Spyderco Gayle Bradley 2 review is again going to be one of a kind like some other Spyderco knives. Spyderco discontinued production of all previous variants that were not up to the mark in line with its Constant Quality Improvement (CQI) moto. It is now the only perfected variant.
Before going further, I’m not real owner of this knife, I borrowed with from one of my Knife collector friend. Used it for couple of days and then handed back to him with Thanks. I love to mention his name so many times, as I get most Spyderco knives from him for review purposes but he wants to keep his identity anonymous.
However, it is limited edition result of collaboration between Spyderco and custom knife maker Gayle Bradley. It is the designer’s first generation design but more refined than the original Bradley Folder in its prior variants. Therefore, it might be out of stock at times.
So keep an eye out for it once it does become available. It might turn some knife consumers off, as Spyderco does this with a lot of its limited edition knives. At the same time, these knives also pick a lot of hype among knife enthusiasts.
Spyderco Gayle Bradley 2 Review
Spyderco Bradley Folder 2 Carbon Fiber C134CF2 is lighter, slimmer, and more ergonomically refined compared to the original Bradley Folder. It is longer with enhanced leverage, control, flatter profile and subtle texture that offer a more secure and comfortable grip.
The Spyderco GB2 comes with a high-alloy hollow-ground CPM M4 tool steel blade, carbon fiber handle scales laminated with G-10, a liner lock, and an ambidextrous tip up/down pocket carry position made in Taiwan.
Its overall length extends up to 8.48” with a closed length of 4.82”, leaving a blade length of 3.66”. Out of this, the edge length is 3.42” with a blade thickness of 0.118”. It comes with thick and full skeletonized stainless steel liners, making the knife weigh 4.5oz.
Just as always, you should know what the specifications of Spyderco GB2 folder are and what to expect from it.
Key Specifications of Spyderco GB2
First Impression of Bradley folder™ 2 Carbon fiber
Upon first look, I could judge from my experience with pocket knives that this knife was well manufactured. I liked its profile, the way it can fit an entire hand around its scales, and that the scales are well-textured. The CPM M4 is without doubt a great tool steel with high corrosion and wear resistance with a high level of hardness. Although the size of the blade may look smaller, considering the knife profile and overall size. The liner lock works fine too without any blade play whatsoever.
The thumb hole is well positioned alongside the handle when closed. It is easily accessible and works with one hand opening action.
I also like the carbon fiber handle scales, and the fact that Spyderco added a G-10 laminate for extra friction and seamless hold. It provides a good texture to the knife scales.
The satin blade finish is also nice without any scratches on it. As, said earlier, my friend I collector, so he hardly used this one. Anyways, I also like the levels of blade on the knife, enabling precision edge retention and the sharp blade spikes that curve towards the edge. It gives a rather clever design impression of the blade.
The hollow grind is also easy to sharpen with a sandpaper, or other sharpening tools. The blade shape appears to be that of concave radius without serrations or teeth, which further makes it easier to clean and sharpen. I always prefer plain edge EDC because to me, serrated edges work best when you’re every day tasks involve cutting ropes, strings or you carry something for rescue purposes.
The hollow grind is also easy to sharpen with a sandpaper, or other sharpening tools. The blade shape appears to be that of concave radius without serrations or teeth, which further makes it easier to clean and sharpen. I always prefer plain edge EDC because to me, serrated edges work best when you’re every day tasks involve cutting ropes, strings or you carry something for rescue purposes.
The pocket clip is ambidextrous with a matte black finish that is expected to stay for an extended period. However, it does leave finger prints and hand prints once the hand leaves it, which is not a very good sign. It could be a sign that the finishing is not as fine as it looks.
Blade of Spyderco GB2
The CPM M4 tool steel on GB2 is probably the best and high performing tool steel you can get in this price range from Spyderco. It is corrosion resistant, easy to sharpen, tough and hard. Its edge retention is better than carbon steel, even with high levels of carbon and is extremely stable, grindable and homogeneous tool steel product as compared to the non-CPM knife variants. Its high levels of molybdenum, vanadium and tungsten make it as hard as 62-64HRC.
Due to the blade design of Spyderco Gayle Bradley 2 blade and its exceptional edge retention, it makes the knife one of the best ones for super-efficient cutting tasks. However, it does require regular maintenance and is a very practical use knife.
Adding the hollow grind was one of the best things that Spyderco and Bradley did with this knife. They also increased the blade size from 3.4” to 3.6” and the blade thickness from 0.13” to 0.12”. The satin finish combined with the directional grind lines add a super touch to the look of the blade. The horizontal lines on the secondary bevel with vertical lines on the hollow grind also make it a good performing blade.
Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip of Spyderco Gayle Bradley Folder 2
Spyderco and Gayle Bradley followed the same pursuit when it came to handles as they did on Spyderco GB1. Laminating the carbon fiber handle with G-10 scales for a smart idea to enhance the ergonomics of the knife. The skeletonized stainless steel liners is another addition well-liked by Spyderco knife users. The liners combined with the G-10 laminate make the knife strong yet lightweight.
On carbon fiber overlay corners lie the clip-hole positions that enable left and right handed carry for tip up and down. The black chrome pocket clip finish is better than the black US painted clip on GB2, which is another smart move by the manufacturers.
However, the chamfering on the opening hole is missing on GB2 along with spine jimping. They both are sharp enough to induce cuts through the skin.
It uses a D-shaped pivot with three screws for standoff that seem to be overbuilt and make the scales feel a little heavy. It is also worth noting that lanyard holes are missing in Gayle Bradley Folder 2.
The one major flaw in the handle scales, liners and the blade is that the blade sits too close between the scales for a finger to poke through and cut. Your hand can slide over the closed folder in many instances.
