Any small folder better than a Bradley Alias II for $150-$175

cchu518 said:
Hi Folks,
I've been testing out budget folders all summer, in fact some of the most iconic, talked about budget folders on the market

Cryo
Chill
SRM
Mini Grip
Skyline fixed
Drifter
Endura
CRKT Lake
Ambitious
Tenacious
UKPK
Leek

the only thing missing on my list of must try knives were the Rat 2 and the Skyline folder.

What I discovered was that my absolute favorite knife size and handle shape as well as dimension/thinness profile was the CRKT Drifter in steel. Which happened to be also one of my cheapest purchases. I went camping this weekend and didn't want to use any of the folders that I took with me except the drifter.

So I think I want to take the plunge and try to get a knife of that size that is a bit of an upgrade in steel material but not too expensive. I am thinking the Bradley Alias 2. The only other knife that I have found that might be similar is the CRKT Apache with the sub 3" blade. Is there any other knife out there that is not a Sebenza small that might make this criteria. This is unusual in that I am trying to find a higher end knife that mimics a cheaper knife. That said I have found the CRKT Drifter to be an absolute joy in all manners. However finding a favored knife doesn't really help a knife addiction. I would love to hear some opinions!
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Have you considered the Doug Ritter RSK MK1 w/Stone Washed S30V Blade or the mini version? These are essentially Benchmade Griptilian or mini-grip with a unique [Edit: unique to Benchmade] shaped S30V blade. Great little knives, but exclusive to Knife Works. In fact, the black blade version of the mini is available again for the first time in a while. $119 & $129. I have several and love 'em. Getting ready to put Wilkins grips on one of each size.

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On your original list, you included a Spyderco Endura. Since I like larger knives, I would recommend the Bradley Alias I. The only draw back: the Bradley is S30V, the Endura is available in ZDP189.
 
BradT85 said:
The alias 2 was just too small for my hands. Its a super nice knife that had very good build quality. The sage 2 was better for me personally in size, blade steel, ergonomics and looks. The taller, leaf shaped blade is extremely comfortable to me. It's actually the only spyderco I wish I hadn't gotten rid of.
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The blade steel on the Bradley and the sage are the same
 
A mini grip with Cuscadi scales or other scales is going to be my backup if the Alias II doesn't work for me. I like the mini grip, love the Axis lock, and like the scales on the mini. The scales on a mini don't get me going though. lol. I traded out a mini and still have an unused one in my tool box in the car. This is probably going to be my last purchase for the year as my wife is freaking out finding knives socked away here and there going unused. Lmao. She thinks I'm some kind of cat murderer or something collecting all of these knives that just sit in a drawer. So realistically I'm trying to whittle everything down to 2 or three knives. One in my work bag and two for utility in the kitchen.
 
Call off the horses I just picked up a Benchmade Pinnacle 750 for cash +trade of a few knives that I don't use. It's a user which I don't mind at all. I think I'm done with knife buying and trading for the year.

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Ever thought about a small buck vantage? I carry the pro all the time. Thought, I switched the handles with my avid. I should be getting an alias 2 in the mail tomorrow, I'll let you know what I think of it.

SO, I got my new Alias today, the one with the blue handles. I've been wanting it for a while. It now has taken place of my older one with the grey titanium handles. Its the same as the old one but BLUE!. I like blue, its a great knife. light as a feather, sharp as a talon.
 
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Revived thread. Sold the Pinnacle like a week after I got it, way too big! Ended up getting a mini trapper slipjoint, SAK Stayglow (just traded out), Buck Yearling 709 and am getting a Boker Copperhead in the mail and a mini presidio. Meanwhile the price of Alias 2's are just going up in some cases. Out of the summer list I have kept the CRKT Drifter, still a fan favorite and the Spyderco Ambitious. I might do a passaround with that one depending on how much I like the mini presidio. The Ambitious is an awesome knife for its size. Lately though the slipjoints have been vibing with me a lot more than the moderns. Outside of the slippies the FFG blade on the Spydies still cut the best so far! Would love to hear more info about the Alias 2. I only hesitate because of the price. Feel guilty for buying one flat out.
 
My Grey Alias is up for trade now that I have the blue one. Let me know if you're interested. I would say that they are quite good knives, it has the same elements as the Drifter that you mentioned liking, all except it is slightly bigger, has a titanium handle and a 2 way pocket clip. I personally prefer tip up carry. The blade flips out really quickly and locks up solid, the stone washing on the blade makes it a little less flashy and makes for a nice change from most knives. the fit and finishe is very nice and the blue pillars are a nice touch to match with the thumb stud.

Here is the one I'm putting out for adoption....

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ipple-2-s-Benchmade-Mini-Dejavoo-up-for-trade
 
Thanks Jake, I think I might look for that Sage 2 and possibly a Small Sebenza in the not so near future. I think the Alias 2 is just a really good looking knife. No blade profiles on one handers cut as good as a FFG blade though and ultimately this is a cutting tool. If I'm going to go for pretty I should probably suck it up and go for a Sebenza eventually. It's wants vs needs right now! Side know the Mini Presidio is pretty darn cool. Axis lock just rocks.
 
There is quite the price difference there between those two. I used to have a Sage 1 and it was a great knife. The blade is pretty darn wide on it though, that was my only gripe about it. I personally would just save for a while and go for the Sebenza. I am planning on that in the near future. Though, for some reason It is pretty darn hard for me to rationalize 300-400 bucks on a knife. I know everyone says that they are great but that is a big chunk of cash. I have handled them, and a good friend of mine has one and he loves it. The only thing he ever says is that he is scared to use it half the time because it cost him so much.

If you like the Presidio, you should check out the Benchmade 707, similar but a thinner handle.

did you ever check out the Buck Vantage Pro? I find myself carrying that the most these days, the small version that is. Its a heck of a knife for the price you get one for.
 
I'm having a hard justifying it as well. I just want one. O would use it and most likely would find a user. I don't value knives like a collector. I'm going to try to stick with the 527 as I edc slipjoints usually either a trapper or a pen knife. Its ejy I have held off on an interim Ti purchase after getting that pinnacle. I think they are super cool but its not going to at least for me cut a apple at my desk better than a trapper slipjoint!
 
That's the great thing about BF you can try out several different knives and not be stuck with them if you don't like. As for the small sebenza. I have a plain Jane one and use it like it costs half the price. It's a great knife with a great service program. If I ever break the blade a can replace it with a Damascus one for about $200.
 
I have always liked the look of the Case Trapper Lock knives. I prefer my knife to have a pocket clip on them. I do however have a small knife I keep in the watch pocket of my jeans, my girlfriend got it for me a few years ago. Love it.
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Ritter mini-Grip with custom Putnam scales. Get it with stock scales for a little over 100. Or a Hinderer XM-18 3" slicer for a few dollars more :)

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