Replacement for Spyderco Gayle Bradley?

RemyKaze

RemyKaze

Joined
Mar 23, 2012
Messages
2,177
Hullo, fellow blade fiends! I am currently debating selling my Gayle Bradley to a coworker/friend. It would be his first entry into the high end steels; heck, his first knife over $40! I'd love to do this for him, as I would be letting it go at a loss out of friendship, but I have no other carbon fiber handled knives, nor any other dress style, gentlemanly blades. I'm having a tough time letting go. I have an order in for the ZT Emerson 0620 collab with carbon fiber, but who knows when that will show up?

What would you folks recommend to ease the loss? Keep in mind, I am a carbon fiber nut, and I'm a fan of quick opening as well as closing of the knife. That doesn't exclude much, but if it helps, the compression and axis locks are favorites, and the GB liner lock is a great example of silky smooth liner locks. My price range is in the same range as a new Gayle Bradley, so a hundred bucks and some change. I'm open to any suggestions. Specifically looking for experiences/firsthand usage.
 
3.5" blade? CF a must?

Spyderco Gayle Bradley (GB) is one heck of a cutter (M4), tough, durable and a good-looking folder and value priced. Tough to outdo.

I'm also looking forward to ZT 0562CF (M390) and Benchmade 940-1 (S90V & CF).

How about a Spyderco Caly 3.5 with CF and laminated ZDP-189 / 420J2 blade? Carries small but a back lock.
 
RamZar said:
3.5" blade? CF a must?

Spyderco Gayle Bradley (GB) is one heck of a cutter (M4), tough, durable and a good-looking folder and value priced. Tough to outdo.

I'm also looking forward to ZT 0562CF (M390) and Benchmade 940-1 (S90V & CF).

How about a Spyderco Caly 3.5 with CF and laminated ZDP-189 / 420J2 blade? Carries small but a back lock.
Click to expand...

Strangely enough, I've been looking at the 3.5, but that lamination line is so fugly that I don't think I could pull the trigger on the ZDP version. Blade size, I'd say 2.5"-4". Carbon fiber isn't a must, but I'd like something classy, but something I can also put to work without worrying about scuffing it up. I am big on a knife being a great slicer over it being "hard use", but that doesn't hurt either.
 
How about the new Spyderco Manix 2 with S30V FFG and G-10 for under $100?
 
RamZar said:
How about the new Spyderco Manix 2 with S30V FFG and G-10 for under $100?
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I do miss my DLC Manix 2 XL. That lock was a pain though(I have issues from previously severed nerves and tendons). Any idea if the smaller originals are less stiff? I know it has something to do with the spring. Just need to be able to close it one-handed, which was difficult with the XL.
 
RemyKaze said:
I do miss my DLC Manix 2 XL. That lock was a pain though(I have issues from previously severed nerves and tendons). Any idea if the smaller originals are less stiff? I know it has something to do with the spring. Just need to be able to close it one-handed, which was difficult with the XL.
Click to expand...

Actually, I have the Manix 2 XL with S30V FFG and G-10 for a little over $100 at a shop that sells cutlery. It's very easy and smooth to open and close one-handed. To close I just push down on the button lock and let gravity bring the blade down.
 
RamZar said:
Actually, I have the Manix 2 XL with S30V FFG and G-10 for a little over $100 at a shop that sells cutlery. It's very easy and smooth to open and close one-handed. To close I just push down on the button lock and let gravity bring the blade down.
Click to expand...
I must have gotten an exceptionally stiff one then. I had to use both finger and thumb to operate the lock. I know it isn't an axis, but still. I'm keeping the new FFG version of the smaller Manix 2 in mind though. Any other suggestions?
 
RemyKaze said:
I must have gotten an exceptionally stiff one then. I had to use both finger and thumb to operate the lock. I know it isn't an axis, but still.
Click to expand...

By the way, for disengaging the ball bearing lock on the Manix 2 I also use the thumb and index finger pinch method on both sides of the lock.
 
I think the best option to replace your GB would be another GB. I can't think of another knife at that price point that offers:

- classy design
- M4 steel
- such a strong lock-up
- carbon fiber scales

Full disclosure: I own thousands of dollars worth of good production knives, my GB is the one I carry every single day. Personally, I'd never part with it. I'd be directing my friend to where he could score one for himself before I sold him mine.
 
How about a (now discontinued) Spyderco T-Mag or CF Dodo? The Dodo has Spyderco's version of the Axis lock, and it is actually a very nice knife. The T-Mag is very dressy, but it is a slipjoint, which might turn you away.

I got my T-Mag for $120 and the CF Dodo for $180.
 
Quiet said:
I think the best option to replace your GB would be another GB. I can't think of another knife at that price point that offers:

- classy design
- M4 steel
- such a strong lock-up
- carbon fiber scales

Full disclosure: I own thousands of dollars worth of good production knives, my GB is the one I carry every single day. Personally, I'd never part with it. I'd be directing my friend to where he could score one for himself before I sold him mine.
Click to expand...

:thumbup:
 
Sell him the knife and enjoy watching how much he enjoys it. Then replace it with.......


Wait for it.....



A spyderco Gayle Bradley! ;)
 
I would tell him to get his own:p Do the hunting for him and find him the best deal on a new one. If you must buy something else and get rid of the Bradley, the Domino would be a good one to consider. I enjoy mine, XHP is nice, the flipping action is fantastic, just an all around nice knife. Price is putting you close to $200 though. The Domino is right under the Gayle Bradley for size.
 
Quiet said:
I think the best option to replace your GB would be another GB. I can't think of another knife at that price point that offers:

- classy design
- M4 steel
- such a strong lock-up
- carbon fiber scales

Full disclosure: I own thousands of dollars worth of good production knives, my GB is the one I carry every single day. Personally, I'd never part with it. I'd be directing my friend to where he could score one for himself before I sold him mine.
Click to expand...

That might be the best option, though this one has been "modded" by a previous owner to expose the hole more, and the edge is a bit convexed, so buying one new later on, or the awesome Domino as Rev and another user stated, might be the ticket.
 
You won't go wrong with another GB. Domino costs quite a bit more and it's only a 3.1" blade (2.9" cutting edge).
 
I know it's all personal preference, but I actually like the lamination line on the Caly 3.5 and out of about 50 knives I own it easily placed in the top 5 (actually higher than the Gayle Bradley because it's less bulky and lighter).

Spyderco Bob Lum Chinese in carbon fiber could be another option too.
 
I'd say go for the GB as well.
I haven't been so satisfied with any other folder in many many years!
 
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