Which would you choose...

mark jeneson

mark jeneson

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Nov 24, 2013
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I'm having a dilemma! I told myself I could wait until some new 2014 Spydies start hitting the shelves but I'm itching right now! I've had my eyes on a few different models over the past couple weeks, I'm hoping some of you gentlemen have some hands on experience with a few of them:

-Spyderco Nilakka. I love the look of this folding puuko. I heard they had some problems with thin edge chipping and rolling. I also heard that Spyderco has since remedied the problem. Are all of the current Nilakka's reground to avoid this chipping? Anybody bought one recently and beaten it up a little? How's the smaller Spydie hole for thumb deployment?

-Spyderco Gayle Bradley. I love this knife and I know a lot of you guys love this knife. Whatever knife I do purchase won't be seeing much hard work. I know the GB excels at work and I'm pretty interested in M4. The only thing that kind of bothers me about the GB is how the liners stick out past the CF scales. Which overall, is not a big deal at all. Anyone have any gripes?

-Spyderco Military Titanium RIL. I've never owned a Millie or even handled one. I've heard they're huge and I hear the Ti version is pretty heavy. Weight is of no concern to me. I see them at reasonable prices now and again in the Exchange. Were they ever made without the steel insert in the lock-bar? The sound of steel locking up on Ti electrifies my soul.

-Spyderco Domino Blue Weave CF. The smallest of the bunch. I'm not crazy about the Domino but I would like to handle one. CTS-XHP seems to be (imo) the cadillac of cutlery steel and my Techno would like a similar, small titanium friend.

The knife purchased will be used for minor edc chores. I work at a restaurant. I don't beat up my folders very much. The thicker the blade stock the better though. what do you guys think? And thanks in advance!
 
I would go with Military and try to pick-up Fluted variant. It is lighter and looks much better. Call dealers, sometimes they have only one or two pieces and do not put them on their websites.
 
For me it would be a toss up between the GB and the Millie

I carry a Millie often, but I love the blade shape of the GB
 
I can attest to both the Gayle Bradley and the Domino. Both are simply incredible knives, and I would have a hard time picking one absolutely over the other. For light duty EDC tasks, you cannot go wrong either way.

The Domino design has appealed to me since I first saw it, and I recently picked up one. The handle could be longer, but it locks into position nicely. It is an extremely fast and smooth flipper, and the CTS-XHP takes a very nice edge - especially with the FFG on its rather tall blade.

The Gayle Bradley is one that I had to get to understand the hype, and now I absolutely love it. The CF scales are slightly smaller than the liners, but I appreciate it for the aesthetic it adds, alongside the mitigation of any potential for chipping the CF at the liner edge by chance. The blade is surprisingly thin, especially with its hollow grind to the edge, but the CPM-M4 can more than handle it. The ergonomics are a bit abnormal at first, but quickly become comfortable, and the lack of a flipper may also be beneficial in the case of any cutlery use. I also would not worry about the CPM-M4 corrosion too much, either; with basic care/cleaning, there should be no issue. I've not treated it any differently than any other EDC and have not seen a bit of staining.

As you can probably see by the difference in description lengths, I would lean towards the Gayle Bradley, especially at the price difference. It's a knife that stays rather sleek, while being able to handle a good deal of hard work, to which many can attest. The Domino is an awesome knife, and a personal favorite, but a slight nod does go to the Gayle Bradley.

I will also add one of my recent acquisitions as a suggestion - the Police G10. It's a great long blade in a very slender package, and with FFG VG10, it would make for great use in any culinary application. Plus, it is just plain fun to use for small EDC tasks.

If there are any gaps I've left or any further questions you may have, please feel free to ask!



Cheers,
Thomas
 
Only one I don't have is the Domino. If I had to choose one of the other three, it would have to be the Military, but probably because that is my favorite Spyderco platform. For sheer fun, I would take the Nilakka and for a workhorse the Bradley. The Nilakkas hole is not a problem. The F&F is unbelievable - same for the Bradley. The Nilakka is just so different to hold and use. I have a later version and while I haven't abused it, I have had no problems with edge rolling or chipping. It is probably the smoothest opening Spyderco I own and really is unique. I will say that I do not subject the Nilakka to a lot of heavy cutting - its more my Sunday knife. The Bradley is, well, the Bradley. Not much I wouldn't try to do with it. The M4 seems to be a pretty forgiving steel - really does hold an edge and cuts like crazy. Seems to be fairly easy to sharpen. The liners on the Bradley are not a problem. The Ti Military is a bit heavier, but you will not notice it. I like it because it gives it just enough heft. It doesn't seem to be as slippery as some smooth Ti knives. I have gotten caught up in the super steel wave, but have always liked Spydercos S30. It really performs for me. I end up out in the warehouse and on jobsites - sacks, cardboard, zip ties, banding - it seems to handle it with no problem. The Bradleys M4 does hold an edge longer as you would expect. The Military is a big knife, I carry in my back pocket and do not notice its back there. Standard Spyderco answer is to buy them all.
 
Spyderco Military Titanium RIL is my favorite on your list though I have never handled the GB...
 
I'd hold out for the Slysz Bowie - sounds like just the knife you would want - though I wouldn't hesitate trying the Nilakka in the meantime. That's not your average Spyderco all the more reason to put one in your pocket.
 
RayseM said:
I'd hold out for the Slysz Bowie - sounds like just the knife you would want - though I wouldn't hesitate trying the Nilakka in the meantime. That's not your average Spyderco all the more reason to put one in your pocket.
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Ohhh the Slysz Bowie. Want it bad. I feel like I'll be waiting til at least September for that bad boy. I am most intrigued by the Nilakka. All 4 knives have their own appeal. If I can find a Ti millie around $200 I'll do it. If not I think I'll flip a coin for the GB or the Nilakka. Probably the GB. But probably the Nilakka. :D
 
mark jeneson said:
I know I know I know. I should really just buy all 4 of these knives…the GB though. Only heard great things…
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You'll understand once you get one. M4 is a whole other animal. And the fit and finish on the GB is fantastic.
 
Gayle Bradley is fantastic. A Millie may be a little large for public usage based on the work you described. The GB is a good size for use in public but with enough size to do big chores. The steel is great, as are the handles. It is certainly one of Spyderco's best yet.

Do you by chance like the Paramilitary 2? That one may also interest you are kind of an intermediate between the GB and Millie.
 
Well. The Ti Millie is in the mail. I found a decent deal and just did it. I'm pretty psyched! And if I'm not psyched, I'll sell it and buy the GB. :D
 
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