GB1 and Southard, now where?

R

redman2006

Joined
Nov 6, 2012
Messages
306
So I have been on a bit of a spree. I picked up both a used Southard and GB1. The southard is wonderful, but I am selling or trading off the CF scale to put the G10 back on it. I will just scratch up the CF and it is too slick for my daily use. It is a little trickier to get the right flip on in than my ZT0562.

The GB1 is a wonderful knife in the hand. Getting my thumb jammed in there for the lock is a little tight, and the lock is really stiff. I wonder about a way to recess the side opposite the lock just a tiny bit to gain a little access. One thing that I really like about this knife is the lack of the little horns for the blade stops that my zt 0562 has. Those put a lot of wear on a pocket, even in my Carrharts. The two knives are basically the same size and weight for my purposes. I really like that grippy scale on the GB1. I can see this rapidly becoming a favorite.

Both of the Spydercos have great actions, for a non-action aficionado. Both ride in the pocket nicely, but I may hunt up a deep carry clip for the GB1. It sits just a little high, and I am afraid it will work itself out on the tractor or saddle.

Now, I keep telling myself to hold off, but I have the bug. That Manix 2 or PM2 are calling my name. Then there is the Endura. I want to try one just to see if I like that back lock. I have had versions of all three in a cart at various knife sites multiple times.

I should have stayed away from Spyderco. They have too many that I like and want now that I have actually used a couple.
 
Manix... PM2....Endura and the Mighty Delica both in ZDP-189
 
the GB-1 is a really strong folder and i hear people miss having one,i like its cpm m4 steel and its loud click engagement when opening the blade,i use one of mine around the house/yard work all the time,if you have a dremel-tool you open up the right so your thumb fits in there to unlock,easy to do,the delica 4 zdp 189 is grate little knife without braking the bank.
 
buy a gb2, it's liner lock is much thinner. what i like about the gb1 is the thick lock and liners. i prefer the gb2 shape, ergos and blade length..... but not the thinner lock and liners.
 
There are a few posts on the lock access mod (for both the GB and GB2). PM me if you want some more info.
 




A couple pics of my modded and unmodded GBs.

The modded version is easier to open but the stock version is pretty easy once you figure it out. Instead of trying to access the side of the lock bar, try putting your thumb on top (on the jimping) then apply a little downward pressure and move the lock bar over.
 
K2, Chubby, or an Air for a Gentleman's option.

You have two knives that reside in similar slots in sizing. Go smaller or larger. Expand your collection in depth, not width...

If you want something a bit smaller, but a Great slicer, go with a HAP40 Delica. They were ground thinnest BTE, as far as I know.
 
Slysz Bowie. You deserve one.

DSC00173_zpssk2eyppi.jpg

DSC00175_zpsl2r1axjq.jpg
 
I have the GB 2 which is less stiff than the GB1. I had the person who makes my scales enlarge the opening and now it has become one of my favorite flicking knives.
 
I think that mod makes sense. I did something like that on the 0562 to drop the CF down to the metal
Slyz Bowie. I hear great things, but honestly, they just don't appeal to me for some reason. They fall in that CRK category for me. It just is not my kind of a knife. Maybe if I tried one, I would feel differently.

Totally off subject, but does anyone know where to get good bits for these tiny little scale screws? Everything locally is too big, and I need a nice set that won't deform anyway.
 
I just got the Knife Center's exclusive Manix 2 running a CPM CruWear blade and carbon fiber scales in Monday of this week and holy crap.. It's like the epitome of what Spyderco is capable of.

I can hardly think of a word that can describe it's fit and finish. Perfect. That's what comes to mind. I always thought Taichung had Golden beat on F&F, but this knife changed my mind on that. The bevels are even, the edge is scary, scary sharp, and I honestly can't find a flaw with the knife if I wanted to. I even like the carbon fiber(not a big fan of carbon fiber).

I'm actually dumbfounded that a production company can put out a knife like this. And from everything I've read(this is what convinced me + the CruWear blade), no one, not one person had anything bad to say about it(at least from what I've seen).

If you like the Gayle Bradley, I'd bet you'd love this. It's a knife that won't shy away from any job you throw at it.

Edit for picture:
Xc7hNCZ.jpg
 
Last edited:
redman2006 said:
Totally off subject, but does anyone know where to get good bits for these tiny little scale screws? Everything locally is too big, and I need a nice set that won't deform anyway.
Click to expand...

I have this set of little torx and hex bits from Kobalt that work very well for knife screws. Not sure if I'm even allowed to say where I got em from, but it's the place that sells Kobalt tools, haha. Goes from T5-T10 which is basically what you'll need for most knives.
 
I think I know that place, but the one locally did not have a set that small. I will check again. Thanks
 
Can't go wrong with a manix or a gb2, both my personal favorite spydercos. The ergos on the manix are just so amazing. Nothing fits in hand quite like a manix. & the best part is it comes in tons of flavors of steals and prices.
 
redman2006 said:
I think that mod makes sense. I did something like that on the 0562 to drop the CF down to the metal
Slyz Bowie. I hear great things, but honestly, they just don't appeal to me for some reason. They fall in that CRK category for me. It just is not my kind of a knife. Maybe if I tried one, I would feel differently.

Totally off subject, but does anyone know where to get good bits for these tiny little scale screws? Everything locally is too big, and I need a nice set that won't deform anyway.
Click to expand...

Fair enough on the Slysz, if you feel it's not for you.
I prefer the Para2 over the Manix, but have, use and will keep all of them.
My preferred Manix is the XL, though a lot of people find it to be a pocket hog. I don't but it does need a deep carry clip due to it's mounting position.

I got Wiha torx bits off the big river site, they are excellent.
 
Of the ones you listed, I like the para 2 the most.

But the Stretch is a great one to add into the mix.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top