- Joined
- May 14, 2012
- Messages
- 302
I haven't been this eager in a long time but after what seemed like forever (three days 
) I finally got my Spyderco Gayle Bradley. It has been reviewed to death so I just want to go over my first impressions on fit & finish.
First thing was to move the clip for a southpaw. No thread lock on the screws which isn't a problem for me since I had to move it for lefty carry and want to try tip up and tip down for a while until I lock it down. Fit of the grips to scales is perfect. No rough, sharp or frayed edges anywhere.
Blade is perfectly centered.
Lockup is early and solid. No blade play up/down or side to side. Opens with a bank vault solid click. I tried to start the blade open with a wrist flick and couldn't do it. I won't be adjusting it since this is the way I prefer it. Even so, the blade opens very smoothly.
I measured the sharpened angle on my stone with a protractor and it is 20 degrees (40 inclusive), perfect for the Sharpmaker. It arrived hair popping sharp.
There was a nice letter from Spyderco in the box giving a brief history of Gayle Bradley and some information on the CPM-M4 steel. The only thing I don't like about the knife is the pocket clip and how it allows the knife to ride in my pocket. There is a sizeable section of metal on the clip from the screws to the bend that allows it to sit higher up in the pocket. I am sure the clip works well and does its intended purpose, but I prefer a clip that allows a lower ride in the pocket. If I need more to grab, I will add a noose lanyard to the lanyard hole. Just my preference.
This is the first Spyderco I have purchased in many years. I wasn't going to purchase this knife for many reasons- all personal preferences, not prejudice against Spyderco. I read many reviews and when I decided I wanted another M4 blade, I kept coming back to this one. Every review and comment was right on the money and I am glad I took the plunge. Now, to do something about that pocket clip- any suggestions???
) I finally got my Spyderco Gayle Bradley. It has been reviewed to death so I just want to go over my first impressions on fit & finish.
First thing was to move the clip for a southpaw. No thread lock on the screws which isn't a problem for me since I had to move it for lefty carry and want to try tip up and tip down for a while until I lock it down. Fit of the grips to scales is perfect. No rough, sharp or frayed edges anywhere.
Blade is perfectly centered.
Lockup is early and solid. No blade play up/down or side to side. Opens with a bank vault solid click. I tried to start the blade open with a wrist flick and couldn't do it. I won't be adjusting it since this is the way I prefer it. Even so, the blade opens very smoothly.
I measured the sharpened angle on my stone with a protractor and it is 20 degrees (40 inclusive), perfect for the Sharpmaker. It arrived hair popping sharp.
There was a nice letter from Spyderco in the box giving a brief history of Gayle Bradley and some information on the CPM-M4 steel. The only thing I don't like about the knife is the pocket clip and how it allows the knife to ride in my pocket. There is a sizeable section of metal on the clip from the screws to the bend that allows it to sit higher up in the pocket. I am sure the clip works well and does its intended purpose, but I prefer a clip that allows a lower ride in the pocket. If I need more to grab, I will add a noose lanyard to the lanyard hole. Just my preference.
This is the first Spyderco I have purchased in many years. I wasn't going to purchase this knife for many reasons- all personal preferences, not prejudice against Spyderco. I read many reviews and when I decided I wanted another M4 blade, I kept coming back to this one. Every review and comment was right on the money and I am glad I took the plunge. Now, to do something about that pocket clip- any suggestions???
