chris reeves vs. alias 1 vs SNG

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srmd22

Joined
Oct 19, 2009
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I am having a tough time narrowing my choice to one of these for my first decent folder. There may be a dealer nearby where I could handle one (Boston area) but I doubt I can find all three to check out beforehand. That's ok, since I am fine with deciding on looks, features and recommendations.

Which is why I am here:) Forgetting about price, what are peoples preferences between these three, and what features decide that? Is there another model I should look at in the same price/size category?

Originally was considering Sebenza, but then realized the appropriate Chris Reeves in this category would be a tactical, so now the Umnumzaan.

My perception is that these are some of the highest quality folders without going to the uber$$$ custom category. I like both the "leaf" style blade and the tanto style blades (I know the stridor comes in both versions), and I would prefer the S30V steel (which I believe these all are)?

Thanks for any suggestions/recs.
 
All 3 are great knives
For me it would be Umnumzaan or Large Sebenza :D:D:D Rickster
 
srmd22 said:
Originally was considering Sebenza, but then realized the appropriate Chris Reeves in this category would be a tactical, so now the Umnumzaan.
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Out of curiosity, what do you feel makes the Sebenza tactical?
 
Ramm9 said:
Out of curiosity, what do you feel makes the Sebenza tactical?
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Actually, I meant that the Sebenza seems less tactical the the Umnumzan. I originally preferred the Sebenza-- I still like it's refined appearance-- but I think for this purchase I would prefer something with a bit more of a tactical feel, hence the Umnumzan. I am not sure if the Bradley fits this category, either, so I might check out other Bradley models as well.

I have been really eyeballing the Strider SnG this evening.

Regarding the Umnumzan, two aspects of it that I wonder about are the ceramic interface between the frame lock and the blade, and the proprietary design pivot, which is not user adjustable, and which, if tightened, affects the opening action of the blade.
 
Depends on the use of te knife. If you are a prying and abusing knife kind of guy, go with the strider. If you want a strong knife that cuts well and has class go with the sebenza. If you want a poormans sebenza go with the Bradly.

Personally I went with the large seb 21. Perfect knife for my needs:)
 
Ramm9 said:
Out of curiosity, what do you feel makes the Sebenza tactical?
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It is a folder made for hard use... I think that fits the tactical catagory:D

out of the knives you seek I would go with the large Sebenza hands down, but you seem to be thinking Umnum so go with that. The alias is just a glorified benchmade, strider I can't speak for but I would take any CRK folder any day anywhere.
 
I think I am going to go with the large Sebenza for the following reasons:

1) like the looks/sophisticated character (but still with a tactical side)
2) easy serviceability
3) info in thread Ramm9 refers to above: superior lockout, fit/finish

I still dig the Umnumzan, and noticed chris reeves sells a kit of tools to take it apart, for $7. But, at least for this first one, I think I prefer the less agressive appearance of the Sebenza. I'll be curious to see how I like the size.

I'll sleep on it and order tomorrow. Keep ya posted!
 
I got to use the Sebenza for a while on a passarround. It was great. The blade is pointy and thinner than some "tactical" designs. It cut very well, the lock up was tight and solid, and it carried well. I think it will make you happy.

I have not handled the others on your list, however.
 
Hmm, interesting. I think you made the right choice, however, personally, I prefer the Umnum.

I've had 3 different SnGs, 3 different PTs, 6 different Sebenzas (Lg & small), 2 or 3 Bradely Alias's (I & II), & 1 Umnum. The Umnum's the only one that I still have. I would not mind getting another small Seb, though.

I'd stick with the CRK folders for F&F. If price has to be an issue, the Alias will provide all you need. No, it won't be as nice as the Sebs or SnG, but it's still an excellent knife. The SnG's are a nice design in that the handle's comfortable in different grips, although it is bulkier than the Sebs/Umnum & the Alias's. Also, SnG's seem to be hit/miss on whether there're any issues with the knife. Yes, Strider will make it right for you, but when spending that kind of $, would you really be happy if you have to send it in to get fixed? Yes, Bradley & CRK's sometimes let a knife get through that needs to be fixed, but in my personal experience, not as great a chance as the Strider.

