It boils down to three folding knives

[johnwaynesandw]

Over the years, I have added knife after knife to a collection. Most of the time I would have one favorite knife and use it until a new knife came in the mail. The new knife would be carried for a week if it made it that far. On some occasions the knife might make it longer if I really liked it. It never fell that as soon as the new wore off, I would be back to my good ole trusty EDC which for many years was my BM 710. I always have some kind of slip joint or SAK in my other pocket and I can never find one that just sticks with me.

This knife was on me all the times. I have used it very hard over the years and it still locks up like a vault and is centered when closed. It got to the point where it looked pretty rough after my last camping trip. I thought it was time to retire the 710 from EDC. Now she comes out to play when I am planning on doing hard or dirty work.

I replaced the BM 710 with the Bradley Alias I. I liked the size a bit better being shorter than the 710. I felt it was perfect for an EDC. It is simple yet strong. Quality materials are used. The knife can be taken completly a part.

I have been EDCing my Alias I about 2 years now. I have handled other knives (not going to mention in hopes of not starting a war) that I felt just did not meet my EDC needs. Some may have been becasue they were simply too costly to replace if something was to happen, some may have been too large, some I may not have like based on their looks, and other may not have functioned like I felt they should. Many if not all were great knives, but they just were not for me.

I have found three knives that are perfect for me.
1: Bradley Alias I for EDC
2: Bradley Alias II for dress carry
3: BM 710 for hard work

 

[johnwaynesandw]

 

[silenthunterstudios]

The 710 is one of my favorite folders out there, and is currently in the rotation (with a Spyderco Bob T Slipit that just can't leave my pocket, and a SAK). Out of all of my folders, I really have a soft spot for the 710. I'm waiting on a Bradley Alias I, and I am excited to check it out.

But, like you, I have been getting folder after folder that just don't cut it, no pun intended. I am hot for a Starmate, but after I get that, I will try my damndest to stick with the 710, Alias and Starmate.

The 710 I'm carrying right now is the 154CM version.

 

[Incahiker]

Ha,

I love the Alias 1 too. I liked the Bradley alias 2, but for some reason when it was put in front of you it looked like a micro alias 1, which is exactly what it is, but when scaled to that size I just did not admire it as much as I did the Alias 1.

I like the 710 also. I have the M2 and the D2 version. I do not like how the D2 version looses it's keen edge so quickly, though it does hold it's working edge for a while. I love keen edges and I love knives that will keep a keen edge the longest...

The Alias 1 is a great knife. Very light, can't feel it in the pocket, and the blade shape and grind is awesome. My favorite knife is still the Benchmade ares, both the carbon fiber and the rosewood........ notice the similaritys between it and the ares, very similar.

 

[johnwaynesandw]

Ha,

I love the Alias 1 too. I liked the Bradley alias 2, but for some reason when it was put in front of you it looked like a micro alias 1, which is exactly what it is, but when scaled to that size I just did not admire it as much as I did the Alias 1.

I feel the same way. I love the Alias I, but the Alias II just has something about it that makes it feel different than the Alias I. I do not love the Alias II as much, but there is a whole lotta love for it.

I feel that the Alias I is too large for dress carry, so to me the Alias II would be the next best thing. I do like the Alias II for dress occasions as it can be hidden in my hand when close without any of the knife being exposed. It is a slick little knife, and looks just like his big brother.

 

[johnwaynesandw]

I will try my damndest to stick with the 710, Alias and Starmate.

Just a thought, you may want to hold off on the Starmate until you get the Alias . I have sold off most of my other knives becasue all they did was sit in a box, I hate to see one of those Starmates meet the same destany .

 

[Jesse B.]

That's great you've completed your "perfect knife" triad. I bought the Alias II (small hands) because I wanted to displace my other, cheaper EDC's with something more solid and flexible in its utility. I'm very happy with it after a couple months. It's well designed and the stonewashed 'modified spear point' S30V blade is unique in my collection. I did find the flat gray handle rather boring so I did this to the handle:

(That's in direct sun. Looks better in real life.)

 

[charlOOsi]

How did you do that?

As for me, I got the Bradley Alias 1 recently and it is amazing knife. Nowadays, I carry around my Bradley Alias as my EDC main and my Sm. Sebenza as my EDC secondary (small jobs, usually when I don't want to scare people). I am tempted to get an Alias II but I just can't find them around in the price range I want.

Though they may be called the "poor man's Sebenza," its fit and finish makes it highly comparable to a large Senbenza. I actually kinda like my Alias more than my Sebbie sometimes (but probably due to the size difference... I like big knives). It's a shame these knives have been discontinued. Otherwise, I would've definitely bought myself another Alias 1 and probably pick up an Alias 2 also.

 

[Joshua J.]

Good for you finding something that fits your preferences.
I'm almost at that place as well, there's only a few knives out there that seem worth carrying anymore.

 

[johnwaynesandw]

Though they may be called the "poor man's Sebenza," its fit and finish makes it highly comparable to a large Senbenza. I actually kinda like my Alias more than my Sebbie sometimes (but probably due to the size difference... I like big knives). It's a shame these knives have been discontinued. Otherwise, I would've definitely bought myself another Alias 1 and probably pick up an Alias 2 also.

I never understood the whole "poor man's Sebenza" thing. I would think they are two different knives, but other may be refering to the history behind the Alias.

I must admit, I do not miss spending hours debating which knife I should carry that day, or which ones to carry on the weekend trip.