Other than that, the knife seems to be fine overall. It is screwed well together, the scales fit with the liners, the fit and finish is great, and the blade and the handle sits tight and in perfect perpendicular state. The blade does not move or waver when moved.
Deployment and Locking mechanism of Gayle Bradley 2 knife
The deployment of GB2 is like any other folder knife of Spyderco, the thumb-hole opener. It gives the blade an ambidextrous nature since it can be opened from either hand. It is typically the easiest, most reliable and efficient deployment on any Spyderco knife. However, the detent on GB2 is fairly light. It means that the blade disengages fairly easily, even though it does not move while locked. However, if you do shake it hard enough, the blade will open half way until fully opened intentionally. If you carry the knife blade-up, it won’t be a problem.
On the plus side, it opens and closes fairly quickly if you feel the need to do so frequently between cutting tasks. Opening and closing the blade won’t be challenging.
The deployment of GB2 is like any other folder knife of Spyderco, the thumb-hole opener. It gives the blade an ambidextrous nature since it can be opened from either hand. It is typically the easiest, most reliable and efficient deployment on any Spyderco knife. However, the detent on GB2 is fairly light. It means that the blade disengages fairly easily, even though it does not move while locked. However, if you do shake it hard enough, the blade will open half way until fully opened intentionally. If you carry the knife blade-up, it won’t be a problem.
On the plus side, it opens and closes fairly quickly if you feel the need to do so frequently between cutting tasks. Opening and closing the blade won’t be challenging.
The stop pin effectively assists the blade to turn towards a locking position. The thick phosphorus bronze washers enable the knife to open smoothly and eliminates deployment issues. Therefore, opening the blade could be a bit hard to open, but it closes smoothly.
My Experience with Spyderco Gayle Bradley Folder 2
My overall experience with GB2 has been great. You will feel the difference between using it when compared to Spyderco GB1 Knife. Although the GB1 is also a good performance knife. But Spyderco GB2 is lighter in comparison with a curvy handle without direct finger grooves.
It was comfortable to hold in every position and grip and the reverse grip works well for pulling cuts on heavy ropes. Its edge retention was fairly remarkable and is great for tabletop cuts and cutting through cardboard.
It can also be used to jab cuts within pieces of wood. In short, it is able to perform all EDC tasks without major discomfort. The best thing about this knife is that you do not have to hurt your hand to get the job done.
Even when cutting through wood, if you are precise enough, it cuts through with a single jab or slice. The CPM M4 blade was an excellent blade of choice on GB2. It works well with the handle, the balance feels great while cutting, and hangs comfortably in the pocket between tasks.
Although, the pocket clip not very deep pocket carry. However, it is not a deal breaker for me, since the weight is evenly spread out so the knife won’t just fall out of pocket. But you’d have to be careful when slipping the knife into your pocket to prevent the blade from sticking out and snagging your finger.
I was also able to use the knife for an extended period before the need to sharpen it arose. You can even sharpen it with a sandpaper. It is very easy and less time-consuming.
Comparing: Spyderco Gayle Bradley 2 Vs Spyderco Endela
Both Spyderco Endela and GB2 are come with tool steel blade. Although Endela has K390, while GB2 comes with CPM M4. It is no wonder than the CPM variants is higher quality blade. Although Endela compensates for this with price. It is much cheaper with a good performing K390 blade.
The Endela is only slightly shorter than GB2 with a more curved handle for enhanced grip. It comes with FRN scales. However, G-10 laminate is a much better addition to carbon fiber for friction and ease. The lockback on Endela may be easier to operate than the liner lock on GB2. I would say that despite the major differences between the knives, both are equally goof in performance and endurance. The difference is that Endela is a much better bargain knife than GB2, which is a limited edition custom knife. Therefore, it depends on the choice of the users what they prioritize.
Comparing: Spyderco Gayle Bradley 2 Vs Benchmade Adamas
The Benchmade Adamas is an excellent folder knife with a flat-ground CPM Cru-wear blade released recently. However, the Cru-wear is also a tool steel blade, although superior in cutting edge retention and hardness level. However, its price is equal to GB2.
But Benchmade gets extra points based on extended warranty than Spyderco. They provide ‘lifesharp’ service in which they sharp and recondition the knife within the warranty period. Spyderco, meanwhile, does not offer such service. Adamas is also a production run knife made in US, as compared to GB2 being made in Taiwan. That brings a major change in the design of the two knives. Adamas also comes in different variants and colors, whereas GB2 is a standalone knife. But Adamas is much thicker with a thicker blade stock, therefore weighs more.
Therefore, the choice between the two knives completely depends on the brand. Although both the knives carry out similar functions, the only difference is in their design. Since the prices are very competitive between the two, the choice may be harder for some knife lovers.
Concluding Thoughts on Spyderco Gayle Bradley 2 Review
Spyderco Gayle Bradley 2 review has been smoother. You will have positive first impressions of the knife followed by an impressive tool steel. The ergonomics are also excellent. However, the knife lacks in deployment and lockup efficiency as well as the pocket clip. It could be a turn off for some knife enthusiasts, collectors and Spyderco knife lovers.
However, it is not very challenging to manage. It is perfectly capable of carrying out EDC tasks. Therefore, our experience with the knife was also positive overall.
When compared with Endela, the GB2 came out to be pricier. And when compared with Benchmade Adamas, it came out to be equally efficient.
However, Adamas has an upper hand with variants, colors, and warranty services. That may make the choice between the two knives difficult.
I will recommend Spyderco Gayle Bradley Folder 2 to those who love using folder knife frequently. It is a good perming knife by Spyderco and will work for an extended period.
Pros & Cons of Spyderco Gayle Bradley 2
