Been thinking about getting a Gayle Bradley. Everyone seems to say it's the best made knife and everyone loves it, but I see tons of used one's for sale. Seems it's a love hate relationship or something. What's up with that? Is it too heavy, too big, too sharp???
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Spyderco Gayle Bradley the knife everyone loves but...
- Thread starter zippin44
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- Mar 27, 2010
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Not to mention it never stays for sale over a day. Mostly snatched off within hours or even mins for a better condition.
Opted a Benchmade Contego over this during a trade, mainly because of the coating on M4 and a carbide window breaker, i will still go for a GB if the price is reasonable shipped across the Atlantic.
The quality of it is just awesome.Very few knives made like a custom but priced reasonably, GB is one of it.
Steel130
Gold Member
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It really is a fantastic blade. It really shows the fit and finish, and quality control Taichung is capable of. And without breaking the bank. It is also a fantastic value given the materials used, and excellent fit and finish. Obviously it won't be for everyone though.
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- Oct 16, 2010
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It is a very strong, yet elegant knife.
Exquisite design, execution, F&F.
A bit heavy for EDC, lots of steel.
I love mine and carry it whenever I want to feel special.
On normal days I carry an FRN Endura,
so I hardly know it's there.
Exquisite design, execution, F&F.
A bit heavy for EDC, lots of steel.
I love mine and carry it whenever I want to feel special.
On normal days I carry an FRN Endura,
so I hardly know it's there.
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2012
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- 82
I contemplated picking one up last week, and I'm glad I did.
Although its a bit heavier than most of my other EDCs, it doesn't feel that way when clipped in my pocket. The fit/finish seems unreal for something under $150 too. It opens up so silky smooth and my blade is dead centered, not to mention M4 is becoming my favorite blade steel (2 Spydies, 1 BM)
Although its a bit heavier than most of my other EDCs, it doesn't feel that way when clipped in my pocket. The fit/finish seems unreal for something under $150 too. It opens up so silky smooth and my blade is dead centered, not to mention M4 is becoming my favorite blade steel (2 Spydies, 1 BM)
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- Dec 9, 2008
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- 284
When I first got my Gayle Bradley I compared it to my Military, which is lighter and larger. Then I compared it to my Para 2, which is also lighter. The Gayle Bradley lock is also a little more work to disengage and the blade stock is thinner, so upon first holding and seeing the knife I formed an opinion. My opinion was the Gayle Bradley was almost jewelry like in its finish, but it was too heavy and the blade was too thin and the lock stiff. I almost put it on a shelf in my closet, but I didn't. Now after carrying and using the knife it has kicked out the Military and Para 2 as my most carried knife, the blade shape just works so well and it slices better than anything else I have, also the ergonomics of the handle fit my large hands great. It has become my favorite knife more so than my Military cf m390 with a low ride clip. You have to use the Gayle Bradley to realize its great design.
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- Jun 26, 2012
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As others have mentioned the F&F is phenomenal, the materials used and elegance of the knife outclasses blades 2-3 the price.
Ergonomics are fantastic and its as tough as they come. Finding that balance between a hard use folder and a gentleman's folder is quite difficult, but the GB pulls it off with 5 stars.
I have no qualms with the weight and it is without questions my favorite knife, I hope to always have one.
One last little gem about this knife is the "thwack" sound it makes with a solid deployment, always bring a smile to my face.
People are always looking to change things up and get their hands on new knives quickly. They know that their GB will sell quickly for a decent price, so they can sink their teeth into that new knife.
You'll find a few posts where people regret selling their GB and buy another.
Ergonomics are fantastic and its as tough as they come. Finding that balance between a hard use folder and a gentleman's folder is quite difficult, but the GB pulls it off with 5 stars.
I have no qualms with the weight and it is without questions my favorite knife, I hope to always have one.
One last little gem about this knife is the "thwack" sound it makes with a solid deployment, always bring a smile to my face.
People are always looking to change things up and get their hands on new knives quickly. They know that their GB will sell quickly for a decent price, so they can sink their teeth into that new knife.
You'll find a few posts where people regret selling their GB and buy another.
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- Oct 7, 2002
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- 1,213
You're right, it's a love hate thing. Most of the knife guys I show it to love it but a few don't "feel it". The most negative comments I get is either, it's a little heavy or I see a little rust (patina). For me, it is one of my few keepers. The blade steel, while it will rust or patina, holds a great edge and cuts like nobody's business. It's smooth opening and closing gets ALLOT easier with practice. I've owned over 25 different spyderco's and it's in my top 5 favorites.
review here: http://centavogear.blogspot.com/2012/05/spyderco-gayle-bradley-carbon-fiber.html
review here: http://centavogear.blogspot.com/2012/05/spyderco-gayle-bradley-carbon-fiber.html
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- Jul 12, 2011
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Everything else but the handle shape is close to ideal for me. The thumb ramp is too steep, and has a very shallow choil/forefinger cutout for a spyderco this size. Other than that, I love the F&F, the texture of the scales, the polish of the liners, the beefy construction, keyed pivot and standoffs, open pillar construction, and CPM-M4. Also, contrary to what a lot of people say about the non-stainless nature of M4, I have had a very hard time developing a patina naturally. I've cut meat, fruit, citrus, vegetables, you name it. My VG-10 Ti Lum Chinese has more of a darkening pattern on the blade than the GB. I've even purposely tried to leave the blade untouched after cutting up a dozen green mangoes...nothing. I wouldn't worry too much about corrosion and CPM-M4, just take care of your blades.
Here it is after over a year of being in the EDC rotation:
Here it is after over a year of being in the EDC rotation:
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i dont like the handle or blade shape and its also way to heavy. also dont care for the fact that its made in Taiwan.
It's a little heavy and large for my EDC purposes, but I won't get rid of mine any time soon--it's just way, way too good of a blade for the price. The blade and handle are perfect for my purposes. And the CPM-M4 is just amazing steel (why would anyone care about patina if they are going to use the knife?).
Where are your clothes made?
DJK
Where are your clothes made?
DJK
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2005
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- 7,425
The thing is that every time someone runs a poll or thread on Spyderco quality, the Taichung (Taiwan) knives finish first, followed by the Japanese knives, followed by the Golden, CO knives in third.
yablanowitz
Platinum Member
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- Apr 14, 2006
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Perhaps someday I'll finish making new scales for mine that actually cover the liners and try it again. Until then, it will sit in its box in my knife chest, just another bright idea that didn't pan out.
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- Oct 28, 2011
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- 225
Ha! People really need to get over that. Why limit it at clothes? The car you drive, your cell phone, your TV/DVD/BluRay....
It's a top quality product being marketed by an outstanding American owned company. It borders on Jingoism sometimes.
Sorry, back on topic. The GB is nice, but not for me. The weight, shallow choil and partially obscured Spyder hole were my only knocks. The Para 2 addressed all of that for me.
Now if we could only get a production M-4 Para 2 :thumbup: