I have the GB, a 0551, and a 0560. As far as steel, the M4 is outstanding. Better steel overall than ELMAX if you ask me, but not nearly as rust proof. Elmax is highly rust proof, but M4 is only a bit too high in carbon content to be considered stainless. I like in a fairly dry climate and don't give any care to the GB's blade. No patina or rust ever. You'll find plenty of posts from people who actually live in humid climates who say the GB needs very little care. Apply a little gun oil, mineral oil, Fluid Film, Tuff Glide, coconut oil, etc, etc every few weeks or so and it will be just fine. Just because it's not stainless doesn't mean it will rust easily. It will stay just fine with a tiny bit of care. M4 is one of my favorite steel and it's totally worth it. Better than Elmax in every other way IMHO.
The GB is the perfect blend of a knife that's very EDC friendly and also extremely heavy duty that doesn't have a blade that's too thick. It's thick enough, but still does what I knife is supposed to - it uses that sharp as hell M4 to slice very well. I consider the frame of the GB as tough as anything. The steel liners are crazy thick and there is just a tiny relief cutout. When you consider the fact that the GB is still thicker at the relief cutout than most Ti frame locks, including 550/560's, it is MUCH stronger. It's not only thicker, but the steel is also much stronger at that thickness. I trust the lockup of the GB more-so than any one of my frame locks. When you hear it click open with authority, you'll understand. The GB has a bit more simple and elegant design, so it's probably easier to make it look perfect, but I honestly think the fit and finish is a little better than the 550 and 560. They're still great but the GB is right there with them, if not better. They all have their pros and cons, mostly pros in both cases, and they're just different. I love all three of them for different reasons, which is why I have all three. They're all some of the best knives you can get in their price categories (although the GB is in a much lower price category and is better to me personally than even some $300+ knives). I can justify having all three, but I have to say that the GB is one of the last knives I'd ever get rid of. Especially at the amazing price point. I carry the GB more than any of my ZT's (although I love the 560 just about as much and carry it a lot too. I also like my orange scaled 551 a lot too) and probably as much as any of my Chris Reeve knives. I do love the ZT's but I just can't get over how great the Gayle is for the price. It's just such a good EDC for any occasion too. Looks so nice and sheeple friendly. I'd recommend it anyone. Just a great, great knife. I could make just as much of a case for the 560 but the Gayle is a knife I genuinely like just as much and it's more than $100 less.
Get it, it's that great feeling of quality and usefulness in your hand that makes you almost as excited as a new Sebenza, for 1/3 the price.
The GB is the perfect blend of a knife that's very EDC friendly and also extremely heavy duty that doesn't have a blade that's too thick. It's thick enough, but still does what I knife is supposed to - it uses that sharp as hell M4 to slice very well. I consider the frame of the GB as tough as anything. The steel liners are crazy thick and there is just a tiny relief cutout. When you consider the fact that the GB is still thicker at the relief cutout than most Ti frame locks, including 550/560's, it is MUCH stronger. It's not only thicker, but the steel is also much stronger at that thickness. I trust the lockup of the GB more-so than any one of my frame locks. When you hear it click open with authority, you'll understand. The GB has a bit more simple and elegant design, so it's probably easier to make it look perfect, but I honestly think the fit and finish is a little better than the 550 and 560. They're still great but the GB is right there with them, if not better. They all have their pros and cons, mostly pros in both cases, and they're just different. I love all three of them for different reasons, which is why I have all three. They're all some of the best knives you can get in their price categories (although the GB is in a much lower price category and is better to me personally than even some $300+ knives). I can justify having all three, but I have to say that the GB is one of the last knives I'd ever get rid of. Especially at the amazing price point. I carry the GB more than any of my ZT's (although I love the 560 just about as much and carry it a lot too. I also like my orange scaled 551 a lot too) and probably as much as any of my Chris Reeve knives. I do love the ZT's but I just can't get over how great the Gayle is for the price. It's just such a good EDC for any occasion too. Looks so nice and sheeple friendly. I'd recommend it anyone. Just a great, great knife. I could make just as much of a case for the 560 but the Gayle is a knife I genuinely like just as much and it's more than $100 less.
Get it, it's that great feeling of quality and usefulness in your hand that makes you almost as excited as a new Sebenza, for 1/3 the price.
