C134CFP - Gayle Bradley Folder

[TazKristi]

Available now... http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=445

:cool:

[spyderHS08]

Looks like another good spyder to go after!! :cool:

[The Mastiff]

Kristi, is there any information available on how hard the steel is run at? Thanks. Joe

[sal]

Hi Joe,

We haven't Rockwelled them yet, but they should be 62.

sal

[nathan310]

Are they available at retailer or just through Spyderco.?

[The Mastiff]

Thanks Sal. Sounds perfect to me. Joe

[dphillips]

Just in time for Christmas. Can't wait.
Donavon

[sal]

Hi Nathan,

Should be available through our normal distribution channesls world wide.

Donovan,

Are you our Donovan?

sal

[nathan310]

Thanks for the info Sal.

[gunmike1]

62 RC is pretty impressive for production M4. My M4 Mule at 62.5 RC is a great performer that has been a workhorse for me anf the performance is extremely impressive. Phil Wilson is pushing the limits of hardness with M4 to 64-66 RC, but there is no way a production run can do that kind of seriously high heat and attention to the smallest details to maximize hardness like a custom maker can. Not to mention that at 62 RC M4 is pretty tough stuff as well as great performing in the areas of edge retention, taking a thin and acute edge, and getting extremely sharp. It may have better edge retention at higher hardness but it will definately sacrafice some toughness and corrosion resistance, and warranty returns for chipped out blades are not a good thing for any manufacturer to have to deal with. I can't wait until I get my Bradley, I think it should be at my door the week after Christmas. I guess I'll call it my new year present.

Mike

[Bluntrauma]

Are they available at retailer or just through Spyderco.?

There are 2 of them up on Ebay right now. I think they are SpydieGuys.

[dphillips]

Donovan,

Are you our Donovan?

sal

You got me Sal. What Sal is referring to is Spyderco very graciously sponsors me in the BladeSports International, Inc. cutting competitions.

[gunmike1]

Donovan, I am going to try to make it to a competition to see you and Gayle Bradley in action. Not to mention to see what super thin CPM M4 can do in the hands of all of you great competitors. Edge holding, toughness, and lots of other factors come into play in the competitions, and I find it very interesting that my favorite steel for small to medium sized EDC blades seems to dominate cutting competitions where you are using large knives and beating the crap out of stuff, but also making some pretty delicate cuts as well. I think everyone should you tube search Donovan Phillips and Gayle Bradley to see some of the crazy stuff they are capable of in the Bladesport competitions.

Mike

[Donut]

Will there be a Gayle Bradley released with an alternate handle material?

I'm very interested in this knife, but I am anti-carbon fiber.

[JNewell]

If you're handy at all, it would probably be very easy to make some out of G10, micarta or wood.

[LorenzoL]

I would like a Bradley with a DLC-coated blade, is that even remotely possible in the future?

[Donut]

The whole reason I don't want to do Carbon Fiber is that I don't want to pay an extra $50 for the same knife. Buying it with Carbon Fiber, then changing the scales will have me do exactly what I'm trying to stay away from.

The coated blade sounds hopeful.

[LorenzoL]

The CF does not add $50, it is a knife that costs around $120!?

[Donut]

From what I've been watching, in most cases the CF factor adds more than I want to spend. I wouldn't mind spending $120 on the Gayle Bradley, but I like to follow the rules I set for myself and I don't want this one exception to break my word.

[Donut]

It is probably that I am just being stubborn, but I would still like to pick up a GB with an alternate handle material.

[jezabel]

While this might not be the place to discuss this (perhaps a new thread might be in order.... ).
I've never really warmed to the twill CF scales or the exposed liners, I'd be much more at home with peel ply CF, rough G10 or ultimately Micarta. This is all just a matter of my personal preferences though. FWIW I'm in the process of making up some full "mycarta" slabs for mine at the moment.

In saying that, my GB has seen a huge amount of work in past couple of months and has respectively earned a full time role in my work EDC , I do enjoy using this knife tremendously.
I'm quite at home with the carry weight of the knife, but as far as the balance is concerned, having so much weight in the handle has taken time to get used to, I am only comfortable with the balance now, after having used this so much.

