Benchmade 943 vs Ritter Griptilian (RSK Mk1)

T

tremor

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May 14, 2008
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I'm finally going to purchase my first decent knife. I have narrowed it down to the following:

Benchmade 943 and Ritter Griptilian (RSK Mk1)

I plan to use the knife primarily as an EDC. That being said, I may use it every once in a while on a camping trip or if the need arises, to defend myself.

I'm also trying to decide if I want a plain or a combo edge.

So what are your thoughts guys? Thanks in advance!
 
They're both good knives.

The 943 carries better for most people. The RSK is big clipped to the pocket.

I prefer the grip of the RSK as well as the high grind and edge geometry. I think the RSK is more versatile and a better user, particularly in camping scenarios. You pretty much have to devote a pocket to the RSK for EDC though.

I own a 940 and and RSK and a mini RSK. I carry the mini the most of the three.

Phil
 
You can't go wrong. I prefer the Mini RSK or 943 for EDC and find that the large Ritter is better suited to camping and work.
 
First off: DON'T BUY A KNIFE FOR SELF DEFENSE!
Buying a SD knife is like buying a boot for self defense: You will most likely (hopefully) never need it, and if you do, just about any one hand opening and locking knife will do the job.

Second, get the Ritter Grip. I own three Grips (mini grip, large sheepsfoot grip in 154CM, and large thumbstud grip in D2), and after buying thousands of dollars in knives, the grip is the sweet spot. The handle is excellent (maybe perfect for me) and the blade is just the right length for EDC/camping. Both knives have an axis lock, which is great. Go for the Grip.
 
I have the full sized Ritter and it's really a great knife :D

Feels great in the hand (i have average sized hands), and I really like the blade on it. As for it being too big, if you wear loose fitting pants then it wont be an issue.

However, both those knives look great. Great steel, great lock, F&F, ect. Basically your choice should be on which blade you like better. I like the fat ritter saber blade personally.
 
Love my mini ritter grip. Fantastic all-around knife, and I just keep coming back to it. It actually found its way back into my EDC over the Caly 3 I've been carrying for months.
 
943 for me, seems lighter in the pocket. slimmer design. more of a solid feel.
doesn't seem as tactical in appearance. for use every day as oppossed to occasional camping, which i can use a fixed blade, i say more edc pocket time goes to the 943.
 
I used to own the Ritter Grip and have played with the 943. My vote goes to the Grip for ergos, grind and blade shape. The only thing I'd like on the Ritter Grip is G10 scales with full steel liners.
 
Kaizen1 said:
I used to own the Ritter Grip and have played with the 943. My vote goes to the Grip for ergos, grind and blade shape. The only thing I'd like on the Ritter Grip is G10 scales with full steel liners.
Click to expand...

That would be a fantastic upgrade to the Griptilian line. I'm still a little uneasy about the full-size grip not having full liners, but apparently it holds its' own just fine.
 
enderwiggin said:
That would be a fantastic upgrade to the Griptilian line. I'm still a little uneasy about the full-size grip not having full liners, but apparently it holds its' own just fine.
Click to expand...

I recently took one of my Griptilians apart and those "nested liners" that some folks seem worried about are must more substantial than even I thought.
 
A thread on the Ritter Grip? Had to jump in :D I have EDCd a full size Ritter for about 2 years. Hands down my favorite folder. Tough, great blade shape, excellent handle and the axis lock. Really can't go wrong with this one. Mine disappears in the front pocket of my Carhartts:thumbup:
 
I say the ritter it is insanely comfortable in the hand. The 943 is a good knife also. Either way stay far away from partial serrations in my expirience they are useless.
 
The Grip is well named, because it's meant to feel comfortable in the hands. So the handle is large, round, and handfilling. The 94X series is designed more for slim pocket carry. So the 943 will feel better (less noticeable) in the pocket, but the Grip will feel better in your hand (probably).

The blades are fairly different too. The Ritter Grip is a serious slicer with its wide, flat ground, while the 943 not as much with its spearpoint/swedge grind (the 940/942 are the slicers of the 94X series).

My personal choice would be the 940 or 942 (I EDC a 940 myself). Depending on how much camping was being planned though, I might lean more towards the Ritter. But I'd choose a small fixed blade over the Ritter (There's a Fixed Griptilian now too, and well as many other Benchmade and other options) if I were doing a lot of camping.
 
Benchmade 943 and Ritter Griptilian (RSK Mk1)

I plan to use the knife primarily as an EDC. That being said, I may use it every once in a while on a camping trip or if the need arises, to defend myself.

I'm also trying to decide if I want a plain or a combo edge.
Click to expand...

The 943 would make a better EDC
Slimmer, sleeker, almost a gentleman's knife.
Doubles as a great steak knife.
Could handle light-medium duty camping chores.

The Grip has a bigger, rounder handle and blade.
Good heavy duty camping knife but may be a bit much in the pocket.

Don't buy a knife for defensive purposes.
Plain edge is preferable over serrated unless you need to cut rope often.
Both S30V and 154CM are excellent blade steel.

943 S30V w/lanyard plate & 551S 154CM (regular) Grip pictured
518BM2.jpg
 
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I like the 943 more, but it's much more expensive. They're not really apples to apples IMO.
 
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