Am I being dumb?

J.Mattson

J.Mattson

Joined
Sep 10, 2007
Messages
2,518
For almost a year now I’ve been putting money, a few dollars every week in an envelope with Sebenza marked on the front.

I’ve been saving for a Sebenza because that’s the only way I could get the cash for that kind of knife. And because that’s the knife I want…right?

Anyways also for the last year or so I haven’t been able to get the Bradley Alias out of my head. I think that I prefer the blade shape on the Alias, I think I prefer the looks of the Alias, I’ve gotten to handle both and I think I even prefer the ergonomics of the Alias. However I’ve never cut anything with these knives and only got to handle them for a few minutes.

Right now there is enough in that envelope that I’m starting to get more nervous about my choice. I want, I really want a Sebenza. On the other hand that Bradley keeps poking at the back of my mind. Driving bonkers(and that’s not a long drive). I came really close the other day to taking the money that I’ve been saving and getting an Alias. I was only able to stop myself at the last minute.

Anyways am I being dumb? If I do go with the Alias what will I be missing out on? Not having that Sebenza name does bother me but not nearly as much as it did six months ago.

Anyways with not having a job, and how long I’ve been putting cash in that envelope this is turning into a very difficult decision.
 
You, dumb? Well, maybe ... :D

My advice: keep saving. When you get enough for a Sebenza (keep checking the Exchange for a used one) then decide if you want the Sebenza enough or go for the Bradley.

Seriously, you haven't got a job. This is not the time to be buying toys anyway.
 
No. But if you've handled both and think you like the looks and feel of tha Alias better, that's the one I'd get. The knife that feels better in your hand is going to cut better no matter whose name is stamped on it.

The only thing you'll be missing out on is owning a Sebenza. So what? I've owned one and didn't particularly care for the way it felt in my hand. They're great knives, the quality of the construction is on par with a custom, the fit and finish is excellent, but it just wasn't for me.

If the Alias is the best fit for you, get it. Otherwise you'll just have a Sebenza and wish you'd bought the Alias.
 
but i'm with esav, just keep saving get employed make sure the bases are covered then buy whatever knife, by the way it sound to me like you already made up your mind...
just my 2 cents
ivan
 
IVANKERLEY said:
but i'm with esav, just keep saving get employed make sure the bases are covered then buy whatever knife, by the way it sound to me like you already made up your mind...
just my 2 cents
ivan
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I’ve been saving a few bucks a week for a year. Its like I’ve already spent the money. I just have to decide what to spend it on. Besides between some of the knives I’ve been selling and my unemployment checks I’m not in immediate danger of starving.

Seriously in the few minutes since I posted this thread I’ve been reading some of the many Alias v Sebenza threads and I think I’ve changed my mind back and forth 4 times. Going from being sure on the Sebenza to positive that I want an Alias.

This constant conflict started a few days ago when I counted the money in that envelope and realized that I’m within the cost of a tank of gas to a small sebenza. I had no idea I had that much saved.
 
I don't think there's anything dumb about saving properly with patience and taking
the time to decide on the knife you want rather than rushing into it. Unlike some ppl (looks away). :D

As for me I kind of had the same dilemma. I was deciding between getting
a production style balisong or spending some more to get a custom. The
big question in my head was: should I get two knives or pay more for one
that is exclusive. That's a personal choice really. In the end I went for the
higher end knife.

Also keep in mind if you don't like the one you choose you can always sell it
here or elsewhere and recover some if not all of your expenses should you feel
like it was not the right choice. The decision doesn't have to be permanent.
 
What's it say on the envelope? It does NOT say Bradley, right:D Really, look at it like this-you save up all the way enough to buy the Sebenza, then you buy the Sebenza, then if you don't like it you sell the Sebenza and buy the Bradley. Your other option is to buy the Alias, then start all over, basically from the begining, to get the Sebenza when (and if) you decide that's the one you want. Forget the Bradley, go with the Sebenza:thumbup:
 
J.
I was in the same boat as you 2 years ago. After reading countless threads comparing these two knives I took the plunge and ordered both.
Out of the box, the Sebenza was smooth as glass, lock up was rock solid, everything about the knife was perfect.