I honestly cant understand why the liners were never skeletonized though. Correct me if I'm wrong here but the concept had titanium liners, and the production prototype had skeletonized liners. This would still be a solid knife with skeletonized liners. What happened?
As great and popular as the GB is now, I believe a slightly lighter better balanced version of the GB would have this knife in far more pockets.

Jez

[LorenzoL]

Titanium liners would have been awesome, but the cost would be much higher. I do not know why they did not skeletonize the SS liners, it is the same with the Manix 2, some are skeletonized and some are not...

[Blerv]

It all adds to cost which is a factor of msrp and ultimately retail price.

It's easier to sell a knife on the street for $120. When people warm up you can offer a drilled-liner version with different scales for a little more.

It's one hell of a knife for the money. If you want CPM-M4 there arent many options (and only one for the price). For most competing brands you will pay more for FRN and D2 or S30v. =p

[npueppke]

I don't really like carbon fiber either (the feeling, not the look), but I don't think this knife would look very good with G10. I'm still planning on picking one of these up... eventually lol.

I think an FRN version has serious possibilites though. Keep the M4 for the ultimate work knife.

[Blerv]

I don't really like carbon fiber either (the feeling, not the look), but I don't think this knife would look very good with G10. I'm still planning on picking one of these up... eventually lol.

I think an FRN version has serious possibilites though. Keep the M4 for the ultimate work knife.

I completely hear you. I like CF but prefer other scales for hard work.

To be honest I had completely written off this knife. Grind, steel, CF scales, weight, etc....then I saw the reviews. People beating the hell out of the knife cutting nasty materials that bounced off it like the Man of Steel. "It's like a custom folder." or "It's knocked my Military out of my pocket..."

Now it's on my dang wish list. sigh. :(

[npueppke]

Now it's on my dang wish list. sigh. :(

That's always the way it goes, isn't it.

[Donut]

You all have worn me down and I have purchased a Gayle Bradley and a Michael Walker. The argument that they are not too expensive has worked. I agree that they aren't too expensive and I would hate to get one more reasonably priced with an alternate blade steel.

I will now be evaluating my purchases by if I think the Carbon Fiber is worth the increased overall cost of the knife.

[MCM]

IMO they should be priced like this in FRN.
There are some really great deals today.

Let me know how you like 'em.

Two of my favorites!:D

[Donut]

The Walker is really nice. It is an amazing knife for its size, or any size really. I have some slight finishing issues like cracks.

The Gayle Bradley is good, it's nice and heavy, strong. The lock is somewhat difficult to disengage. I was opening and closing it to get used to it, and my thumb was hurting after a while.

But yeah, two great knives for the price.

[flash900]

The Gayle Bradley is good, it's nice and heavy, strong. The lock is somewhat difficult to disengage. I was opening and closing it to get used to it, and my thumb was hurting after a while.


Is the lock that stiff?.....This is a linerlock, right?

[jzmtl]

The actual lock is not stiff per se, it's just hard to reach without cutout to access it.

[Donut]

Yeah, that's right. It isn't stiff, it's just well protected.

[flash900]

Do I need exceptionally long thumbs to reach it?
Not sure I want something that's a pain to operate.

[JNewell]

Do I need exceptionally long thumbs to reach it?
Not sure I want something that's a pain to operate.

No. The "issue" is that there isn't as much of a cutout for access to the lockbar as in many other designs. Personally, I have no trouble unlocking the GB with either thumb.

[LorenzoL]

No pain at all, the Bradley is my favorite Spyderco at the moment.

[JNewell]

No pain at all, the Bradley is my favorite Spyderco at the moment.

Tied with Manix 2 here :D

[flash900]

Tied with Manix 2 here :D

Really -- I've been looking at both.
If you were only buying one, which would it be?

[JNewell]

Really -- I've been looking at both.
If you were only buying one, which would it be?

Both, really. They are different knives...(duh)...both are stupendous values. For around US$200 street price, you could probably have both...what to say?

If the Manix 2 tip-up clip position doesn't work for you, choose the GB.

If you really need stainless, choose the M2.