I do personally think the Umnum's a step up from the Sebs, but again, that's my opinion only. However, if I had to pick only 1 & had I not owned any of them, I'd go for the Seb. It is a classic (No pun intended), will hold its value fairly well, & are so popular that you shouldn't have ANY problem trading it for one of the others should you choose you want one of those, instead.

Congrats on the new Seb, BTW.
 
There is a shop called On the Edge in Boston in the Quincy Market area. It's in a basement along the cobblestone walkway where all the outdoor shops are. Last time I was there they had both sizes of Sebenza's, the Bradley Alias, and the Umnumzaan. No Striders though.
 
coolhand68 said:
There is a shop called On the Edge in Boston in the Quincy Market area. It's in a basement along the cobblestone walkway where all the outdoor shops are. Last time I was there they had both sizes of Sebenza's, the Bradley Alias, and the Umnumzaan. No Striders though.
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I was just about to suggest that place.
I went in there to try the sebenzas out for size. I almost walked out of there owning one.

Ended up ordering a small sebenza online not too long after.

Keep in mind that if you're in Boston or some other areas like Cambridge, there are blade length restrictions. I picked the small to avoid any Imperial entanglements...
 
Out of your choices I would recommend the Sebenza. It's just the best overall package. But your criteria lends itself to the SnG... I DO think the SnG is a FANTASTIC knife, but there are TWO things that have caused me to sell the three I've had...

1. Its a pretty bulky closed package... and yes I've had a CC.
2. I'd like to see the blade covered better when closed. The tips have varied but have been around 1/16th" covered by the handle... the Seb's is WAAY in there...

I would recommend that you do serious research on the Spyderco Military. I have other knives, but it finds its way in my pocket more than the others... and is easily a better knfe than the SnG... obviously not as robust... but I think we kid ourselves a bit with this aspect.

LOOK ON YOUTUBE... you'll find ALL KINDS of reviews on these knives... but take them with a grain of salt... there is usually a "Honeymoon Phase" with the reviews.
 
The Alias vs. Sebenza question is so common, I've developed a standard response:

The Alias costs 50% of the Sebenza and is 66.66% of the quality.

To elaborate, the Sebenza scales and framelock are thicker (and presumably stronger). The blade around the pivot is thicker. The pivot is thicker. The pivot has a bushing for smoother opening and better adjustment. When you take a Sebenza apart, the tolerances between the parts is so tight, it is tricky to reassemble. Chris Reeve customer service is legendary.

The Alias is a little lighter, opens more easily (flickable), and you might find it a little prettier with its curves.

If you've never had a high quality knife, you'll be very pleased with the Alias. I have been and carry both the Alias and the Sebenza.

I have a Strider PT and SMF, but not an SNG, so I won't comment on that.
 
Personally I would go with the SnG, but with the three knives you mentioned, it pretty much boils down to which one you like the best. The SnG feels that best in hand and looks the coolest to me, so that is the one that I still have. All three are great knives though.
 
I still don't know WTH a "tactical folder" even is.

  • XM: Most robust with worst cutting geometry. CRK-like tolerances.
  • SnG: Still favoring structure over cutting performance. Less well built than XM. Probably the consummate "hard use" folder.
  • Sebenza: Not as stout as the SnG, but still favoring structure as a design parameter. Probably the nicest production folder of all time. Extremely well designed and manufactured.
  • Umnumzaan: Gilded-lily circus freak.
 
I favour the SnG....why? Because it's strong and can be used as a flipper without any danger, and also it carries better in the pants because of it's lesser weight!
 
srmd22 said:
I think I am going to go with the large Sebenza for the following reasons:

1) like the looks/sophisticated character (but still with a tactical side)
2) easy serviceability
3) info in thread Ramm9 refers to above: superior lockout, fit/finish

I still dig the Umnumzan, and noticed chris reeves sells a kit of tools to take it apart, for $7. But, at least for this first one, I think I prefer the less agressive appearance of the Sebenza. I'll be curious to see how I like the size.

I'll sleep on it and order tomorrow. Keep ya posted!
Click to expand...

Good choice.:thumbup:
 
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