GB2 or PM2?

[kloubik]

Hi All,

Not very frequent visitor to this forum but I found myself in a "need" of a new knife and would like to ask for your opinion and advise. I can't decide between PM2 and the new Gayle Bradley 2. I already almost bought the GB2 but now for the last 2 days I have been thinking more of PM2 :)

I currently don't own any Spyderco, but I had a few Spyderco blades before. My all time Spyderco favorite was Caly 3.5 in G10 but sold it and can't find any other for reasonable price. I don't like the CF version too much because of its looks.

Anyway, I want a knife for camping, some food prep, small chores around the camp, nothing too heavy but regular use normal for this size of knife.

GB2: I like the more classical look, longer cutting edge, M4 steel. Don't like CF handle, not sure if it has enough grip or is it more slippery in hand? (would prefer G10 for more tool look and I assume a better grip).
PM2: I used to have PM1 years ago and loved the compression lock so this is a big plus, I like it is G10, good steel. Cons: shorter cutting edge.

What would you go with? :)
Thanks for reading!

[hoimin]

Depends on what you're after, exactly. The PM2 is lighter and the compression lock is fun. You can get it in nearly any steel flavour (S110v?) you prefer (if you're patient).

I think the GB2 is better value than the PM2 sprints, personally. The scales are not slippery, but easy enough to commission custom scales if necessary. I find the build quality better as well; the PM2 is well above average too. Depending on your hand size, the GB2 has a more possible grips than the PM2 with its parrot beak end.

If blade length is critical, why not the Military?

[LC Kid]

Hi koublik!


And welcome to the Spyderco Forums :spyder:

I'd say the Bradley 2. It's the **** of a good knife, which was primarily designed as a hard tool knife user. :cool:

So if your main Go-To use will be camp chores, the GB2 is your choice. It isn't slippery at all, has a fantastic grip and even better cutting power.

That said, the PM2 is a fantastic knife, but more oriented for general EDC use. But you know that since you already had one. :D

[farnorthdan]

Man tough choice, I like them both but find myself carrying the PM2 more, just something about that knife that checks all my boxes. The GB2 is nice too, you get a lot of knife for the money, I actually prefer the GB1 more. M4 is great steel but does stain/patina so keep that in mind.

[Joris Mo]

PM2 is my favorite all time folder. Would miss the choil too much on the GB2.

[anagarika]

Hi and welcome!

My GB1 strangely pits on me, just being carried in pocket. And it's on the polished surface. It has light patina on other parts and polished on the edge bevel and the flat ground thinned part.

I found it strange, no orange rust, it just pits, but haven't used it much more to test. I live in tropics if that matters.

Because of this and your intended use, why not getting a PE Endura and SE Pac Salt together for about the same cost?

Just offering different options. :spyder:

[Blerv]

I've had a number of PM2's but they dont stick around long. Eventually one will become permanent.

My GB1 was love at first sight. I imagine the GB2 would b the same for me. If you don't mind the liner lock and a tad more weight it would be my pick. The opening "clunk" just screams quality.

[awa54]

Manix 2 is another option in this general size category. I have never held a GB 1 or 2, so no opinion on it except that M4 is a great steel (I do own an Air)... The Manix feels beefier in hand to me, compared to the PM2, when I'm going to carry a larger knife in my pocket all day, the PM2 fits, if I'm headed out to do any serious cutting tasks or going on a hike, it's the Manix. Another to consider might be the Stretch sprint in HAP40, it's cheaper, just as big, has a choil and the HAP40 edge steel is fantastic!

[kloubik]

Thanks all for the comments and also for mentioning some more options. I will take a closer look at the Manix and the Stretch.

[kjd2121]

Don't look at the PM2 tip or it will chip. Biggest issue with the knife otherwise I love it.

[Igi964]

GB2 is IMHO better knife. It is a way better cutter. And knife should cut in the first place;) Has more edge, thiner blade, thiner grind, better edge retention, unless you get S110V PM2 , Taichung fit and finish is top, ergonomy is great, its very elegant, gentleman knife , but still a great work knife. Can' t say enough.

[abbazaba]

Out of those mentioned so far, my personal preference would be GB1 > Manix2 > GB2> PM2> Stretch.

GB1 is one of my favorite knives of all time. It is a great cutting tool, purpose built for strength and control. The GB2 fell short of that for me, and even though it is a great knife, it has been hard for me to fully appreciate sitting in a drawer next to the original. That said, I am still more likely to carry either of those than my PM2, and more likely to carry my Manix2 LW S110v over all of them. I've bought and sold the Stretch twice, not sure why it doesn't click with me.

[twinboysdad]

I am hoping the Lil Temp 2 fits this genre as well. Huge Lil Temp fan, hated the pocket clip though

[kloubik]

I could not wait any longer and Amazon offered free same day delivery, ordered at lunch and it arrived at 6pm :)

I am really liking it, my thump is already sore from pushing the liner lock but I guess I will get used to it. First camping trip of this year coming up in less than 2 weeks, can't wait.

Thanks all for your input. I feel I will end up with PM2 too anyway :)

[hoimin]

Congrats, kloubik! I'm having trouble seeing your photo, but judging by your thumb soreness, I'm guessing you landed on the GB2?

[kloubik]

Thanks. Yes, GB2 - I tried to fix the photo. Too bad I cannot take it to work with me today (company policy).

[Igi964]

Great choice. Congratulations. Thumb will be OK. Mine developed a patch of thicker skin and now is closing pain free.

[BrianMcCord]

I took my GB2 to the Dremel to clear out access to the liner. Doesn't change the form, and is now a fun flicker (sorry Gayle). Still impossible to unlock unintentionally. BTW, get both :·]

-Brian

[ejames13]

I took my GB2 to the Dremel to clear out access to the liner. Doesn't change the form, and is now a fun flicker (sorry Gayle). Still impossible to unlock unintentionally. BTW, get both :·]

-Brian

Can you post a pic?

[BrianMcCord]

Dremel work