Held a Gayle Bradley for the first time the other day

[KJdanReuben]

We were in Sevierville, Tennessee a couple weeks ago for a family vacation. We had a great time going to Gatlinburg, Smoky Mountain National Park, and just relaxing. But, since we were in Sevierville, we of course had to go to Smoky Mountain Knife Works. If you've never been, you should go if you're ever in the area. Definitely not the best prices, but it's awesome to be able to handle so many knives. I made my way to the Spyderco section after checking out the Beckers with a list to try out. I thoroughly enjoyed the Mantra 1 and would have purchased it if it would have been the same price as online. But one that really surprised me was the Gayle Bradley 1. It may be the smoothest knife I've ever held. Granted, I don't have nearly the experience as most of you, but it was a pleasure to open and close it. I can see why it has the following that it does. It's not my preference for size or weight, but I would sure like to own one now after I get the other knives on my list. So, to all you Gayle Bradley owners that love you knife, I understand why. It's solid, beautiful, and smooth and smooth as can be.

 

[CryoGuy5272]

If it's the original you need to jump on it. They were discontinued and I know most of us won't be giving up ours anytime soon lol. But yes amazing knife, mine will never leave my possession.

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[ncmiked]

By the fire...

 

[ncmiked]

Love mine for cutting up cardboard for the fire pit.

 

[Chris "Anagarika"]

21 pages over several years thread means something
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/714931-Gayle-Bradley-Hard-Use/page21

 

[texmex03]

Just got mine yesterday and I like it a lot. Tried the gb2 before this and the gb1 just feels better to me by a long shot. I used to think it was ugly. In person I really like it.

A few minutes ago.

Untitled by Josh, on Flickr
Untitled by Josh, on Flickr
Untitled by Josh, on Flickr

 

[KJdanReuben]

I'm definitely thinking a lot harder about it. I've seen loads of pictures on here, and I've always liked it. But holding one changes everything!

 

[Officer's Match]

I'm definitely thinking a lot harder about it. I've seen loads of pictures on here, and I've always liked it. But holding one changes everything!

Indeed, that is certainly my take. It is a classic for good reason.

 

[Knifeoholic]

Definitely an awesome design, I seem to have trouble with disengaging the liner lock on a lot of knives when gripping it firmly in a hammer type grip. This knife has totally eliminated that problem for me...... Love it! Also that CPM-M4 is an amazing steel! :thumbup:

 

[Chris "Anagarika"]

Totally agree. If only more knives are designed without the cutout, my wallet will hate me more.

Definitely an awesome design, I seem to have trouble with disengaging the liner lock on a lot of knives when gripping it firmly in a hammer type grip. This knife has totally eliminated that problem for me...... Love it! Also that CPM-M4 is an amazing steel! :thumbup:

 

[full flat grind]

I handled one in a store and knew I had to have it.

You can't really tell how awesome it is from pictures, IMO.

 

[AF]

It'll become a classic. The upcoming Spyderco TAC1S looks good too. After trying out the GB2 I decided I didn't like it.

 

[ImageX]

I've been considering a GB ever since I started collecting knives.... only about 4 months ago. Your post pushed me over the edge. I went with the GB2 for the refinement and cheaper cost. I hope I didn't make a mistake!

 

[CryoGuy5272]

It'll become a classic. The upcoming Spyderco TAC1S looks good too. After trying out the GB2 I decided I didn't like it.

I can look at the 2 and know it's not for me. One of my favorite parts is the integral choil of the 1. The elimination of it dissuaded me from ever really wanting the 2. The "Tac1", which I hear will have another name because it has already been used, looks pretty promising.

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[Surfingringo]

The GB 2 is better in the pocket but the 1 is better in the hand. I'd take the 1 all day.

 

[KJdanReuben]

I've been considering a GB ever since I started collecting knives.... only about 4 months ago. Your post pushed me over the edge. I went with the GB2 for the refinement and cheaper cost. I hope I didn't make a mistake!

Glad I could help! I doubt you made a mistake... it is a Spyderco after all.

 

[Chris "Anagarika"]

Glad I could help! I doubt you made a mistake... it is a Spyderco after all.

Some likes GB1, some likes GB2. As Sal said, they are all good, just different

 

[blanex1]

i have much love for GB-1's i own,and this is one i would never let go!and its my go to knife for hard work around the house,really to bad they stop making them.

 

[riceboy72]

This thread made me go to the gun safe this morning before work and grab my GB 1 where it's happily sitting in my pocket as we speak. It's no wonder it has received the following it has; it's built so well -- almost overbuilt -- with an opening that is so amazingly smooth. I'm glad it's with me today, and it'll get weekend duty, too!

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

 

[WadeWilson]

I'm one of those weirdos that never warmed up to the GB1. I always loved the look and materials of it. I handled it once and it was the first Spyderco that made me go, "Hm. This one doesn't fit my hand quite right." I wanted it to. But it was just a little off. I'm gonna have to get my hands on a GB2 and see if maybe that's the right fit for me. Yeah, it's official, once I'm off work, gonna head to the local knife shop and see if one is there.