Help me decide on a Spyderco

BluegrassGuy

BluegrassGuy

Joined
Dec 13, 2011
Messages
137
Hey I've been using kershaws for a few years now, my recent benchmade purchase has got me in the mood to branch out more. I'm wanting to replace my leek thats been in my front pocket for a while with something from spyderco and I can't decide which one. I'm looking for a general use knife that will mostly be opening boxes, cutting cardboard, and zipties and may see some abuse from time to time.

I've narrowed it down to 4 I'll list them and give my likes and concerns.

Caly3 Carbon Fiber ZDP-189 / 420J2 PlainEdge
Like the style and handle, not sure about the laminated blade and I don't like the tip up carry much.

Delica4 ZDP-189 FRN
Like the style and blade material, don't care for the scales can these be replaced easily?

Gayle Bradley Carbon Fiber CPM M-4
Like style and handle, not sure about the cpm m-4

Perrin PPT Corrugated Black G-10 PlainEdge CPM-S30V
Really like the style and scales, dont like the tip up carry
 
Gayle Bradley.....M4 steel is pretty awesome. I used mine for about a month and could easily cut paper afterwards. The ergonomics are nice as well, and the texturing of the CF is not too rough or too smooth.

STP80478.jpg
 
I'd say go with the Gayle Bradley. CPM M-4's an outstanding steel. The only thing even remotely not good about it is it's corrosion resistance. Oil the knife a little bit or rub in some wax and you shouldn't have a problem. That or just dry it off any time you get it wet. ZDP is also great, but it seems like you have issues with those two knives which can't really be changed. S30V is a good steel as well, but if the PPT only comes in Tip up, again, not much you can do to change that. If that's a deal breaker you won't be satisfied with either of those two. If not, any of the above knives are excellent and should provide you with a lot of good use.
 
Gayle Bradley, no question. I haven't bought one yet (hopefully I will soon), but from handling it and looking at it I absolutely love it.
 
Thanks guys, I was kind of leaning toward the Gayle Bradley just needed a conformation on the steel having not heard much about it, so I guess thats gonna be my new front pocket knife with the 790 in the back pocket. Might still get a Delica also just so I can be in the ZDP club, who knows it might grow on me, if not i can always gift it out. :)
 
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I'm sure you won't be unhappy with that decision. I've heard nothing but good things about the Gayle Bradley, and M4's a great steel.

FRN isn't the greatest handle material, but it's definitely not bad. If you can find a full flat ground Delica or Endura in ZDP, I'd say pick it up. I'd probably pass on a Sabre ground one though, as IMHO ZDP is much more useful in flat ground.
 
I'd go with the gb while zdp-189 is an amazing steel and for certain applications ideal I feel that the tougher less wear resistant cpm-m4 would be a wiser choice for a general use Edc blade while the zdp-189 has a great deal of edge retention it can at times be a pain to sharpen and isn't very resistant to corrosion with that being said I'm in no way bashing zdp-189 but it isnt exactly the best general use steel. I love my zdp-189 stretch and have had great luck getting a scary sharp edge with a lansky with diamond hones I guess what I'm trying to get at is it isn't a steel for everybody I'm very careful with it due to the fact that it isn't exactly a beater steel also if you go with this steel be sure you've got a decent sharpening system of some sort and a bit of patience. All in all Ive grown pretty fond of the stuff but it's not everyones cup of tea.
 
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I EDC a Gayle Bradley and live next to the beach in a humid environment with no issues. My blade shows some staining from using it to do some food prep, but I didn’t buy the knife to keep it perfect. The faster I can put some character on the blade the better I’ll feel about owning it lol... It’s otherwise an amazing knife and carries really well. The lock is super solid and the blade cuts like a beast. The build quality is top notch and if it were lost I would replace it immediately with the same thing. I have owned/EDCd everything from Benchmades to Striders, CRKs and DDR customs and will vouch for the design of the Gayle Bradley. Spyderco hit a grand slam with this folder. Like was said above though you need to take care of the blade if you don’t want any staining. I personally don’t care and just wash it with water when I’m done and dry it off.

Here is what it looks like after cutting steak and then cutting a container of strawberries, which are very acidic. I just washed it off and then dried it. If you don’t mind staining then you’ll be treated with an amazing knife.

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I have the Caly 3 and a VG-10 delica.
I like the Caly 3 for EDC. The pocket clip is very discreet. I've read that some people don't like the lamination line. I think it looks great. I liked the idea of a laminated blade since it keeps the blade from staining. It might scratch more easily, but I haven't scratched mine yet. At least on mine, the opening action of the Caly is much smoother than the Delica. Caly feels more solid to me.
 
I have or had all of the knives you listed except the PPT. I still have the Caly 3 and Delica. ZDP 189 has worked fine for me using it around the house & garden, and at work in the warehouse. I've had no chipping issues and very little staining on the D4 that was used in the garden (rode hard and put away wet). I don't have the GB anymore but that's due to the weight and ergos, not the steel. I really like the CPM M4 steel in the GB, just not enough to make up for 5.3 oz. and a grip that didn't fit my hand. The length was OK but I never felt secure using it for some reason.

One thing to consider is that both the GB and the PPT are going to be heavier than the Leek you're used to carrying. The Caly 3 and the D4 will be much closer in weight. The scales on the D4 are not going to be easy to replace because of the nested liners. It can be done and some guys on BF have done outstanding jobs replacing them, but from what I gather, it's not quick and easy and probably not real cheap unless you do your own. OTOH, FRN is extremely tough and durable, even if it ain't exactly pretty. IMAO it's a perfect scale material for a daily user / abuser.

If you want to try CPM M4 in a smaller package the Bradley Air is, or soon will be, available from Spyderco. It's probably closer in size to the Leek you're used to carrying.

Another one to consider if you like ZDP 189 but don't like FRN is the discontinued CF Stretch. I believe that a few online sites still have some listed. They're not cheap but they do give you ZDP and CF in a > 3" blade.
 
Thanks for the help guys, I went ahead and ordered the GB today I'm not too concerned about the weight and I don't mind if it stains a bit I usually wipe my blades/guns down with eezox or weapon shield pretty regularly and if it gets a bit of character thats cool too.
 
BluegrassGuy said:
Thanks for the help guys, I went ahead and ordered the GB today I'm not too concerned about the weight and I don't mind if it stains a bit I usually wipe my blades/guns down with eezox or weapon shield pretty regularly and if it gets a bit of character thats cool too.
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Excellent choice, man. I just scored a GB today. Damn nice knife. F&F is perfect, and it might be the smoothest opening knife I've ever handled. You will love it!
 
ZDP or CPM M4 are good steels. I'd really get a Para2 with M390 blade. Mine has 20CP which is also a super-steel.
Sonny
 
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