Bradley knives..what's the story?

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razr_usn

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Jan 20, 2008
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These knives look too much like the Sebenza, especially the blue thumbstud, but definitely are not the same quality. What's the story on these knives and how are they not infringing on the CR trademark?
 
This goes back 3 or 4 years.

Some guy who owns a cutlery store convinced or contracted benchmade to make a sebenza kinda looka like. In the initial advertising mentioned how difficult it was to get a sebenza. I think the blue thumbstud was a fairly obvious attempt to invite comparison.

Some people like the Bradley knives, but in my opinion, a most I beleieve that's handled a sebenza, admit that the Bradley stuff is inferiror.

In the end I don't think hurt sebenza sales or reputation one bit.
 
DaveH said:
In the end I don't think hurt sebenza sales or reputation one bit.
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You're exactly right!! Users know quality when they see it (or don't :rolleyes:). The one thing that always impressed me about CR is their great customer service.
 
I have one that took up residence as a user knife in my shop. Either a Sebenza or an alias is in the pocket or briefcase at all times.

The alias is a good strong knife and has served well for the two years I've had it but not nearly in the same league as any of Chris Reeve's knives. Mine's the smaller of the two. A "II" I believe.
 
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razr_usn said:
These knives look too much like the Sebenza, especially the blue thumbstud, but definitely are not the same quality. What's the story on these knives and how are they not infringing on the CR trademark?
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Not the same price, either.
 
I heard somewhere here on BF that the Bradley Alias knives were made as a less expensive alternative to the Sebenza; the Alias usually cost around $150.-$200., the Sebenza goes for easily twice that, and is worth it. Also, with the Sebenza, you can get a lot of customization, too. I don't know if the Bradley has that option, except in the aftermarket.

From my experience, NOTHING handles like a Sebenza, except maybe a custom.

thx - cpr
 
It might be just me but they look nothing alike besides the blue thumb stud. Completely different handle shapes and blade grinds. The Bradley is a high quality knife.
 
You really think they look nothing alike? I've never owned an Alias, but I know it's probably high quality since Benchmade manufactures it. It's likely a great $150-200 knife. But come on, the Alias would not exist if the Sebenza didn't exist.
 
Jpalmer1988 said:
It might be just me but they look nothing alike besides the blue thumb stud. Completely different handle shapes and blade grinds. The Bradley is a high quality knife.
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That's because they don't look anything alike except to the most myopic of people.

If you want CRK precision of parts, pony up the cash and buy one. You may or may not actually like the knife.

If not, the Bradley knives are as good as any competitors knife in the same price range.
 
Nothing alike to me except the blue thumb stud.
BC17600%5Blarge%5D.jpg

CR21SBLG%5Blarge%5D.jpg
 
The Alias is just another production knife compared to a Sebenza.

If you want a Sebenza knife, save up a bit longer to get one. If you buy the Alias you will end up buying a Sebenza anyway because its simple in a class of its own.
 
Jpalmer1988 said:
Nothing alike to me except the blue thumb stud.
BC17600%5Blarge%5D.jpg

CR21SBLG%5Blarge%5D.jpg
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You should've posted a pic of the regular Seb instead of the Classic/21 & I think you'd see more of a similarity between them.

I do think the Bradley Alias knives are very good, but they are not in the same class as the Sebenza. Granted, they don't cost nearly as much.

I've had several of both, & definitely prefer my Sebs.
 
I looked at both the Alias and Sebenza and preferred the Alias. I could have bought either one, but liked the handle design on the Alias better.
 
I've owned both, in both sizes. The Bradley is a better than average Benchmade but certainly no Sebenza. Not even close.
 
It was always amusing to me that the chinese Sanrenmu Sebenza-inspired 710 tends to receive mainly scorn, while reactions to the Bradley were far more neutral.
Personally, none of the two really appeal to me.
 
srmd22 said:
Oh, puh-leeze -- they are nearly identical in appearance. One has to be truly myopic not to see the similarities.
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Besides the blue thumb stud aesthetically they look nothing alike. Different blade grinds and handle shapes, so how do they look alike ?


With the Sebenza you get the best fit and finish, smoothest opening, and the folder all others are compared to but at double the price. For the intended job (cutting) does any of that matter though ?

To me the Sebenza is a luxury item. If I had the money would I ? In a heartbeat.
 
Jpalmer1988 said:
Besides the blue thumb stud aesthetically they look nothing alike. Different blade grinds and handle shapes, so how do they look alike ?


With the Sebenza you get the best fit and finish, smoothest opening, and the folder all others are compared to but at double the price. For the intended job (cutting) does any of that matter though ?

To me the Sebenza is a luxury item. If I had the money would I ? In a heartbeat.
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Hmmm, where to start even? Both grey titanium handles, blue thumb stud, similar shaped blade (not identical, but very similar), same framelock, same open handle design, probably same s30v steel (not sure, but whatever)--

What the heck else is there to even talk about on a knife?

So there are a few aesthetic differences, and fit and finish on the CRK may be considerably better (don't have a Bradley, so I don't know personally), and that is VERY important-- but spec wise and appearance wise, they are nearly identical.

In fact, if they were any more similar, they would just be the same.

So.... really, besides a few minor shape differences, how do they NOT look alike? :confused:

PS: I agree the sebenza is a superior knife, which is why I chose it as my edc. I may pick up a small bradley as well, but not really expecting it to have the same F/F as the Seb, but will be pleasantly surprised if it even comes close.
 
Bradley Cutlery is a division of MGE, Midwest Gun Exchange. One of the largest wholesale distributors of knives. You probably own knives from other makers that your dealer got through MGE. Bradley does not make knives. They take a design and have a knife manufacturer make a run for them. They have used Benchmade in the past and recently Kershaw made a run for them. They also have manufactures make a limited edition run of an existing knife exclusively for them. The knife quality is dependant on what market price range they are targeting and this dictates the materials used.
 
I had both.Sold the Alias 1.Kept the Sebenza.

No comparison except for looks IMHO.
 
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