C&J Benchgrade V. Alden?

jjgold · Apr 3, 2007

You know it seems that a benchgrade C&J from Plal is about the same in price as most Aldens. Which do you think is a better shoe for the money and why?

lawyerdad · Apr 3, 2007

No offense, but the question is ridiculous. Both are solidly constructed shoes. They very widely in style/aesthetics/fit. Whichever appeals to you more, and fits you better, is the better shoe for your money.

Concordia · Apr 3, 2007

Alden and CJ both make decent shoes.

Fit is key.

If it fits badly, you won't wear it or will wear it out before its time.

If it fits well, you will love it and get 10 more pairs from that last.

billiebob · Apr 3, 2007

They appear about equally well constructed. I like Alden's sole leather better. It feels softer and more forgiving, but wears faster.

Connemara · Apr 3, 2007

C&J Bench and Alden are probably pretty much on par with eachother. I don't own any C&J Benchgrade, but the ones I've seen in person are pretty nice. The Aldens I have are probably just as great.

Now, as for C&J Handgrade...

Philip1978 · Apr 3, 2007

Originally Posted by jjgold

You know it seems that a benchgrade C&J from Plal is about the same in price as most Aldens. Which do you think is a better shoe for the money and why?

This situation has happened to me on SF, just be more specific with your question and you will get better responses (ie responses that are not rude).

lawyerdad · Apr 3, 2007

Originally Posted by DrCool1978

This situation has happened to me on SF, just be more specific with your question and you will get better responses (ie responses that are not rude).

What situation? Every single response he got is "not rude". Every single response -- other than yours, that is -- was directly responsive to his question.

Philip1978 · Apr 3, 2007

You are quite correct, it was your comment I was refering to.

DocHolliday · Apr 3, 2007

Which aesthetic do you find more pleasing? They're very different shoes. Why Alden and C&J? What about AE?

If you're in the U.S., can you try on the Aldens? That might be a big advantage for those.

jjgold · Apr 3, 2007

Ok Ok...Look, Lawyerdad remember there are not stupid questions just stupid people who ask ridiculous questions.

I have Aldens. I likey alot. I have C&J Bengrade. I likey alot. But I am a not a shoe manufacturing expert. So in terms of construction, leather etc. The C&J is about what $500+ plus full retail? The Alden is $375 ish? Are they really very similar but currency, continents, etc playing a role in the price? I am going to order a pair of Drummonds in blk calf for a workhorse. Just trying to make sure I don't get buyer remorse.

Rolo · Apr 3, 2007

Originally Posted by lawyerdad

very single response he got is "not rude".

Originally Posted by lawyerdad

No offense, but the question is ridiculous.

For those of you who are not of the brotherhood, the above statement is not rude, but merely economical. Tact requires additional verbiage, which at $600/hour, shall not be provided except to paying clients.

For those of you not of the South, with the proper prefatory phrase, anything that follows is perfectly acceptable. For example, "Bless your heart, [insert comment about the individual's 4-button, notched-lapel, Louis Vuitton fabric dinner jacket].

lawyerdad · Apr 3, 2007

Originally Posted by jjgold

Ok Ok...Look, Lawyerdad remember there are not stupid questions just stupid people who ask ridiculous questions.

I have Aldens. I likey alot. I have C&J Bengrade. I likey alot. But I am a not a shoe manufacturing expert. So in terms of construction, leather etc. The C&J is about what $500+ plus full retail? The Alden is $375 ish? Are they really very similar but currency, continents, etc playing a role in the price? I am going to order a pair of Drummonds in blk calf for a workhorse. Just trying to make sure I don't get buyer remorse.

No, I certainly didn't mean to suggest you're stupid. I'm sure you're not. Smart people also ask ridiculous questions. I meant what I said - that the question was ridiculous. Nobody can tell you definitively that one is "better" because the factors that distinguish the two are predominantly subjective.
Both are of sufficient quality that you're unlikely to get buyer's remorse if you pick a shoe that appeals to you aesthetically and fits you well. You're much more likely to get buyer's remorse if you end up buying a shoe other than the one that most appeals to you because someone here insisted that one of those brands is clearly "better" than the other.

teddieriley · Apr 3, 2007

What LD says with respect to construction and quality.

I don't know your style, but I think Alden's are ugly. I wouldn't even buy them if someone offered them brand new for $50 (perhaps to flip here, but I wouldn't even consider trying to make that much). Don't get me wrong, I don't care if other people wear them and my inclination wouldn't be to think, man that dude has ugly shoes (but I definitely wouldn't take much notice of them), but personally I would rather shell out the $400 for the C&Js.

mr monty · Apr 3, 2007

Originally Posted by lawyerdad

No offense, but the question is ridiculous. Both are solidly constructed shoes. They vary widely in style/aesthetics/fit. Whichever appeals to you more, and fits you better, is the better shoe for your money.

Removal of the first sentence (No offense, but the question is ridiculous. ) changes the tone of the answer. You are telling him his question is ridiculous. How do most people feel after being told their question is ridiculous? Some are offended. "No offense" is for him to decide and not you.

The reply below reads a lot nicer:

Both are solidly constructed shoes. They very widely in style/aesthetics/fit. Whichever appeals to you more, and fits you better, is the better shoe for your money.

lawyerdad · Apr 3, 2007

Originally Posted by mr monty

Removal of the first sentence (No offense, but the question is ridiculous. ) changes the tone of the answer.

Fair enough. Perhaps I should have said "You're asking the wrong question" or "there is no useful, reliable answer to that question as phrased".

C&J Benchgrade V. Alden?

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