Spyderco Gayle Bradley 3-7/16" CPM-M4

Just sold mine and am now waiting until Spyderco sees the light and skeletonizes the liners.:)

Not happenin'. They're not going to skeltonize the lockbar side. That leaves you with possibly the other side, and at that point there's just not that much weight to be saved.
 
but I will add that the proud liners (the liners stick out past the scales all the way around) which are intended to give the handle a more rounded shape are very uncomfortable when cutting hard material. After using my GB to plane down the edge of some 5/8 high-density particle board for a cabinet I was rebuilding, I literally had bruises on the inside of my fingers. In fact, I had to finish the job with my Military,

Well, If you are having this trouble than I better remember to use a pair of gloves if I have to use my Bradley hard. I've seen a picture of your hands and they didn't strike me as being real delicate. Chances if you had trouble, I would too.

On the other hand I'm probably not using my knives as hard as you do in your job.

The CPM M4 is a heck of a steel, eh? It may not have quite the wear resistance of S90V/S110V/10V, but it's not all that far back in that respect. It's one super steel I actually enjoy sharpening and really do find it easy to put on some really savage edges.

It does have it's share of the evil, devil worshipping vanadium type carbides, but it also has the smaller and almost as unreasonably hard and uncaring Moly and Tungsten types, whom I suspect of evil intent to a slightly lesser extent than vanadium.

Just can't let up on them or they will take advantage of you. :( :)
 
Thanks guys. I am getting toward the end of buying knives because there are a lot of activities that I just don't do anymore. One good last folder that looks good but is still a worker. I want to look at the Spyderco, Kershaw and maybe even a Benchmade. I like the full size Grip. in a good steel as well.


Bradley 5.5 oz
Mill 4.2
Para 3.7
Ritter 3.82

The Bradley really is a heavy EDC. If I needed that beefy a folder everyday I'd just carry a Rat RC3.
 
Besides the fact that they both are cutting tools, they are very different knives. I have two Milis and recently got the Bradley. My EDC cutting chores aren't that intensive - I usually carry smaller, lighter knives - Spyderco CF Caly 3, CF Native, Sage I, Sage II, or Benchmade Mini Dejavoo. However, here's my take on the Military vs Gayle Bradley.

The Military SCREAMS "Tool". As a cutting device, it is almost a multi-tool within itself, great for any cutting task. It's not pretty or well refined. The blade works well for food prep. You could easily dig a splinter out with the tip - it is needle sharp. I love a full flat grind. I don't carry a knife for self defense (that's what my Ruger LCP is for). But if I did, I would want it to be a military. I'm sure you could pierce through just about anything with that tip. It also makes a great ice pick. It is extremely light weight for it's size and can accommodate a number of various grips, even using gloves. Whenever my fiance' and I go to the cabin for vacation or her father's farm, I grab the mili.

The Gayle Bradley is an entirely different animal. The fit and finish are as close to custom as you can get in a production folder (same with the Native CF). Everything is smooth and polished, even though it is an extremely strong knife. I look at the Bradley as beautifully made, hard use, EDC folder (not meant to be used as a self defensive weapon). Some complain about the liner not having a detent to ease unlocking. There is a Youtube interview with Mr. Bradley concerning why this is the case. This was done for a reason - safety. It is meant to make it difficult for the knife to unlock during hard use. The liners are so thick and the lock-up is so solid, I almost think of it as a frame lock with decorative carbon fiber scales. However, the twill pattern CF scales serve a purpose - adding just enough traction for a solid grip. I usually prefer a full flat grind. Although, I don't mind a hollow grind as long as it is deep. And, the Bradley is a deep belied hollow grind. After using the knife, I wouldn't change the grind. About the only thing I would change about the Gayle Bradley is to add a little extra jimping on the thumb ramp and a larger finger guard with some jimping there also. However, being that this is not a self defense tool (IMHO), the lack of extra jimping is not a deal breaker for me.

Given the way I use my knives, as much as I love the Mili, at this point I would probably choose the Bradley. I think it is one of the best deals you can get in a knife. It cost less than either of my Milis, but is much classier, with higher tech materials. I got my Bradley for $116 on the net. I can't believe you can get this much knife for this little money. It is a good thing I don't have to choose between the two, though.

As a side note, you will be happy with either. Spyderco has become my favorite knife manufacturer, by far. I have yet to have an issue with any knife I have ever bought from them. I have a lot of knives. I have had issues with a few Benchmades, Sogs, CRKTs, Kershaws, and Lone Wolfs even though they were new out of the box. Every Spyderco I have ever purchased has been issue free. Enjoy your knife, whatever decision you come to.
 
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