The Alias was not half as smooth opening. In my opinion, if the thumbstud was moved a little farther from the pivot it would have helped alot. Lock up was also rock solid, but,the lockbar would constantly stick. Tried the pencil trick, it helped a little but it still took a couple weeks to break in.

After polishing the washers, and a little Militec-1, the Alias was better, but still not as smooth as the Sebenza.

I started EDC the Alias at work and 2 years later it is still in my pocket.
I'm pretty rough on my knives at work, ( I have a small collection of knives with broken tips) so I could not justify using the Sebenza at work . The Alias is about a quarter inch shorter now but it has proven to be a great knife.

I do carry my Sebenza most other times when I'm not working, in fact , I own 4 now. I'm still amazed at how smooth the Sebenza's are.

Having said all that, in my opinion there is no wrong answer, either knife is a winner, but since you are not currently working, the Alias might be the way to go for now.

A-moose
 
J.Mattson said:
hmm wonder if people still remember that incident with the flash I?:o :D
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Naw, nobody remembers that. :D
Also, I'd take Esav's advice and watch the exchange for a nice Sebbie. :thumbup:
As long as you have the bills covered. :)

Doug
 
I would've suggested the Alias until I read WalterDavis's post. Man makes a solid point.

m.
 
I go through this process a lot with my Randalls. I can change my mind four times an hour. And if I've learned anything at all from it, it's that that's the wrong time to be buying anything. Step back, give it some time and space, think about something else for a while, and sooner or later there will come a time when you're absolutely, 100% certain what you want - no regrets. That's the time to spend your money, and not a minute before then.

Good luck!
 
Samael said:
I go through this process a lot with my Randalls. I can change my mind four times an hour. And if I've learned anything at all from it, it's that that's the wrong time to be buying anything. Step back, give it some time and space, think about something else for a while, and sooner or later there will come a time when you're absolutely, 100% certain what you want - no regrets. That's the time to spend your money, and not a minute before then.

Good luck!
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Over the last 10 years I’ve bought tons of knives. And your right its when I’ve made a snap decision during one of my mind changes that I’ve had buyers remorse.
 
And not to get all preachy on you, but Esav is right. You may be OK on money right now, but that unemployment check isn't gonna keep rolling in forever. It's going to stop some day, and when that happens, it's awfully hard to eat knives. (Believe me, there have been many points in my life when I've wished I could.) Don't assume that you can always turn around and get your money back out of the knife if you have to, either - a lot of people have learned that lesson the hard way lately.

So, anyway, not to be a downer, but it sounds like you've got a lot of thinking to do before you go buying anything.
 
I know what your saying there. And in any case I think I can stop myself from actually moving on the knife till after I have a job again.

Got nervous when I say how close I was to my goal. Particularly since I usually suck at saving.
 
Congratulations on starting a NEW and POSITIVE habit--saving.

Now that the habit is strong, you want to reward yourself--again IMO a good idea.

As to the Alias/Sebenza problem, that I can't help you with. If you are vacillating between the two, then now is not the right time to purchase anything.

Handle both if you can, look at pictures, read reviews, and when you are sure, then buy the one you want.

Greg
 
I went through a similar situation between a Buck Mayo 172 and a Sebenza. I went with the sebenza in the end. I didn't really care for it after I got it, and gave it to my dad. I STILL lust after a 172 or Waimea though. The sebenza was built very well, but it wasn't for me.
 
Go with your heart. buy the one you really want first. Then keep saving up for the other, and have both. Saving ahead of time is the resposible way to go when finances are thin.
 
J, I don't know what's important to you, so I can't answer for you.

Personally, I don't hear the song of the sebbie siren, so I don't have such an envelope as yours. But if you really feel that you'll never be complete without a sebbie, by all means go for it.


http://www.pantheon.org/articles/s/sirens.html
 
Stay with your original plan. It was a great idea then and still is. Seems people's first plan or idea about somthing is usually the best.
 
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