Hogue ex01 or Spyderco Gayle Bradley?

G

Gadfly22

Joined
Mar 3, 2011
Messages
752
I've never had a Spyderco I haven't liked. And I've never had a Hogue. The 3.5 inch Hogue EX01 is priced similar to the Spyderco Gayle Bradley. Is there a significant quality difference? Or is it just a subjective matter of choice?
 
I don't see it as a difference in Quality. Quite a difference in the knives, though.

There is quite a difference in design and blade alloy. The Gayle Bradley is designed for cutting and the blade alloy is CPM M4. Incredible edge retention. Not stainless.

They Hogue is more of a tactical design with an all-round alloy, 154CM, hardened to a lower hardness than is common in order to increase toughness. Not nearly the edge retention of CPM M4, but very good for EDC and pretty darn stainless alloy.

But I agree that at the end of the day you really can't say one is better than the other based on merits. It is up to the user and what he wants the knife to do.
 
I think for most users, the GB is the better knife. If you're going to use your folder to baton and pry, get the Hogue. But the GB will outslice almost any other knife out there. The CPM-M4 steel has not only incredible edge retention, but also toughness, which allowed them to make the edge a slicetastic 2 hundredths of an inch thin without worrying about damage. The steel also takes a nice polish because of the particle metallurgy and fine grained structure (finer carbides are also tougher than coarser ones, which weaken grain boundaries). Aside from the steel and edge geometry, it's also very smooth and well-finished overall. Opening is effortless, lockup is bank vault, and the CF is finished so it catches the light well and gives good grip. Seriously, this knife gives knives I have that cost twice as much a run for their money.
 
I have both knives and they are both outstanding. I EDC the Hogue... I find the overall blade geometry of the Hogue more to my liking. At the end of the day, you really can't go wrong with either knife and it simply comes down to your individual personal preference.

/dusty
 
Thanks for the insight. I think I'm leaning toward the GB. But as is often the case, it's not a matter of which knife to buy. It's a matter of which knife to buy first.
 
GB all the way!!! I looked at a few hogue models in person and wasn't as impressed as I was by the GB... It's been an edc knife for a month a half now. I must admit, the gmascus handles are neat though, but not as neat as carbon fibre, imo... :)

IMG_5262.jpg



IMG_5318.jpg
 
Both good, both have cons.

However, for my preferences, the Bradley is a clear winner.

If you want to cut things primarily, but also have a very tough knife that will tolerate a fair bit of punishment, the GB is your choice.

I think if your priorities are the other way around, you might want the Hogue.

That said, I think it is probably a close race in toughness...both platforms will put up with some hard uses with a smile.

M4 is one of those steels that you can put a shaving sharp edge on and use for a long while and still have a shaving sharp edge. Many others will loose the keen edge and fail to shave (but they will still work for most cutting chores).

The Taiwan stamp on the side of the M4 blade is a turn off for some...but if you are seeking performance, you will quickly learn to overlook these letters on the blade (truth is, great knives can come from anywhere that skilled builders have access to fantastic materials...but not everyone is ready to carry a knife that from some countries of origin). No right, no wrong, just reality.
 
Unit is right on the money. Gayle Bradley is a better knife IMO. I had the EX01 and sold it the next day I got it.
 
I have both knives and would Highly reccomend the GB all the way. That is all

I'd like to get rid of the Hogue but can't post pics so.....

The GB is one of the few best bang for the buck knives Spyderco has Ever made.

I've read this on a couple forums here and I really think it's true too.
 
Looks like Gayle Bradley is the winner by KO. I just have to wait about a week or so for budgetary reasons, but my order will be going in ASAP after that.
 
Good choice Gadfly 22! I doubt you'll be dissapointed... The GB is pretty much perfect as far as edc knives go, in my opinion.
 
I'd say go with the Gayle Bradley there is absolutely nothing wrong with the hogue but I feel the GB is a way better value for the price I mean CPM-M4 and carbon fiber in a production folder for this price it's crazy IMO,also don't be put off by the Taiwan thing they really have stepped up their game in recent years.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top