Spyderco Sage 2 vs. Bradley Alias vs. ???

J

JulianHayes

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Alright fellow knife nuts... it is time for a new blade and the sage 2 is pretty near the top of my list. The next contender is the Bradley alias II dues to the obvious similarities. I'll remind you all of the specs as I know them to get this started..
Sage 2 - 3 inch s30v, frame lock, titanium handle 170 on Knife Center
Alias II 3 inch s30v, frame lock, titanium handle, 200 on KC.
Both sebenza alternatives, but I can't afford a sebenza and don't know if I could bring myself to carry it if I ended up with one. I also like the Benchmade 470 emisary as another light 3 inch blade. I have never owned a Taiwan made Spyderco and and a little bit concerned, my ukpk G10 was quite a bit cheaper and Golden USA made. If anyone has experience with these blades or has suggestions for a similar new EDC, I would love to hear your opinions.. thanks - hayes
 
My Gayle Bradley has better F&F than many, if not most US made knives and I'm not the only one with similar experiences. If you're worried about buying a non US made knife b/c of principle, that's cool, but quality is not a reason to stay away from the Taiwan made Spydercos...

That said, I don't think either is a bad choice, so really I'm not much help :P.
 
jossta, thanks for your input, I have admired those gayle bradleys... Just want to clarify Why I mention the taiwan made. Part of it is that I like a US made knife, but really I like a city with history. Solingen, Seki City, Sheffield, or USA or usually what I expect for that price tag. I think some of my seki made blades are the best F&F I own, just no experience with taiwan made spydercos. Thank you for your response, I know many people (including myself) have great regard for Spyderco QC. Good to know that the bradley (that one has been on my wish list as well...cpm-m4 isn't it?) lives up to what they established . , just wanted to clarify my posting, thanks - hayes
 
I don't have the Spyderco Sage 2, but I do have a Bradley Alias II.

The Bradley Alias II is about a good a knife as can be found for EDC.
It's not an exact clone of the Sebenza, but it has some styling cues that are similar. In fact, for my tastes, the Bradley has a nicer blade shape, and a better handle shape, leading to better ergonomics in the hand than the Sebenza. The quality of construction, while arguably not completely up to Sebenza standards, is a very close second, and plenty close enough for most people's standards. It is generally thought that the Bradley is made to higher levels than the normal Blue Class Benchmade, and is actually leaning closer to the Gold Class. It is a very high quality knife, and a steal for the money.
Since they are made by Benchmade, Benchmade will handle the warranty if needed, for life.

I'm extremely happy with my Alias II, and the size of it is perfect for EDC. I'm actually glad that I didn't get the larger Alias I because the Alias II is perfect.
I know that sometimes production varies, but my Alias II locks up like a vault, no blade play anywhere, centered right down the middle, and flicks out like an automatic with the thubstud flick. Smooth as glass. The detent can be a little stiff on some of them, but the key is to keep your finger pressure off the lock-bar when you flick it open. If you are pressing on the lock-bar with your fingers, it makes the knife hard to open. This is true with any framelock knife. Just hold it on the frame part of that scale when you open it. It is easy to do, and you quickly are accustomed to it, and if you already have any framelocks you are already used to it.

The titanium frame does get little marks and mars all over it very easily, just like a Reeve. That just comes with the titanium territory. I think it looks fine that way, and adds some character, and it never gets really bad. It just gets little surface marks all over it. I carry mine with the tip-up position with the pocket clip, and have a short braided lanyard hanging off the tail, like a Reeve. Looks great!

I think that the Alias II gets you into the "great EDC knife" category, and realistically competes with the more expensive and famous S30V/Titanium framelocks like the Reeve and the Strider. Some may quibble that the Bradley is not quite the equal of them, but most will say that it's pretty damn close. And that is good enough for me.
I love mine! I would highly recommend it.
 
