Rubicon or Gayle Bradley

GatorFlash1

GatorFlash1

Joined
May 28, 2012
Messages
3,189
Just looking for feedback on which is the better hard-use EDC. Handles are very different but the blades both look like awesome cutters. How do they compare? I know the Rubicon is about twice the price.
 
I'd say the GB for sure, even though I have never handled a Rubicon. Look up Cutlerylover's recent video on YouTube concerning the Rubicon. ..that may help.
 
Another vote for the GB. The Rubicon is a beautiful and well made knife, but the handle is too short for me to consider it a hard use knife. It's thick, which helps, but I prefer a truly hand filling grip.
I listed my Rubicon the day I received it for this reason.
 
I don't think they compare in any aspect. Get the one that speaks to you the most. You'll love it making it worth the $.
 
Thanks for the input, sounds like the GB is best deal for a heavy-duty EDC. That's what I'll go with.

Even though the Rubicon is slightly shorter than the GB, with it's wide very curved belly blade it still appears to have a ton of cutting edge. Given the size being similar, the blades and overall beefy construction, and good knife designers behind each I figured they would have similar cutting abilities. Both also have that nice CF handle.

Here is CutleryLovers YouTube video that Spydesense referred to.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtPbKAQijsk

CutleryLover's gripes seems to be threefold, (1) blade form is too stubby/small/blade not spear-pointed enough, (2) too expensive (although he hedges on this saying it is about the best production model of a custom design he has ever seen), and (3) too pointy on the end of the handle when in the pocket using the clip. I'm old school and still prefer a ballistic nylon Velcro knife belt sheath over the pocket clip when I EDC. Therefore the pointy handle issue is not a concern. He says several times in his video that the fit and finish are "superb".

CutleryLover did another Aug 2015 video, somewhat rambling, about what he EDC's, and lo-and-behold, it was the Rubicon, which from his comments the big downside is the high price because he says in the video "it is a damn fine EDC." Interesting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujgc9SD_u1E
 
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i also vote for the gayle bradley,as its a vary good hard use folder,and like spketch said,the rubicon's handle is a little to short for most people! i had one for about a week and ended up sending it back,so,for that reason i would pick the bradley,wish you good luck.;)
 
I had a similar self-argument as I needed a hard-use folder for some pretty hairy tasks. I debated between the K2, Slysz bowie, and the GB1. The GB1 was the winner for many reasons: the M4 steel, solid steel-linered handle, lack of cutouts, and no guard all helped push the issue. The fact that I paid about $110 for it was also a plus.
 
I often tell people "A 1911 is what you show your friends. A Glock is what you show your enemies."

In this case the GB is the Glock. The thing just works.
 
I do wish that Spyderco would offer more solid CF handle knives. That is the only thing about the Rubicon that I like more than the GB. I know that it would increase the price, but I'm just not a huge fan of the CF laminate/G-10 handle scales, even though I own a few.
 
I have the GB on order, looking forward to getting it. Thanks for the feedback Y'all.

Both the GB and Ruby are made in Taiwan, a little interesting trivia.
 
minimize said:
Can the Rubicon be opened with the spydie hole?
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I can thumb and middle finger flip the Rubicon. It's an insanely nice knife but seldom do I carry it. Don't like the just too short handle, the jimped backspacer, and the clip.
 
Gayle Bradley. No contest. I owned a Rubicon for a few hours before selling it on the exchange.
 
nccole said:
I can thumb and middle finger flip the Rubicon. It's an insanely nice knife but seldom do I carry it. Don't like the just too short handle, the jimped backspacer, and the clip.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that. Can you open it conventionally, like a Seb? Like no flick, just slow and steady?
 
minimize said:
Thanks for that. Can you open it conventionally, like a Seb? Like no flick, just slow and steady?
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Oh yeah and it closes with gravity once the lockbar is disengaged. It really is a superb knife, just some design quarks.
 
nccole said:
Oh yeah and it closes with gravity once the lockbar is disengaged. It really is a superb knife, just some design quarks.
Click to expand...

Oh nice! Thank you! I think I am going to grab one. Any of those quarks a deal breaker in your opinion?
 
minimize said:
Oh nice! Thank you! I think I am going to grab one. Any of those quarks a deal breaker in your opinion?
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Haven't sold mind yet[emoji6] I've thought about it. Biggest thing is the clip. Admittedly, I'm a sticker for a good clip though. It's a nice clip, but leaves too much sticking out of pocket for me. Bad part is that it is a one off clip and there is no aftermarket clip yet. I will in time probably take the back spacer out and knock those points off. The handle being short really isn't a big deal. I'd go second hand here on the forums considering it's price.
 
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