Page 1 of 5

A Gayle Bradley 2 in Cruwear!

Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2023 8:04 pm
by nerdlock
Just saw in BHQ's Instagram post. Can't post pics because my image hosting's down. Wow! Cruwear and that sweet hollow grind. I just hope they fix the stupid detent and the lockstick issues.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CzwzY3WMT7x ... BiNWFlZA==

:bug-red-white

Re: A Gayle Bradley 2 in Cruwear!

Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2023 8:49 pm
by abbazaba
Interesting. If they follow suit with a TiCN version I might in for the blade.

First BHQ exclusive that is a step backward from prod? :squinting-tongue

FWIW Ive had more than a couple GB2s and none of them had issues. One of the best Spydercos in production IMO.

Image

Re: A Gayle Bradley 2 in Cruwear!

Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2023 9:00 pm
by JSumm
This is tempting. I guess it wouldn't be special enough if they did M4?? 😂 I love me some Cruwear, but I would not substitute it for the standard M4 on this one.
I think the cool thing about this one is you can dye it to get your own custom colored G10.

Re: A Gayle Bradley 2 in Cruwear!

Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2023 11:04 pm
by kennethsime
I dunno, I really like Cruwear. It’s both tougher and more corrosion resistant than M4, with a slight loss in wear resistance. Blade HQ also tends to offer these exclusives at affordable prices, and this is a great candidate for a micarta scale swap.

I’d like a Millie 2 first, but this one is definitely in the running.

Re: A Gayle Bradley 2 in Cruwear!

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 4:56 am
by Ramonade
Good thing, I hope a lot of frenchies buy this one, I'll make scales for them :open-grin.

I for, one, might just buy my second exclusive ever !

Re: A Gayle Bradley 2 in Cruwear!

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 5:25 am
by Giygas
This is actually a pretty interesting one. I can't imagine I'll be able to pass on it.

Re: A Gayle Bradley 2 in Cruwear!

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 5:35 am
by jdw
From everything that I’ve read about him or from Gayle Bradley himself I am surprised that anything endorsed by him isn’t M4. It’s an interesting choice by BHQ to switch steels from their normal exclusives away from a steel that’s preferred by the original designer.

Re: A Gayle Bradley 2 in Cruwear!

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 5:36 am
by WilliamMunny
I literally just got the standard M4 version delivered to me yesterday from Spyderco. It is truly an awesome knife, being hallow ground it feels like it can slice through anything.

No lock stick, awesome build. I don’t find the lock hard to disengage but I can see how some might.

The look of the CF scales is only okay, my main goal it to make wood scales for it, but making them for folding knives is a challenge vs say a Mule. I was think of going with wood Burl like these:
IMG_5293.jpeg
IMG_5294.jpeg

Re: A Gayle Bradley 2 in Cruwear!

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 6:03 am
by Ramonade
WilliamMunny wrote: ↑
Sat Nov 18, 2023 5:36 am
I literally just got the standard M4 version delivered to me yesterday from Spyderco. It is truly an awesome knife, being hallow ground it feels like it can slice through anything.

No lock stick, awesome build. I don’t find the lock hard to disengage but I can see how some might.

The look of the CF scales is only okay, my main goal it to make wood scales for it, but making them for folding knives is a challenge vs say a Mule. I was think of going with wood Burl like these:
IMG_5293.jpeg
IMG_5294.jpeg
I'm going to make a set of burl or natural wood for the GB2 too. It's a bit harder since you might just break the darn thing right at the end but eh, the results are often wonderful :winking-tongue . I personally went back to natural wood after a N5 with blue stabilized poplar burl looked awful to my eyes :rofl
I might change that again for the GB2 :D

Re: A Gayle Bradley 2 in Cruwear!

