The $200 purchase dilema

Hey, I hope you give this one a shot. The Sebenza is $400, more or less. Check out the Bradley Alias 1. It is about $180. It is S30V, Titanium Framelock, and it looks like a Sebbie for half the price. I know you will love that one. I think it even has a better blade shape and handle shape, as well as framelock contact area.

However, because of the cost, you do lose a tiny bit of "custom" fit and finish, but overall it's right up your ally and much better than the Ti Military.
 
I'm not sure the alias is any better than the military and certainly not "much better." Spyderco turns out a great product.

However, not everyone likes the military and everybody is going to prefer some knives over others. I actually don't see what all the fuss is about the military. It doesn't do anything for me while most people love it.

I think I would still go with the mini Rukus. I have both and the mini is a big knife that is easier to carry. The mini is probably about the same size as most of the other knives you are looking at.
 
dangreco said:
It's just my opinion...
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It looks like you had a problem with a liner lock. The Ti military is a frame lock just like the alias. Since the Ti military is just now making it into the hands of consumers I doubt you have got to handle one yet. It's always nice when stating opinions, to let everyone know it is your opinion and preferably, why. At least that is my opinion on the subject, not trying to be a jerk.
 
I left out the Alias I due to availability. Is there anywhere I can get a PE Alias I?

The only thing that is a hit against the Military is the tip-down only carry. Not that big of a deal for me since I'm not that anal about clip placement. But for more than $200, I wish there were tip-up, tip-down, left or right options. Oh, and an STR Ti clip should be standard. :p

Combative Edge, eh? Interesting. How does N690 co-Cobalt-Vanadium compare to S30V?
 
what are you gonna use it for? it for show, i suggest a spyderco civilian. if for go i suggest a spyderco police 3.
 
Here is how I would rate your list:

1) Benchmade Ruckus -its one of the best knives I have ever held. It feel great in the hand and I for one love the axis lock. It is also number 1 on the list because its been discontinued so if you could find one, get it.
2) Spyderco Titanium Millitary. Great knife and now comes with a titanium handle/framelock
3)Spyerco Stretch. CF and ZDP - Nice!
4)Buck Mayo TNT knife. I wouldn't carry it everyday because i like bigger folders but its sweet
5)Kershaw JYD SG2
6)ZT0200 and Spyderco Native

I left the Benchmade 51 Balisong off the list because if you want a balisong then get one, benchmade makes good ones. But if you want a large folder then get one from the list

I would also say check out the benchmade 760, yes its a tanto but its a titanium framelock, CPM-M4 Bob Lum designed tanto
 
In the $200 dollar range it's just pretty tough to beat the Buck/Mayo TNT for an edc. It feels great in the hand, has a lightweight titanium frame, and S30V blade with the great Paul Bos heat treat. My Sebenza has seen very little pocket time since I got my TNT - and that's saying something because I absolutely love my Sebbie.
 
eccvets said:
what are you gonna use it for? it for show, i suggest a spyderco civilian. if for go i suggest a spyderco police 3.
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Every knife I get is a user. I'm not a collector, I'm an accumulator. :p

Anyone want to chime in on SG2 performance?
 
Just found the 610 Ruckus on eBay for $229. Damn! I'm kicking myself for not getting it when it was $170. Well, at least I know where to find it if I go that way. :p
 
The first questions someone should have asked instead of telling you their

chioce were...what are you going to use the knife for and what size knife

are you looking for.Your choices are all over the board as far as size,type of

lock and what YOU...not others are are trying to suggest for you.

Until YOU narrow YOUR choices down to a couple of knives all you are

going to get are opinoins....not what you want.What kind of lock?What

blade and handle length,what kind of scales,your uses for the knife?Until

you can answer these questions for your self its going hard to make the

right choice.
 
clockman said:
The first questions someone should have asked instead of telling you their

chioce were...what are you going to use the knife for and what size knife

are you looking for.Your choices are all over the board as far as size,type of

lock and what YOU...not others are are trying to suggest for you.

Until YOU narrow YOUR choices down to a couple of knives all you are

going to get are opinoins....not what you want.What kind of lock?What

blade and handle length,what kind of scales,your uses for the knife?Until

you can answer these questions for your self its going hard to make the

right choice.
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Thanks for asking. :D

Well, I did state that I was looking for a large-ish folder. I threw in the Mayo TNT and the BM 51 as my emotional choices or "grail knife". I EDC only ~3" folders due to restrictions at work. To clarify, this next knife, if it's a big'un, will be a user but in the hard use or non-EDC role like camping, hiking, weekends, yard work, home improvement, etc. where I can carry large folders. The ZT + Native 4 option was just a way to get it to ~$200. The Native 4 would be put into my EDC rotation.

Lock type doesn't matter. I like many lock types as long as they are done right and at that price point, they usually are. The ones listed are all good by me.

Handle size? Big-ish.

Scales? I like G-10 and Titanium. Micarta is nice too. But at ~$200, I prefer to stay away from FRN. ;)

As you can see, I'm not that picky. This is sort of a "splurge knife". Getting peoples feedback on the knives was my intention. I'd be happy with any of these and if I just threw a dart to choose, I'd be happy with any of these knives really.

SG2 info anyone?
 
At that price range, I'd wait on the Speedform or Volt. I'm really looking forward to trying out the Elmax and M390 super steels. They will have Kershaw's CB technology. And they will be attached to Ti frame locks too.

As for the SG2 steel, I love the stuff. It will take an extremely fine edge, loves to be polished, and holds it a long time. Properly sharpened and polished, it will easily whittle hair, even at Kershaw's factory angles on the Blur and Ti JYD. To me, it is right up there with 110V and ZDP.
 
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Looks like the Ti Military is in the lead followed by the TNT, Ruckus and SG2 JYDII. Still a tough decision. Throwing the Alias 1 and Combative Edge into the pot makes things more difficult too. :confused:
 
Not to muddy up the waters, and you've had some fine recommendations already, but you might also consider the Benchmade 630 Skirmish. Like the Rukus it's S30V steel, but it's got a very unique blade shape and titanium handles.

A bit smaller, but still over the 3.5" minimum, I just got a Benchmade 930 Kulgera and am absolutely loving it. My search was specifically for an S30V folder with axis-type lock, which is why I looked long and hard at the Rukus and Skirmish (and minis).

The Rukus really is absolutely gigantic. Most people I know with a Rukus will not EDC it because of its size.

One other knife I took a long look at---though it's a bit cheaper than what you're looking at---is the Spyderco Gayle Bradley. It's a 3 7/8" blade made of M4 steel with carbon fiber handles and full steel liners. A very beefy knife, and by most accounts an excellent deal. If you're dead set on spending the full $200, you can probably get this plus a mini Griptillian and stay under $200 for the pair.
 
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