Opinions of the Stretch 2 CF and the Gayle Bradley

[marthinus]

If a deal that I have been waiting for does not go through I will have funds to buy a new knife and I have gotten it down to the Stretch 2 with CF and ZDP 189 and the Gayle Bradley.

I love everything about the GB, but I do not like liner locks. I just dont no matter what they are made of so this is my big concern.

I love everything about the Stretch, but the GB looks so great.

In an ideal world I would have loved a GB with a back lock, but beggers cant be chosers so just post you opinions of the two for some further reading. What you use it for etc.

I love the GB where it is used for skinning a moose and hunting is one chore my knives see. Other then that I can be pretty harsh on them cutting all sorts of things including irrigation pipe on the farm and feed bags. It is here where I have worn out liner locks. Applying force causes the lock to move over considerably and increases excessive wear and as of late I am trying to move away from liner locks.

I have seen pictures of the GB in use but only a handful of the Stretch. Any user pictures are welcome!

 

[RevDevil]

I've been thoroughly impressed with the Gayle Bradley knife on all levels. I'm not sure why so many people have such an aversion to liner locks, for the most part it is really an irrational fear. I can say with 100% certainty and confidence that the liner lock knives that I've handled from Spyderco are done right. The Gayle Bradley liner lock is probably the best I own, it's actually tied between the Military and the PPT.

The liner lock on the GB is actually like a frame lock, yes it is that good. The CF scales act as a lock stop if you will. This prevents the lock from being overextended. I would have to say that I trust the Spyderco linerlocks more than other knives. I've carried mine since mid February and I've cut data, phone, and coaxial cables, drywall, whittled wood, and shredded at least a ton of cardboard. The lockbar is still in the exact same place that it was the day I bought it. If Gayle and Sal trust it, I am certain you can.

 

[termiteslayer]

I own and have used both.
I prefer the GB, though it is quite a bit bigger and heavier in the pocket.
Both have been disassembled and inspected by me and I'd have to say that my GB is machined to slightly tighter tolerances.
The GB is a strong mofo. I have noticed that when I apply lots 'o down force when cutting the liner lock will slide over a bit more and it'll take a good amount of force to disengage it. I gotta wonder what the long term wear will be like.

GB blade steel and grind is superior to ZDP189, IMHO, though it will rust.
GB is much easier to sharpen, too.

Stretch II is a beautiful EDC knife that obviously had a lot of thought put into it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Stretcharoo.

If you're going to put a knife through some hard use, go with the GB.
Again, nothing wrong with Stretch, it's just that the GB has bigger muscles.

Moose in SA? Would that be like the Southeast Texas ground squirrel I saw peeling a car apart in Alaska?

 

[marthinus]

I own and have used both.
I prefer the GB, though it is quite a bit bigger and heavier in the pocket.
Both have been disassembled and inspected by me and I'd have to say that my GB is machined to slightly tighter tolerances.
The GB is a strong mofo. I have noticed that when I apply lots 'o down force when cutting the liner lock will slide over a bit more and it'll take a good amount of force to disengage it. I gotta wonder what the long term wear will be like.

GB blade steel and grind is superior to ZDP189, IMHO, though it will rust.
GB is much easier to sharpen, too.

Stretch II is a beautiful EDC knife that obviously had a lot of thought put into it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Stretcharoo.

If you're going to put a knife through some hard use, go with the GB.
Again, nothing wrong with Stretch, it's just that the GB has bigger muscles.

Moose in SA? Would that be like the Southeast Texas ground squirrel I saw peeling a car apart in Alaska?

No no, that was in another thread I searched up on the Spyderco factory forum.

I posted a similar thread in the general forums so here is that link
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=778544

I am going to close this one since they are similar.

Thanks for the replies and greatly appreciated. I will probably end up with all 3 in future.