I will way that it took a while for the M2 to grow on me, whereas the GB was an instant bonding experience. But at this point, if you told me to trim all my folders down to three, I would probably keep one of the M2 sprints, the GB and a small inlay Sebenza. Notice that all my BMs would be looking for a home...great knives, but not as great as the stuff Sal is sending us these days.

[flash900]

Both, really. They are different knives...(duh)...both are stupendous values. For around US$200 street price, you could probably have both...what to say?

If the Manix 2 tip-up clip position doesn't work for you, choose the GB.

If you really need stainless, choose the M2.

I will way that it took a while for the M2 to grow on me, whereas the GB was an instant bonding experience. But at this point, if you told me to trim all my folders down to three, I would probably keep one of the M2 sprints, the GB and a small inlay Sebenza. Notice that all my BMs would be looking for a home...great knives, but not as great as the stuff Sal is sending us these days.

I've comethisclose several times to ordering a GB. What stops me is, first, the weight, and now, these comments about the lock.

As for the Manix, the tip-up clip doesn't bother me. I'd prefer FFG, but that isn't a deal-breaker (and I don't want to pay the price of the limited editions on spec for a knife I'm on the fence about.) My larger question is about the lock.

I liked lockbacks because of their simplicity. In time, I grew to appreciate Sal's linerlocks. I've had no issues with those I've tried, actually preferring them in some ways to the lockbacks. I've never seen a ball bearing lock. Has anyone seen a decent video that shows it in action?

[JNewell]

Honestly, although this is inherently subjective, I don't think the lock "issue" should be an issue with the GB, which is an exceptional design with exceptional materials and an exceptional value.

If anything, I think (for me) the Manix 2 CBL took longer to get used to and warm up to.

There are probably a zillion videos on YT but I'll try to do a very quick one focused (literally and figuratively) on demo'ing the lock action on a Manix 2. It's very good and very strong.


I've comethisclose several times to ordering a GB. What stops me is, first, the weight, and now, these comments about the lock.

As for the Manix, the tip-up clip doesn't bother me. I'd prefer FFG, but that isn't a deal-breaker (and I don't want to pay the price of the limited editions on spec for a knife I'm on the fence about.) My larger question is about the lock.

I liked lockbacks because of their simplicity. In time, I grew to appreciate Sal's lockbacks. I've had no issues with those I've tried, actually preferring them in some ways to the lockbacks. I've never seen a ball bearing lock. Has anyone seen a decent video that shows it in action?

[jzmtl]

Besides, it's nothing you can't fix in 10 minutes with a dremel if you decided the lock is too hard to access.

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/2775/dscn0427f.th.jpg (http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/2775/dscn0427f.jpg)

[JNewell]

Flash900 - this is for you - apologies for the very quick & dirty upload. Right now, YT hasn't processed the HD version, which is MUCH clearer than the regular resolution.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkebohOZNZA

[AKWolf]

Amazing HD JN...GJ:spyder::spyder::spyder:

[flash900]

Flash900 - this is for you - apologies for the very quick & dirty upload. Right now, YT hasn't processed the HD version, which is MUCH clearer than the regular resolution.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkebohOZNZA

JNEWELL,
That is really very kind of you, and most appreciated.
And, you were right, I like them both -- the GB and the Manix, especially the CF.
I wonder how hard those are to get.
(I see the latest sprint on BF as I write this. But I like both the CF and the blue better. Although, I must add: your quick and dirty video also shows the ordinary production Manix in a very positive light......So many decisions!)
Thank you!

[flash900]

Just watched you again in HD.

And then ordered both a GB and G10 Manix!

Unfortunately, the dealer is back ordered for the GB. Hopefully, he will ship the Manix now, which should keep me occupied until the Bradley arrives.

Again, my thanks. What a terrific and knowledgeable group this is.

[flash900]

Just noticed that all of my posts say "No. 57."

Apparently time stands still here!

Edit: Hey, now they all say "No. 58"!!

[JNewell]

Just noticed that all of my posts say "No. 57."

Apparently time stands still here!

Edit: Hey, now they all say "No. 58"!!

They all update on a cumulative basis. :)

The regular Manix 2 is badly underappreciated IMO. And, at the street price, it's almost a steal.

