Buck/Mayo Waimea or Bradley Alias II

M

moohbear

Joined
Aug 1, 2007
Messages
7
Hi, this is my first post here. I've been looking into knives for a little while, bought a few and I'm looking for a new one.

I fixed my mind on a small blade folder (less than 3"), frame lock with Ti handles. I was looking at a small Sebenza, but they're a little out of my reach. So I short listed 2 models in my price range: Buck Waimea and Bradley Alias II.

Which one has the best finish/build quality? The best usability as an EDC?

Thanks!
 
Is there something stupid or inappropriate in my question? I've went through the forum for info about those 2 knives and didn't come up with much. The Alias is often (unfavorably) compared to the smal Sebenza. For the Buck, not much beyond "it's a good knife".

So, anybody with an opinion on the matter?

Thanks
 
i used a alias 2 as a work edc for a few months-nice knife-
havent had a buck framelock yet-

the zdp mini cyclone is a tad over 3'' and is a great ti framelock,i like it better than the alias at a better price-
 
I like the design of the mini cyclone. There's a lot of great looking stuff between 3" and 3.5" but I'm quite set on the under 3" blade. I haven't needed anything bigger so far.

I have half-a-dozen knives so now, and they're all under 3" except one (a Buck 174). The ones I'm rotating right now are a Spyderco mini-Persian, a BM 707 and a BM 14210. I like the 707 and the Persian a lot, not so much the 14210. I "retired" a couple of knives because of usabilty issues (a BM 14300 and a CRKT Tiny Tighe Breaker). I'm pretty new to knives, so I'm trying things. I like a lot the 172 design, but it's on the big and heavy side for me. Plus, the F&F isn't really great on this model compared to the knives I'm currently using.
 
what about a zdp kershaw leek-they have a ti framelock

as far as the alias-the s30 v held a good edge,opens real smooth and fit and finish are ok for a piece in that price range
 
I held a Waimea at Blade West a couple weeks ago and was impressed with the quality, however I did think that it would be a lot better with the upper horn removed and the handle slabs sanded at the edges for comfort. Also it's a small knife, whereas the mini-cyclone is almost 2x as big in overall mass I think. I've never been moved by the Alias knives, so I haven't really checked them out.
 
I've seen the leek S30V. However, I'm not really attracted by the design. I know, I'm being picky on this one. No, actually, I am always picky ;)
 
To get back to the subject of your post,,,,,,,,,,,

I have the Alias II and have had the big brother of the Waimea (TNT 172), but not the Waimea.

I like the Alias II because it is more hand filling, and heftier. The 172 and the Waimea are more dress knives, the Alias II more of a "work" knife in my opinion. It is very similar in size and build to the Sebenza. I said similar.

I think you will find both of the knives to be well built, choose according to application, and what you would prefer to carry.

Tom
 
I have an Alias II and am not that crazy about it, for some reason...can't put my finger on it ....thinkin' about selling it. Now, Sebenzas, I absolutely love. :thumbup:
 
I think I'll go for the Waimea. I think a more "dressy" knife is very appropriate for my use. I'll probably end up getting a Sebenza, eventually :)

Thanks for your input guys.
 
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