Bradley Alias II
Aug 5, 2011 22:45:08 GMT
Post by Crimsoned on Aug 5, 2011 22:45:08 GMT
Luis G.
Texas, USA
8/5/2011
Introduction
Side 1 of the blade (Bradley Cutlery)
Swords, battle axes, spears, and even knives have all forged empires and dynasties! The objects of old and innovations of new have led men's creativity into a new age of knives, forged from the most durable of materials these knives are a symbol of the human's will to progress!
-regular voice-
Ahem, sorry. This is a knife review, I understand my skit was probably not the most entertaining but it's a skit. While not a sword, it is still a sharp piece of steel. This is the review of the high end Bradley Alias 2 knife.
Historical overview
Pocket knives have been the center of utilitarian use since the Iron age (a knife made with bone handle had been found dating from 500-600 bc) they are easy to carry, easy to conceal, and advantageous to all walks to life from adventurers, to warriors, to diplomats, to even pacifists!
Folding knives in particular however have a rather humble beginning as a peasant knife during the 18th century, made typically from wood and a blade with no other mechanisms such as locks, slipjoints, or back springs. They were very rudimentary in the term: a folding knife, although sometimes they would use a screw to apply pressure on the blade so it would not pivot as easily as when it was loose.
These were of course very cheap, and widely used by poor peasants after all they were named penny knives.
They were however fairly weak, and were not mean to be used as serious tools, as say a fixed knife was. It wasn't until perhaps 1964 with Buck Knives introducing Buck Folding Hunter, one of the first lockback folding blades that could actually be used and carried with the same efficiency as a fixed blade of similar size.
Now then to something more recent (related to the Bradley):
Still it wasn't until 1991 however that titanium had been effectively used as a material for folding knives, by none other then CRK, Chris Reeves Knives (1984, solo proprietary in South Africa later in Boise, ID (1989)).
The Large Sebenza (with titanium handles) was born in 1991 they were fully hand made, using titanium handles and ATS-34 blade steel. Soon after however in 1993~, Chris Reeves invested in a CNC machine to help make his manufacturing to be the best in the production industry, and some say best in the industry period. The small Sebenza followed the large Sebenza on October 1992.
Many of his ideas and designs still remain to this day some of the best, from his bushing system, to his choice of washer materials, to his frame lock titanium handle, to his flush clip that is carved then screwed into the handle. The fit and finish, manufacturing tolerances, etc are all the best in the business today, although that does not mean lemons never pass their QC. However when they do Chris Reeve Knife does right.
For many years shameless people made counterfeits of Sebenzas, and many companies have made legal copies of the Sebenzas. None have actually come close to the tolerances or fit and finish as well as the designs, but many have come to offering the same materials, same performance and sometimes even better performance/comfort all the while offering a better price, one of the huge cons of Sebenzas.
The typical Sebenza runs about $365-$375 for the Small, and about $385~ for the large. Prices typically stay in the range, and it is very rare to see a sub $300 used Sebenza as is.
The Bradley Alias II and Alias I however came about is best summed up to this story:
Side 2 of the blade (S30v)
-Puts on Deep authoritarian voice-
Full Disclosure
This knife was purchased second hand. The knife has been modified by the original owner, which includes a polishing of the handle, and flaming of the titanium handle. Thus the pictures will not represent accurate what the finish of a new Alias II looks like.
Initial Impressions
The knife is quite excellent, and nice to look at. It is quite sharp having been stropped by the seller, and features no sharp corners on the handle. The polish by the user was average, not exactly good nor bad. Decent.
The blade is very nicely shaped, the handle is very very comfortable it's also pretty much unanimous that the Alias line is more comfortable then the Sebenza. It feels great when you choke, hold it regularly, or go in with gimping for accuracy. It is not as comfortable when carrying the knife blade down, in a tactical position however it's 2.95" blade I can hardly call it tactical.
The gimping is also nicely down, much better then most production knives but still not Sebenza good at all.
Absolute steel for the price these are going 2nd hand.
Statistics
Specs:
Blade Material: S30V Stainless Steel Hardened to 58-60HRC
Blade Length: 2.95" (7.50cm)
Blade Thickness: 0.120" (3.05cm)
Length Open: 6.80" (17.27cm)
Length Closed: 3.87" (9.83cm)
Knife, folded up:
Components :
Handle material: 6Al 4V-Titanium Scales (approx .4" thick), Blue Anodized Aluminum barrel Spacers, with a Removable Stainless Steel Carry-Clip that can be changed from tip up to tip down carry. Very nicely rounded with no sharp uncomfortable edges.
