Help me choose Millie or GB?

T

The Dude1

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Dec 22, 2013
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I don't have the option of holding either. I like the Carbon Fiber handle on the Gayle Bradley and the overall shape of the knife. My concerns are that the blade isn't stainless so I will have to keep it oiled which will be an issue since it will be used for cutting food occasionally. The size / weight also concern me, I traded a ZT0560 b/c it was too bulky in the pocket. I fear the Gayle Bradley may also be. I'm also concerned that the blade may be smallish in hand. I love the look of it and feel that I will at some point want it for my collection.
I hear great things about the Millie and I don't want a patina or any other finish other than satin. Also the blade definately won't be too small. What doesn't give me warm and fuzzy feelings is that it is very classic common Spyderco look. In pics it isn't super exciting. I also have a custom Manix 2 XL that's more of a designated camping knife because of its heft, so I don't want two of these. It is, however, necessary for the collection at some point. I like to rotate all of my knives for EDC.
Given these whining parameters what do you guys think?
 
Does it have to be those two?
So far it looks like requirements are:

3.5"+ blade
Stainless
Lightweight
Different

Would a caly 3.5 be too small? What about a paramilitary? The compression lock is unique. It's got that popular spyderco look, but maybe you could get an Endura and get some scales or something.
 
I've owned both. The GB has amazing build quality and f&f and I love m4 steel, however, it is heavy and not very ergonomic in pocket so not the most comfortable knife for edc IMO. M4 doesn't stain all that easy, but if you will be cutting food and want to keep the satin finish like new then it is probably not the best option.

Military is one of my favorites. Very useful blade size and though the handle is long, it is quite slim and carries much better than the GB (again, just this guys opinion). I also like the sharp tip and straight spine of the Millie better than the fatter tip on the GB. Much more useful for my purposes.

They are both absolutely superb knives and I can't imagine you disliking either, but based on the requirements you listed, I would recommend the Military.
 
I agree with surfingringo 100%.
As far as the military not looking exciting, thats only true until you use it. After experiencing the ergonomics and cutting ability you're view will probably change. The military is my favorite knife overall.

You really can't go wrong and if you don't like the one you choose it can be sold on then exchange here without losing much.
 
Are you open to considering a ParaMilitary 2...?

Do you have any particular preference as to how you like to carry? And how important is that preference?
I have no experience with the GB. I do own a Millie in CRUWEAR and I must say, it's a hell of a great knife.
Only Andre the Giant's hands could complain about real estate on the Millie. I'm 6'9 300+lbs and the Millie handle still looks like a Banana Phone in my hand :P

So if size is an issue, you may want to consider the ParaMilitary 2.
It's everything you (would) love about the Millie in a sleeker package. Only complaint about the Millie is it's tip-down carry only.
 
Sparki said:
Does it have to be those two?
So far it looks like requirements are:

3.5"+ blade
Stainless
Lightweight
Different

Would a caly 3.5 be too small? What about a paramilitary? The compression lock is unique. It's got that popular spyderco look, but maybe you could get an Endura and get some scales or something.
Click to expand...
Those are the only 2 that are catching my eye right now. I've got a fully serrated Endura 4 that I carry occasionally. I love the compression lock, but I just can't get over the blade to handle dimensions on the PM2. Just not digging it. I'll check out the Caly 3.5, but the blade shape is a lot like my Sage 3 and Manix 2 XL.
I'm forcing myself to wait a few days to bounce around. I'm sure I'll buy another knife in a couple weeks, but with Spyderco's I'm not really able to part with the ones that don't work for me. I just don't carry them. I'm looking for another knife to go with my Matriarch 2 or Superhawk for EDC
 
Get the GB, You never know when it will be disscontinued... You'll get Mili and thank me later :-)
 
Military vote here :thumbup:

I have carried a military for my EDC for over 3 years now and decided to try a GB but after about 2 weeks of carry I sold it and bought another military.

The military fits my hand better, carries better and is just more comfortable and easier to manipulate for me

ETA: the military just locks into my hand with and without gloves but with the Gayle Bradley I felt like I was just holding onto to it with a clinched fist



 
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Surfingringo said:
This is a valid suggestion! The stretch is kind of like a lighter, stainless, ffg Gayle Bradley.

...I still prefer my Millie though. ;)
Click to expand...

Yep...

bradleyandstretch.jpg
 
Looks like I'll have a little extra time to mull this over. Truck batteries were dead when I left work tonight. It's a diesel so two new batteries...
 
Get the GB dude. M4 is incredible, and keep it oiled or let it patina up if you're worried about stains, etc. It's also one of the smoothest knives I've ever handled, and it's fit and finish are incredible.
 
Surfingringo said:
I've owned both. The GB has amazing build quality and f&f and I love m4 steel, however, it is heavy and not very ergonomic in pocket so not the most comfortable knife for edc IMO. M4 doesn't stain all that easy, but if you will be cutting food and want to keep the satin finish like new then it is probably not the best option.

Military is one of my favorites. Very useful blade size and though the handle is long, it is quite slim and carries much better than the GB (again, just this guys opinion). I also like the sharp tip and straight spine of the Millie better than the fatter tip on the GB. Much more useful for my purposes.

They are both absolutely superb knives and I can't imagine you disliking either, but based on the requirements you listed, I would recommend the Military.
Click to expand...

^^^
This :thumbup:
 
IMO, the Military is one of the best knives on the market today. It pockets well, rides well and is a superb slicer. As for kitchen duty, it is a natural and as an added bonus, flip it over and use the flat spine to clear food from the cutting board.

I own several Millies and a GB, all of which are brilliant knives, but the moment you mentioned food, the Military becomes a natural choice.
 
I own both and like the Military much better. If you're patient though, I would wait for a sprint run or exclusive.
 
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