I'm about two clicks away from ordering a Gayle Bradley! Good decision??

Surfingringo

Surfingringo

Joined
May 25, 2013
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3,700
Hey all, I'm thinking to order this knife as my large edc. I got the manix 2 for that role, but in not completely sold on how the ergos work for my needs. Handles a bit tall for me, as is the blade I think. Was thinking to get a pm2 when one pops up, but then started really checking out the gayle Bradley. This thing looks nice! Does anyone have any experience with this knife? How is the handle compared with the manix?

Hurry, cuz I've got an itchy trigger finger! Hehehe

Lance
 
I much prefer the Gayle Bradley to the manix. Feels much smaller in the pocket and is more friendly on my hand in use due to the lack of a choil and less defined finger groove. Not so friendly when it comes to unlocking though, I didn't like how inaccessible the lockbar is. I'm thinking of picking up another and modifying it because I loved everything else about it. Especially the M4!
 
the gayle Bradley is a really great knife but salt water is probably going to kill the M4 blade since its a carbon tool steel and not stainless. and since you are always near salt water I can see it being a big problem for you
 
The Gayle Bradley is phenomenal. Mine's to the point where the blade free falls when the liner is dis-engaged. I was sort of "stiff" when I got it but after a bunch of openings/closing (as well as "tuning" her up) but she's butter now. The build quality is terrific and the knife just exudes quality.

The steel is my favorite part of the knife by far. It's pretty dang easy to reprofile/sharpen. I reprofiled it when I got it and haven't had to do any sharpening since then. It's my second favorite steel for sure(M390 being the tops). One thing you may want to consider is your environment. You live in Costa Rica, Right? If you're around the ocean a bunch with the Gayle Bradley you may get some rust on your blade. CPM-M4 isn't the rust monster some people say it is but it will rust if improperly taken care of or kept around salt water for long amounts of time. Just something to consider.
 
I find the occluded Spydie hole and hidden liner lock (no scale cutout to access them) to be a problem, but I'm in the minority on this one. I got my Gayle Bradley modded to give access to both the hole and the lock, and for me it is vastly improved. Should be standard equipment, but Misters Bradley and Glesser didn't ask me.
 
I really like mine, but if you go into salt water, take your Salt blade! Here's mine with the mod to access the spyder hole & liner a bit easier. Since I'm in the desert, no worries about rust here. I really like this knife, a very good blade, first class workmanship & a beautiful finish. You can't go wrong IMO.

thcmod.jpg
 
Yeah, the non stainless m4 is why I never paid any attention to this knife. But I've got a couple of salts that are my dedicated fishing knives. I think the m4 would be fine for edc. My plan is to have three main knives. The dragonfly salt always around my neck, se pacific salt when I'm fishing, and a good larger pe edc. That's what I got the manix for, and though there's a lot that I like about it, I'm thinking I'd be happier with another knife. Right now it's between pm2 and gayle Bradley.

Anyway, the fever has passed...for the moment. Smartest thing to do is to spend another week or two with the manix and wait until I've got my pacific salt so I can see how I feel with that combo. I think im just feeling rushed since I'm going to the states next week. I don't want to decide what I "should have bought while I was there" a week after I get back!
 
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If your keeping this one for edc away from the water then its a totally great blade and putting your choice between that and a para2 is a damn hard decision :D On your trip back to the states the best thing is to find a nice store with a good spydie collection to try out a bunch. The ergos on the bradely and para2 are top notch both have great steels but the M4 is a bit better and the para's compression lock is sweet cant go wrong with either as an edc. If you get the M4 make sure you maintain the blade with a wipe down of oil from time to time
 
I have had a few Gayle Bradley's but I never seem to keep them. Traded the last one for a para2. It's a great knife though. Get some tuf glide and keep it protected and away from the ocean and it could work for you in Costa Rica maybe. Btw, I am going to Heredia for work in a week or so, what coast are you on? I'll wave;)
 
You'll hate yourself if you don't get the Gayle Bradley. Then go get the PM2 or better yet the Military.
 
Yes, I'm trying to find a brick and mortar store in Orlando where I can look at lots of spydies, but all I can come up with so far is the basspro.
 
I got my first Gayle Bradley and my first PM2 on the exact same day. I have no clue which I like better, they are both superb (and have both stolen a lot of pocket time from my Southard and CRK's).
 
Surfingringo said:
Hey all, I'm thinking to order this knife as my large edc.
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I really like mine. It is somewhat trim for its size but heavy enough that it feels really solid. It isn't the perfect knife for me because I like a slightly keener point. It could easily be the knife that would last the rest of your life.

IMG_2790b_zpsdd46eb86.jpg
 
I'll also note that the hollow grind on the GB makes an incredible cutter, and can take an extreme edge. IMO its the sharpest spyderco I've handled by far.
 
You really get a lot of knife for your dollar and it is tough as nails. No comparison versus your FRN Manix IMHO when you consider a MUCH better steel, carbon fiber and F+F rivaling or perhaps exceeding USA made. I also don't understand the lack of a cutout for the lock, but it is still an amazing blade regardless.
 
CR33 said:
You really get a lot of knife for your dollar and it is tough as nails. No comparison versus your FRN Manix IMHO when you consider a MUCH better steel, carbon fiber and F+F rivaling or perhaps exceeding USA made. I also don't understand the lack of a cutout for the lock, but it is still an amazing blade regardless.
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Mr. Bradley himself explained that the lack of a cutout was to reduce the risk of accidental release especially when you torque the knife.
 
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