Stretch or Gayle Bradley?

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wongKI

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Jul 9, 2009
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So, looking for a new EDC blade. I've checked out the new Manix 2, Gayle Bradley and Stretch. The Manix 2 fell off the list due to being a sprint run, now out of stock everywhere and anywhere.

I got to handle the Gayle Bradley at the dealer, and love it. Now my question is- is it a better knife than the Stretch 2?

The Bradley is meant for hard cutting applications I know, and I already have that with my Military. I heard that it's got a nice thin edge, and also heard great things about M4. This got me really excited.

The only problem with the GB is it's ugly. I don't like the look of the CF much (then again, maybe it's just the lighting at my dealer) The action is sweet, the finish is beyond awesome. The ergos are great too, but when compared to a Stretch, the Stretch just looks nicer. The FFG gives it cleaner lines, I feel. I know that a Spyderco enthusiast shouldn't complain about ugly knives, but if it's possible to pack ergos, cutting performance AND aesthetics into a knife, that's great too.

Now I haven't got to handle a Stretch, so you guys will have to help me out here. Comments, comparison pics, notes on ease of carry are appreciated.
 
Hey man,

I'm in the process of buying a BLUE MANIX 2, secondhand.
Was doubting myself between the Bradley and the Manix 2 also.
Also the Emerson CQC-15 was considered.

But, still, even with the Manix 2 on the way, I'm still doubting.
Will I dare to use it, will I like it enough, since I didn't like the normal Manix 2.

So, if I'm gonna sell it, I'll let you know ;)

Btw, do a search on the internet, there are lots of compares allready.
IIRC, someone said: The Stretch is a really good production knife but the Bradley feels like a super custom knife.

Good luck!
 
If you like the handle of the Gayle Bradley, go for that one I say. I'm getting an FRN Stretch myself, not because of the looks, but because the Stretch handle looks more secure to me.

The Gayle Bradley is an excellent knife though, especially for the price, so if you like the handle of it, take it. I also don't understand how you can not like the carbon fiber on it. It seems like it's smooth enough to show the CF pattern really nicely, but not so polished that it becomes slippery. Sounds perfect to me.
If you don't like carbon fiber at all, I'm sure you'll learn to love it once you get the knife.

So, if you like the ergos of the handle of the Gayle Bradley, buy one quickly while there are any left, because it's a real steal.
 
I have both, a GB and a FRN Handled ZDP Stretch.

I like them both, Stretch gets twice the pocket time though, for me it it is a better worker and slicer. It also carries lighter in pocket.
 
I sold my Stretch CF but have two GB's. It's all subjective :)
 
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I have a Bradley, but the linerlock is not easy (for me) to disengage. Hard on the thumb. I don't think that most Bradley owners share this concern, though. Just something to think about.
 
wongKI, since your primary use is EDC, I'd say the Stretch is hard to beat. I carry the Manix 2 once in a while, but I prefer the Stretch. Which model of the Stretch did you have in mind?

I personally cannot get used to the weight of the GB for everyday light use. This has nothing to do with how good of a knife the GB is, it's only because I prefer a lighter knife.
 
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Reeek said:
I sold my Stretch CF but have two GB's. It's all subjective :)
Click to expand...

When I first started collecting Spydies, I saw the CF Stretch as my grail knife so I'm a bit biased. I don't think I'll be able to let that one go, no matter what other knife came along the way. ;)
 
I rate the CF Stretch highly and I have a CF Manix and Millie to compare it to. Its a smallish knife but heavy thanks to the steel liners so it has a nice substantial feel to it.

The knife is the perfect size for average size hands (which I think I have - glove size large) and the ergos are fantastic. I do not have an issue with the back lock. I have all kinds of locks from Spyderco and the back lock is real solid on this knife (others have had some give when pressure is applied).

The little touches on the knife are really superb, like the gun metal finished pins and the top and bottom notching (similar to the Lava). The clip is awesome (same as on the Manix) and has a good thick coating applied. The Spydie logo is etched on nicely. The peel ply CF is nice and grippy.

I find the ZDP-189 takes and holds an edge real well. I have not used it hard because I have other knives for that purpose. I would say this is more of a gents knife. Not for real hard use.

IMO if you are operating in a more urban environment the Stretch is ideal. The Bradley strikes me as being a more country fried knife. ;)
 
It mainly comes down to liner lock or backlock. Which one do you want? I love my Bradley and use it at work, it takes a beating and stays sharp for a LONG time.
 
I'm okay with either lock, really. I'm also more interested in the ZDP Stretches.
 
CPM-M4 is reason enough. Great cutting ability and similar blade profile to the Stretch. Get the GB.
 
Stretch II, because it offers a full ambi lock, full flat grind, and a fully accessible Spyderhole. And, while a couple grams is no big deal, the CF Stretch II is a whopping 40 grams lighter than the Bradley and the FRN version another 15 grams lighter than that.

Paul
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I've got the Stretch CF ZDP-189, the Manix 2 CF M4 and two of the Bradley CF M4's. ALL three are excellent knives with top notch steel.

The one I EDC most of the time is the Bradley. How on earth can anyone pass on a CF M4 Liner Lock delivered for $125.00?

Granted, it's a little heavier than the other two. However, this knife is ROCK SOLID and bomb-proof with a blade that has a great design and is super sharp and strong.

I'm willing to bet that the reason the GB hasn't gotten the attention it deserves is the word 'Taiwan' written on the blade. :rolleyes:

IMHO, the GB is Spyderco's sleeper of the year. ;)
 
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