I want to try CF scales

jackthedog

jackthedog

Joined
Dec 21, 2009
Messages
873
Hi,

It's been barely a week since I got my FG Manix and that's far too long getting a new knife. ;)

I've got Spydercos in G10 and FRN but I would like to try the Carbon Fiber scales. I'm leaning toward a Gayle Bradley or a CF Stretch (I've got the FRN version and like it). These larger models fit my hand better.

Do you all have any other recommendations or opinions on the above models? Thanks!
 
If you want to buy the knife just to experience CF, I would go with any Taiwanese models (Gayle Bradley, Sage, Terzola), I personally like finish on their CF the best. I used to have all of them, top quality, with Terzola been my favorite. Gorgeous knife.
Stretch, CF Military, and Superhawk have peel-ply finish, which is fairly rough and I do not see any advantages of this CF over G10, only cool factor at about $40-50 cost increase. Superhawk is discontinued and most likely can be found at deep discount.
Caly3, Native4, Zowada, Walker have semi-glossy finish, which is OK for me. It doesn't give great grip like peel ply, G10 or FRN. It would be similar to linen micarta, but looks much better than peel-ply or G10.
Older Spydercos like Dragonfly, Harpy, and few others have glossy finish. I do not like this finish at all. No grip (better than SS) and I do not like the look.
Good luck in your search.
 
You have picked 2 of the best examples of CF usage on a Spyderco. I think you would happy with either or both.
Bradley is a tad heavy, but jeez it is nice.
Since you already have a Stretch and like it, could be a good choice.

The Caly 3 is beautiful knife. The CF is very smooth with virtually no gripping traction, but its appearance is very nice. ZDP-189. Heat treated clip has a nice subtle "bronze" color.

Edit: Thanks BH49. I had overlooked the Superhawk. Love mine. As you noted it's discontinued, but if one centers their knife search it can be found for about $115 (Original MSRP $340)...pretty good deal.
 
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It would be extremely hard to go wrong with either, though you may prefer one over the other and others may have different ideas. Personally, I like the look of the peel-ply finish better, a lot better actually, but in actual use I prefer the bumpy-weave (such as on the Bradley and the Sage 1). I'm not sure I'd actually pick a knife on that basis, though. I'd focus more on locking mechanism, physical size, blade shape, blade steel, etc., and be happy with either. Sorry not to be more opinionated! :D
 
Having never handled either, is the CF on a Bradley smoother versus grippier on the Stretch? Just want to make sure I understand this correctly.
 
Yup. The CF on the Bradley is more like a fine basket weave texture. The CF on the Stretch feels like fine G-10. Very grippy, kind of like grip tape on skateboards.

They are two completely different textured CF. I like them both.
 
dsmegst said:
Yup. The CF on the Bradley is more like a fine basket weave texture. The CF on the Stretch feels like fine G-10. Very grippy, kind of like grip tape on skateboards.

They are two completely different textured CF. I like them both.
Click to expand...

+1 :thumbup: What he said. He nailed it! If you have a hankering for CF, The Gayle Bradley will give you more satisfaction!! :) It is an awesome knife!
 
I only have one CF spydie so far, and I dig it a LOT... it's my EDC :thumbup:


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