Bradley Alias (II) best sub-$200 option against the Sebenza?

J

Jesse B.

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Oct 23, 2009
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I'm very close to buying a Bradley Alias II I found for less than $200, which is my absolute limit. I know the two have been compared given how similar they are and how the Bradley was literally created as a Sebenza alternative, (titanium handle, S30V steel, mono-lock, design, etc..) Really what I'm looking for is a titanium-handled EDC knife for light to moderately heavy use with good steel and about a 3-inch blade for $200 or less. Thin handle and light weight is a plus. Can anyone suggest a better alternative than the Bradley Alias II?
 
I do not have the Alias II, but I want one. I have the Alias I and love it. It is in my waistband as I type. I am sure you will not be unhappy you bought it.
 
The Buck Mayo TNT is thinner, lighter and easier to carry than the Bradley Alias II. The Spyderco Sage II is another option. Click on "my knife reviews" in my signature line for more.
 
lava_lamp said:
The Buck Mayo TNT is thinner, lighter and easier to carry than the Bradley Alias II. The Spyderco Sage II is another option. Click on "my knife reviews" in my signature line for more.
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I love my custom TNT so much, but I never handled a Buck/Mayo. Still, I can't imagine the Buck/Mayo TNT isn't the best sub-200 dual-titanium slabbed framelock.
 
Spyderco Sage 2 would probably a be better choice than the Alias II. Not only is it about 50 bucks cheaper but it's just as good as the Alias if not better. The Sage 2 has amazing ergos, awesome utility leaf/spear shaped blade, rock solid lockup. There are many people who own Striders, CRKs, Hinderers who all own the Sage 2 and put it on their list of favorites. It's that good and easily the best production ti framelock out there.
 
Jesse B. said:
I'm very close to buying a Bradley Alias II I found for less than $200, which is my absolute limit. I know the two have been compared given how similar they are and how the Bradley was literally created as a Sebenza alternative, (titanium handle, S30V steel, mono-lock, design, etc..) Really what I'm looking for is a titanium-handled EDC knife for light to moderately heavy use with good steel and about a 3-inch blade for $200 or less. Thin handle and light weight is a plus. Can anyone suggest a better alternative than the Bradley Alias II?
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I have an AliasII that a fello knifenut sold me. I do really like the knife but I would not pay any more than $150 for it. If you love the look of the sebenza, this will be pretty close with it's blue spacers and all. I also have a Buck Mayo TNT that I would agree is nicer but for some reason I have an issue opening and closing it. Maybe it's just my fingers:P

Edited to add:
If you find a Mayo TNT and a Alias for the same price, I think I would rock the TNT
 
Thanks for the responses so far. The Buck Mayo TNT is looking like an option. My first thought was: "No thumbstud (preference), and ugly as sin." Then I thought: "Thumbholes aren't so bad, and while the look of the knife is very utilitarian, it coincidentally seems extremely functional -- plus it's a little cheaper than the Alias."
Too bad I can't hold both in my hands.
 
If you can find one, the limited production Ti framelock Kershaw Junk Yard Dog with laminated SG2 steel went for around $150. Made in USA.

Of course you can buy the blem version here on BF for less than $80 shipped, I did.
 
OrangeJoe said:
If you can find one, the limited production Ti framelock Kershaw Junk Yard Dog with laminated SG2 steel went for around $150. Made in USA.

Of course you can buy the blem version here on BF for less than $80 shipped, I did.
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Plus 1

The blem is amazing , the original is even moreso , it's a little bigger than the ones previously mentioned but every bit as good , especially since none of those are flippers ! You may not want a flipper though... The JYDII is a ridiculously thin slicer , not for the squemish. :D


Tostig
 
Jesse B. said:
Thanks for the responses so far. The Buck Mayo TNT is looking like an option. My first thought was: "No thumbstud (preference), and ugly as sin." Then I thought: "Thumbholes aren't so bad, and while the look of the knife is very utilitarian, it coincidentally seems extremely functional -- plus it's a little cheaper than the Alias."
Too bad I can't hold both in my hands.
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for me personally, I actually prefer thumb holes, but really the deployment method is the last thing I think of when I get a knife. most one handed opening deployments work well enough.
 
OrangeJoe said:
If you can find one, the limited production Ti framelock Kershaw Junk Yard Dog with laminated SG2 steel went for around $150. Made in USA.

Of course you can buy the blem version here on BF for less than $80 shipped, I did.
Click to expand...

Good value for the materials, but it is a pretty ugly looking knife IMO. I dig the Sebenza and the Alias because they are very refined looking blades.
 
Sage 2


SPYDERCO%20SAGE.JPG
 
I think the Sage 2 is by far one of the best knives when it comes to what you get for your money. Exceptional finish, incredibly comfortable in the hand, and CPM S30v. It's a fantastic knife.
 
kawr said:
Spyderco Sage 2 would probably a be better choice than the Alias II. Not only is it about 50 bucks cheaper but it's just as good as the Alias if not better. The Sage 2 has amazing ergos, awesome utility leaf/spear shaped blade, rock solid lockup. There are many people who own Striders, CRKs, Hinderers who all own the Sage 2 and put it on their list of favorites. It's that good and easily the best production ti framelock out there.
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I own 3 Sebenza's, 2SnG's, and a XM-18, and the Sage 2 still gets alot of carry time. Great knife, excellent fit and finish, sharpens easy, etc. I have never handled a Bradley so I cannot comment on it, but I would at least look at a Sage 2 before I decided.
 
The bradly vs th sebenza is like comparing a Ferrari to a Fiero.

If you want a half price Ti framelock, get the Sage 2. It is an incredible and unique knife in it's own right.

-Freq
 
All 3 are excellent choices (Bradley Alias II, Buck/Mayo TNT, & the Spyderco Sage II).

1st off, as to whether an Alias I or Kershaw Ti JYD, I'm assuming the size might be an issue? Is the OP looking for smaller folder vs one that is over 4.5" closed & with over 3.5" blade?

If that's true, 2 things to consider.

1. Tip-up or tip-down? For me, I don't like TD, so it'd be a choice of the Alias II or Sage II (& yes, I've had plenty of TD folders, though I no longer do). I'm not saying it should be an issue, but if it is, you have a choice on the Alias, while the TNT's TD only & the Sage II's TU only.

2. Width in pocket. Sometime the reason for wanting a smallish folder is its compactness. While the Sage II has great ergos, it is wide in the pocket for a relatively small knife.

F&F is not going to be the equal of a Seb, but that shouldn't be expected, anyways. All 3 will provide excellent value.

If price is an issue, I would think the Sage II & TNT might be obtained for less. If not, I'd give the nod to the Alias II.

I have had all of them. In fact, I've had 2-3 of each at different times, apparently because I was unsure the 1st time. I have since stuck with my Sebs, but that doesn't mean anything. I'd probably have an Alias if I didn't have the Sebs.

If you can possibly handle each one, then you'd have the one you really want.
 
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