Am I missing out by not owning a griptilian?

A.P.F. said:
The full size Ritter Grip is one of my top 10 favorite knives. It is comfortable in my hand, disappears in my pocket and is light yet tough as nails. I can't recommend a Grip too highly.
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I couldn't have said it better myself. +1 for the Ritter Grip and Grips in general.
 
I bought a MINI-Grip used years ago just to 'try it out' as so many raved about it here on the forums. I was very impressed by it. Small; seemed to act as a bigger folder, sharp edge; it dis most taks while my bigger folders stayed in the pocket.

I bought the larger Grips in different models as beaters (the serious ones I got later and roughing up the beaters). Those beaters performed, and still perform very well. (carrying one of those large beaters now). The handles are great for cold, wet or hot days, the axis lock still works fine, the knife has been used with abandon and I've no issues with it. Lightweight and it works for long hikes and even jogs; the weight doesn't bother me.

If anything, get one to test drive; it will definitely sell here if you don't like it.

Hope this helps.
 
Very good knife for the bucks and the thin 154CM blade is a great slicer. Although I'm not as enthralled with the axis lock as some - the omega springs broke inside of 6 months and having to send it back to the factory for replacement is a pain in the backside.
 
My first Benchmade was a 551 Grip - in 440C. I was in awe of that AXIS lock, seemingly nearly as secure as a lockback, like my favorite Buck 110. Certainly more secure than my Kershaw liner/frame locks (Blur, Leek, Scallion), which I have still never had a problem with, other than the 440A steel which dulled more quickly than my Bucks' 420HC. That 551 was over seven years ago, I think... and being my most expensive pocket knife - and having such a name - I never tried the edge. It wouldn't cut butter without being heated. Even edge - just dull. My Bucks, Kershaws, & Spyderco's were all shavers as delivered.

The Grip is well made - the AXIS lock is a great selling point. It is necessarily thick, to contain the steel subframes. Great grip feel - but not a great user for me - it sat in a drawer for years. Sharp now, it is a keeper. I remove clips, for bottom of pocket carry, so I can't speak to it's side of pocket wear. Opening near AXIS lock is wide but small - likely not a pocket change collector like other knives. It has a grippy texture - great for serious work, as are the thumb notches. The 440C takes a while to re-edge, but keeps said edge well. Thicker blade than my new 635BK, thinner than the 630 - my only two other BMs for comparison. If sharp out of the box, a decent value.

Nearly five years after buying it, I thought - try Benchmade again. I ordered a 201 Activator+ fb - the plus was simple - get out your stones, it came the same way as that Grip - dull, but very even. Eventually, I had gotten a Spydie Sharpmaker - and both of my original BMs are razors now - and fantastic. Also, I doubled my BM collection this month with both a mini and regular Skirmish - both delivered new as razors. I'll buy more Benchmades now - as I can afford them. I'm at the other end of the college experience - a retired college professor - actually, an instructor (No research/paper requirement - just teaching!). Teacher's Retirement doesn't go that far - Sebenzas and Busses are a dream now.

Cultivate those gf's - ten years of marriage resulted in that 635BK as an anniversary gift from her. Keeper - her and the knife!

Stainz
 
My full-sized D2 Grip is a keeper. I normally prefer heavier knives these days but the Grip is still one of my favorites. It is in my second and smaller knife rotation. I think I would like it even more if I preferred light weight knives.
 
Is the Axis Lock worth $20 more than a well executed liner or frame lock? Thiinking about it, much of the work to make it would be integral with the shaping of it's subcomponents. CNC lathes can pop out thousands of pins a day, the liners get punched to shape, grips are molded. On a framelock or liner lock, the locking leaf practically requires either CNC plasma or laser cutting to get the thin slot made.

Fitting would be almost a no brainer with the Axis - the contact point back of blade controls all the engagement. With a frame/liner, the ramp angles on blade and lock must be controlled carefully to prevent walking and disengagement. That's more labor and hand fitting.

No doubt you get what you pay for, Axis locks have a good reputation with few complaints. Asking $20 more for a less labor intensive knife with molded FRN handles just proves their's one born every minute.
 
tirod3 said:
Is the Axis Lock worth $20 more than a well executed liner or frame lock? Thiinking about it, much of the work to make it would be integral with the shaping of it's subcomponents. CNC lathes can pop out thousands of pins a day, the liners get punched to shape, grips are molded. On a framelock or liner lock, the locking leaf practically requires either CNC plasma or laser cutting to get the thin slot made.

Fitting would be almost a no brainer with the Axis - the contact point back of blade controls all the engagement. With a frame/liner, the ramp angles on blade and lock must be controlled carefully to prevent walking and disengagement. That's more labor and hand fitting.

No doubt you get what you pay for, Axis locks have a good reputation with few complaints. Asking $20 more for a less labor intensive knife with molded FRN handles just proves their's one born every minute.
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I think your estimations of labor are backwards.

Take a Griptillian apart and reassemble then take a Skirmish apart and reassemble.

The Skirmish is way faster to reassemble.
 
tirod3 said:
Is the Axis Lock worth $20 more than a well executed liner or frame lock? Thiinking about it, much of the work to make it would be integral with the shaping of it's subcomponents. CNC lathes can pop out thousands of pins a day, the liners get punched to shape, grips are molded. On a framelock or liner lock, the locking leaf practically requires either CNC plasma or laser cutting to get the thin slot made.

