I need a Taichung Knife

I have been quite smitten with my Farid K2 for some time now. Using the knife day to day continues to impress me. Reason: cutting performance, ergonomics & geometry. Bonus reason, it's a 4.6" blade in a handle the size of my Millies ;-)

If that's too big, I'd say check the Slysz Bowie (mine, the handle, is a tad too small for my taste, but very nice example of what a production knife can be !). Reason: it's a baby K2 refined (same reasons as K2 above).

My Schempp TUFF is also an amazing example of Taichung quality of manufacture and application of design, combined with choice of steel based on application.

My Sage 1 & 2 I would also highly recommend (provided the leaf shape blade & overall size works for you). If you like the PM2 (I think, one of the best EDC options), you will most likely like a Sage ;-)

A number of the Japan knives I have are also quite exceptional from a quality/value perspective and poss worth consideration (C124 Schempp Barong , C54 Calypso ... couple examples). Reason: quality of construction, performance, ergonomics.

Regards,
 
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The mantra and GBs are the two that I keep eyeballing. I cant help but reach for my Militaries every time I grab a folder which is preventng me from buying any other models at the moment.
 
"I need a Taichung Knife" yes you do!

Bugs57 said:
Would help. Before I posted this I was leaning towards the Sage1 but now I'm more confused than ever. That Gayle Bradley 1 is killing me.
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I don't think you're confused one bit. I picked up a GB1 a while ago to see what it was all about, wow what a knife! If you like the size of the PM2 i'm sure you'll love it.
 
Here's a GB 2 for comparisons.
If you google "spyderco tai chung collection" and hit images you might come up with something.
image_zps3kiim3t2.jpeg
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Pic belongs to Cameron
 
Hope this might assist the undecided.

Dragonfly 2 Zdp 189
Chaparral
Mantra
Sage 1
Domino (BBS 204P)
Gayle Bradley 2
Paramilitary 2
889c2b579f7ed92a89370a54b4b8bb3d.jpg
a77a42b8b8b4ce5281dce2bbc9443c55.jpg


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NjMS said:
Hope this might assist the undecided.

Dragonfly 2 Zdp 189
Chaparral
Mantra
Sage 1
Domino (BBS 204P)
Gayle Bradley 2
Paramilitary 2
889c2b579f7ed92a89370a54b4b8bb3d.jpg
a77a42b8b8b4ce5281dce2bbc9443c55.jpg


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Thank you. :thumbup: Now I've got it down to finding a Gayle Bradley 1. Love the lines of that knife. May be the 1st I put custom scales on. I have read that the lock can be a "pain" (literally) to disengage. Given a choice would you get the GB1 or 2?
 
Do a search on this forum "Gayle Bradley vs Gayle Bradley 2" and then google the same thing. Good threads on this subject.

I prefer the GB1. I prefer the thicker liners and the integrated choil. The extra ounce of weight over the GB2 is a non issue for me. The liner locks on the GB series are more difficult to disengage than one with a cutout. Personally I prefer this on a working knife.
Truth is, if your looking for a knife to open and close all day (i.e. Playing with your knife while watching tv) there are knives that give more enjoyment. If you want a tough, hard cutting work knife with great materials and a tuxedo touch of class it's a great knife. My personal favorite folder. Do the research on both, it's well worth it.
 
GB940Rookie said:
Do a search on this forum "Gayle Bradley vs Gayle Bradley 2" and then google the same thing. Good threads on this subject.

I prefer the GB1. I prefer the thicker liners and the integrated choil. The extra ounce of weight over the GB2 is a non issue for me. The liner locks on the GB series are more difficult to disengage than one with a cutout. Personally I prefer this on a working knife.
Truth is, if your looking for a knife to open and close all day (i.e. Playing with your knife while watching tv) there are knives that give more enjoyment. If you want a tough, hard cutting work knife with great materials and a tuxedo touch of class it's a great knife. My personal favorite folder. Do the research on both, it's well worth it.
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Can't say it better. My EDC and it's pristine brother.
28622129506_662ebbeb8a_b.jpg
 
GB940Rookie said:
Do a search on this forum "Gayle Bradley vs Gayle Bradley 2" and then google the same thing. Good threads on this subject.

