Help me pick my next Spydie! Gayle Bradley, Yojimbo 2, Navaja

Jibbles

Jibbles

Joined
Mar 6, 2013
Messages
567
Hey gang,

I normally try to avoid posting these types of threads since the usual outcome is just getting all the knives in question, but regardless here goes... :p
I need help deciding on my next large-ish folder. I have narrowed it down to the following and was hoping you fine folks could help steer me in the right direction as to which on to get first.

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First up on the list is the Spyderco Gayle Bradley.
I reallllyyy want to try out the M4 steel. I've heard nothing but good things about it and am not dissuaded by it not being stainless.
I don't own many liner-lock knives, and no Spyderco liner-locks actually. So even though I'm not the biggest fan of this lock type I know Spyderco does it right and have heard the GB is very durable.

Second one on my list is the Spyderco Yojimbo 2.
I really like that this one is made in Golden, but I don't really care about that all too much. I dig the wharncliffe blade and think it would made a unique looking addition to my collection.
Also, the biggest plus for the Yojimbo 2 for me is the fact that it utilizes the compression lock that I have fell in love with. And short of getting another PM2 this is the only other option with this lock that catches my eye at the moment.

And lastly on my list of potential suitors is the Navaja.
I don't know much about this blade, but I love the looks and the ratchet-sound-gizmo-thingy is pretty neat as well.

If anyone owns some or all of these please chime in. As of right now I am leaning towards the Gayle Bradley with the Yojimbo 2 closely behind it.

Thanks! :D
 
Bradley M4 über-cutter is a must. It's PM2 on steroids. A tad heavy but feels real good in the hand. Really like the CF/G10 laminated scales. My second favorite Spyderco after the Southard.

Yojimbo 2 is also a great cutter, thick blade, defensive tool and EDC for places where the 3" blade length limit rules.
 
If it were me, the Bradley would be first on my list. That M4 steel is just too good to pass up. However, the Yo2 would be a close second, for the price it's a great buy. I've found some places with it just a hair above $100 which, for a USA made S30V comp lock knife is just a steal, I'd swear they were losing money on every one they sold! The Navaja has never tickled my fancy though. For the price and materials, I'd go for something else. It is a unique piece and I'm sure that Carraca sounds great, it's just not my thing.
 
Gayle Bradley. Hands down. If the GB is your first Taiwan-made Spydie, you'll see right away why people rave about the Taichung blades. They're really something else.

The YoJ is awesome...I love the Compression Lock, too, but the GB is really in a league of its own. Ask most Spydie nuts about their top 5 must-haves and the Bradley ends up on that list about as much as a Millie or PM2.

As for the Navaja, I've never had an interest in it. I love how Spyderco is constantly trying out new funky designs, but, to me, the Navaja ventured too far into novelty territory. I've also heard complaints about the carraca clicker thing breaking.
 
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Have to vote for the Bradley here. The fit, finish, blade & steel, heft & overall design are simply amazing in a knife priced as it is. You are getting a custom quality & designed knife, but for a factory price. It is built like a tank, is a superb slicer, has wonderful steel and the build quality is something you have to actually see and handle to fully appreciate what Spyderco, Tiawan & Bradley have accomplished in this simple offering.
 
Gayle Bradley with out a doubt.
 
I've never handled the GB, but it would probably be my first. I just handled the Navaja at a gun show recently, and to tell the truth, it was pretty awesome in hand and is very unique looking. Ed Schempp just knows how to design a knife. I've never cared for the Yo2, so that would be last for me personally.
 
Thank you everyone! You all definitely steered me towards the Gayle Bradley. :)
I recently got my first Taichung Spyderco (CTS-XHP Chaparral) and I'm sure this one will be just as impressive. :thumbup:
 
Also consider the Stretch. It's the most ergonomic and functional Spyderco knife I've handled [PM 2, Gayle Bradley, Endura, Delica, Military, Caly 3.5, and Sage 1].
 
Oakengroves said:
Also consider the Stretch. It's the most ergonomic and functional Spyderco knife I've handled [PM 2, Gayle Bradley, Endura, Delica, Military, Caly 3.5, and Sage 1].
Click to expand...

I have considered adding this one to my collection, but I am sorta back-locked out. Want some variety, if that makes sense. After the Bradley I will consider it, but the number 2 spot will probably end up going to the Yojimbo 2 or Sage 2.
 
I pulled out my Navaja and heard the ratchet. I didn't realize it had one, but I'll be damned if I can figure out what purpose it serves. The point is high like a trailing point. I like points on the blade axis. The Yojimbo flunks my point preference test, as does the Navaja. I do prefer a trailing point to a wharncliff.
That brings us to the Sage guy. The point is in the right place, but it not sharp enough for food prep. If I had a Sage, I would turn it into a clip point. The blade is also a little to short for my tastes.
 
Just got a Yojimbo 2 on a whim. I have tons of nice folders, but the Yojimbo is my new favorite. It is a really great knife.
 
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