I don't have a problem with it.
 
I have had my GB a little while and am still surprised every time I handle it just how much of a beast it really is!
A refined beast for sure but a beast nonetheless.

This is one feature I just really like about it and I usually carry a Delica too as the one I do have on me all the time.
This makes the GB sort of a sleeper to me and so far I have not tried anything with it that even remotely made me wish it was more knife in any way?
I like the heft and weight and it is well worth it to me for the precision feel the knife conveys each time I deploy the blade.

On the other hand if you are asking about its worthiness for your carry I think you already know the answer for you?

To me the Stretch seems like a very similar knife but with most of the traits that you seem to be looking for?
I would give one a try and I am thinking of doing that too.
 
The GB is my favorite knife that I own. It's an amazing piece, truly a beast. You can't tell just by looking at it but that thing will take a beating and beg for more. Extremely heavy duty with the looks of a gentleman's folder. All that said, everyone has their own tastes and personal preference and if you don't enjoy it I'd say replace it and try out something else you think you may like. You certainly wont have any trouble getting rid of it as I said it's really a great piece.
 
I've had one for quite a long time. But I've never carried it and given it a chance. But I'm sure if it got some pocket time it would excel. The lock bar does seem hard to get to. But I don't think that would be much of a problem in the real world. Keep the knife, carry it and then let us know how you like it. I'm keeping mine anyway. That M4 steel is a keeper in any knife.
 
Despite its thickness and heavy build, I feel the GB cuts/slices better than many knives including; Military, PM, Police, Southard, Stretch, Domino and Manix.
I often compare several knives at a time on any given task and the Gayle Bradley out performs much thinner knives time and time again. I'm going to give it to geometry.
I'll bet if you give it an honest try and cut a few things with it, it will not leave your possession.

EDIT to add:
I did open up the area around the liner lock and that made it very user friendly.
 
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FTR-14c said:
EDIT to add:
I did open up the area around the liner lock and that made it very user friendly.
Click to expand...
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It's a great knife, and one of the finest blade-steels available. I would suggest you consider doing the above, if you have a problem with operation. I've had four or five, at least, of these, and I've never had to modify one, but YMMV. I have owned folders that I could not close easily...when other folks had no problem.
 
FTR-14c said:
Despite its thickness and heavy build, I feel the GB cuts/slices better than many knives including; Military, PM, Police, Southard, Stretch, Domino and Manix.
I often compare several knives at a time on any given task and the Gayle Bradley out performs much thinner knives time and time again. I'm going to give it to geometry.
I'll bet if you give it an honest try and cut a few things with it, it will not leave your possession.

EDIT to add:
I did open up the area around the liner lock and that made it very user friendly.
Click to expand...
It makes me think about FFG vs hollow grinds and sabre grinds. The non FFG blades that I use excel in spreading materials like cardboard apart which helps keep the blade from binding g in the materials.

I still love FFG but I don't discount other grinds now.
 
It is a beast of a knife that just so happens to work very well as a cutting tool.
Don't go head to head with it against any of your treasured blades because it will only end in disappointment.
 
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