Julian. . . I cannot comment on the Sage 2 as I do not own one; however, I do own a Bradley Alias 2 and can put in my opinion on it. My experience has been good with it--I was able to have the online shop inspect the knife for me before finalizing my order to ensure a good fit/finish, solid lockup, and no blade-play issues. It has been a great knife--the only complaint I have is the "sticky" lockup that is getting better as the knife wears in. I realize this isn't a CRK/Bradley comparison thread, but I want to make it clear that the Alias 2 is NOT in the same league as a CRK--there have been many threads discussing this and many reasons why, but I add my vote that it simply can't compete. That being said, the Alias 2 is a great knife, with great materials, and a good buy.
 
I have both and prefer the design of the Alias II. I'm sure the Sage is a better pure slicer but truthfully I don't do much slicing, so the fact that the Sage is much wider than the Alias diminishes it in terms of portability. I might have a different opinion if I spent my days dismembering pineapple. Also, for whatever reason, I feel like I have a little better control over the Alias even though the sage has the 50/50 choil (I think they call it?) so you can choke up on it and grip close to the edge.
They're both probably in the same league in terms of sheer quality; you have nothing to worry about the Sage coming from Taiwan. Unlike hand-finished knives (Sebenzas etc..), neither of mine were "absolutely perfect" out of the box and required little adjustments here and there. ((Sorry out of time for now...))
 
I returned an Alias 2 b/c of some major problems, First it wouldn't lockup if there was any pressure and I mean a very tiny amt on the lockbar, second there was the blade centering which couln't be fixed unless u wanted blade play:eek: and finally there was some fit and finish problems I wouldn't expect from $180 knife and finally it was dull but benchmade is known for that which I don't understand b/c Benchmade aren't really cheap and thats who there made by if u don't know:thumbdn: I'm not hating on Benchmade but it seems to be a common problem. I was originally looking at them b/c i like my Sebenza so much and it seemed like sorta poormans Seb but it wasn't even on the same planet as the Seb. Who knows maybe I got a lemon, but the moral of the story is I returned it for a Sage2 which I couldn't be more happy with:D
 
i own both and much prefer the bradley alias II over the sage 2. its fit and finish is far better imo.

heres a quick pic along with a few other ti framelocks i own:
432251_10150575380900458_590860457_9389517_1282507756_n.jpg
 
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Well, My Vote Is For The Sage 2.
I Love It And It's An Excellent Beautiful And Well Made Knife.

The Fact That It's Not Made Here Has No Bearing On The Quality.

It's Fit And Finish Is Perfect, The Titanium Frame Lock Is Amazing, And I've Handled Many(Including A Bradley Alias 2).
But IMO The Spyderco Sage 2 Is Top Notch. I Love It.

As A Matter Of Fact I Plan To Get Another Spyderco Ti Frame Lock Because It's That Good. I Was Wanting A Chokwe, But Was A Little On The Fence, Now That I Have The Sage 2, There Is No Question About It.

I Would Get The Sage 2. It's Pure Excellence.
 
BladeChick777 said:
Well, My Vote Is For The Sage 2.
I Love It And It's An Excellent Beautiful And Well Made Knife.

The Fact That It's Not Made Here Has No Bearing On The Quality.

It's Fit And Finish Is Perfect, The Titanium Frame Lock Is Amazing, And I've Handled Many(Including A Bradley Alias 2).
But IMO The Spyderco Sage 2 Is Top Notch. I Love It.

As A Matter Of Fact I Plan To Get Another Spyderco Ti Frame Lock Because It's That Good. I Was Wanting A Chokwe, But Was A Little On The Fence, Now That I Have The Sage 2, There Is No Question About It.

I Would Get The Sage 2. It's Pure Excellence.
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spoken from a person with a spyderco tattoo avatar :rolleyes: doesnt sound one bit bias at all lol :p
 
I have the Sage 2 and a Bradley Alias I. They are both great knives.

