I had a change of heart about Taiwan

[waterford]

Thanks guys,

After much more research and reading dozens of reviews, I can now
see that the quality of the Taiwan built Spyderco's are just as well made
as the US built models.
So, with that said, I am seriously looking at either the Gayle Bradley
or the Sage 1. Im sure many folks here think this is a tough call, but
which one would have the more razor sharp edge and stay sharp longer
and feels better in the hand?
I am a lefty so it looks like either model will work perfect for me.

Also, do any of the on-line dealers allow you to purchase 2 knives and return the one you do not like??

Thanks

[chuck_roxas45]

You'll be getting them both anyway. Might as well save on shipping. :D

[JNewell]

For both taking a keen edge and holding it longer, GB probably gets the nod.

In the hand, hard to say, but to me the Sages are just a little on the small size. I find the GB (and the Para2) just about perfect in *my* hand; YMMV.

The Sage blades have a finger choil, while the GB does not. If you care either way, take that into consideration. I don't find it an issue either way.

PM sent also.

Thanks guys,

After much more research and reading dozens of reviews, I can now
see that the quality of the Taiwan built Spyderco's are just as well made
as the US built models.
So, with that said, I am seriously looking at either the Gayle Bradley
or the Sage 1. Im sure many folks here think this is a tough call, but
which one would have the more razor sharp edge and stay sharp longer
and feels better in the hand?
I am a lefty so it looks like either model will work perfect for me.

Also, do any of the on-line dealers allow you to purchase 2 knives and return the one you do not like??

Thanks

[mley1]

I have both. I love both. But, I USE the Gayle Bradley more than the Sage. I do lots of work in my garden, and food prep in the kitchen, lots of pickling too. So my knives get a work out. The GB works much better for those tasks than the Sage 1 because of the blade length. They are two very different knives. Sage 1 is more of a gentleman's folder. It's much lighter in weight, with a smaller grip, and thinner liners. The blade on the Sage 1 is shorter and a different shape, leaf shaped. The blade on the Sage 1 is S30V, and the GB is cpm M4. I haven't used the GB enough yet to know just how much better the M4 steel is than the s30v. But, I suspect it's quite a bit better in toughness and edge holding, just based on what I've read. Get both. You'll love both, and use them for different things. My Sage 1 goes with me anytime I have to concern myself with Sheeple. The GB rides in my pocket most everywhere else. For real hard work cutting it's the GB hands down imo.

[TBob]

Both great knives. The GB fits my hand better, and the CPM-M4 holds an edge for a very long time. It's a great steel for toughness and edge retention.

Sage 1 is a nice knife. The blade is almost 1/2" shorter than the GB and overall the knife is significantly lighter. The S30v steel holds a great edge, though not as long under use as CPM-M4, but on the other hand it is easier to sharpen than CPM-M4.

S30v is also stainless, which CPM-M4 is not. However, I've had no issues with corrosion or staining on my GB. I wipe or wash it off after use and hit it with a silicon cloth once every month or two. The performance is well worth that trade off for me.

Can't go wrong with either one. If the 2.3 oz of extra weight isn't an issue, the GB will do heavier-duty work than the Sage and hold its edge significantly longer under use. As Chuck said, you can save shipping by giving in and getting both now. :)

[Pinetreebbs]

You'll be getting them both anyway. Might as well save on shipping. :D

Listen to Mr. Roxas.

[angusW]

I don't know about the Gayle Bradley, but the Sage 1 isn't the best knife for the left hand. It's my least carried knife just for that reason.

[DeathBySnooSnoo]

Well, if you can only get one (for now :D ) then the GB gets the nod for sure.
CPM M4 has much better edge retention and toughness than S30V does. You may find though that until you sharpen away the initial bevel and hit fresh steel that the M4 might not seem that much better. Once you do that...you will be happy.

The Sage is a fine knife, but the GB is just as good looking, but is a much stronger, beefier knife that will surprise you with what it is capable of. It is a wolf in sheep's clothing.

M4 is a non stainless steel. But a lot of us put some Tuf-Glide (or similar) on it and never worry. Over time it may darken up some, but that is perfectly ok and adds to the overall character.

