Millie vs. Gayle Bradley

thejamppa

thejamppa

Joined
Aug 20, 2009
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My grandma died recently (may she rest in peace, even though she wasn't most pleasant person) and I've obtained few hundred extra bucks, that I can spend on knives without worry.

Now, biggest contender for folder section are: Spyderco Gayle bradley and Spyderco Military orange-G-10.

Fixed blade I've already decide for Bark River Kephart. So now I am just looking a nice, high quality spydie.

Military and Gayle bradley seem to big bit big, but everyone seem to love their militaries. I do like Gayle Bradley's CPM-M4 steel and Carbon fibre handle. It also has nice design, though I prefer FFG than Hollow Ground, but ground itself is not problem.

I just want high quality, hard user Spyderco. Other models can be considered, like para-millie, but since Para-millie 2 is comming, I might wait that.

Opinions, please.
 
I have both and I personally like the Gayle Bradley more.
The Bradley is a smooth operating machine... it's just a beaut.
Nothing wrong with the Military, it just doesn't seem quite as refined as the Bradley.
To be honest I actually like the Stretch II better than the Bradley, though I don't think it's quite as heavy duty.
The Stretch II and the Bradley are definitely my favorite Spydercos.
Whatever you get I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

me - my relatively worthless 2 cents
 
My 2 cents..

Have the GB for only 1 more day before it's traded, BUT with that said I really do love the knife! The hollow ground M4 blade is a slicing/cutting machine and the F&F is superb as expected from Spyderco's Taiwan factory. Carbon fiber and M4 for ~$130 really is a steel for the materials used.

My only gripe would be the weight of the knife. I do have knives of similar weight [CRK LG Seb], but on the GB it is unevenly distributed being all in the handle due to the solid liners. That and I just don't have "Hard Use Tasks" so ultimately the knife could be better used by someone else.

The millie is a staple on the Spyderco line up that has seemed to keep the same price range. With that said I'd jump on the Gayle Bradley because for the same price you get the M4/Carbon Fiber and superb F&F. The Millie will always be around and at the same price.

p.s. The M4 may develop a patina finish.
 
I also have both and my Bradley is up F/S or F/T as well. Great knife, top drawer materials and F&F, but I don't like the weight and the ergos as much as the Military. Thought I would in the beginning, but after haulin' the Bradley around for a while and thiking about what I really needed in a larger folder, the Millie came out on top for me by a significant stretch.
 
The Gayle Bradley is good looking enough, and tame looking enough, to use as an edc for me.
It has great fit and finish, very sturdy, and M4 steel. Perfect hand ergonomics for me.
A little heavy but worth it!

The Military looks Military, and it is much more intimidating looking, which is the only reason I hesitate to have one for edc.
 
Both are incredible knives.

The Military is bigger, the GB is heavier, IMO both knives look really good.

The GB has what might be the best fit and finish of any production knife I’ve handled (if we exclude CRK knives).

They both cut extremely well, with the Military having an edge in slicing and the GB edging out the military in sheer/push cutting.

The ergo’s on both knives work well in my hands with the Military coming out in front.

It’s really going to come down to what knife looks the best for you and what fits best with your personal preferences. Otherwise buy both.


CIMG2670.jpg

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CIMG2671.jpg
 
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Get the Ti Military and don't look back.

The Millie is proven.

EDIT: Do some research on the GB, there are some common gripes. Access to the spyderhole is not the best, the liner lock can be difficult to operate, origin of manufacture.
 
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I would go with the GB first, you won't be disappointed, and then get the Millie later, or get both of them.
 
I don't think country of origin is not that important. Spyderco keeps their quality high level. I have to do alot research. Millie is very well liked but GB has alot fans too. I Admit, I've been eyeing ZT 302 but that seems bit heavy.

I want tough knife. Something I can take with forrest and be excellent back up for my Busse GW or Cultellus. I don't plan to use it much in city (UKPK is for that) so looks is not important.

I am open for other suggestions too.
 
Both are great knives.
The Millie got so much cutting power in a light and compact package.
You can't go wrong with it and if needed got serrations.
The Gayle Bradley is also very addictive with his gentleman folder look and amazing steel.

