Help me decide. PARA3/Cru Carta vs GB2

[gull wing]

Just can't decide. I need a different view of this.
Para 3 Cruwear with micarta scales.
Gayle Bradley 2.

[kennethsime]

Wouldn’t the PM2 be a more comparable alternative to the GB2?

[Skar]

Para 3 would be a good choice.
Gb2 would be perfect, except the edge of the liners digging into your hand.

[Rinzler]

I used to own many para 3s before I ever owned a GB2.

Today I have one para 3 lw and 3 GB2s. The GB2 is a real working knife. The para 3 will always be a knife that you have to take it easy on to ensure you don’t snap the tip.

There’s a lot of people that will disagree with me but one thing is certain, Gayle Bradley designed his knives for actual hard use. And this is true of the GB2.

[Wartstein]

....
Today I have one para 3 lw and 3 GB2s. The GB2 is a real working knife. The para 3 will always be a knife that you have to take it easy on to ensure you don’t snap the tip.

There’s a lot of people that will disagree with me but one thing is certain, Gayle Bradley designed his knives for actual hard use. And this is true of the GB2.

Without ever having owned a GB I still agree.

The Para 3 concept with really fat bladestock for such a small knife, but still delicate tip is not for me personally.

The GB though with thinner stock on a longer blade, slicey hollow grind but still robust looking tip is much more my Taste.

And I happen to prefer liner- over comp.lock, so this would be an easy choice for ne.

[abbazaba]

Easy for me... The Para3 is a comprised PM2. GB2 is a near perfect knife.

[Wandering_About]

If you don't have a GB2, you need to give it a try. I personally use and carry a Para 3 far more... it's the knife that I shouldn't like, but it is one of the most carried Spyderco models for me.

[bleasure]

The GB2. It's not close. Unless you have a very strong preference for a smaller blade with far less cutting edge, or a comp lock, for me there is nothing about the GB2 that is not better than the para 3. I've owned and used both for many years now. The GB2 is very comfortable, I have myself never experienced any discomfort whatever from the slightly proud liners, and the handle is both larger and more neutral, so intrinsically more comfortable. It cuts like a laser beam. The complaints about the liner lock are just not serious, it couldn't be easier to use and is not uncomfortable in any way.

If it was between this and the para 2 crucarta, that would be a significatly harder choice. Almost every reason to get a p3 is a better reason to get a p2. I love and have been carrying my crucarta p2 a lot lately. But I'd still call it the GB2 by a significant margin between them, if you had to choose. If you want a smaller knife, I'd go toward other models before the Para3 at this point. It's not 'bad,' but it just fills a niche that doesn't exist for me, and the upsides are few when compared to other options like the chap or delica etc.

[PMBohol]

Another vote for the GB2.

The liners while they are proud of the scales are not sharp in any way. The edges are smooth and rounded.

The M4 steel is a workhorse.

[Brock O Lee]

My vote is for the GB2, because it is larger, the hollow grind is beautiful and not very common, and it has the usual exceptional Taichung workmanship.

But...
- You have to be ok with a liner lock
- I had persistent lock stick on the CF version. I bought it 2nd hand, which might have been a clue... I had to open up the lockbar access slightly to make it work better.

[gull wing]

Very enlightening. THANKS

[WilliamMunny]

Both are great, for me depends on use.

Para 3 is my go to office knife when I am in a suit or khakis.

The GB2 is awesome do anything knife when I am not at work. M4 is also pretty awesome to say the least.

Below is mine with some wood scales I made for it.

[mikey177]

I like the GB2, but I would choose the CruCarta Para 3 because of the better corrosion resistance that Cruwear offers.

Also, the GB2 is easier to shake open, unless they have strengthened the detent in newer models. Thus, I find the Para 3 less prone to accidental opening.

[gull wing]

GB ordered, thanks to all.

[GT99]

Good choice, GB2 is a knife I wish I got earlier, I had no idea how much I would like it, I prefer the PM2 size to the para 3 but have a para 3 and it has a place, That said the GB2 is almost perfect, I am not a fan of liner locks but on this one I dont care, the rest makes up for it. great EDC and a perfect working knife

[gull wing]

Ok, I may switch to Micarta scales as Shabazz has.

[PMBohol]

I know you have already decided on the GB2 but this old video may bring some extra points to the knife. It is referring to the original Bradley Folder but it is still applicable to the GB2.

[8th_Note]

I've never owned a GB, but from comparisons of pictures I think I would prefer the GB1. I have absolutely no opposition to a good liner lock, I love my Resilience. After reading this thread, I think I will look hard at acquiring a GB in the near future.

I have owned several Para 3s, but not the CruCarta. The Para 3 is not my favorite Spyderco. But it is the Spyderco that I carry most often. Because it is very easy to carry ever day and every where. I usually am carrying my Para 3 plus another knife. My current one is an older exclusive with factory G10 handles.

[RadioactiveSpyder]

I’m no Nick Shabazz, but here are my Micarta GB1 and GB2s. Both Bradley models are highly recommended over the Para 3 IMHO, but the Para 3 is a great choice too. Can’t really go wrong with either and hopefully someday you’ll be able to try the one you don’t choose now. Cheers, Radioactive

[8th_Note]

I’m no Nick Shabazz, but here are my Micarta GB1 and GB2s. Both Bradley models are highly recommended over the Para 3 IMHO, but the Para 3 is a great choice too. Can’t really go wrong with either and hopefully someday you’ll be able to try the one you don’t choose now. Cheers, Radioactive

That GB1 looks amazing. Pure class