Bradley alias versus Chris Reeve Sebenza

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evert67

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Oct 22, 2011
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After years of Spyderco's, Benchmades and other great knives, I've decided to go for perfection.

I am considering to buy either a Chris Reeve Sebenza (maybe an Umnumzaam) or a Bradley Alias. They are very similar in materials (both blade and handles). They even both feature blue anodized thumbs studs :-).

Is there anyone who knows both knives and can comment on the differences in construction quality? And other relevant differences, of course. (And if I am overlooking an EDC with at least S30V blade material, titanium handles and perfect construction quality, please let me know.)
 
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFfYRLxu68k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-dlYUH5rcQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJO3ahTuQlg
 
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the tolerances are 10 times tighter on a sebbie, not to mention what you get as far as customer service, like refurbishing the knife any time .
 
@reddevil: sorry that I, as a newby, ask a question that has been asked before. Can you give me links to previous discussions about this?
 
If you're willing to spend an extra $200 for slightly higher tolerances and fit and finish, go for it. But if you're the type to cheapskate on everything, go for the Alias.

Simple:thumbup:.

This is like a discussion between a $50 watch and a $500 watch, or a $50 flashlight and a $500 flashlight. They all do their intended purposes(cut, tell time, illuminate), the high price is for those who can appreciate it. I for one carry an Umnumzaan more than my $675 custom or a $60 Kershaw. I suppose it all boils down to what you can afford and whether you like spending extreme amounts of money on boy toys.
 
Noctis3880 said:
If you're willing to spend an extra $200 for slightly higher tolerances and fit and finish, go for it. But if you're the type to cheapskate on everything, go for the Alias
Simple:thumbup:.
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I ask this question because I don't want to cheapskate. I am looking for the best knife. What is the difference between the knives in the area of construction quality? And in terms of usability?

If you can point me to earlier discussions on this topic, I'd be grateful.
 
evert67 said:
@reddevil: sorry that I, as a newby, ask a question that has been asked before. Can you give me links to previous discussions about this?
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No need to apologize, the pic is a running joke of sorts with some members is all. The links I provided underneath the image are well made YouTube videos that outline some of the differences and similarities. Truth be told, the materials are the only things these knives have in common. They are both really good knives. I owned a Bradley Alias before I owned a Sebenza. It's the natural progression for most people.
 
evert67 said:
I ask this question because I don't want to cheapskate. I am looking for the best knife. What is the difference between the knives in the area of construction quality. And in terms of usability.

If you can point me to earlier discussions on this topic, I'd be grateful.
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I would look up "Alias" and "Sebenza" using the search function.

As far as "best", I am absolutely certain that the best knife for each and every person is a made-to-spec custom after years of experience and handling about a hundred different knives. You need to be sure of everything from the handle size to the blade length, lock type, steel, handle material, blade/handle finish, color, and even the opening mechanism(thumb stud, hole, plate, flipper, assisted, auto).

If extreme performance is what you want, there are a number of knives that will cut longer than the Sebenza for half the price.
 
I was originally going to purchase an Alias and then eventually get a Sebenza. However, I had the chance to get a Sebenza for a good price and couldn't turn it down. Much happier that I skipped over the Alias. I've only handled one but it's definitely not as nice as the Sebenza. I also like the fact that for a small price (compared to having to buy a whole new knife) I can have the knife made like new again whenever I feel it's neccessary.
 
I was in the same boat as you were at one time. I was looking at the Bradley Alias and the Sebenza. I handled both and to me the Sebenza won. I could just feel and see the quality built into the Sebenza. I am not saying the Bradley is not a quality knife. They are well made. It is just that with the Sebenza (actually a Sebenza Insingo) I could "feel" the quality in it. It just felt right ;).

My wife was, shall we say, less than pleased that I spent $400 on a knife, but when I got it in the mail she even commented on how nice it was and how well put together it was.

♠
 
If you buy the alias you wont be happy I think. Your so curious about a sebenza that when/if you get the alias it wont be a sebenza. You'll still wonder if a sebenza is better. You might as well just get the sebenza or umnumzaan, if you are underwhelmed you can get your money back easily.
 
i have been very happy with my starbenza. while it is not my edc if i could have one knife that would be it.
 
Moonberrys said:
If you buy the alias you wont be happy I think. Your so curious about a sebenza that when/if you get the alias it wont be a sebenza. You'll still wonder if a sebenza is better.
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Thanks for this insight in my own psychology. ;)

You might as well just get the sebenza or umnumzaan, if you are underwhelmed you can get your money back easily.
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I guess you're right. :D

Thanks everyone for your links!
 
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jwolf90 said:
the tolerances are 10 times tighter on a sebbie, not to mention what you get as far as customer service, like refurbishing the knife any time .
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Benchmade customer service is EXCELLENT. Replacing a broken blade for the Alias 1 costs me $30 bucks. They sent me new clips and screws for my Lfti for free... to the Netherlands.
Yes the Sebenza is better made. Slightly. :rolleyes:

Noctis3880 said:
If you're willing to spend an extra $200 for slightly higher tolerances and fit and finish, go for it. But if you're the type to cheapskate on everything, go for the Alias.

Simple.

This is like a discussion between a $50 watch and a $500 watch, or a $50 flashlight and a $500 flashlight. They all do their intended purposes(cut, tell time, illuminate), the high price is for those who can appreciate it. I for one carry an Umnumzaan more than my $675 custom or a $60 Kershaw. I suppose it all boils down to what you can afford and whether you like spending extreme amounts of money on boy toys.
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The discussion is about a $400 and a $200 dollar watch that are in all practical respects too similar to justify the price difference . The price difference is not a factor 10, it's a factor 2. The quality difference is a lot smaller still.

Buying an Alias over a Sebenza is seeing thru the emperor's new clothes. ;)
 
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I've owned both and currently own the Alias 1 with g10 scale. The Alias far out cuts the sebbie. Build quality is just slightly a bit better on the Sebbie. Matter of fact the Alias is about the finest pure cutting insturment I've used in quite sometime. The S30v blade is superbly ground and extremely pointy and the edge just bites and holds the the material to be cut. Sebbie has a better pivot design and build along with a thicker ti frame lock. But the A1 I have with the G10 scale has great grip ergos for me more so than any sebbie I've owned. It seems like it only weighs a couple of ounces too. I don't know when I picked up this Alias 1 nib for 150 bucks it is just to good of a bargain to pass up and that in itself to me out weighs any justification I have for another Sebbie. thanks and keepem sharp
 
I know a good number of people that do not own a Sebenza. As a general rule their feet stink, they tell lies, and they don't love Jesus.
 
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