Recent opinions on the GB2?

Accelerator

Accelerator

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2010
Messages
996
I've done quite a lot of searching with regards to opinions or experiences with the Gayle Bradley 2, and have noticed most of the info is fairly old. I've read a lot of comparisons of the 2 vs the original Bradley Folder, but haven't seen a whole lot based on its own merit, as a standalone knife.

That being said, now that the 2 has been out for a year or so, how does everyone's opinion stand today? Is this a solid offering from Spyderco? Has it proven itself up to Spyderco standards?
 
You've probably seen me talking up this knife then. It has kicked everything else out of my pocket (except in formal situations). It covers a very broad range of EDC usage.

I like it more than the PM2, which in and of itself is venerated for very good reason. For a few dollars more than the plain PM2, you get a better steel (other than ss), longer edge, stronger but less penetrating tip, stronger and more versatile handle, Taichung fit and finish, slimmer profile. You lose out on the compression lock, it's a bit heavier, but somewhat negligible so for my usage.

Downsides: M4's potential staining/rusting (but if you're on BF and buying $30+ folding knives you kind of know what you're getting into). Other than the hole and the build quality, it's not very Spyderco-y and would be a great gateway knife for someone interested in Spydies but having difficulty getting over the hump.

I've been looking for comparisons to the Sebenza because it seems to occupy the same niche (and I don't have a CRK to compare). The value proposition of the GB2 is probably the best for any $120-250 knife.
 
Last edited:
I have no reservations about M4, and the price is ridiculously inexpensive for what Spyderco is offering. I've been carrying either an XM-18 or 24 pretty much full time for the last year or so, so I'm fairly immune to production prices at this point.

I think what I'm looking for is confirmation that this is a really solid performer with a great build. I had the original Gayle Bradley folder in the past, and although I was extremely impressed with it, we just never bonded. There was just something about that knife that kept me from falling in love with it, I could never put my finger on it.

Anyway, this new version has appealed to me since I first saw pics of the prototype. I'm now thinking about picking one up, but want to hear something other than it's not as good as the GB1.
 
GB2 is a freaking awesome knife. It has kicked every other spydie out of my pocket too. I love the weight of the knife and M4 gets stupidly sharp.
 
I am interested in GB2, too. I have a GB1. It is surprisingly a great cutter. But GB2 has a thinner blade and seems to have a better grind, which make me interested. My reservation is the liner lock and its potential stickiness.

My GB1 has bad lock stick, and the lock bar is really stiff. I cannot operate it comfortably.
I would like to know if GB2 is better in this respect.


Miso
 
Hey Accelerator, I had a Bradley 2 for a spell and really think it's an amazing knife. The ergos are a little more refined and the thinner liners make it feel more comfortable in hand and in the pocket. The action on these is glassy smooth after a very short break-in period.

It's a great EDC knife and the blade is just the icing on the cake. The hollow ground M4 excels at cutting pretty much everything. As for miso2's reservations on the liner lock, I'm happy to say mine never displayed any signs of stickiness. It's also easier to access than on the 1.

This thread is making me miss my GB2. Dang it. Oh well, I have a SpydieChef on the way that should keep me busy :)
 
What a great picture, grownstar! And thanks for the info regarding the liner. I am now in a serious consideration......
By the way, Spydiechef is my all time favorite. You would not be disappointed.


Miso
 
I really wish they had used different scales on the GB2. Even the peel ply laminate from the Sage 5 would have been better. I'm tired of those scales from tthe GB1, Sage 1 and Chaparral. I think that colored my view somewhat because I was underwhelmed and ended up selling mine. It strikes me as a very capable and practical knife but it didn't excite me. I could see how someone would choose it over a Para2. For me, I prefer the Para2 for the compression lock, G-10 scales and pointier tip.
 
A very mild downside I forgot to mention is the slightly weak detent.

Another point that bears mentioning, keeping in mind that this is just my observation: The GB2 is not directly related to the GB1; their patterns are quite different.

The Gayle Bradley Folder was built from the ground up as a purpose-built glove-friendly work-cutter (possibly with Mr. Bradley's eyes closed :cool:).
The Gayle Bradley 2 Folder is a custom collaboration based off Mr. Bradley's Model 4 that Spyderco/Gayle Bradley decided to use the same materials, build cues, and OEM on: CF Laminate on G-10 scales, SS proud liners, CPM-M4 hollow-ground, Spyderhole opener, Spyderco/Taichung produced.

* The Air was based on the Model 3
 
I wish they hadn't shrunken the hole on the 2, it's much harder to open than the 1. The handle design is a major improvement over the 1 and it carries very well for being such a large knife in terms of blade size.
 
The only thing I don't like is the ball on the locking liner got worn down a bit and has a flat part on the top...
 
Shrunken spyder hole doesn't sound great......

The other thing I would like to ask is the handle. I was playing with GB1 last night and realized that there are many hot spots in the handle. That is probably because the stainless liners protrude from the CF/G10 scales. This seems to be still a case in GB2.
I would appreciate opinions on how the gripping on GB2 is, too.



Miso
 
carry mine quite often. one of the best bang for the buck in features out there. my only dislike is they didnt stick with the thick liners and lock. doesnt matter as the knife as is works fine just something i would have liked even if it cost more.
 
Handle is comfortable. Proud liners are crowned and polished along the exposed edges.
I haven't tried the GB1 myself, but I really like the GB2's handle design. I call it grip-agnostic (quite un-Spyderco in that regard). The s-curve spine rides your thenar eminence just so. The finger choil is light and accepts anything you brace against it with (forefinger, middle finger, thumb). I wouldn't thrust-stab with this, but it would be way worse on the GB1.

If you're familiar with Benchmade's Griptilian, 940 handles, you'll have a good idea how this feels.

Hole size is not really a problem unless you prefer to stick your whole thumb in it. All you need is purchase along the top edge.
 
Last edited:
I love everything about my GB2. A more stout than the average Spyderco. Great ergonomics, substantial feel in hand, yet not to heavy to EDC. Mine had a bit of lock stick at first, but is working itself out with use. Oh, and it's handsome knife!!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
Good info! Thanks guys! Now GB2 looks more attractive. Like the OP, I did not get bonded with the original GB1, even though I like the look and was impressed with it. Hope that this one is different.



Miso
 
Wow, I appreciate everyone who has chimed in. It seems like the consensus is overwhelmingly positive which is great to hear. I was really excited about this knife when spy shots first came out from the Amsterdam meet (or something similar), but then got distracted by too many other offerings between then and it's official release. But now, I'm coming back around again and really taking a good look at this knife. This was the perfect time to get updated thoughts and opinions on the GB2. I love the M4 and the fact that it's a slender knife with good blade to handle ratio. I think I may just need to have one under the tree this Xmas!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top