I like them both, but prefer the Sage 2. Since the Alias I is just a larger Alias II, its probably a fair comparison.
 
Lol, I Am A Spyderco Fangirl, I Won't Even Lie About That.
Spyderco Just Does It For Me, They Make Amazing And Wonderful Knives, And Continue Doing So. I'm Impressed And I Probably Will Be For Life. I Do Love Them.

But There Are A Ton More Quality Knives Out There. The Bradley Alias 2 Is A Fine Knife. It's Very Nice, And The Quality Is Good. I Just Prefer The Sage 2, I Really Like The Ergonomics, The Fit And Finish, The Feel In The Hand, And The Solidity Of The Knife. The Smooth Action And Great Pocket Carry Just Add To It. It's A Top Notch Knife In My Book.

I Just Like The Over All Feel Of It Better. But I Also Love The Benchmade Skirmish, And Subrosa, Those Are Two More Fine Frame Locks, So Are The Sebenza, And The Umnumzaan And The XM-18, XM-24, And Many Others. But Out Of The Two Listed, The Sage 2 Wins Me Over Lol. Maybe I Am Biased.. But If The Choice Was Between The Sage 2 And One Of The Other Frame Locks I Mentioned, It'd Be A Much Harder Question To Answer. And The Umnum And XM's Are Definitely Winners In My Book. But The Sage 2 Is A Very Very Close Second, It's A Wonderful Knife, And The Ergos And Quality Just Work For Me.

And The Spyderco Tattoo Avatar Is An Actual Pic Of The Back Of My Neck Lol. :D

I Am A Fangirl, But Other Manufacturers Make Fine Knives As Well. The Sage 2 Is Just A Personal Preference.
 
I don't have a Bradley, but i love my Sage 2. Fit and finish was absolutely perfect (Spydercos Taiwan factory is fairly well know around BF for having very good QC). Biggest reason i love the Ssage 2 though, is how well it cuts. The heat treat is great, i reprofiled it to 36 degrees (18 per side), and it zips through double, triple, and quad walled cardboard. Carries great, locks up solid still (had it for over a year now) and has never raised any eyebrows.
 
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I have 4 Sebenzas and find myself using my Sage 2 more. F&F is flawless and the design just works. The FFG cuts very well and the heat treat seems to be perfect. Easy to sharpen and holds an edge for a long time. The design of the wire clip is also very easy on my pants which is a plus.
 
i have the sage 2 and have considered it to be as well made a quality knife as any others ive handled. i cant compare directly to the bradley 2. i dont really want a bradley 2 though so i never had the conflict that the op has. as to bias i think anyone making any suggestion at all immediatly expresses bias, it is bias by definition. so calling it bias when someone voices there opinion just because its not your opinion is bad word play. its is akin to saying your bias is bad and my bias is good so if i call your opinion biased hopefully it makes it sound like a lesser opinion. i dont think this is particularly helpful to the op. in fact i doubt this type of thread is ever much help to a potential knife buyer unless a consensus arises that theres some inherent issue with the knife all you really get is biased opinions. ive always relied on reviews or have just made a leap of faith because i liked what i saw and have never posted a which is better post. id say this is a wash for the op as theres no consensus and the bradly and sage are both fine knives and now the op must do what he should of done to begin with, that is just pick the one that looks like it trips your knife enthusiast triggers and roll with it.
 