You should handle both and keep the one which suit your need the best.
It's really a matter of personal preference. FFG ? Hollow Grind ?
Either knives won't be hard to trade anyway so it's not a huge risk after all.

I EDC the Gayle Bradley and so far it replaced my old Starmate perfectly.
And I carry it tip down for spyder drop opening (like on the Millie).
The GB is incredible for hard wood cutting and whittling !
 
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I am not a big fan of the military. Had one for a day and got rid of it. I like the Gayle Bradley much better. I'm not a big fan of liner locks and really wish it was something else but it works. The 65 rockwell M4 blade steel was the major attraction as it is awesome stuff. The carbon fiber is also really nice and as mentioned is finished really nice. The 4 way pocket clip should be a plus for some and the shape is pretty nice. The blade isn't too thick but a little thicker and heavy duty than a lot of the FFG Spyderco blades. It's not my favorite Spyderco but definitely in the top 5.
 
If I can avoid it I will not buy a tip-down only folder. I've recently ordered a Gayle Bradley, and can't wait to see what the big deal is. :D I'm sure it's a heck of a knife.
When Spyderco decides to make a Military and Paramilitary with tip-up options, they're on the list.
Apart from the clip options, I don't see an objection against either one. You need to decide what you plan to use it for.
 
The Gayle Bradley is among the Spydies I've tried to like with little success. I found the proud liners literally left bruises on my fingers from hard cutting, so I'm making new scales for mine. Too bad the groovy twill carbon fiber they used isn't available, so mine will just have to be smooth. I'm also tempted to drill a bunch of holes in the liners to lighten this boat anchor while I have it apart, but I probably won't.

For me, it's no contest. Military all the way.
 
As much as I like my Millie, I carry the Bradley much more. As long as you can live with the weight (no one can claim that they don't notice it), it would be a great choice.
 
thejamppa said:
I just want high quality, hard user Spyderco
Click to expand...

Hard use is a relative term. For me, a hard use folder should have an outstanding locking mechanism. To really use a folder aggressively, I want to be able to rely, without doubt, on the lock. The Paramilitary's compression lock and Manix 2's lock fit the bill. Both locks are rated "hard use" by Spyderco. Nothing against the Military's liner lock or GB's lock, both are solid, but the compression and Ball bearing locks are among the best locks made. There are some sprint runs of the Manix 2 floating around if you are seeking more than the regular version (which is very good).
 
I always wondered why paramillie is more expensive in here. Compression lock seems to be nice but paramillie 2 is comming so I better wait for that if I go that way.

Harduser is mean anything else byt batoning and prying capable knife. I'm back-up folding knife for camping, hiking and general bushcraft. Something that will fit small/medium Busse, which is my primary knife.

I've been thinking between ZT and Spyderco but ZT 30x's are so darn heavy and I generally dislike the A/O's.
 
Well jamppa I have the ZT 0200, which is not an a/o and it is a beast of a folder. Hope you don't need anything in the pocket you carry it in. I will have to put in a vote for the GB.
 
thejamppa said:
I always wondered why paramillie is more expensive in here. Compression lock seems to be nice but paramillie 2 is comming so I better wait for that if I go that way.

Harduser is mean anything else byt batoning and prying capable knife. I'm back-up folding knife for camping, hiking and general bushcraft. Something that will fit small/medium Busse, which is my primary knife.

I've been thinking between ZT and Spyderco but ZT 30x's are so darn heavy and I generally dislike the A/O's.
Click to expand...

The Paramillie 2 is going to be a great knife in a light and compact package.
I got hunting guide friends who use them as their main hunting knife, from skinning dear to trimming branches for 3 years now and they won't change it for an Empire ! Easy to clean and to keep sharp.
Take a look at a FFG Manix 2 too. :cool: Light, beautiful, smooth like butter and rock solid.
It's really a matter of personnal feel. You best judges are your need and your hand. How you feel it in your hand ?
It's blade shape is also very bushcraft friendly.
 
I ended up getting both - tossup which I prefer more but they ended up as safequeens - great knives but a bit too tacticool for around here and anyway I see no reason to switch from my usual EDC's - LM Wave/Endura/Opinel/Seki lockback or a small stockman
 
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