re: which new EDC? Bradley Alias II, Kershaw Blur S30V, ZT 0350 or ?

T

tvcrider

Joined
Sep 3, 2007
Messages
52
Ok folks, I have been lurking here for a while, but don't often post. I am looking for a new EDC. Yeah, just like many others.
I am not a knife collector, but a user. My long-time companion has been a Benchmade 812 Mini-AFCK (Spyderco hole and ATS-34), which I will probably put up for sale after I select an EDC replacement. I am not big and manly, or ex-military, but I am built much like the hyper MIL-SPEC MONKEY guy and I could probably double for him in their videos, except I don't have enough hair to do the pony tail. :)

My original search criteria was:
  • Cost between $90-$170 (actual purchase price).
  • Folder.
  • Durable.
  • Non-coated blade, stone tumbled or bead blast would be fine.
  • Weight: Sub 5 ounces (my mini-AFCK only weighs 2.9 oz)
  • I thought I might like to try an assisted-opener
  • 3" Blade or less
I have considered a lot of other knives including: Spyderco Sage 2, BM 850, Spyderco Para, Sebenza 21 small, Buck Mayo 171/172. Spyderco Lum Chinese. I have looked at so many knives I can no longer remember why I dismissed some of them, but in some cases it was simply due to appearance.

At the moment I have reduced my search to the three blades on the subject line. Obviously none of them exactly fits my search criteria.
The Bradley Alias is not AO, but it hits my length/weight requirement. The Kershaw is AO and the price is nice, but it is over 3" and it lacks a bit in the 'looks' department. Sorry I don't know how else to say it. I really like the the appearance of the ZT 0350, but I am wondering if it will be just too large and heavy to carry. :confused:

I welcome your suggestions.

Thanks,
Joe
 
Of the three you mentioned, I have only owned the Bradley Alias II. It is a much nicer knife than the Blur, as reflected in its higher price. Looks great, cuts great, and opens and closes quickly and smoothly without the need for A/O. Mine didn't come all that shrp from the factory, but Richard J here or bladeforums got it scary sharp. I ultimately sold it because it was a little too small for me. Next time, I'll buy the Alias I.

I don't own a Blur, but I've handled one and owned many Kershaw knives. If you want a Kershaw that compares more favorably to the Alias, I'd look at the Shallot, Tyrade, and others that come with Titanium scales.
 
I have the S60V Blur, so it's the only one i can really speak on. It fires hard, if you are looking for an assisted open, this is the one for you! I have a SOG Aegis, Kershaw Chive...etc. that can't compete with the Blur for AO. I am saving a little cash to send my off for a Krein regrind b/c I'm not a huge fan of the blade shape as it comes.

The Bradley seems like an awesome knife! If you have the money I would say go for that otherwise pick up the Blur!
 
I'd personally go with the ZT 0350; I have the satin edge one from knifeworks. The Bradley Alias II is also great.

Anyway, you're sort of comparing apples to oranges. The Alias is a framelock, while the 0350 is a liner lock, with a beeeefy liner. .078 according to my calipers. That is ALMOST as thick as some framelocks. It's an aesthetics thing for me. I won't do framelock unless it's inlaid with scales so the framelock is hidden (like the Mnandi).

All 3 are USA made btw.
 
harkamus said:
Anyway, you're sort of comparing apples to oranges. The Alias is a framelock, while the 0350 is a liner lock, with a beeeefy liner. .078 according to my calipers. That is ALMOST as thick as some framelocks. It's an aesthetics thing for me. I won't do framelock unless it's inlaid with scales so the framelock is hidden (like the Mnandi).
All 3 are USA made btw.
Click to expand...

Harkamus, I agree. I am not necessary comparing like knives. I started out with a laundry list, but with the exception of price range, I did not stick to it. :jerkit:

None of my 'final' three (and I use that term loosely) meet all of my above criteria. However, then neither did the AFCK when I first purchased it, but I have been quite happy with that selection for many years.

Obviously, I have to catalog/Internet shop. I don't have a knife shop within 100 miles.

At any given moment I can talk myself into one of the three. Currently I am leaning toward the ZT 0350 in satin, but I am concerned that it will have a much larger carry footprint than my BM 813.
"Is that a knife in your pants pocket, or are you just happy to see me?" :D

Thanks, again.
Joe
 
Last edited:
The blade length of the 813 and the 0350 are fairly close. The 813 has a 3.16 inch blade, whereas the 0350 has a 3.25 inch blade. However, the handle of the 0350 is fairly wide, so I can only picture it taking up more space than your 813. Having said that, I never notice the knife in my pocket, even at 5.8 ounces (I weighed it on a kitchen scale). It really does carry well.

EDIT: Also, the assisted open does make the knife open up with a satisfying twang.

Also, outside of the box, my 0350 came hair whittling sharp. I managed to whittle my hair quite easily.

My only other suggestion is the Spyderco Manix 2 or the FRN Stretch (the stretch has a 3.5 inch blade but weighs something like 3 ounces due to FRN scaling). The Manix 2 can be opened like an Axis lock, which negates the need of an A/O. The Stretch is a good ole thumb hole opener as most Spydies are.
 
Last edited:
First, I would like to thank you all for your suggestions. I thought I had narrowed my choice down to between the Bradley Alias II and the ZT 350 (plain edge, no coating).

Well, low-and-behold may favorite on-line retailers, including Knife Works, are currently out of both knives. :grumpy:

I went back to consider a blade that I somehow missed mentioning in my initial post, the Buck Mayo TNT 172. I had read several positive reviews and I found one just inside my upper price point, so I placed an order. I'll have to see if what I have been looking for upon delivery.
 
i have to say that my s30v blur is my favorite knife. Kershaw does an excellent job with their s30v. and the blur is a proven platform, wiht many variations. The a/o works great, and the knife is pretty much the perfect size for me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top