Bradley Alias vs Sebenza?

I just completed a multi-knife trade, where I sent off my small regular CGG Sebenza and recieved an Alias II. While the Alias is no Sebenza it is very close copy, even down too the crappy thumbstud. The most noticeable difference that I have seen is the lock disengagement. The sebenza is smooth to disengage, while the Alias is rather sticky. I believe STR made note of this in his comparison/review of these two knives. Cosmetically, the Alias doesn't have the smooth scalloping around the frame nor the highly polishied/rounded blade spine, and jimping, but the corners are rounded, smooth, and comfortable to grip. The spine jimping while not as highly polished as the Sebe's, are smoother than most production knives I have handled. The biggest plus the Alias has over the sebenza, besides price, IMO is the subtle handle curve, which fits my paw better than the Sebe. For the money, I will feel better bringing the Bradley to the construction site. I just couldn't bring myself to EDC my ex Sebe, because it was simply too pretty, and too expensive. Will I get another sebenza...I hope so! But the next one I get won't be a beauty queen, and will have the plain old bead blasted scales. In the meantime I'm going to get to know the Alias, and see how she performs as a heavy use EDC.

Dave
 
The Alias is such a blatent copy, I'm surprised they didn't copy this as well.
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They didn't copy it because it requires a finer manufacturing tolerance, more steps and subsequently greater cost. I think I said this in one of the previous thread about the alias, the alias was made to look like a sebenza to fool people into thinking it's just as good. But the engineering behind the alias is not up to the sebenza.

IMO the Buck Mayo 172 is a pretty good kinfe, in some respects better then the Alias, and cheaper too. If you where being rational and practical, that would probably be a better choice., IMO.
 
Microtech has the same bushing setup as CRK in several of their sideopeners, manual and auto.:D
 
DaveH said:
They didn't copy it because it requires a finer manufacturing tolerance, more steps and subsequently greater cost. I think I said this in one of the previous thread about the alias, the alias was made to look like a sebenza to fool people into thinking it's just as good. But the engineering behind the alias is not up to the sebenza.

IMO the Buck Mayo 172 is a pretty good kinfe, in some respects better then the Alias, and cheaper too. If you where being rational and practical, that would probably be a better choice., IMO.
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Try as I might, I just can't see $200 plus difference in the two. Almost seems like the people that put out $400 to $500 for the Sebenza have to justify it somehow. I justify my choice because I bought the knife I LIKED, and the knife I could get the best use from & afford.

(p.s.- I think maybe the "Alias" vs "Sebenza" touched a nerve. I think each "camp" has their hard opinions, and aren't going to be budged) I LIKE MY CHOICE, and leave everyone else free to make their own choice. I wouldn't pay $500 for a knife, just as I wouldn't pay $50,000 for a car, because I don't need it! I won't try to change your mind, or belittle your choice, please pay me the same courtesy.
 
oldfogey said:
Try as I might, I just can't see $200 plus difference in the two. Almost seems like the people that put out $400 to $500 for the Sebenza have to justify it somehow. I justify my choice because I bought the knife I LIKED, and the knife I could get the best use from & afford.

(p.s.- I think maybe the "Alias" vs "Sebenza" touched a nerve. I think each "camp" has their hard opinions, and aren't going to be budged) I LIKE MY CHOICE, and leave everyone else free to make their own choice. I wouldn't pay $500 for a knife, just as I wouldn't pay $50,000 for a car, because I don't need it! I won't try to change your mind, or belittle your choice, please pay me the same courtesy.
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I put $385 into a Sebenza. There's no justifying it. I don't think anyone needs a Sebenza or an Alias. I just admired the engineering and build quality of the Seb and decided to get one.

That's interesting about the pivot build cost. Never thought of that.
 
I've had both & just traded my Alias II for a small CGG Seb (It was a multi knife deal + $) with DaveReb (Thanks Dave...:D).

