Help me find a new EDC

jawilder · Jul 19, 2009

I have been carrying a MiniGrip for about 4 years now and still love it but am thinking of upgrading to something else but don't know what.

Here are some wants:

1. Made in USA
2. Something in S30V
3. Blade length around 3". It can be longer but nothing too large in the pocket
4. Must have a strong pocket clip
5. Must have a good locking system (I really like the AXIS Lock)
6. I might like something made with pillar system

I like the small Sebenza but can't cough up $330 for it at this time. What are some other options for Sebenza replecas or similar?

MichaelScarn · Jul 19, 2009

Bradley Alias 2 is a framelock, which is quite strong. It's in S30V. There's also the BM Sequel, which I think is 154cm, but is about your size and also is the axis lock. It's also pretty affordable, at about $85.

din · Jul 19, 2009

Bm 940.

J.Mattson · Jul 19, 2009

Your OP described the Alias II, the benchmade 635 isn’t a bad choice at all. Depending on what your looking to spend you can find a used Sebenza for far less then the new price. Since you already know you like the axis lock why not try a Ritter Grip, just like yours but with a better grind and S30v.

chipped · Jul 20, 2009

You might like Spyderco's new Manix2. It is 154cm, but it has everything else on your list including a ball-bearing lock that is very similar to the Axis lock but stronger.

Tiny86 · Jul 20, 2009

I'll second the BM 940. 3.4 inch blade, s30v, and an axis lock.

J.Mattson · Jul 20, 2009

chipped said:
You might like Spyderco's new Manix2. It is 154cm, but it has everything else on your list including a ball-bearing lock that is very similar to the Axis lock but stronger.

I thought about including that in my list but I wondered if it might be bigger in pocket then hes looking for.

THG · Jul 20, 2009

It sounded like you were describing the UKPK until you mentioned that it had to have a strong lock.

Maybe the Sage CF? Although I wouldn't call its lock "strong."

BM Mini Deja Vu? Also doesn't really have a strong lock...

Well I guess the closest thing to what you described, then, is the Ritter Mini-Griptilian.

J.Mattson · Jul 20, 2009

jawilder said:
1. Made in USA

THG said:
Maybe the Sage CF? Although I wouldn't call its lock "strong."

I was gonna mention the Ti Sage but he said USA only.

jawilder · Jul 20, 2009

thanks for all the great ideas. I like BM 940. The BM 635 blade seems to be hard to sharpen. I was unaware of the Ritter Grip but am looking into them. I might have found a winner http://www.aeromedix.com/category-exec/parent_id/14/category_id/151/nm/Doug_Ritter_RSK_Knives

Thanks for the ideas, keep em coming if you have any more

jnich67 · Jul 20, 2009

Just to reinforce...I really like the Alias II. It carries very easily and seems like a very solid knife.

Jordan

zhangmaster12 · Jul 20, 2009

Zero Tolerance 350?

chanwahyaoh · Jul 20, 2009

I'd vote for the Alias II

TrickyVic · Jul 20, 2009

There's no Sebenza replica, if you really want a Sebbie save for one. It'll be worth it. As for other options the 940, 943, 960, and my favorite in the Osborne series the 930 Kulgera. Keep saving and checking the classifieds, you can easily pick up a small sebenza for about $100 more than what you'd spend on a Alias.

NDJeep · Jul 20, 2009

Never seen those Ritters before. Pretty nice looking...especially the orange handled one.:thumbup:
Love the stonewashed blade too.

Vic, maybe you've had both...regarding the Sebbie and the Alias II? How DOES the Alias II compare? Gots similar materials. Never owned but handled Sebbies and they are ALL that! The Alias II never been handled but seems to be "close" in make-up.

Thoughts?

jawilder · Jul 20, 2009

NDJeep said:
Vic, maybe you've had both...regarding the Sebbie and the Alias II? How DOES the Alias II compare? Gots similar materials. Never owned but handled Sebbies and they are ALL that! The Alias II never been handled but seems to be "close" in make-up.

Thoughts?

I'm wondering the same

babakanoosh45 · Jul 20, 2009

If you like the Sebenza and don't want to spend the money just yet. You could look at the Buck May TNT & Waimea. Same materials 6AL4v Ti Handles and Wicked sharp BOS S30V blades. A small Sebie falls right in between the two Mayo's in O/A size. I sold off my Bradley and Sebenza and kept the Buck's. Great knives for the money. They (Buck) even have one with a Carbon Fiber Scale and Ti on the TNT, real nice!

TrickyVic · Jul 20, 2009

NDJeep said:
Never seen those Ritters before. Pretty nice looking...especially the orange handled one.:thumbup:
Love the stonewashed blade too.

Vic, maybe you've had both...regarding the Sebbie and the Alias II? How DOES the Alias II compare? Gots similar materials. Never owned but handled Sebbies and they are ALL that! The Alias II never been handled but seems to be "close" in make-up.

Thoughts?

jawilder said:
I'm wondering the same

I've had both. The Alias puts 80% of what the sebenza is at a lower price point. The two advantages to the alias is the tip down and the lower price. Just about everything is smoother on the Sebenza, from the pivot to the frame lock. Don't get me wrong I also love BM products, but not really a fair comparison. I also didn't like the swedge on the Alias. The main things that win this battle for me is being able to take apart the knife and the CRK pivot system.

BUT, the Alias is a damn good knife too. If you see yourself hesitating at using a $300+ knife or fear losing it, then the alias is good choice. I think others mentiioned it, but the 635 or Ti Sage are also in the same category. They offer Ti framelocks and S30v.

+1 on the mini-ritter. I would choose it over the alias. Top spot in my EDC is between my small 21, Caly3 ZDP, and mini-ritter.

-Vic