710 vs. 940 vs. Griptilian

M

Mr.Bojangles

Joined
Nov 11, 2008
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Howdy guys. I've been lurking on the forums for a little while--lots of great information here. I've also been collecting knives since I was pretty young, but with all the options and varieties available today, it seems you can never stop learning about these things. I've done quite a bit of searching, debating, and I'm still having trouble deciding what my next knife purchase should be. I've been carrying a Delica 4 for a couple years now and I love the thing...no intentions of replacing it. However, I've been getting the itch lately and wanted to try out an axis lock knife. I *think* I've narrowed my options down to either a 710 McHenry & Williams, a 940 Osbourne, or a Griptilian. This is where you guys come in: I still have a few questions that I could use some advice/clarification on. My Delica is about the perfect size for me, although I think I would like something a little bigger, around a 3.5" blade length.

-In your opinion, is the 710 a little too big for an EDC? Would something such as S30V or 154CM be better for an EDC than the D2 currently used in these blades?

-Is a full sized Griptilian too big for an EDC, particularly in reference to the thickness of the handle? Do you find the mini-grip too small? Just right?

and lastly...

-Are the 710 and the 940 worth the added expense over the Griptilian (about twice the price)? I don't mind paying more for the higher quality knives, and I do really like the idea of having a knife in G10, or one as light and smooth as the 940 has been desrcibed as being, but...will I really notice that much difference beyond a slightly less grippy handle and a few more sharpenings a year? How does the fit and finish compare? I am pretty sure these are all blue class knives.

Another consideration is losing or damaging these knives, as I do intend to carry and use them.

The 940 kind of seems like "the one," but the Griptilian also seems like a great value at about half the price of the 940. I would still be perfectly content with the Griptilian, as I am a big fan of getting the most out of your money, that is as long as the Griptilian is comfortable enough to carry every day. I've heard the mini-grip is a great EDC, although I was hoping to get something a little bigger than my Delica rather than smaller. If they are about the same size though, which I'm pretty sure they are, I'm willing to entertain the idea.

So essentially what I am asking is which of these knives you all think is the best EDC blade and has the highest overall value?

Thank you in advance for your helpful information. Also, if anyone thinks they know of a knife other than the ones mentioned that they think would be a good purchase, I'm all ears. I have been eyeballing some higher-end Spydercos as well, which I intend to acquire one day, but as I am a poor college student and already have my Delica, I figured I would see how well I liked some of Benchmade's offerings.

Thanks again. :D
 
That's a tough one :-)

I heard good things of all three knives, but I only have the 710. Upon receiving it, I was satisfied. I liked the knife. With time and use, I LOVED the knife. The steel is very good - no worries there, the blade geometry is excellent, the axis lock :thumbup:...the knife is well made. If you don't mind the recurve, which can be harder to sharpen for some, you can't go wrong. A true classic.

Oh...and welcome!
 
I dislike the 710 because the G10 is very slippery, it's too big and heavy, and the recurve is a little more difficult to sharpen. The 940 is just about perfect size and it's very light, it's my personal favorite. When it comes to value though the grip is probably the best. It's on the large side but if you don't mind the size go for it.
 
I have the Grip 550HG and the 940. The 710 seems a *tad* too large, and I'm not overly impressed with Benchmade's flat grinds other than the Dejavoo (full flat). ...although MY favorite folder is the Spydie Military which is almost as large as the 710. As far as value is concerned, the Grip is the most outstanding to me. The 940 is an EXCELLENT knife too, but it is more of a gents folder IMO. My 940 has better f&f than my Grip, in that the axis bar wobbles a bit, but lockup is equal.

For my money, I'd check out the Grip, and go from there. You'll likely LOVE the axis.
 
The 940 is the way to go. Nice size blade in a small package and REAL SMOOTH! Good Luck! Kevin :D:D
 
I have mini grip. Perfict size to carry around. the 710 knife I want to get.
 
Thank you all very much for the info. I'm kinda leaning toward either the 940 or the Grip. 710 is a beautiful knife and I'll eventually get one, but the 940 seems a *little* better size for EDC. Also, I'm looking for a steel that is a good compromise between hardness and corrosion resistance. Any 710 options besides D2 and M4? I'd probably go for the 940 over the Grip, but for that price, I can almost get a Griptilian and another knife. So I guess I also need to know, full size or mini-grip for EDC?

Also...any thoughts on the mini-rukus?
 
I have the Grip and love it. It's actually a nice carry knife that you actually don't mind using because of the price. The grip is awesome and I don't feel it's too large to carry at all. Love mine.
 
I'd take the mini grip over the full size anyday. 3" can do pretty much any lighter EDC task I can think of.
 
If your hands are large-XL you will find the mini grip pretty small. I found it toooo small & it's opening a little cramped for me. The FS Grip is the perfect size IMO. Yeah, the handle is a tad thick, but I like it. FWIW, the 940 is a "cooler" knife. It is one of the most well thought out knives I've ever owned, functionally and aesthetically..just slim, trim & sexy... The only negatives to me are the grind is a *tad* thick, and there is a lack of grippiness to the knife. It is a little on the slick side. I REALLY like mine, but I'd prefer the Grip for EDC. The only negative to the Grip is the pasticy handles. Tyeh do take a little getting used to... But since you have a Delica, you're already in an understanding state of mind. I really like FRN/ Noryl GTX. It is not a negative, just a preference or not.
 
As you state, both mini griptil and FS griptil can be good used everyday with little thought to price. Most task used on my mini grip is cutting little things at office. I have the exter large hand (6,4 107Kg) and the mini is ok.
 
Yeah, I'm not sure they have M4. I mean the extra 2% vanadium with come at a cost. Sure, you get extra long wear but you have to draw the line sometime.
 
I used to think the Sm Sebenza was a good size until I carried a Lg Sebenza for a week... While I would consider a smaller knife adequate, I prefer a Full Sized one when I have the choice. I am, however, 6'5" 190#. I find size is relative. People have told me that a beer can looks tiny in my hands... On the same token, a lg knife looks like it just fits me.
 
You can get on the waiting list at knifeworks.com They have an M4 710 with green g10 scales.
 
Thanks a lot for the insight guys. Thankfully I'm not restricted to only one knife. I know I'll eventually get all three. For now, I'm still not sure. Griptilian seems like the best bang for the buck. However, the full size is almost as big as a 710. So I'm kinda leaning towards the mini-grip or the 940. I do like the longer blade length of the full size Griptilian though. Anyone got any side by side size comparison shots? And possibly handle width comparisons? Any other comments are welcomed, as well as knife recommendations besides those listed. Thanks again.
 
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