I think Dave hit the nail on the head. It really isn't a matter of justifying whether the Seb's worth it, it's more like whether one wants to use a $300+ knife or a $150+ knife (Approx. new prices of the small versions if you look around).

I worked out my trades so that I have about $75 in my Seb. Now I have NO problem using the heck out of it, & yes, it is flat out better than the Alias.
 
TRX said:
I'm always surprised that no one else copies the pivot bushing concept from the Sebenza. To me, this is one of the best design features. The Alias is such a blatent copy, I'm surprised they didn't copy this as well.
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I agree with you 100% the sebenza pivot bushing is so simple, and one of a reasons I favor my sebenza over my other folders...I really wish knives in the $100 price range sported the same bushing...

As far as the sebenza or alias question...just get what you like, I woudl normally say get the seb its better, but I realized thats just my opinion, and what good what that do for you since your not me, most people don't need much more than the alias for everyday cuttgin chores...I know I cna get by just fine with one of my SAK's or even a cheaper CRKT, but I use my sebenza just because this is my hobby and I can appreciate it a bit more than the avarage person...Its that simple for me, and that always my logic when buying any expensive knife, its not that I need the waulity for work, I just prefer it...just like how some people spend $2000 on rims for their car, they don't perfom twice as much as $1000 rims, but they look nicer to that person who bought them , and they make that person happy, so thats what they get...lol, its really simple, we buy what we like...if its in your budget go for it, if you can't afford it, don't worry, your not alone, lol...Im not kidding when I tell you it took me about 10 yhears to finaly buy a sebenza, and I had to skip out on a bill to do so...no worries caught up now on the bills, lol...
 
I've owned more than a few of both Alias and Sebenzas. As far as value goes, the Benchmade-made Alias wins in my opinion. In terms of quality, no doubt the Sebenza wins hands down - actually, it probably beats every production folder on the planet for consistency and tight tolerances.

Check your wallet and choose how much quality you want to pay for. That's all.
 
I have an Alias G10/Ti and have had three Sebs, but I prefer to carry and use an AxisLock Benchmade or lockback Spyderco.
 
Good thread this one. What I find interesting is how many many threads have been launched comparing the Sebenza to the Alias on BF and other places...

For me, I had an offer to buy an Alias I at a good price on another forum and am very happy with it. This knife was the most expensive purchase I've made so far, and as I like Benchmades it was a goal to have one.

Assuming I had never heard of, or handled a Sebenza, I'd never consider my knife to be anything other than one of the best I've ever owned, no matter the maker or price.

...and I like my wife's favorite saying: "Variety is the spice of life!"

It's good to have a choice!
 
jkarp_53 said:
...and I like my wife's favorite saying: "Variety is the spice of life!"

It's good to have a choice!
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I couldn't agree anymore, thats why I own more than 1 knife...ok maybe a bunch more, lol...And even though I EDC a small sebenza I am still thinking about getting an alias model as more of a beater knife for those dirty cuttign jobs...right now thats what my D2 grip is for, but I wouldn't midn a nice upgrade to an alias...Hey, what beats EDCing both!!! :D But since I have the small seb I would have to go with the large alias to give me a reason to carry both on me, lol...I need an excuse to carry 2 knives of similar size and function at the same time...hehehe
 
Don't have an Alias - but Sebs are king over every other folder I have owned to date (and that's a few :D).

The only reason I have not bought an Alias (yet) so I can compare them, is it really ticks me off that they would make such a blatant copy.
I don't know how they did not get into copyright infringment - unless they have a deal going with CRK... hmmmm...
 
Barrabas said:
Don't have an Alias - but Sebs are king over every other folder I have owned to date (and that's a few :D).

The only reason I have not bought an Alias (yet) so I can compare them, is it really ticks me off that they would make such a blatant copy.
I don't know how they did not get into copyright infringment - unless they have a deal going with CRK... hmmmm...
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It's obvious CRK has a deal w/ every knife company in the world and they pay them big bucks to produce lower quality folders so they can be knife kings.

so obvious...I'm on to you Mr. Reeve!
 
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