Spyderco Designer's Insight Series: The Bradley Folder

#1

Spyderco was honored to have renowned knifemaker and former competitive cutting champion Gayle Bradley helping us at the 2013 SHOT Show. Not one to squander such an amazing resource, I took advantage of the opportunity and asked him to explain the story behind his popular Bradley Folder. In the process, I learned a lot about Gayle's highly evolved approach to knife design and the many subtle details that went into this unique knife. I am happy to share these with you through Spyderco's Designer's Insight Series.

Stay safe,

Mike

[video=youtube;Qk0IxU-fuW4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk0IxU-fuW4[/video]

phaust · #2

Awesome video. It was particularly interesting to hear why the liners are proud, since that gets brought up by some.

I'm glad to see this series is continuing. Thanks to Mr. Bradley for his thoughts and Mr. Janich for for doing the interview.

Left Hand Path · #3

Great stuff. The 'designer insight series' is off to a great start with Ed Schempp and GB, and I hope it continues.

I also watched your 'choosing a knife' video the other day on Spyderco's youtube channel. Very enjoyable!

IG-88 · #4

Awesome vid!!! Very interesting, didn't know the reason for the missing cutout, now its clear :)

ABX2011 · #5

Cool. I don't find the rationale for the proud liners to be very convincing. First of all, Spyderco is capable of matching up liners and scales. Secondly, they don't increase comfort. They do look cool but Mr. Bradley stated at the onset that aesthetics were not a consideration in the design.
I do love the knife though.

linuxology · #6

Thanks for this. Love how he has a bandage on his finger. Most likely from a knife cut haha

SolidState · #7

These are the best thing out there. As an aspiring designer, these videos are a wonderful resource that are highly valuable for information mining.

chukar8 · #8

Thanks for the video

kbuzbee · #9

Way cool.

Love the knife. Love the video.

Ken

Holland · #10

linuxology wrote:Thanks for this. Love how he has a bandage on his finger. Most likely from a knife cut haha

that was my first thought too haha

gbelleh · #11

Interesting video. Will there be one on the development of the Air?

Uke · #12

Fantastic video, really enjoyed that! The Bradley has to be one of my favourite Spydies ever. If I had to sell someone on Spyderco and could only show them one knife I think I'd hand them the Gayle Bradley.

#13

gbelleh wrote:Interesting video. Will there be one on the development of the Air?

Yes, I shot a segment with Gayle on that one as well. It will be featured in a future installment in the series.

Thanks to all for the kind words. I'm very glad you enjoy the series and look forward to doing more.

Stay safe,

Mike

thurin · #14

Love the insight series. Looking forward to more.

Clip · #15

I'd imagine the proud liners would increase the bite of the handle in the palm a bit more, especially since it sounds like the knife was designed to be very easy/secure to handle with gloves.

computernut · #16

Very interesting seeing and hearing the designers speak about their designs.

JudasD · #17

Awesome! Thank you for sharing!!!

JD

KardinalSyn · #18

I went thru this, Mr Schempps one, how to select a knife and the OP focus vid. Very interesting.

About the GB, no disrespect to Spyderco or the designer (or any forum members), I always thought it was an oddity due to its design. Overly large weirdly shaped handle and slightly shorter blade etc. Now it all makes more sense. Thanks Spyderco.

BAL · #19

Awesome stuff, love to hear from the knife guru's and Gayle is one of the best.
And the GB is one of the best knives made, period. If you don't have it, get it.

Evil D · #20

So Mike when do you do your own video for the Yojimbo 2?