A few questions about Benchmade/Spyderco

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Bungwrench

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Before Christmas I was thinking of getting a one handed opening knife. I currently use slippies.

I wrote down the price on a few that I was looking at and did a bit of research here. I have a couple questions.

I have narrowed my choices down to two knives. The Spyderco Delica and the Benchmade Mini Griptilian. I see that they both have steel liners and they are similar in many ways. I can get a Delica for about $45 and the Mini Griptilian is about $62. To me this seems a little steep. Am I incorrect? Is the Grip a better knife? To me (not knowing much), it looks like the Delica is the better knife, but again I do not know.
 
Both are flagship models. The Delica has been around a long time. The current model with steel liners is the latest upgrade to a very popular knife. It is more compact and easy to carry than the Mini Griptilian due to its flat construction.

The (Mini) Griptilian is one of Benchmade's really successful efforts. The axis lock is popular for ease of use including its toy factor and for its strength. While the Mini Griptilian handle is bulkier than the Delica, many people like its comfortable grip, which allows you to put real pressure on what you're cutting.

I think the Delica would be a good first one-handed folder for you. Besides being less expensive it is more like a slipjoint to hold.
 
GP Knives might still have a few mini grips on sale for $45.00...

http://www.gpknives.com/item/benchmade-mini-griptilian.html

They're both good knives from excellent companies, so it's going to come down to personal preference.

The Delica is an easier carry but harder to open ( for me). I find axis lock knives easier to open than any other lock type.

Some like the "wave" hook available on the Delica, I don't, the hook destroys my pants. But you might want that feature.

As far as ergos, I like the shape of most Spyderco products, I never understood the look of a Spydie until I used one.

The Grip is a bit hollow feeling...

Best thing is try to handle both.
 
I own both, a small Griptilian and an Endura4. I personally find the Griptilian to be too small for my hands, where I can get a decent grip on the Delica. The Delica is also less bulky in the pocket.

I do love the Axis lock, but find a simple back lock to be perfectly adequate on a knife of this small size.
 
Both great knives, you won't make a mistake with either.

I own a delica but not a Griptilian. The reason is that the Delica is much MUCH more comfortable in the pocket than the thick-handled Grip. I also like the Delica's big high opening hole. The Grip has the axis, killer lock, but that's not enough to overcome the Delica's other advantages, at least for me.
 
I second Joe Talmadge. The Delica 4 carrys well. Has a great blade steel. And full liners under the frn, all makes for a great sturdy knife. I 'm not sure if grips have the liners or not, I'm somebody else will chime in with that answer. I don't own a grip, but I never felt the need to. If you can spend another 60 bucks. A 100 dollar knife really opens up your choices. If you really like the axis lock, a benchmade 707 is a lot like the shape and size of a Delica 4, but like I said Delica 4 is a great knife. I'm not sure if you would like the 707 sixty dollars more than a Delica 4.
 
I have both, the Delica fits better in hand, the mini-grip feels a little shorter in hand. The grip opens and closes much more smoothly than the Delica. Both fit my pocket well, no problem with either. They are both great knives. The Delica gives you more carry options, tip up or down. both have good steels. Tough choice here, I guess that's why I own both.
 
My first clip knife about 10-11 years ago was a Delica with the SS handles. Both companies make great knives and I own knives from both. It is extremely hard to beat the quality of the Spyderco's for the money though. I have avoided the Grip, just because it's so wide. The Delica with SS handles is very thin which is optimal since I carry inside my waistband. You can pick that up for about the price of the Grip. Good luck with whatever you decide. Let us know.
 
I have both. The Mini-Grip has nearly full liners, just like the Delica. I like the higher grind on the Grip better, but I like the Delica's steel better. When I did carry my Grip, I took the clip off and carried it loose in the bottom of my pocket. I don't even carry it anymore, it has been completely kicked out of the rotation by Delicas. I find the Delica more comfortable in my (admittedly large) hands. Besides, I picked up a BRG ZDP-189 Delica for about what the Mini-Grip usually goes for. NO CONTEST, Delica wins!:D
 
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