Bradley knives..what's the story?

BlazenGem said:
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.
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So true, so true. I've been there done that and haven't looked back since. Sebenza is definitely on a different level, but to each his own
 
The engineering is quite different though not visible.

The sebenza has a pivot bushing the alias does not.

The alias has Very small pivot washers, making it very touchy to adjust blade tension.

The locking face on the alias is very small as compared to a sebenza.

Yep, you get what you pay for, but you have to look under the hood to get the real picture.
 
srmd22 said:
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.
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The shapes of both are completely different. The handles both have different finishes, ones bead blasted the other sand blasted. As far as being A Ti frame lock with S30V there are dozens of models that use the same materials.
 
I own a Seb and an Alias, but prefer the Benchmade Mini RSK Mk 1, Benchmade 943 Osborne, Benchmade 710, Benchmade 732 Ares and Benchmade 805 TSEK.
 
I don't agree with or see how anyone could actually believe its a copy of a Sebenza. Its nothing like it and is a completely unique design, with various easily seen points of difference both to the naked eye to end line users as well as inside where its all coming together. I would detail those interior differences but right now I'm limiting my typing due to hurting my wrist. Trust me though, the Bradley Alias and the Sebenza are two different animals. Both are very nice and for the money the Alias is certainly one of the better frame lock deals on the market. I would personally sooner own one of them than the Buck Mayo folders or others similar and feel it filled a void that was needed for a reasonably priced quality frame lock but as for quality, although quite good, well, its not a Sebbie.

STR
 
I'm sure the Sebenza is a great knife, but in that price range aesthetics are a factor for me, and I must say that the Sebbie does absolutely NOTHING for me. Even the gussied up models.

Personally, I find the Bradley to have a much more appealing design, (guess that puts me in the "they don't look alike" camp) so considering it's made of the same materials and costs half the price, I think the Bradley is a great deal. I would probably like it better even if the Seb cost the same.

To be honest, I doubt I will ever buy a sebenza, I know it's the best of fit and finish, but to me it's just too boring looking ....I just don't think I could ever get excited about it... However well it functions.
 
Jpalmer1988 said:
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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For the intended job of cutting a cheap POS gas station special or kitchen paring knife will do just fine. The Alias, like the Sebenza, is a luxury item. It's just a matter of whether you're able or willing to pay the extra price for the additional luxury.
 
I hear they're pretty good knives in their own right. Not as good as a Sebenza but they cost less and are pretty good for the price from what I hear. I think a good comparison would be a Alias vs. Spyderco Sage. Does anyone have both?
 
DaveH said:
The engineering is quite different though not visible.

The sebenza has a pivot bushing the alias does not.

The alias has Very small pivot washers, making it very touchy to adjust blade tension.

The locking face on the alias is very small as compared to a sebenza.

Yep, you get what you pay for, but you have to look under the hood to get the real picture.
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:thumbup:+1 This is a very good explanation.

The Alias is a very well made knife & I would recommend one to anyone looking for a moderately priced framelock.

If the Alias did anything for me,it helped me better appreciate the Sebenza.
 
Sorry but the Bradley does not look like a Sebenza at all, it looks better.
 
The engineering is quite different though not visible.

The sebenza has a pivot bushing the alias does not.

The alias has Very small pivot washers, making it very touchy to adjust blade tension.

The locking face on the alias is very small as compared to a sebenza.

Yep, you get what you pay for, but you have to look under the hood to get the real picture.
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:thumbup: +1, this is a great explanation.
I've seen the Seb-vs-Alias argument get pretty intense; the negative often boils down to the idea that the Alias is indeed a good knife, and assuming it's not also prettier the Sebenza is better, but in any case not a hundred and eighty five dollars better.
I'm not sure about that but I've handled both. I think I the Alias is indeed a good knife, and I own a Sebenza, and I'm glad I paid extra. All the other factory knives I've really used have developed some kind of play due to wear over the years. The Seb and my other CRKs I'm confident can be passed on to my grandkids without issue, and you can't say that about every knife.

To be honest, I doubt I will ever buy a sebenza, I know it's the best of fit and finish, but to me it's just too boring looking...
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Doubt is fine, but keep looking at it. Boring will become subtle soon enough.
 
either way you cut the pie the alias is a low down dirty marketing ploy by bradley to capitilize on the popularity of the CRK design, something that is highly frownd upon in most forms of business.

as they say copying is the most sincere form of flattery;)
 
BryFry said:
I'm sure the Sebenza is a great knife, but in that price range aesthetics are a factor for me, and I must say that the Sebbie does absolutely NOTHING for me. Even the gussied up models.

Personally, I find the Bradley to have a much more appealing design, (guess that puts me in the "they don't look alike" camp) so considering it's made of the same materials and costs half the price, I think the Bradley is a great deal. I would probably like it better even if the Seb cost the same.

To be honest, I doubt I will ever buy a sebenza, I know it's the best of fit and finish, but to me it's just too boring looking ....I just don't think I could ever get excited about it... However well it functions.
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I agree.
The Sebenza is a nice knife, but the Alias was the one I picked and I haven't regretted it. The Sebenza vs. Alias debate will go one forever. To each their own. If price was no object, I would still pick the Alias.
 
spidyman said:
either way you cut the pie the alias is a low down dirty marketing ploy by bradley to capitilize on the popularity of the CRK design, something that is highly frownd upon in most forms of business.

as they say copying is the most sincere form of flattery;)
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To say something like that is similar to calling every framelock folder maker a dirty design thief. As was said before, the two have nothing in common, except for a ti handle, s30v blade, and a blue thumb stud. Two different knives in different price categories.
 
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