Spyderco Gayle Bradley or Benchmade Shoki 480-1? Or what?

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Cyo

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Apr 13, 2009
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I'm looking to get a modern folder to alternate in my EDC. I typically carry a traditional slipjoint and want to give some super modern knife a try.

Criteria:

Some fancy super steel that holds an edge well
Cannot look too cheap or "tactical"
Can't be something that would scare citizens (assist opening is out)
Should look modern
Blade should be no bigger than 3 inches
Around $150

I want something that's a nice cutter that will hold it's edge. Edge holding is the main criteria I'm looking for in the steel. I treat my knives like knives so it won't be a pry bar, it won't be used to stab through a car door, it won't be batoning firewood. It won't have to get me home if the zombie apocalypse hits while I'm at work. It will be used to cut some cardboard on occasion, cut stray threads, open plastic clam-shell containers, and perhaps cut fruit. Yes, that's not much of a demand on any steel, but since I'm giving the modern knife a try, I figure I might as well go for fancy steel. (I've got a Dozier that I've had for a while in D2 and it seems nearly impossible to dull with my typical usage.)

Given these goals, the Spyderco Gayle Bradley and the Benchmade Shoki 480-1 have made my short list.

The Sypderco has CMP M4 steel with glass fiber scales. The Benchmade has M390 steel and carbon fiber scales. I've not owned any Benchmade so that puts a bonus point in the BM column. I don't think I can go wrong with either.

Any other options I should consider before I pull the trigger?
 
Honestly, with your usage requirements, I would suggest you put more of your $ towards getting a more refined knife than a high end steel.

You will realize more benefit from the enhanced handle, materials, and lock, than you will from getting a super high end steel that you will never realize the benefits of, per $ spent.

I guess that might be the exact opposite of what you are going for, but since you said yourself that the demands you are going to place on the blade are minimal, why spend a bunch of money on something that won't change your usage experience when you could spend that same money (or less) on something that enhances what you come into contact with the most.

That being said, the two options you put up, I would go with the benchmade.

They seem, at least for me, to be easier to flip open, and have a fun time doing so than spyderco knives. HOWEVER, I have enjoyed the blades of my spyderco knives more than my benchmades.

I hope that helps....probably not.
 
If you mean the Gayle Bradley AIR, I'd give my vote to the shoki, such a nice knife!
 
I carried the Shoki for about 8 months at work, and the only thing any of my customers ever said was "nice knife!" The M390 holds a VERY keen edge, and the build quality is superlative. Thats my .02
 
co556guy said:
Honestly, with your usage requirements, I would suggest you put more of your $ towards getting a more refined knife than a high end steel.

You will realize more benefit from the enhanced handle, materials, and lock, than you will from getting a super high end steel that you will never realize the benefits of, per $ spent.

I guess that might be the exact opposite of what you are going for, but since you said yourself that the demands you are going to place on the blade are minimal, why spend a bunch of money on something that won't change your usage experience when you could spend that same money (or less) on something that enhances what you come into contact with the most.

That being said, the two options you put up, I would go with the benchmade.

They seem, at least for me, to be easier to flip open, and have a fun time doing so than spyderco knives. HOWEVER, I have enjoyed the blades of my spyderco knives more than my benchmades.

I hope that helps....probably not.
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True, I won't really need the steel, so what do you recommend instead?

And yes, it's the Gayle Bradley Air that I am considering.
 
How about the Sage Titanium? Excellent ergonomics, S30V is more than suitable, and the titanium is just gorgeous.

The Sage Carbon Fiber is awesome as well but at your apparent pricepoint I'd go Sage Titanium 100%.
 
I have both, and it is a tough choice. Both are very nice, great blades. The Air has a little better overall fit and finish - the 480-1 has known blade centering issues, and mine has a slight grind defect at the tip in addition to off-center blade. But overall, it is such a close call, get the one that speaks to you more. The 480-1 comes with a nice clip sheath, the air does not (I ordered a second 480 sheath for my Air). Here they are side by side:
IMG_3304.jpg
 
Maybe consider the chaparral 2; cts-xhp blade steel and a great looking machined titanium handle backlock. Might give that a glance. Or even the techno if that suits your fancy.
 
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Id go with the gb air without a doubt. The fit and finish on the Taichung spydercos is absolutely outstanding and the materials used are top notch. Also, m4 is my current favorite steel. It is not stainless, but takes a ridiculous edge quite easily and holds it just short of forever. M390 is great too, and extremely stainless to boot, but there's just something about m4 that's on another level, its just an extremely aggressive cutter.
 
I also second the air, even as I have the Shoki in front of me. I love the ergos on the Shoki and it feels wonderful in the hand but I'm having a hard time connecting with the blade because of some f&f issues (blade wildly of center and vertical play). It's still a very usable knife though but I have a lot of confidence that the GB air will beat the Shoki in f&f right out of the box.
 
Cyo said:
True, I won't really need the steel, so what do you recommend instead?

And yes, it's the Gayle Bradley Air that I am considering.
Click to expand...

I was more trying to say that you should choose the knife that appeals to you most, so long as it is a well made knife.......and the one you are considering is a fine choice, and likely to make you the happiest due to the fact that you find it appealing to begin with.
 
Have you thought about the Caly 3 in CF with ZDP 189? It is an amazing slicer and very clean lines.
 
the Shoki is a great choice if edge retention is important to you M390 is great. You cant beat it, and being stainless means less maintenance and it wont rust.
 
Sage 4? I have one and love it. Manual, good steel, great looking, excellent size for EDC. Just a thought...
 
Original Spyderco Chaparral is an excellent choice - about the length of the Shoki, carbon fibre scales, S30V, small and light in the pocket but offers a good four-finger grip because of the finger choil.

-- Dan
 
I say go for the benchmade 710 in m390 , m390 is supposed to have the same edge holding ability as cpm-m4 but it's stainless, I just got a contego and i love it but it's not what your looking for it screams tactical knife , if you don't like the 710 check out the benchmade 755 "pocket rocket" it's also m390 steel and is a ti framelock to boot.
 
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Allen R. said:
I say go for the benchmade 710 in m390 , m390 is supposed to have the same edge holding ability as cpm-m4 but it's stainless, I just got a contego and i love it but it's not what your looking for it screams tactical knife , if you don't like the 710 check out the benchmade 755 "pocket rocket" it's also m390 steel and is a ti framelock to boot.
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He said his price range is around $150.00, you cant find a 710 in M390 for that price. if your able to find one at all.
 
Yeah, the 3" limit falls under the category of "nothing that will scare people". In my experience, a small folder tends to be something that people are curious about while a large folder tends to make people wonder "why do you need such a big knife." Even at 3", the blade profile can really change how big people think it is. That's one reason I've liked traditional slip joints. They tend to have skinnier blades (width) so they appear smaller. My GEC Ben Hogan is 4.5" shut but it appears smaller than many other folders since it's so narrow.

GEC Beaver Tail 2 open.jpg
 
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