Bradley or Military

[trailside22]

I currently edc a Benchmade 710 that is just about wore out. I am looking at either a Gayle Bradley or a Military. I use a knife everyday for various cutting tasks whether I am at work, hiking, hunting etc. I use it for cutting not abuse, but I do like for my knife to feel solid. I like my knife to be extremely sharp and hold an edge well. I would also use it as a last ditch defensive weapon if needed. Please let me know which one you would recommend and why. I would greatly appreciate it. I know they are both very well made knives and both have a good following here on the forums. Thank you!

[noddy]

Super Leaf :) My current obsession - sorry - that doesn't help much

[dbcad]

Welcome Trailside, I've been using the PPT lately.

I haven't used my Bradley too much, but I have sold my Military, For solid construction I would go for the Bradley, for steel quality, again the Bradley. It's a big, heavy SOB, and the CPM M4 steel will hold a good edge for a long time and is supposed to be a pretty tough steel. You hold it and it inspires confidence. The finish on this big tough SOB is fantastic.

Haven't experienced a Benchmade 710, I'll look into what is about. I believe the Bradley was designed for the use you want from a folder. It has a very solid and planted feel to it. You won't have a thumbstud to bother with either.

Have to use that big beautiful SOB more often...lolol :D

I'm sure other opinions will be coming :D

[naggalowmo]

These are the two knives in my current EDC rotation. I find the Military more useful and efficient for my purposes which is opening packages and breaking down boxes for work. For me the negative angle of the blade on the Military makes all the difference. It lets you use the tip more easily and allows you to pierce cut without bending your wrists. Also it allows for more variety in grips whereas the GB seems to only excel in one grip. I think the GB would be more suited for hard use as the tip is thicker and there is almost no chance of the lock unlocking from white knuckling.

However, the M4 on my GB I have yet to dull whereas my Military i have to touch up once a week. Now if they would only do another run of M4 Milies...

[Blerv]

Both at amazing knives. They both would do well in EDC or self defense. That said the GB is one of the pack-leading task blades and the Mili gives up some Rugged features for more tactical prowness (thinner liners, thinner blade grind, less tough steel with exception to the m4 sprint).

If your into putting a knife through it's paces the GB will stand up to abuse better. I'm a more gentle blade user and would rather have the Mili/Para2 for the lightness and defense ergonomics. Also, S30v is less corrosion maintenance needy.

[jezabel]

My 2 cent's....
FWIW my Se Millie is always kept close by. The Bradley M4 ( for the past year almost) and Ti M4 Millie ( for the past month or so) are in my normal EDC rotation along with my trusty D2 Para's.

In my experience the Millie's really come in to their own outdoors, light weight and slim, they also have the advantage in the "any time, any where" cutting scenarios. With the high hiding tip town clip configuration accessing the knife is easy in any situation even when wearing gloves.

The Bradley M4 has really made me fan of well thought out high hollow ground knives, not once has this hollow ground blade ever been stuck in what I'm cutting as so often happens with HG knives. The blade shape has proved highly versatile, tough & strong. CPM M4 can be taken as sharp as you dare relatively easily and holds a working edge very well.
This is a stout little folder. Which with the very handle heavy balance, strong tip and thin cutting edge really shines when push cutting. While the ergo's might appear somewhat unorthodox, yet this quickly makes sense once you start using it. The shallow finger choil near the blade has never been a problem. Releasing the lock can take some "concentration" at times, and a strong thumb.
Overall the Bradley M4 is an astounding knife, a true showcase for CPM M4, tough as nails yet still a thinking mans knife. IMO this is the best CPM M4 folding production knife out there.

The Millie: Best suited to when you need to cut on the run.
The Bradley : Better suited to cutting at your own pace.

Jez

[dragonram7]

Military for my vote

[bada61265]

ordered a gayle bradley tonite. was looking at the milli and bradley now for days. back n forth. still holding out for the milli in titanium i guess, so i decided to go with the bradley.

was looking at an orange military with satin blade, tell u what, if it had been a black blade/ orange.... id be waiting on the millie this week instead of the bradley.

[trailside22]

I hope to get to hold both of them together next week. I am going to make it so Smokey Mountain Knifeworks. Maybe they will have them both. Thanks for all the replies.

[Ankerson]

I have both and both are great knives.

Gotta love that huge belly on that Military's blade and the extra blade lengh. :D

For pure edge retention M4 in the GB, but it's not stainless, but it will hold an edge a lot longer than S30V.

[Javascript]

Just ordered the GB and this thread started it! Apparently the :spyder: :spyder: :spyder: 's are still embedded in the back of my neck and controlling the impulse/reasoning/pocketbook connection....my 8th :spyder: this month. God help me in December.
Anyway, looking forward to admiring the GB from near instead of afar.
(and dodging my wife...)

[gbelleh]

You can't go wrong either way, but I find the Military both more ergonomic in use and easier to carry.

If I were you, I'd search for an M4 Millie. I was able to snag one when KW had a few leftovers come available, and it's fantastic. The Bradley is great too, but I just find the Military more practical to carry and use.

[Handwrecker]

The M4 on the GB is some awesome steel, but in my mind the Military is a modern day classic.

- negative blade angle
- slim carry
- light weight
- very strong nested liners
- fully exposed Spyderhole and overall ergonomics
- thick 4mm blade that still out-slices everything
- S30V's corrosion resistance, toughness, and ability to cut forever

[dalefuller]

You can't go wrong either way, but I find the Military both more ergonomic in use and easier to carry.

If I were you, I'd search for an M4 Millie. I was able to snag one when KW had a few leftovers come available, and it's fantastic. The Bradley is great too, but I just find the Military more practical to carry and use.

Same here... I sold my GB and brought in another Millie. I do fine with the standard G10 & S30V variety.

[noway]

I own a 710 and a Military but prefer my Stretch CF for EDC/Defence use. Short, light, feels great in hand, less likely to scare sheeple. You are not likely to have your finger slide forward onto blade if you stabbed hard and the knife is made in Japan

[duvaldrummer]

I don't have any experience with the GB but I absolutely love my Mili. It's smooth opening, the S30V holds a great edge and the handle is so ergonomic. The only downsides I have found are the pocket clip (not adjustable, shiny black, doesn't ride super deep) and the finger choil (G10 is not recessed enough). Even with that said, I would recommend it to anyone.