I hope not cause I need to pick one up too, and the advocate is out of my comfortable max price range of $200.
Really unfortunate the GB1 is gone, and now possibly the GB2. I remember when I got the GB1 for just north of a hundred dollars, then thinking how superb the knife was for that price. Then the GB2 popped up and also knocked it out of the park. High quality pocket knives for sure. It’s a strange thing. Once I see a model discontinued I start having reservations on continuing use of mine. Knife Knuts are weird like that....
The GB2 is an under appreciated knife. It was my go-to knife when moving last year and never let me down. It did draw blood from me once during that time, though.
I may get a backup if I see one around. Would be nice if Spyderco would give in to the suggestions of so many here and give us the GB2 with micarta or G10 scales, slightly thicker liners, slightly better access to the liner lock and a slightly stronger detent. All those slightlys would add up to a CQI GB3. As a user, it would blow the doors off a PM 2.
That would be sad indeed, it's a great knife. I picked up a spare a while ago for $125, just couldn't pass it up.
What is the reasoning for wanting the thicker liners? Not that I am disagreeing, just curious. I love everything about my GB1 and GB2 except the CF scales. I'll get around to making some scales one of these days.
The very obvious (IMO) need for slightly better access to the liner lock is easily taken of using that Dremel tool. I got mine out this week and then ran out of time...working on my 1927 Illinois Bunn Special Railroad watch...losing 5 seconds/day...bummer...another labor of love for sure...
The original GB knocked it out of the park with those thick liners. Over the top? Maybe, but they just made you feel good. I would like to see the thickness dead in between the 1 & 2. You would need to mill them more to cut weight in order to maintain the GB2’s current balance. Truth is, they don’t NEED to be thicker. I would just like it that way and I think others would too, especially if it didn’t add much weight. I don’t mind the CF scales on the GB2 but the GB1 should have had G10 or micarta scales as a working knife.
I wish I shared everyone’s love for the compression lock. It acts as a hot spot while doing any sort of extended cutting for me. Others have also mentioned the comp. lock. Would probably sell more.
I would like to see a GB1 with just a tad thinner liners but same handle/blade shape mostly to bring the balance forward towards the blade. And instead of carbon fiber scales, micarta.
I’ve always felt the GB2 was a real “under achiever” for Taichung just like the Mantra was. The knife is a good overall design but it fell short in so many small details and execution (sharp lock bar, too small hole, laminated CF etc) that the end product was a really crappy one. I had a GB2 twice (Gave it 2 tries) and to this day it still feels like a knife that was pulled off the line 3/4 the way through manufacturing.
I have come to enjoy the GB2 immensely. It's thin, full sized, and sturdy but not too heavy. If possible I would vote for a GB3 with the following updates: - smooth G10 handle scales; - recessed and milled steel liners; - compression lock; and - factory standard deep carry clip. But in case none of those are viable then at least an updated GB2 with steel liners ground flush with the carbon fiber scales.
Same here. Hotspot in web between thumb and index finger. Love the GB1. Sometimes sequels can't beat the first installment.
Funny how opinions can differ so much. I’ve owned probably close to 50 different Spydercos and the GB2 is one in my more permanent collection. I think it is one of the best knives they’ve made. The action on it is incredible and it comes apart and goes back together much more easily than most Spyderco knives.
This thread may be the first time I’ve ever seen an outright negative take on a GB2. The general consensus is it’s one of the best bang for the buck production folders out there. +1 gazillion for micarta scales would be an improvement. Please Spyderco (on any/all models)! I had both the GB1 and GB2, and in comparison at the time, the GB1 was such a tank I couldn’t justify keeping the GB2. But the 2 is so attractive I’ve almost bought it again. A couple of all-time very popular folders in these two models.
