- Joined
- Nov 4, 2006
- Messages
- 19,374
I've posted numerous times I am a fan of the Mini Griptilians. I bought my first one right after they were released, quite a few years ago. I've sold quite a few over the years, but still have 6 various versions, and it is still my favorite knife.
Over the years there has been a lot of conversation comparing the full size to the Mini, and some thought the full size was to big and felt cheap because it doesn't have full liners like the mini.
In the past I have always agreed with this thinking, but decided it was time to actually buy one and come to an honest opinion after carrying and using one, because first impressions aren't always right...
So, as I was cruising the bay last week, I spotted a used sand colored 551 with a coated S30V blade, that was ordered from the custom shop. It had seen some use, and the original owner worked over the edge but didn't do a very neat job. The rest of the knife looked great and I knew with a little time I could fix the edge, so I put a bid on it and won...
Well, it arrived yesterday. The first thing I noticed was, it didn't have a cheap feel to it. It actually felt very solid. It is quite a bit bigger than the Minis, but I was still able to put it in the watch pocket of my Wranglers, which is where I have carried my knives for probably almost 20 years. I have fairly big hands, and the knife is very comfortable in hand.
I didn't have a lot of patience last night, but spent a little time bring back a decent edge. I will work on it some more in the next few days, but it looks better and will leave another bald patch on my arm, so it is in useable condition now.
A very slight adjustment on the pivot screw and a couple drops of oil, and it swings freely, but is still tight enough that there is no blade play. So, we shall see how I like it after giving it some pocket time. I know it will never replace the Minis, but it may just be another reason to buy more Griptilians
Over the years there has been a lot of conversation comparing the full size to the Mini, and some thought the full size was to big and felt cheap because it doesn't have full liners like the mini.
In the past I have always agreed with this thinking, but decided it was time to actually buy one and come to an honest opinion after carrying and using one, because first impressions aren't always right...
So, as I was cruising the bay last week, I spotted a used sand colored 551 with a coated S30V blade, that was ordered from the custom shop. It had seen some use, and the original owner worked over the edge but didn't do a very neat job. The rest of the knife looked great and I knew with a little time I could fix the edge, so I put a bid on it and won...
Well, it arrived yesterday. The first thing I noticed was, it didn't have a cheap feel to it. It actually felt very solid. It is quite a bit bigger than the Minis, but I was still able to put it in the watch pocket of my Wranglers, which is where I have carried my knives for probably almost 20 years. I have fairly big hands, and the knife is very comfortable in hand.
I didn't have a lot of patience last night, but spent a little time bring back a decent edge. I will work on it some more in the next few days, but it looks better and will leave another bald patch on my arm, so it is in useable condition now.
A very slight adjustment on the pivot screw and a couple drops of oil, and it swings freely, but is still tight enough that there is no blade play. So, we shall see how I like it after giving it some pocket time. I know it will never replace the Minis, but it may just be another reason to buy more Griptilians





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