I got my Gayle Bradley for Christmas

[bdmicarta]

I put this on my Christmas list and they became available at retailers just in time.

All that I read about the knife is true. It is very well made, with its weight it has a substantial feel, it opens smoothly, the blade grind is beautiful and the sharpening is even and sharp. The liners are lockbar are thick and there is a lot of tension in the lockbar. There is not much direct access to the liner lock so it is hard to unlock, but there is very little risk of it unlocking in use. The CF texture of the scales is very interesting and I just want to sit here and rub it.

 

[gooeytek]

rub it! enjoy the GB, it really is a lot of knife for the money.

 

[DR.BOOM]

I have had mine for about 5 months and for the first 4 it was just a shelf knife, once I actually started using the knife I was extremely happy and learned it deserves several days in the pocket over knives that are competing for pocket space.

 

[arjay]

Hmm.. posts like this just keeps pushing me to get one. Only thing that's holding me back is that the lock looks like it's too difficult to manipulate.

Enjoy your new knife!

 

[bdmicarta]

Only thing that's holding me back is that the lock looks like it's too difficult to manipulate.

It IS difficult to operate. I have other knives with liners that are cut flush with the scales and they aren't that difficult to operate, but the difference is that the GB has thick liners with a lot of spring pressure. They are harder to push and this makes the configuration more critical. I find that I have great difficulty using the skin of my thumb to push against the liner but if I use the corner of my thumbnail it works fine. For those that draw and use their knives every few minutes this might be a problem. I dn't use mine as often so I can live with it. A person could always add a curved relief cut into the liner and scale to provide more access to the lock.

 

[FCM415]

Looks like its been a good Christmas for you. It was a bit hard to come by lately. Wait till you put that blade to use! I was tempted on taking off some material to expose the lockbar some to make it easier to close. It aint too bad after awhile, and Bradley did design it that way for a purpose. I've owned a total of three GB's, lock disengage on two is perfect which helps, but even the one that had a bit of stick at first is ok, just gotta use your nail a bit if you have to. If it becomes one of your go-to knives, I think anyone can get used to it fast.

 

[arjay]

It IS difficult to operate. I have other knives with liners that are cut flush with the scales and they aren't that difficult to operate, but the difference is that the GB has thick liners with a lot of spring pressure. They are harder to push and this makes the configuration more critical. I find that I have great difficulty using the skin of my thumb to push against the liner but if I use the corner of my thumbnail it works fine. For those that draw and use their knives every few minutes this might be a problem. I dn't use mine as often so I can live with it. A person could always add a curved relief cut into the liner and scale to provide more access to the lock.

True but I'm not handy with tools and I'm afraid that I might screw things up BAD. I really wanted to get one but passed when I saw the lock. I might give the Benchmade 810 a go, going to be my first venture into the brand.

 

[stickymeat]

I have no problem closing the knife. to me i actually like how its more lock is more closed than say the sage or tenacious, although i still love those, just an example.

 

[Justa]

The lock ate up my baby soft, office worker, thumb pad for about 3-4 days. Now its super easy to manipulate and doesnt bother me a bit no matter how much I open and close it. My thumb got a little tuffer but mostly the lock just worked in and became smoother almost like a frame lock. Im glad I didnt try to cut a relief into the scales/liner when it was bothering me because the flush lock is part of the knife's charm - as bdmicarta said, it contributes to the rock solid feel of the knife. Id urge anyone with a new gb to give it a week or two before doing anything you cant take back.

 

[2TONYB]

My GB just came today. I'll sacrifice some lock disengament accessibility for the thick/solid/vault like liners. Great fit and finish. Nice grinds. No complaints. I am beyond pleased!