I prefer the GB1. I prefer the thicker liners and the integrated choil. The extra ounce of weight over the GB2 is a non issue for me. The liner locks on the GB series are more difficult to disengage than one with a cutout. Personally I prefer this on a working knife.
Truth is, if your looking for a knife to open and close all day (i.e. Playing with your knife while watching tv) there are knives that give more enjoyment. If you want a tough, hard cutting work knife with great materials and a tuxedo touch of class it's a great knife. My personal favorite folder. Do the research on both, it's well worth it.
Click to expand...

But you have to admit it's hard not to open and close a GB1 just waiting for that almost intoxicating "Clack" that it emits when deployed. And I only have the one with the cut out liners. I hear the solid liner version is even better.
 
ronT2 said:
But you have to admit it's hard not to open and close a GB1 just waiting for that almost intoxicating "Clack" that it emits when deployed. And I only have the one with the cut out liners. I hear the solid liner version is even better.
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Damn straight. My only other knife that does that is my Techno.
image_zpsrpi9afrl.jpeg
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These are all the Spydies I could find in the house today. I know I've given a bunch away, but must have misplaced some too. [emoji51]. Gotta love those Taichung's. Quality is pretty spectacular. But with all this talk of GB1's, I guess I'd better pick one up before it's too late. My GB2 should have its big brother around. [emoji41]

531gyr.jpg



________________________________________________________
People Are Strange, When You're a Stranger.
 
To me it comes down to what size knife you're wanting to carry and your intended tasks. My three picks would be as such.

For a small blade I say you can't get much better than the Chaparral 1. Light, very capable, and very good steel.

Sage 2 would be my choice for a medium edc sized blade. Some construction with very good quality materials. Also since it is Titanium it gives you the options to customize with anodizing and making it more personal.

And lastly the Gayle Bradley 1. Probably my most capable knife. Very overbuilt feel, confidence inspiring even. M4 is absolutely ridiculous steel, and the CF gives it a very gentleman look. I can't comment as to the GB2 but just from the looks and specs I don't feel like it really competes with the original.


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ronT2 said:
But you have to admit it's hard not to open and close a GB1 just waiting for that almost intoxicating "Clack" that it emits when deployed. And I only have the one with the cut out liners. I hear the solid liner version is even better.
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Mine are both solid liners. I don't know if skeletonized ones are any different. They do CLACK :cool: :D
 
I have the techno and southard. I think the f and f on both are of very high quality
 
full flat grind said:
Yeah, just pick one. They're all awesome.
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Pretty much what I think. While everyone might have their own tastes, yourself included, I think there's enough variety coming out of that plant to satisfy almost everyone. I think I've handled pretty much all the currently produced Taichung blades and while there are a few that I'd never buy (due to style or cost) I can't say there's one that I haven't been impressed by as far as quality. :D :thumbup:

Pm5SELx.jpg
 
All my Spyderco favorites hail from Taichung (besides of course the PM2, Yojimbo 2, & Manix)

Tuff
Techno
Chubby
Mamba
Southard
Domino
Dice
Gayle Bradley
Slyzs bowie
 
3 Taichungs in this photos. Sage 1, Domino and the GB1. BTW, the GB1 is for sale right now. :cool:

2xSlrwt.jpg
 
Well after a lot of completely changing my mind on a daily basis; man this was a tough decision; I pulled the trigger on a Domino today. Wanted to try out the XHP steel. Thank you everyone for all the advice and suggestions. I'm sure this will not be the last Taichung I buy.
 
Let us know what you think when you get it. I have it's little brother the dice with a deep carry pocket clip and really like it. I've been eye balling the red weave domino lately also.
 
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