$103(US) for a Benchmade... which one should I get?

[StretchNM]

I don't have a BM yet....I know, I know..... but why did you get rid of the mini grip. Thats the one I was looking at. It seems from what I read it is the "starter" BM. True?

My answer would be: False.....admitting that the opinion is subjective.

BM's Griptillian series is lower priced, mostly because of the Noryl GTX scales, but the Axis lock and 154CM steels are nothing to scoff at. It does have an air of "cheapness" about it, I suppose, because the scales can be pulled away from the knife and snapped back with a "click".

BUT!: I wouldn;t call it a starter knife. Most guys owning an extensive line of black and blue class knives (me, for one) and maybe a Chris Reeve and a custom folder or three, still buy the Grip for it's usefullness, bargain price, AND quality.

A BM starter? One or two of the Red Class, I would say......

 

[jvarn81]

My answer would be: False.....admitting that the opinion is subjective.

BM's Griptillian series is lower priced, mostly because of the Noryl GTX scales, but the Axis lock and 154CM steels are nothing to scoff at. It does have an air of "cheapness" about it, I suppose, because the scales can be pulled away from the knife and snapped back with a "click".

BUT!: I wouldn;t call it a starter knife. Most guys owning an extensive line of black and blue class knives (me, for one) and maybe a Chris Reeve and a custom folder or three, still buy the Grip for it's usefullness, bargain price, AND quality.

A BM starter? One or two of the Red Class, I would say......

Yep, the Mini Grip was my "starter". But now I'm ready to move up.

The Mini Grip I had was only my third "real" knife I got. And it quickly became my EDC and my favorite for quite a while. But as I accumulated more knives from Spyderco and Kershaw (especially Kershaw), the Mini Grip lost it's luster and became too "small" at the same time.

I loved the Axis lock and it was always smooth, quick and solid. I just liked others better for the EDC role. My 2 favorites right now are the Kershaw Skyline and Buck Vantage Pro. And now that my CRKT Ken Onion Ripple has arrived, this may be the perfect EDC for me. I am immensely impressed with it. Time will tell.

Thanks for the replies. I like the shape of the mini grip, and since it has a blade under 3", I can carry it at work (not classified a weapon). Plus the price too. I have lots of other brands, I am anxious to get a BM, and I really don't like the handle shape of some of the other BM's, so mini grip should be a good choice.