Almost a Griptilian

T

twintips_16

Joined
Dec 1, 2013
Messages
28
Evening everyone!

Im fairly new to upper end knives and this site so take it easy on a newbie....

I have been on the search for my next new EDC?backpacking Knife. I had my heart set on the Griptilian from Benchmade. After all my research and eyeball appeal. But finally got my hands on it today and loved everything but the Axis lock. I have been carrying the same folder for about 12 years. It was a gerber AR 3.0... I know start the laughter!!! I own a bunch of them but it just doesn't fill my needs. I find the blade dulling faster then i wish and it is heavy for what i get out of it.

I am heavily into backpacking and im looking for something that can be an EDC in the backcountry. So lightweight is a must. Im looking for something that can handle some beating. I dont plan on batoning wood with it but would love to know if i had to that it would handle the task. Im a folder guy. I have looked ate ESEE knives and some of "kinves of Alaska's" stuff and just couldn't get around the fixed blade.

IS there anything out there like the Griptilian that offers strength, weight savings, and comfort with out the Axis lock? Im not a huge fan of big folders like the striders or ZT's i have seen. Im really looking for more of a drop point style like the Griptilian.

Thanks for the help and maybe im just being to picky with the lock. I got used to one, so why not just transition? Maybe i have no other option.

Any suggestions for an almost Griptilian?
 
I am an avid backpacker as well and love my Spyderco Paramilitary 2. If you ever come around to a fixed blade option I really like the ESEE Izula 2 for backpacking.
 
Ok I'll say it first...( make that second:D)

Para Military 2
There, done. Now go buy it.

Now that that is out of the way, I say give the axis lock another shot.
 
Yeah I like some of the ESEE options. I actually just sold and izula 2 on hera while ago. Bought it and just didn't dig it. The ESEE 3 & 4 have caught my eye but they are twice to the times as heavy as a griptilian.....
 
I use the izula when backpacking these days before that was a delica. My paramilitary 2 would probably be my choice as a folder now.
 
Since being on this sight I have seen the spyderco love! What's up with the hole in the blade witout the thumb stud. Yell at me now lol
 
I was thirty before I ever bought my first spyderco what a mistake. The hole is Imo far superior to thumbstuds and after you carry a ffg spyderco for a while you'll see how gorgeous they truly are.
 
I think the Axis lock is tougher then you think. But for backpacking I would go with a fixed blade. For edc I like folders. Guess you need to buy two knives, ha, ha.
 
I think the axis lock is extremely strong for a folder. I just didn't like how to release the blade with it.
 
Spyderco Gayle Bradley, Spyderco Endura 4, Ontario Rat 1 and Rat 2, Spyderco Tenacious, Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight, Blue Ridge/ESEE Zancudo, Al Mar SERE 2000. Zero Tolerance is coming out with some lightweight folders(comparatively) and some have drop point styles. Kershaw has many lower priced counterparts of similar build to the more expensive ZT knives. Think Toyota versus Lexus. Happy hunting! And I'd like to mention that the Spyderco compression lock and the Benchmade axis lock are two of the best one hand opening AND closing lock designs out there. The compression lock might appeal to you, and it just so happens to be on the Paramilitary 2 that everyone is recommending.
 
What didn't you like about the axis lock? The Ritter griptilian and Manix 2 / XL are some of the better outdoor folders around for the money. Both have S30V steel, and nice high/full flat grinds, they take a good edge, and hold it for a long time, slice well, cut well, and have decent points, but both have locks that operate similarly. The axis, and spyderco ball bearing locks are extremely strong by design, inherently ambidextrous, and don't break up the edges of the handles like framelock and compression locks do, and they serve as the detents holding the blades in the handle, disengage the lock, and flip the blade open or closed with one hand, and without touching the blade. The easiest way is to hold the knife, pinch both sides of the lock with thumb and forefinger, pull it back, and flip the blade closed releasing the lock, once it loosens up you can do the same with finger or thumb alone, or pull the lock with your thumb, and push the blade closed from the spine with your index finger. As far as the spyderhole vs stud, everyone has their favorite, but the studs can hang up on material being cut, and it's easier for a thumb to slip off a stud than slip out off the hole, you can also open it easier with the index finger from underneath.
 
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Kershaw Blur in S30V. Similar size and weight to a large Grip, but with a liner lock instead of Axis lock. The Endura is also similar in size and weight and uses a lock back mechanism. The RAT-1 is a bit heavier, but it is also a pretty stout knife (not to say the Grip, Blur, or Endura are slouches, because they're very capable blades too).
 
Hogue EX01 with G10 handle. Light weight, tough, great lock, great blade, great steel, great ergos, drop point, good clip
 
twintips_16 said:
Since being on this sight I have seen the spyderco love! What's up with the hole in the blade witout the thumb stud. Yell at me now lol
Click to expand...

To me the thumb hole is way more easier than a stud, especially with gloves. Studs can snag too. Another great thing about Spyderco is go over to their forum here and Sal (the owner of Spyderco) is regularly on there doing blade talk with everyone, because he just loves blades. Not just answering product questions, but taking part in the stuff you and I do like "What blade are you carrying today". See the CEO of Benchmade on here? Just a top notch company that listens to their customers and puts out functional works of art.

Outside of the price jump on the Benchmades, I do like some of their products. The Mini-grip is a staple everyone should have. The 940 is also a fantastic EDC. The standard grip is a good blade as well.

So go feel a few specimens and grab what feels best and fits in your budget.
Cheers
 
twintips_16 said:
IS there anything out there like the Griptilian that offers strength, weight savings, and comfort with out the Axis lock?
Click to expand...

If you can get past the spydie hole, consider the Spyderco Stretch. It's approximately the same OAL and blade length as the Griptilian, but lighter.
 
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