Newbie Needs Some "Sage" Advice...

B

BeantownJ

Joined
Dec 17, 2012
Messages
275
Hi all,
I am fairly new to the knife game but I am getting addicted pretty quick (It starts with a quick Spyderco fix, then you get into Benchmade and before you know it you have a tolerance built up and your pawning your stuff so you get your fix with some high quality Sebenzas)! All kidding aside, I am having a lot of fun with this "hobby" and have quickly developed a deep admiration for some of the amazing pieces out there and the super talented craftsmen who design and make them. I was looking to purchase a very nice EDC folding knife and I was specifically looking for a titanium frame lock with a blade no bigger than 3 inches (unassisted). One day I will purchase a Sebenza but unfortunately, I am saving for a wedding and was trying to keep the purchase to under $200. After doing a pretty good deal of research, I came up with the following short list:

* Spyderco Sage II (I have the Sage I and love the ergo's)
* Bradley Alias II (I love the looks of this knife and have heard some pretty amazing reviews)
* A.G. Russell Gentlemen's Framlock (love the look of the Acies II but out of my price range and this appeared to by the next best thing)
* Al Mar Mini SERE 2000 (I know this isn't a framelock but I really like it. However, I have heard about quality issues with the newer Al Mar's and it seems very blocky)

If you could please give me some advice I would REALLY appreciate it. I would love it if you could force rank those knifes in order and give some explanations of why. I just want to purchase the highest quality knife I can with the best fit and finish and something that will last me a long long time. I REALLY like the Bradley Alias 2 and am leaning that way but have heard mixed reviews. I am confident I will love the Sage 2 since I love the Sage 1 but I would also like to get a knife that is different since I am so new into my collection (my only other knife other then the Sage 2 is a Benchmade Sequel). Thank you all so much in advance for any help you could provide. Again, i have been doing a ton of research but I am a firm believer that you learn the most be speaking to the content experts. It appears Blade Forums is just the place to do just that! Thanks again.

PS Pretty witty use of the word Sa in the title, huh? Yup, I'm a dork.
 
I'd put the Sage 2, and even the Sage 1 above the Bradley Alias. The Sage series just feels better in my hands, and I think most others will attest to this.

I've never had an Al Mar (but have handled a few), they've always seemed over priced to me for what you get, but that's not to say that they aren't nice.

Have you considered saving a little extra and getting a used Sebenza on the exchange? A lot of guys are terrified to ever actually use them so when they sell as "used" you get an essentially new knife with a small scuff on the clip.

Another, slightly smaller alternative titanium frame-lock is the Spyderco Techno. I just got one a few days ago and love it. It's not quite as ergonomic as the Sage series but it is a well thought out tank that doesn't feel like one in the pocket.
 
Hi Baine,

Thank you very much for taking the time to respond. I have seen some reviews about the Spyderco Techno and it does look great. I agree - that the Sage 1 feels amazing and I would imagine the Sage 2 does also. Has anyone heard anything bad about the Bradley Alias 2 or is it considered a very nice high quality knife? The reviews appear to be quite positive (although I have heard the thumb stud is pretty rough to most people).
 
I have a Sage 1, the Alias II and also a sebenza, i agree that ergos will definitely go the way of the sage. Fit and finish on all of the knives were excellent, Sebenza is nicer though but for the price i think the Alias or the Sage will be nice. I think it all comes down to looks, if you want a knife that feels more like a sebenza get the alias if you like spyderco ergos go for the sage 2. IMO between the two id probably get the Alias just because it is a little more pocket friendly not being as wide as the sage, also if made in the USA is important the Bradley is while the sage is not.
 
The thing about knife forums is- if you look long and hard enough you can find people saying bad things about any knife.

I'd suggest taking other peoples reviews with a grain of salt.

Buying knives is always a gamble. No matter what you buy, it might have a flaw in materials, design, or workmanship, or you might discover that you just don't like it as much as you thought you would (I've experienced all of these).

The best thing you can do to minimize the "gamble" is to go to a knife store and check them out in person. Naturally not everyone can do that. So, if you have no choice but to buy online then I suggest that you only buy from reputable retailers with good return policys and good waranties.

Good luck.
 
Thanks again for all your replies and I totally agree that the more research you do the more you can find people that have issues with whatever knife you are looking into. BladeChick777 - I have read a ton of your posts - clearly you know your stuff1 Yes, I did consider the techno but because I am so new to the knife collecting thing I was hoping to diversify a bit - I have the Sage I (love it), a Benchmade mini grip (not a huge fan of the scales) and a Benchmade Sequel. I wanted my next purchase to be a something a little different then what I have. I really love the Bradley and will most likely go with that unless any of you experts really sway me away from it. Anyone know why the A.G. Russell gentlemen's folder doesnt get more love? It looks like a great knife. Also, I really like the Hinderer ZT's but they are beasts - do they have any 3" blade models?
 
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