The CF sprint, unfortunately, seems to hover around $275, a combination of low numbers (400) and high demand.

[flash900]

My GB arrived today. I found a dealer who had it in stock and gave me quite a fair price and free shipping.

It's by far my largest Spydie and my first real hard-use blade.

The quality is simply outstanding.

I also have a regular Manix coming from another dealer.

Thanks to everyone here who offered comments and advice, and particularly JNEWELL for your incredibly kind help.

[JNewell]

Really happy that helped! :spyder: It is one of only a couple of knives I've bought a spare copy of, in case of loss.

[chibicascade]

Nice Knife! just waiting on the g10

[DCDesigns]

Nice Knife! just waiting on the g10

Was there ever any official word on a g10 GB? why would you want one when the original is CF? There is nothing to be gained from g10 IMO...

sure you have the right knife man?

[GotDogs]

Part of the allure for me was the fact that it is Carbon Fiber over G10. I have G10 coming out of my ears. < Big Smile > John :cool:

[DCDesigns]

I still dont thin that guy knows what hes talkin about, a G10 bradley? eh, why?

edit: unless it sells for around $65-70 street, or less. THEN I wouldnt mind pickin one up to use as a true HARD USE knife. Im hesitant to put my GB into any roll that might damage its good looks... So I could see a point there. Never mind guy, you do know what you are talking about.

[JNewell]

Nice Knife! just waiting on the g10

Might be an extended wait. Buy now... :cool:

[jackknifeh]

I still dont thin that guy knows what hes talkin about, a G10 bradley? eh, why?

edit: unless it sells for around $65-70 street, or less. THEN I wouldnt mind pickin one up to use as a true HARD USE knife. Im hesitant to put my GB into any roll that might damage its good looks... So I could see a point there. Never mind guy, you do know what you are talking about.

I was thinking about getting some G-10 or something cheap to put on my GB so I wouldn't worry about the looks as much and be able to use it for work since it is so strong. While looking for scale material I found myself looking at nice wood and started thinking maybe I'd try making beautiful wood scales for the knife which would stop me from using it as a work knife. That's ok, I still have a Manix2, Pacific salt that I can use and not worry about a few scratches. The Manix2 has M4 also and G-10 scales so is exactly what I was originally going for with the GB. I think I'll just keep it beautiful with any scales I make. The skill level may be questionable. :(

Jack

[Zencowboy]

Just ordered NIB for 120/free shipping.
Been wanting to test M4 and thought that was a great price...nudged me over to buying the Gayle Bradley M4 CF:D

Reviews looked great so thanks guys!

[jtoler_9]

Just ordered NIB for 120/free shipping.
Been wanting to test M4 and thought that was a great price...nudged me over to buying the Gayle Bradley M4 CF:D

Reviews looked great so thanks guys!

Nice grab Zenc. Shoot us some pics when you get it. I have been dragging my heels on this one. I wan't one, but others keep getting in the way.

[jackknifeh]

Just ordered NIB for 120/free shipping.
Been wanting to test M4 and thought that was a great price...nudged me over to buying the Gayle Bradley M4 CF:D

Reviews looked great so thanks guys!


Nice grab Zenc. Shoot us some pics when you get it. I have been dragging my heels on this one. I wan't one, but others keep getting in the way.

I've wanted several knives before but when buying "others keep getting in the way" to quote you jtoler_9. I finally lucked out and got a Gayle Bradley almost by accident. It wasn't free, just not anticipated. Anyway, it is definately one of the knives that when you get one after putting it off you say "Why did I wait?" :D So Zen, I believe you will love the GB. Of the few knives I have it's one I carry a lot. I like the M4. It holds lower angles very well and takes a killer sharp edge. It's a beatiful knife also. I've compared it to James Bond, 007. Looks good in a tux but ready for anything. Congratulations on the great price also.

Jack

[Donut]

I agree, if I were you, I'd push a few knives out of the way to get this one.

[jackknifeh]

Just looked on CS and the GB is up to $140 now. It looks like most knives have gone up a bit. If knives keep going up I'll have to quit drinking and live longer. :D Thank you Spyderco.

Jack