Blade Material: Crucible S30V steel, bead blasted, flat grind, with a modified spear point shape and very sharp with what appears to be a secondary convex bevel. S30v is one hell of a steel. Has a blue anodized thumstud (likely aluminum)
Washers: Bronze Phosphorus.
Frame* Lock mechanism (wtf how the hell did liner lock get in there, my apologies)
Other side with the clip (I will likely change it, for now I have removed it. It is not very attractive).
Handling Characteristics:
Meant to be a workhorse of a blade, featuring premium materials with premium worksmanship. Certainly steps above most production blades, however not quite a Sebenza. It also gives me peace of mind that me touching the handle will not cause rusting, as Titanium does rust it just does so ever so slowly it would take a lifetime (or lifetimes) before it happens.
It feels great in the hands, and seems to do quite well with precision cutting. More to come as I use it more and more.
That's one nice looking stud
Test Cutting
Coming soon
Conclusions
While I don't own a Sebenza I can definitely see the appeal for the Bradley as a equal performance, superior ergonomics, equal materials, and lower price alternative. It offers great fit and finish and premium materials all with a lower price tag then a Sebenza. But is it a Sebenza killer? I think not! The difference in blade shapes which is an Alias advantage,(modified spear point with flat grind vs drop point hollow grind). The difference in handles, with the Alias being curved and far more ergonomic. Are all things one should take into consideration when comparing a knife. The difference in geometries/shapes means a comparison is ill suited and is more a question of geometry vs geometry and not individual knives vs individual knives.
What Bradley Cutlery has created is an entirely new blade in my opinion with inspiration from the all time classic Sebenza. A true knife worthy of the price tag, and worthy of the title of "high end" knives. If you are an enthusiast looking for a great knife with premium materials this is a fine choice, just look in your wallet and see how much quality you can pay for!
Top side of the knife.
Right in the center
More pictures can be found here:
smg.photobucket.com/albums/v502/ ... lias%20II/
Texas, USA
8/5/2011
Introduction
Side 1 of the blade (Bradley Cutlery)
Swords, battle axes, spears, and even knives have all forged empires and dynasties! The objects of old and innovations of new have led men's creativity into a new age of knives, forged from the most durable of materials these knives are a symbol of the human's will to progress!
-regular voice-
Ahem, sorry. This is a knife review, I understand my skit was probably not the most entertaining but it's a skit. While not a sword, it is still a sharp piece of steel. This is the review of the high end Bradley Alias 2 knife.
Historical overview
Pocket knives have been the center of utilitarian use since the Iron age (a knife made with bone handle had been found dating from 500-600 bc) they are easy to carry, easy to conceal, and advantageous to all walks to life from adventurers, to warriors, to diplomats, to even pacifists!
Folding knives in particular however have a rather humble beginning as a peasant knife during the 18th century, made typically from wood and a blade with no other mechanisms such as locks, slipjoints, or back springs. They were very rudimentary in the term: a folding knife, although sometimes they would use a screw to apply pressure on the blade so it would not pivot as easily as when it was loose.
These were of course very cheap, and widely used by poor peasants after all they were named penny knives.
They were however fairly weak, and were not mean to be used as serious tools, as say a fixed knife was. It wasn't until perhaps 1964 with Buck Knives introducing Buck Folding Hunter, one of the first lockback folding blades that could actually be used and carried with the same efficiency as a fixed blade of similar size.
Now then to something more recent (related to the Bradley):
Still it wasn't until 1991 however that titanium had been effectively used as a material for folding knives, by none other then CRK, Chris Reeves Knives (1984, solo proprietary in South Africa later in Boise, ID (1989)).
The Large Sebenza (with titanium handles) was born in 1991 they were fully hand made, using titanium handles and ATS-34 blade steel. Soon after however in 1993~, Chris Reeves invested in a CNC machine to help make his manufacturing to be the best in the production industry, and some say best in the industry period. The small Sebenza followed the large Sebenza on October 1992.
Many of his ideas and designs still remain to this day some of the best, from his bushing system, to his choice of washer materials, to his frame lock titanium handle, to his flush clip that is carved then screwed into the handle. The fit and finish, manufacturing tolerances, etc are all the best in the business today, although that does not mean lemons never pass their QC. However when they do Chris Reeve Knife does right.