[waterford]

Thanks guys...But why do you feel the Sage 1 is not the best for lefties?? It looks completely ambidextrous to me from all the high quality HD You Tube
videos I have watched. Also, it appears the GB is not neatly as ergonomic as the Sage 1. The GB do not have much of deep finger cutouts like the Sage 1.
Its looks like the GB might acutally be dangerous if you finger slips onto the blade due to the lack of deep finger cut out...correct or am I over thinking this?

Boy, THANK GOD for You Tube, huh?!

[mley1]

Thanks guys...But why do you feel the Sage 1 is not the best for lefties?? It looks completely ambidextrous to me from all the high quality HD You Tube
videos I have watched.

Boy, THANK GOD for You Tube, huh?!

One of the scales has a larger cut out to allow easier access to the lock bar. Right where the cut out is, is where my middle finger goes as I grip it with my right hand. Gripping it with the left hand does not feel quite right because the other scale doesn't have the cut out, and your finger has to wrap itself around more of a ridge there when you grip it left handed. The GB doesn't have any cut outs on either scale and feels the same no matter which hand you use to grip it with.

[jackknifeh]

The Gayle Bradley will hold an edge longer IMO but S30V is no slouch so I wouldn't let that be a HUGE factor, just one to remember though. If you are thinking about the Sage 1 I suggest you look into a Sage 4. Price is higher but not a whole lot higher than the GB. The Sage 4 with the back lock is 100% ambidexterous. They are both great knives and both are attractive enough for any activity, camping or dinner at the white house. :) I consider them in different categories as far as hard use capabilities. The Sage1 is very durable but the GB is truely a workhorse. I love the feel of both (and the Sage4) in my hand.


I emailed Jeff at cutleryshoppe.com a couple of years ago about buying two knives knowing I was going to return one. I explained I just wanted to hold both and wouldn't use the one I returned. He was very nice and strictly by his company policy you can return one within 30 days but the message I got was that he wouldn't like for that to happen, especially if it started happening a lot. That's not a quote but I doubt if anyone would like it. I would call or email each one to be sure though. Jim at Howes seems to go out of his way to help people.

Jack

[waterford]

Thanks,
As some may know, I was originally considering the Manix 2, but BOTH the Sage 1 and the GB look much more elegant and refined than the bit more industrial
Manix 2, im my opinion of course.

[JNewell]

I meant to mention earlier that while others can (and do) differ, I don't find the lack of a choil on the GB a problem at all. I also find it extremely easy to unlock with my left hand as well as with my right hand (ditto the Sage 1 and 2, by the way). Perfectly sane people disagree with these opinions, though, and in the end only you can say what works for you... :spyder:

[JCP1969]

go to a dealer and a handle them. anyone who owns these models may be biased and YMMV.

James

[1623]

I don't believe that your inquiry can truly be decided by Q&A, though you will receive excellent information and honest opinions...look where the first round got you :)

I feel that your thought to purchase both and then (if you can actually part with one) return or flip the model that you decide not to keep, is the best solution here.

I do agree with our good buddy chuck, in that you will more than likely keep both as it's difficult to let go once you have them up close and personal.

That said, for me the Sage 1 is as close to perfection as it gets for a true every day carry knife :spyder:

[Donut]

Welcome to the club. :)

Both are good, if you like liner locks Sage 1, if you like a heavier lock and heavier knife GB.

[DeathBySnooSnoo]

I meant to mention earlier that while others can (and do) differ, I don't find the lack of a choil on the GB a problem at all. I also find it extremely easy to unlock with my left hand as well as with my right hand (ditto the Sage 1 and 2, by the way). Perfectly sane people disagree with these opinions, though, and in the end only you can say what works for you... :spyder:

This exactly.

Although I would word things a bit stronger in regard to people that can't hold a knife without a choil :D :D :D

[lambertiana]

Where are you located? If you put this question out here and on some of the other knife-related forums, there is a good chance that you will find someone near who who has one or both of these. If you don't have a brick & mortar nearby where you can check them out, finding a friendly forumite might be a good approach.

[Blerv]

Only the Sage 3 and Sage 4 will be proper handed for you. If you don't mind a right-handed liner/frame lock then any will do.

CPM-M4 is amazing stuff but requires a bit more maintenance to prevent patina/rust. A little mineral oil and rag every so often and keeping it clean/dry if possible.

[jossta]

I'm left handed and the GB is one of my favorite Spyderco models. Go for it. You won't be sorry.