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 6:26 am
by WilliamMunny
I'm going to make a set of burl or natural wood for the GB2 too. It's a bit harder since you might just break the darn thing right at the end but eh, the results are often wonderful :winking-tongue . I personally went back to natural wood after a N5 with blue stabilized poplar burl looked awful to my eyes :rofl
I might change that again for the GB2 :D

Good to hear I am not the only one trying. My last attempt on another knife blew apart on the router. Caught some grain and ripped a big chunk out even with using the old scale as a guide.

I am also worried about carving out the spot on the inside of the scale for the lock bar.

Re: A Gayle Bradley 2 in Cruwear!

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 7:43 am
by TkoK83Spy
jdw wrote: ↑
Sat Nov 18, 2023 5:35 am
From everything that I’ve read about him or from Gayle Bradley himself I am surprised that anything endorsed by him isn’t M4. It’s an interesting choice by BHQ to switch steels from their normal exclusives away from a steel that’s preferred by the original designer.
Exactly my thoughts as well. Seems very strange, and a step backwards. But, as said also a great candidate for a scale swap or dye job. Great price too, vs the standard model with those cheap looking CF scales. Had that knife for awhile, couldn't stand those scales on an otherwise very nicely made knife.

Re: A Gayle Bradley 2 in Cruwear!

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 8:13 am
by Mrj
OG might be a good Black Friday deal

Re: A Gayle Bradley 2 in Cruwear!

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 9:39 am
by Matus
Awesome - very tempting. But man it needs different scales ...

Re: A Gayle Bradley 2 in Cruwear!

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 9:50 am
by RadioactiveSpyder
The GB2 is really a fantastic Spyderco, one of the most undersung for sure. I know it’s not under appreciated, since folks that try one typically are blown away by it, so hopefully a lot more people will be able to experience that with this exclusive. I can think of at least two custom scale makers that offer GB2 scales if anyone’s interested: RC Bladeworks and Sharp Dressed Knives. I’ve picked up scales for other models from both over the years and all have been fantastic quality, fit and finish. Cheers, Radioactive

Re: A Gayle Bradley 2 in Cruwear!

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 10:21 am
by Ramonade
WilliamMunny wrote: ↑
Sat Nov 18, 2023 6:26 am
Good to hear I am not the only one trying. My last attempt on another knife blew apart on the router. Caught some grain and ripped a big chunk out even with using the old scale as a guide.

I am also worried about carving out the spot on the inside of the scale for the lock bar.
Just sent you a message :) I don't have a router so I'm using my sharpening skills to maintain the angle and go at it with a file ! At least I don't have the issue you just encountered. Too bad, I was planning on at least buying a 45° and rounded chamfer bits to put in the drill press and risk my life. I like to risk it all :squinting-tongue

Re: A Gayle Bradley 2 in Cruwear!

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 10:32 am
by Paul Ardbeg
Appreciate a new GB2 version, but that ugly G10 is just not doing it for me. I know it's part of the "USP" for this vendor, just not my cup of tea. Why not go for A CruCarta version instead?!

Re: A Gayle Bradley 2 in Cruwear!

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 10:47 am
by Ramonade
To illustrate possible scales replacements, micarta is a great option :open-grin

Even if William and I won't be satisfied by it no more :')


Re: A Gayle Bradley 2 in Cruwear!

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 11:01 am
by JSumm
Sharp dressed knives on mine. Of course you can just get the standard version for this.
Image

And G10 will take a good dye if you boil it.
Image

Re: A Gayle Bradley 2 in Cruwear!

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 11:34 am
by WilliamMunny
Here was my first trial attempt on a different Spyderco. Left too much extra wood on it leading to it being broken by the router.
IMG_5295.jpeg
Plus having my fingers that close was touch and go.

I do Mike wood working, making furniture and what not so part of making scales is just fun for me.

Re: A Gayle Bradley 2 in Cruwear!

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2023 11:35 am
by WilliamMunny
JSumm wrote: ↑
Sat Nov 18, 2023 11:01 am
Sharp dressed knives on mine. Of course you can just get the standard version for this.


And G10 will take a good dye if you boil it.
The patina on that M4 looks great, natural.