For many years shameless people made counterfeits of Sebenzas, and many companies have made legal copies of the Sebenzas. None have actually come close to the tolerances or fit and finish as well as the designs, but many have come to offering the same materials, same performance and sometimes even better performance/comfort all the while offering a better price, one of the huge cons of Sebenzas.
The typical Sebenza runs about $365-$375 for the Small, and about $385~ for the large. Prices typically stay in the range, and it is very rare to see a sub $300 used Sebenza as is.
The Bradley Alias II and Alias I however came about is best summed up to this story:
The story goes that the Elkhart, Indiana based company was founded from pure frustration by a knife distributor annoyed about the continual backorder status of Chris Reeve Sebenza knives. Not having inventory to offer his customers, the owner, (Brad) of Bradley Cutlery decided that he could build a 100% American made Sebenza equivalent using the same materials, but make the knives readily available and a lot less expensive.
Side 2 of the blade (S30v)
-Puts on Deep authoritarian voice-
Full Disclosure
This knife was purchased second hand. The knife has been modified by the original owner, which includes a polishing of the handle, and flaming of the titanium handle. Thus the pictures will not represent accurate what the finish of a new Alias II looks like.
Initial Impressions
The knife is quite excellent, and nice to look at. It is quite sharp having been stropped by the seller, and features no sharp corners on the handle. The polish by the user was average, not exactly good nor bad. Decent.
The blade is very nicely shaped, the handle is very very comfortable it's also pretty much unanimous that the Alias line is more comfortable then the Sebenza. It feels great when you choke, hold it regularly, or go in with gimping for accuracy. It is not as comfortable when carrying the knife blade down, in a tactical position however it's 2.95" blade I can hardly call it tactical.
The gimping is also nicely down, much better then most production knives but still not Sebenza good at all.
Absolute steel for the price these are going 2nd hand.
Statistics
Specs:
Blade Material: S30V Stainless Steel Hardened to 58-60HRC
Blade Length: 2.95" (7.50cm)
Blade Thickness: 0.120" (3.05cm)
Length Open: 6.80" (17.27cm)
Length Closed: 3.87" (9.83cm)
Knife, folded up:
Components :
Handle material: 6Al 4V-Titanium Scales (approx .4" thick), Blue Anodized Aluminum barrel Spacers, with a Removable Stainless Steel Carry-Clip that can be changed from tip up to tip down carry. Very nicely rounded with no sharp uncomfortable edges.
Blade Material: Crucible S30V steel, bead blasted, flat grind, with a modified spear point shape and very sharp with what appears to be a secondary convex bevel. S30v is one hell of a steel. Has a blue anodized thumstud (likely aluminum)
Washers: Bronze Phosphorus.
Frame* Lock mechanism (wtf how the hell did liner lock get in there, my apologies)
Other side with the clip (I will likely change it, for now I have removed it. It is not very attractive).
Handling Characteristics:
Meant to be a workhorse of a blade, featuring premium materials with premium worksmanship. Certainly steps above most production blades, however not quite a Sebenza. It also gives me peace of mind that me touching the handle will not cause rusting, as Titanium does rust it just does so ever so slowly it would take a lifetime (or lifetimes) before it happens.
It feels great in the hands, and seems to do quite well with precision cutting. More to come as I use it more and more.
That's one nice looking stud
Test Cutting
Coming soon
Conclusions
While I don't own a Sebenza I can definitely see the appeal for the Bradley as a equal performance, superior ergonomics, equal materials, and lower price alternative. It offers great fit and finish and premium materials all with a lower price tag then a Sebenza. But is it a Sebenza killer? I think not! The difference in blade shapes which is an Alias advantage,(modified spear point with flat grind vs drop point hollow grind). The difference in handles, with the Alias being curved and far more ergonomic. Are all things one should take into consideration when comparing a knife. The difference in geometries/shapes means a comparison is ill suited and is more a question of geometry vs geometry and not individual knives vs individual knives.
What Bradley Cutlery has created is an entirely new blade in my opinion with inspiration from the all time classic Sebenza. A true knife worthy of the price tag, and worthy of the title of "high end" knives. If you are an enthusiast looking for a great knife with premium materials this is a fine choice, just look in your wallet and see how much quality you can pay for!
Top side of the knife.
Right in the center
More pictures can be found here:
smg.photobucket.com/albums/v502/ ... lias%20II/