My Spyderco Bradley 2 Needs a Companion

Lenny

Lenny

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 15, 1998
Messages
2,487
So I'm a 1 knife person. Yeah, I know, very rare.
I've owned my Bradley 2 for a few years now and I love everything about it.
It's a good size without being huge. The handle is very comfy and slightly thicker than normal
and really feels good while holding and using. The CF laminate gives a great grip and looks great.
The M4 really holds an edge. And the knife just looks beautiful to me.
I finally realized, however, I wanted a slightly smaller knife for those situations when I didn't want to scare people.
I tried a few but finally settled on the Quiet Carry Waypoint. It was probably the highest quality and nicest looking knife
I'd ever owned, including Sebenzas. In the end, though, It was just too small for me. So it's now in the For Sale section.
Anyway, I need a smaller knife and I'm looking for suggestions. Here's my list of requirements:
- Blade no more than 3.25" give or take
- CF, Micarta, or Textured (milled) Ti handle scales
- Simple minimalist design with no unnecessary ornamentation
- I'd prefer not to have a flipper although if the knife is amazing I'll consider one
- Don't really care about the lock mechanism as long as it locks up like a bank vault
- it has to be ground properly for cutting well, no sharpened pry bars
- I prefer edge holding over toughness for this knife
- $250 max

So lemme have your suggestions.
If possible, include pix and where I can buy them.
Thank you so much for taking your time to respond.
 
The GB2 has been one of my favs for years so I’ll chime in with another I’ve really enjoyed the last year or so…the Spyderco Smock. Wish I had bought it sooner and I enjoy that it’s such a slim carry.
 
Go look at the Spartan Talos at DLT. It doesn't check all your boxes, but it's a nice knife to check oui.
 
Lenny said:
So I'm a 1 knife person. Yeah, I know, very rare.
I've owned my Bradley 2 for a few years now and I love everything about it.
It's a good size without being huge. The handle is very comfy and slightly thicker than normal
and really feels good while holding and using. The CF laminate gives a great grip and looks great.
The M4 really holds an edge. And the knife just looks beautiful to me.
I finally realized, however, I wanted a slightly smaller knife for those situations when I didn't want to scare people.
I tried a few but finally settled on the Quiet Carry Waypoint. It was probably the highest quality and nicest looking knife
I'd ever owned, including Sebenzas. In the end, though, It was just too small for me. So it's now in the For Sale section.
Anyway, I need a smaller knife and I'm looking for suggestions. Here's my list of requirements:
- Blade no more than 3.25" give or take
- CF, Micarta, or Textured (milled) Ti handle scales
- Simple minimalist design with no unnecessary ornamentation
- I'd prefer not to have a flipper although if the knife is amazing I'll consider one
- Don't really care about the lock mechanism as long as it locks up like a bank vault
- it has to be ground properly for cutting well, no sharpened pry bars
- I prefer edge holding over toughness for this knife
- $250 max

So lemme have your suggestions.
If possible, include pix and where I can buy them.
Thank you so much for taking your time to respond.
Click to expand...
Sounds like you are describing my CF Bugout.
 
Lenny said:
I wanted a slightly smaller knife for those situations when I didn't want to scare people.
Click to expand...
Are you opposed to slipjoints? They're my preferred second knife if I'm carrying two. Take a look at the CollectorKnives exclusives from lionSTEEL -- they're modern traditionals with screw construction and M390 blades.

In terms of locking folders, the Bugout fits most of your requirements. The Tactile Rockwall does too, but it's $50 over your budget.
 
Random Dan said:
Check out the Monterey Bay Knives Mini Old Guard. The micarta and ZDP189 version is available now. It's a nice simple design and not as slim/ narrow as the waypoint.
Click to expand...
Ooh, really like this one. Somebody please buy my Waypoint so I can afford this.
 
DMG said:
Sounds like you are describing my CF Bugout.
Click to expand...
Sorry, 2 things I don't like about the Bugout;
I hate the way the tang sticks out so proud of the handles and I just don't trust those Omega springs.
 
Lenny said:
Sorry, 2 things I don't like about the Bugout;
I hate the way the tang sticks out so proud of the handles and I just don't trust those Omega springs.
Click to expand...
I have been using the axis locks for decades with no problem but that is up to you. I don’t understand, where does the tang stick out?
 
I would recommend the Urban EDC Supply Copita. It has M390 steel which would probably be the best for your uses. There's a few models available in titanium/micarta.

https://urbanedcsupply.com/collecti...ducts/urban-edc-copita?variant=39380963786845

Edit**

Also, if you aren't in a rush I would pre-order the EDC LC from the same company. It seems to be the perfect blend of small knife and useable. Looks very similar to the Copita as far as blade/materials go.

https://urbanedcsupply.com/collections/in-stock-knives/products/urban-edc-lc
 
Last edited:
The Spyderco Chaparral is an extremely capable smaller knife with a very thin FFG blade that is under 3" and the XHP steel holds an edge very well and sharpens quite easily. This is the Lightweight FRN model but they also come in carbon fiber, birdseye maple, G10, and some other epoxy based handle material.

znkAsX0.jpg

hIsuPYX.jpg


Clipped in my watch pocket above a PM2

9wwKTNP.jpg
 
Rusty Shackelford said:
The Spyderco Chaparral is an extremely capable smaller knife with a very thin FFG blade that is under 3" and the XHP steel holds an edge very well and sharpens quite easily. This is the Lightweight FRN model but they also come in carbon fiber, birdseye maple, G10, and some other epoxy based handle material.

znkAsX0.jpg

hIsuPYX.jpg


Clipped in my watch pocket above a PM2

9wwKTNP.jpg
Click to expand...
I have a CF Chaparral for sale on the exchange. It is just too small for me. Great knife in a great steel but I usually pick up something bigger. Like the GB2
 
Cajun Carry said:
My bad boss, I misread your original post. I thought you wanted a flipper lol.

For a non-flipper, I would def go with the Spyderco SpyOpera. If the Bradley 2 is your go-to knife, this will feel pretty familiar. Its got under a 3in blade, M390 steel, and Micarta. It also looks like a friendly blade, and shouldn't scare anyone lol.

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SP...atin-plain-blade-brown-canvas-micarta-handles

https://imgur.com/a/v3h5V26
Click to expand...
I second the spyopera! Easy to carry, feels great in the had, great fit and finish and excellent ergos
 
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