Very good point. Both look to be very high quality and it really comes down to what really clicks with you.
 
bada61265 said:
i have the sage 2 and have considered it to be as well made a quality knife as any others ive handled. i cant compare directly to the bradley 2. i dont really want a bradley 2 though so i never had the conflict that the op has. as to bias i think anyone making any suggestion at all immediatly expresses bias, it is bias by definition. so calling it bias when someone voices there opinion just because its not your opinion is bad word play. its is akin to saying your bias is bad and my bias is good so if i call your opinion biased hopefully it makes it sound like a lesser opinion. i dont think this is particularly helpful to the op. in fact i doubt this type of thread is ever much help to a potential knife buyer unless a consensus arises that theres some inherent issue with the knife all you really get is biased opinions. ive always relied on reviews or have just made a leap of faith because i liked what i saw and have never posted a which is better post. id say this is a wash for the op as theres no consensus and the bradly and sage are both fine knives and now the op must do what he should of done to begin with, that is just pick the one that looks like it trips your knife enthusiast triggers and roll with it.
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ok "word play police", i think you need to read what the op was asking ;).

If anyone has experience with these blades or has suggestions for a similar new EDC, I would love to hear your opinions.. thanks - hayes
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i own both, have for quite some time. he wanted an opinion between the two and i answered as asked as did everyone else. not sure what you had hoped to accomplish with your statement. if thats how you feel i suggest you not post and ignore this thread as well as the 20-30 regarding the same subject every week.

as for my tongue in cheek comment towards bladechick, i meant no harm... if you were somehow offended on her or the op's behalf i suggest you go rub one out my friend. im sure most of us who regularly follow this forum know shes a die hard spyderco fan. hell she got a tattoo of the logo for christ sakes! ;)


anyways.... back on topic. if you have any issues please feel free to pm/email me.
 
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Thank you so much. that is a whole lot of helpful information. By the way, jaiofspam, what is the blade three from the right with the satin clip point, I think it's a dpxhest on the right, well that is one nice looking blade.. gotta be a custom.. nice collection indeed. I have heard nothing but the best about spyderco's QC in taiwan.. After all, I doubt they would bother shipping cpm-s30v steel if they were making junk... Just gotta love spyderco, great QC, they seem like a knife company for knife people.. Thanks a lot for the input.. Now I want a sage 2 AND a alias AND a CRK small sebenza micarta... ah, so many blades...but for edc it sounds like the sage 2 is pretty hard to beat, and the alias is no slouch either... thanks - hayes
 
JulianHayes said:
Thank you so much. that is a whole lot of helpful information. By the way, jaiofspam, what is the blade three from the right with the satin clip point, I think it's a dpxhest on the right, well that is one nice looking blade.. gotta be a custom.. nice collection indeed. I have heard nothing but the best about spyderco's QC in taiwan.. After all, I doubt they would bother shipping cpm-s30v steel if they were making junk... Just gotta love spyderco, great QC, they seem like a knife company for knife people.. Thanks a lot for the input.. Now I want a sage 2 AND a alias AND a CRK small sebenza micarta... ah, so many blades...but for edc it sounds like the sage 2 is pretty hard to beat, and the alias is no slouch either... thanks - hayes
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that would be a three sisters forge beast. great knife but if you were to start a thread between the sage 2 and three sisters forge beast i would have to give it to the sage hands down :p. ofcourse... thats just my bias opinion lol.

if you were going to end up with both i suggest going with the sage 2 and an alias I instead of the II... you would be more likely to rotate between the two if legal length requirements permit.
 
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Oh Boy. A Whole Small Argument Started And I've Been Gone For Only A Few Hours!
bada61265 - Thanks For Your Useful Opinions On Bias, And Thanks For Taking Up For Me, That Was Really Sweet.
Jaiofspam - I Never Took Any Offense To What You Said Lol. But I Guess We Are All Bias??

But Hayes Did ASK For Opinions, And Really That's All We Can Offer. Unless Someone Comes In Here With Some Profound Study That Proves One Is ABSOLUTELY Better Than The Other.. All You'll Get Are Opinions.

Yeah, If I Got An Alias I Would Get The Alias 1. But I Happen To Like Bigger Knives, And We Have A 6" Blade Limit Here In Ohio. So That Means I Can Carry ALMOST Any Folder I Please To Lol. The Sage 2 Is Just One Of Those Smaller Knives That I Love Lol.
 
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