Fitting would be almost a no brainer with the Axis - the contact point back of blade controls all the engagement. With a frame/liner, the ramp angles on blade and lock must be controlled carefully to prevent walking and disengagement. That's more labor and hand fitting.

No doubt you get what you pay for, Axis locks have a good reputation with few complaints. Asking $20 more for a less labor intensive knife with molded FRN handles just proves their's one born every minute.
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youve made your point that you like the vex better; can you leave please? youre no longer contributing and you seem to not at all care about my original question.

guess what mate, if I wanted a mother****ing vex, I would own one. the whole point of this thread is deciding if I want a griptilian. I have said before multiple times in this thread that I care about the price only in the sense that I wont throw 55 bucks at something I dont want.

here are some things I dont want:

liner lock
56-58 hrc steel
not made in the usa or japan
>3" blade length
tip up carry
coated blade

btw lots of guys hand make liner and frame locks without cnc machines and they tend to do a better job than production companies; if you dont believe me go take a look at the custom knife maker forums.

btw by your logic I must be a huge idiot for owning the 100+ dollar benchmades, so why even bother to post?
 
I have one, and i find that the handle is too thick for my taste as an EDC, its a good knife made by a great company, but your not missing anything special.
 
I own 3 Grips (550, 551D2, Large Ritter) and love them when I use them. Griptilians are perfect for using. Sure they have plastic handles, but they feel great, carry great, cut great, and hold up as well as any hard-use knife. I own them because I use them, I own Sebenzas and other high-end knives that I enjoy carrying, but I don't enjoy using any knife more than a Griptilian.
 
Don't waste your time. The Grip is plain, nothing special. So what if it cuts, all good knives do. Save up for a custom.
 
pholder said:
keep what you have, you're not missing anything.
you already have the axis lock so why go backwards, and yes everyone i do own one, not impressed. not even close to my 705-707-943-440 and 814.
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YES. bypass the internet hype.
 
p_mcmanis said:
what do you like about the 556 that you feel makes it superior as an edc knife to a more expensive axis that has g10?

Well I think I will keep an eye out for a used mini on the exchange after the first of the month and if it doesnt work out I should be able to move it along for minimal loss.
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Well, the only Benchmade I currently have that fits your question is 710 D2 and I definitely prefer the 556. I think EDC preferences are really subjective, but for me I prefer the size and feel of the Mini. I also like the blade shape and size better for most everyday uses. To tell you the truth, most G10 doesn't thrill me that much as a folder handle because of the weight. I think the Mini is just one of those knives that "works". For me it's a classic comparable to the Delica- every knife person should have one at least once.

I've never had a problem with it eating my pockets, even in slacks. Lift up a bit on the clip as you draw it. This is a very easy and natural motion with your middle finger and is how I draw any clipped knife.
 
I'd say the 556 is not "superior" to any other higher end axis, but it obviously works. Light, solid and CHEAP! It's one you don't sweat profusely about losing which for many is no small thing.
 
I took the original post as a question whether the Griptillian series was worth the money. Nothing in that post said what wasn't wanted. A comparison to the Vex was just that - the same comments would fit the Tenacious - and the point is that I feel the Grip's are overpriced, but nonetheless well designed.

The second post about labor costs is from a career in automotive parts sales and actual production on the factory floor making truck cab and water jet components. Considering that the average American no longer works in a factory or has a clue about real labor and product manufacturing and assembly, I put my two cents in where it seems to fit.

Getting value for the money spent does rank higher for some, compared to owning something that gets a lot of nice press. That concept has obviously been rejected for any consideration. My mistake for being detailed.

The posters saying "it's nothing special" must have done a better job.
 
bigmo66 said:
I'd say the 556 is not "superior" to any other higher end axis, but it obviously works. Light, solid and CHEAP! It's one you don't sweat profusely about losing which for many is no small thing.
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Ive already got a sacrificial lamb knife though. I carry my boker trance when I can carry a knife becuase its thin, light, a good size and best of all easy to replace should it be lost.

tirod3 said:
Getting value for the money spent does rank higher for some, compared to owning something that gets a lot of nice press.
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Please refrain from critiqueing how I spend my money. I was asking people here, people who know something, if they liked the knife relative to more expensive benchmades (which I think Ive pointed out to you now 3 times if you include the original post that I own myself) enough to warrant buying it. Im not sure how you still havent gotten this point.
 
p_mcmanis said:
Ive already got a sacrificial lamb knife though. I carry my boker trance when I can carry a knife because its thin, light, a good size and best of all easy to replace should it be lost.
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Let's see, you have nicer axis locks, sacrificial lambs, other great knives, but do you have a knife that is named after some sort of knife/lizard concoction - Griptilian! :D

At this point I would say you certainly don't "Need" a grip or are missing out on anything it offers. For many it's an upgrade - in your situation a downgrade but not as in a junky downgrade.
 
If you've already experienced Benchmade's 154CM and the axis lock then you're not missing out. The Grip is a great knife but nothing to special.
 
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