Gayle Bradley Air or Al Mar Ultralight?

[mikerestivo]

I have not handled the Air.

I had an Al Mar Ultralight (Hawk?) and it was dandy. I like Al Mar stuff - small, light, simple, understated (the stuff I like, anyway is understated) yet elegant. I telecommute and seldom wear clothes nice enough to justify having a gent's folder anymore so I sold it. It was a knife that you hardly knew you had in your pocket due to it's size and weight.

It was one of the few non-Spyderco's that I owned in the past few years.

[SolidState]

My friend just picked up the prototype for the Air from Sal himself for $100. Eric was none too happy about it, but Gayle's handiwork is downright amazing. He actually owns a custom Gayle Bradley Air in CF and an unknown steel. It's buttery smooth and super thin behind the edge. I think that was the neatest thing I got to see all day, and my jealousy is so huge right now. I think I may get an Air tomorrow.

[avoidspam]

My friend just picked up the prototype for the Air from Sal himself for $100. Eric was none too happy about it, but Gayle's handiwork is downright amazing. He actually owns a custom Gayle Bradley Air in CF and an unknown steel. It's buttery smooth and super thin behind the edge. I think that was the neatest thing I got to see all day, and my jealousy is so huge right now. I think I may get an Air tomorrow.

Nice :)

I think the Air is pretty unique myself. The Hawk looks like a nice enough knife yet could be any other backlock from Moki/Al Mar.... I personally think the Air is the best collab Spyderco have done. The knife looks great and is a joy to use. Easy decision :)

Sam

[Mr Blonde]

It eventually comes down to taste, but in terms of design/fit&finish you will not be disappointed with the Al Mar. If you're looking for more of a modern of high-tech look for a gent's knife, then the Air would be best I think. Still, I would go with the Al Mar as I prefer a more classic look for that role. After Spyderco, Al Mar is my favorite brand; they look great and work well.

[Blerv]

Thanks Wouter :) . I'm still on the lookout for one but keep getting distracted. I really like my Mini S.E.R.E.

[flash900]

Anyone have issues with their Air due to the steel not being stainless?

[Bladewacked]

Anyone have issues with their Air due to the steel not being stainless?

Shouldn't be an issue if it is wiped off after use.

[flash900]

Shouldn't be an issue if it is wiped off after use.

That's what worries me.

[Bladewacked]

That's what worries me.

It will patina but I wouldn't worry too much about rust

[Blerv]

That's what worries me.

It's way more stainless than most the pen knives from years past and some of us have inherited them for a little polish and cleaning.

[VictorLouis]

Blerve,

I had that exact model Falcon. Solid build quality and finish, as you see from Moki. For me...it just didn't seem enough to hold on to...substance in the hand. Also, even at 3", that blade was not the smoothest to open with the thumbstud. Now, handling the Air, I was was take aback at how light it was (duh!), yet still felt like you had a quality knife in the hand. For relatively the same money, the Air...no question. My only concern for you is, are you going to like a wharny blade, and can you maintain that particular steel?

[Blerv]

Thanks for the review Victor :) . I actually love M4 and wharnies.

[TheRaven]

That's funny--I just purchased my first Al Mar. --The Falcon Ultralight. I love the classic look and the simple design. Fit and finish is very nice. It's a very small, very thin, very light knife. I have it clipped to the most forward part of my jeans pocket, and I can easily put my big hand in and out of the pocket without bumping the knife. For me, it's like the knife isn't there. The pocket clip works very well. The thumb studs work well. I think I'm going to buy a couple more Al Mar knives.

This is the Spyderco forum however. There are some nice suggestions here.