Spyderco Forums

Anyone on the fence on this one here is my brand new M4 taking down a tree today. Well maybe a beaver did it but we were there in spirit.

WilliamMunny wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 18, 2023 12:40 pm

Anyone on the fence on this one here is my brand new M4 taking down a tree today. Well maybe a beaver did it but we were there in spirit.

RadioactiveSpyder wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 18, 2023 9:50 am

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

Agree on all the points, just want to add a third scale maker for those in the EU, the Custom Scale Division in Germany.

Nice, if I fail too many times trying to make mine I may have to order some scales.

Ramonade wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 18, 2023 10:47 am

To illustrate possible scales replacements, micarta is a great option

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

Robin, is that RC Bladeworks or Sharp Dressed Knives or did you make those? Somebody did a very nice job.

I've been holding off on trying the GB2 for years, though it's status is held in high esteem here on this forum. This is the perfect reason to finally get one (and spend more money on knives). I am bothered by the laminate cf, regular g10 will be just fine for me.

riclaw wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 18, 2023 7:55 pm

Ramonade wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 18, 2023 10:47 am

To illustrate possible scales replacements, micarta is a great option

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

Robin, is that RC Bladeworks or Sharp Dressed Knives or did you make those? Somebody did a very nice job.

I did make them yes, thanks Richard ! Next is wood, I also have some fat carbon but I do not know how good it would look

They should have done GB1 with M4, DLC and Jade scales! Come on BHQ.

Ramonade wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 19, 2023 2:19 am

I did make them yes, thanks Richard ! Next is wood, I also have some fat carbon but I do not know how good it would look

What did you use to drill the screw holes? Some type of stepped bit? What size?

For Mules I use a stepped bit for the corby screws to give them a flat shoulder to grab onto.

I was also thinking of backing the wood scales with thin black G10. By the time you countersink the screws there is not much more than 1/16” of material left to hold the scales on.

Trial and error I guess.

WilliamMunny wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 19, 2023 6:34 am

Ramonade wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 19, 2023 2:19 am

I did make them yes, thanks Richard ! Next is wood, I also have some fat carbon but I do not know how good it would look

What did you use to drill the screw holes? Some type of stepped bit? What size?

For Mules I use a stepped bit for the corby screws to give them a flat shoulder to grab onto.

I was also thinking of backing the wood scales with thin black G10. By the time you countersink the screws there is not much more than 1/16” of material left to hold the scales on.

Trial and error I guess.

I go at it viking style. I start with a wood bit to create the pocket, then metal bit to make the screw hole. When the diameter allows it, I finish flattening and deep-ening (lol) the pocket with an end-mill bit. Since it don't own a mill, trying to make the pocket with the end-mill directly tends to make a hole bigger than the end-mill diameter. Guess the mill has dozens of times more lateral strength than even a good drill press !

Ramonade wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 19, 2023 6:49 am

I go at it viking style. I start with a wood bit to create the pocket, then metal bit to make the screw hole. When the diameter allows it, I finish flattening and deep-ening (lol) the pocket with an end-mill bit. Since it don't own a mill, trying to make the pocket with the end-mill directly tends to make a hole bigger than the end-mill diameter. Guess the mill has dozens of times more lateral strength than even a good drill press !

This is the step bit I use, but I will need one for these smaller screws.

I carried my GB2 last week. No issues with any aspect of the knife, including the CF/G10 laminate scales. I have several knives with those scales and I've never had an issue. They're durable and have just the right amount of texture without being pocket shredders. I guess the only issue I do have with the scales is I have several other knives with them.

I like the idea of a GB2 exclusive but not sure this is a must buy. I guess I'll see how I feel when they drop. I wouldn't mind a Cruwear GB2 with Micarta

The scale making info would make a great thread on it's own

Really really like the GB1 and 2, I don't have an issue with the spyderco gf laminate...
However, even though I love M4 for the durability, sharpening etc... there is something with my body chemistry and the way I use and carry my knives, that creates rust spots within a day of pocket carry on M4 steel. Never had that issue with K390 or cruwear, so I am really looking forward to this. It might actually be worth importing from the states.

I wonder: do any of the custom scales eliminate the proud liners? In other words, extend all the way to the edge of the liners?

Also wonder if anyone is doing contoured scales for this knife.

WilliamMunny wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 19, 2023 8:25 am

This is the step bit I use, but I will need one for these smaller screws.
IMG_5304.jpeg

I found interesting bits like this for knifemaking, but I always find them in the USA. 45 shipping plus import taxes is kinda hard. I will make a bulk order one day XD Trouble is you guys have a unit of measure that is useful only with USA made stuff. The knives from the rest of the world will require other stuff, that's why I haven't jumped in yet

About the wood scales, I had some funny stuff in my stock and I tried something. It's not finished yet, need the outer perimeter to be reduced now and then chamfering work and polishing.

Looks great, I am going to give it a try this winter when I have time. Love everything about the GB2, just not the look of the scales so much.

Think there's any chance they'd resurrect the Bradley 1 folder for a sprint? Maybe crucarta that one?

I'd definitely be in for a couple of those..

Is the tooling still available for those?

Edit: spelling

Meadowlark wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 19, 2023 2:02 pm

Think there's any chance they'd resurrect the Bradley 1 folder for a sprint? Maybe crucarta that one?

I'd definitely be in for a couple of those..

Is the tooling still available for those?

Edit: spelling

They've had exclusives and sprints of many models long after they were discontinued. I'd love to see this. Even if the GB2 is more popular than the GB1, it's been so long since GB1 ceased production that the demand could be there.

The GB1 looks so much better IMO. Not holding my breath for that. Interested in this exclusive though. I’d think about some wood scales as well.

Meadowlark wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 19, 2023 2:02 pm

Think there's any chance they'd resurrect the Bradley 1 folder for a sprint? Maybe crucarta that one?

I'd definitely be in for a couple of those..

Is the tooling still available for those?

Edit: spelling

I would LOVE that. When I started asking for a Goddard LW run and it happened 2 months after, I was in paradise. No relation, I just asked for something that was asked by St Nick's years ago, most certainly .

I'd love any sprint of the GB1. After a couple years I finally found one and I got a specimen with a very good BTE thickness, really like it ! The GB2 has a better edge to handle ratio though.