Gayle Bradley lock access mod...

[Zencowboy]

Howdy, I decided to do this modification on one of my two Gayle Bradley knives...the one I use. I know we all have different tastes in our knives and daily edc carry preferences (don't hate me;-). I really like this knife but was so hard to close for my specific thumb so took my time and wanted to do a good job to respect the overall craftsmanship of this knife. I did it with a dremel sand wheel ( Very gently), then 200-600 wet/dry sandpaper. I am so happy with the ease of closing now it is fun :D

Excuse the Boeing T-90 film on blade, (like Tuff-Glide):


Same knife and time but different background:

[Pro-V]

Well done! How long did this take? I've thought about doing something similar, but am afraid of messing up such a beautiful knife.

[razorsharp]

thats a cool nifty mod :D

[Polar L]

Here's mine. The one at the left is ever so slightly modded but it makes big difference.

[darkstar29]

After using mine for a couple hours yesterday, I want to do this.. And maybe add some jimping on the index choil.

[Tdog]

Polar, that looks exactly like mine. I was reluctant to do this myself so I sent it to a knifemaker in North Carolina. Took a while to get back as he is also a full time student, but he did a great job. That little added relief makes it a joy to open, and oh sooo smooth. Love my GB

[gull wing]

Good job! looks right!
If I had a Bradley, I would do the same. Most aggravating, when you can't unlock.

I think this might be the most modified Spyderco?

[Zencowboy]

It took me about 3 hours due to being gently and slow with the dremel. Then hand sanding to line it back up and to make it look factory done. Sooo much easier for this thumb to close it now :)
Thanks!

[hunterseeker5]

Its interesting. Most people, myself included, use the tip of their thumb or the pad of their thumb to close a liner lock. It seems to me the GB was designed, both by the evenness of the lock and its position on the handle, for you to close it with the bottom of your thumb at the joint just under the first knuckle. Try it like that for a while and you might just get to like it. Which is not to say that I don't condone your mod, I initially considered it myself, but now I prefer it the way it is.

[darkstar29]

Well, it's not too pretty :o . But much easier to close, now :)

I might go back in later and smooth out some of the iffy spots..

[Zencowboy]

Hunterseeker5, I do agree on using my thumb right below the joint, but my weird thumb could barely get in there and was, IMO too slow closing for me in public. Now it is just as fast as other liner locks for me. Thanks.

Darkstar, looks good. I had to polish mine to make it back to factory looking for my personal taste.

Everything is all beautifully subjective

[Alchemy1]

Very nice! I'm not even going to try this and screw mine up though...lol I'm just going to get rid of it. It's a shame. I love the knife, but it makes my thumb hurt like ****! I work inside and wear a suit everyday though...so I don't have tough callused hands that can take the punishment.

[darkstar29]

Thanks, Zenocowboy :) . I just did a real quick job with the dremel..maybe 40min total.. I did use polish, and it's pretty shiny. The problem was I used a skinny, conical shaped bit. It kept wanting to 'eat' deeper than I wanted to go.. I got it mostly smoothed out--nothing rough feeling, or sharp. It just looks unprofessional.. :D
I want to add jimping on the index choil sometime, and I'll probably touch up the booboos then :D

[darkstar29]

Very nice! I'm not even going to try this and screw mine up though...lol I'm just going to get rid of it. It's a shame. I love the knife, but it makes my thumb hurt like ****! I work inside and wear a suit everyday though...so I don't have tough callused hands that can take the punishment.

Take up guitar, Alchemy :) That'll get you some calluses right quick :D

[Alchemy1]

OMG, one of my best friends in college, and eventually roommate, was a music performance major. He let me screw around on his guitars and even taught me a little bass. I never realized how tough playing the guitar is on your fingers...HAHAHA

Oh well, we're off topic...LOL

[darkstar29]

Oh, yeah! For the first month or so, guitar flat-out abuses your fingers. It gets better, though. Those finger and thumb caps build up quick

On topic: If you really like the knife and the only thing stopping you from keeping it is the release, there may be someone willing to do this mod for you.
****, I'd do it for free. I'm just not very good at it.. :D

[Jazz]

How could I hate a fellow modder? It's very well done, I might add.

- best wishes, Jazz.

[Alchemy1]

Oh, yeah! For the first month or so, guitar flat-out abuses your fingers. It gets better, though. Those finger and thumb caps build up quick

On topic: If you really like the knife and the only thing stopping you from keeping it is the release, there may be someone willing to do this mod for you.
****, I'd do it for free. I'm just not very good at it.. :D

I appreciate the offer/thought. I may take you up on the offer. Part of the problem is that I have two GB's (long story) and they both just lay around. I really only need the one, but I don't use it because it's a pain...literally :p

[darkstar29]

Well, if you're serious Alchemy, pm me.. It wasn't a flippant offer..

[Alchemy1]

PM'ing you now.