Benchmade Grip Q's

[Lurp]

I just bought a Benchmade Griptillian today at a local gun show and i love the feel and balance of the knife but...The handles on the knife feel a little cheap and wonder if anyone has had any problems with the handles? Also the lock is a little stiff and when i try to release the lock once activated sometimes it gets stuck because the part on my side is being pulled down but the otherside stays in place nt allowing the lock to de-activate. I was wondering the lock problem is just because its new and it will eventually wear in or whether its always like this. The two things definitley dont stop me from loving this knife but just little annoyances. thank you.

 

[logo]

I just bought a Benchmade Griptillian today at a local gun show and i love the feel and balance of the knife but...The handles on the knife feel a little cheap and wonder if anyone has had any problems with the handles?

Which kind of problems do You mean? I can't remember any with my Grips
As long as You don't try to use it instead of a hammer, everything will be OK.

Also the lock is a little stiff and when i try to release the lock once activated sometimes it gets stuck because the part on my side is being pulled down but the otherside stays in place nt allowing the lock to de-activate. I was wondering the lock problem is just because its new and it will eventually wear in

Yes, it could be that.
I had something similar on one of mines, but now it stucks no more.

 

[Artfully Martial]

The scales do feel cheap, but something had to go to make the griptilian cheaper than most benchmades. Good steel, the best lock ever and full steel liners are worth a lot. But if you want a griptilian (minigriptilian, specifically) that looks nicer with high end scales, you can get the 960. It's essentially the Cabela's D2 minigrip but a heck of a lot prettier and more expensive.

None of my benchmades stick at all. Use two fingers to pull down the axis lock, one on each side....takes a lot less effort, try that.

 

[gajinoz]

I've been using my mini grip somewhat regularly for a while now and experienced no problems with the handle whatsoever.

The lock on both my mini grip and 806 were a little stiff when I got them, the 806 was slightly worse, but I put a few generous drops of Tuff Glide all around and in the lock and then pulled it back and forwards a LOT. The mini grip works quite well now. I haven't used the 806 much but I'm sure it would get better too with a lot of work.

 

[logo]

The scales do feel cheap, but something had to go to make the griptilian cheaper than most benchmades. Good steel, the best lock ever and full steel liners are worth a lot.

Only Mini Grips have full steel liners - regulars have nested half-liners.

But they are strong enough, anyway.

But if you want a griptilian (minigriptilian, specifically) that looks nicer with high end scales, you can get the 960. It's essentially the Cabela's D2 minigrip but a heck of a lot prettier and more expensive.

Are You really think so?

Firstly, if You would tell it Mr. Osborne, he would be very glad to hear that for sure

Now I'm serious, 960 is longer closed (.3") and opened (.5"), but the Mini Griptilian's handle is noticeable thicker (.14"). Handle shapes are totally different, for example I don't like this of 960 at all (too thin), while Mini Grip's one is like designed for me.

BTW - 960 is a very nice gentleman folder, Mini Grip is an allrounder which can easy sleep in a toolbox, between gripper ( ), hammer and screwdriver

 

[lukaszki]

Benchmade Ares and Presidio are more similar to Grip IMHO, if one prefers aluminum instead of frn he can go for the 520 but I prefer the 732 - it feels a bit like straightened Grip with G10 Scales and spearpoint blade, my favourite BM, though it won't cut as good as Grip.

 

[DGG]

I have the same feeling about some of the Spyderco grips. They seem rather light-weight (and I guess they are since that was the intention of the designer).

But in spite of this feeling I have never had a problem with the Grip or Spyderco's so I can't squawk or complain about either.

 

[love4steel]

I didn't like the griptilian for that same reason - kinda bulky also. I stick with g-10 slabs only now.

 

[Artfully Martial]

I think they are, at least to me....~3 inch blade, D2 steel (on my minigrip) and axis lock. Close enough for me.

 

[Stockman]

The handles on the knife feel a little cheap and wonder if anyone has had any problems with the handles?

The handles of the full size grip feel a little "plasticky" as they only have half length liners, the mini grips have full length liners and feel very sturdy. I am sure many people will comment on how they feel, not many will actualy quote any "problems" with how they hold up. Like Spyderco FRN made knives, they are a real "users knife" that will not let you down. The axis lock will wear in with use, its a great locking mechanism that will only get smoother with use.
You have purchased wisely, use it, it will serve you very well.

 

[Artfully Martial]

Yeah, despite the cheap look and maybe feel (I have a minigrip, myself, feels very tough), these are very serious work knives that are surprisingly tough--they don't look like much, but benchmade put your dollars into giving you the most knife and cutting out the aesthetics. Though it is attractive in its own way.

 

[tim8557]

I have both the Grip and Mini-Grip in Cabela's D2 Steel and they are workhorses. I agree that the Grip feels a little lightweight in the grip but it ceertainly holds up well.

The Mini-Grip generally become my EDC because of its smaller size and the "killer edge I put on it with my EdgePro.

You will not be disappointed with your purchase.

 

[Gryffin]

First, let me join in with the others in saying that the Griptilian's a crapload tougher than it seems at first.

Secondly, I'd like to point out something I just recently realized myself: it's not that the Griptilian's grip feels cheap or flimsy; heck, it feels a lot more solid than most all-polymer handles, like, say, my Spyderco Endura. What's always bugged me is that is sounds weird, specifically when you close it.

Oddly enough, that hollow "clack" is there because it's built so heavy. Compared to that Endura, the Griptilian's handle is a lot thicker, and with the partial steel liners, quite a bit more rigid. But to save weight and cost, Benchmade molds hollows into the inside of the handles. That's where that strangely hollow sound comes from.

I gotta admit, I've had a large Griptilian for a few years now, and while it's in my EDC drawer, it doesn't get out much, specifically due to that sound. I made a decision last week to give more pocket time, and try to get past that "issue"; it's in my pocket today, in fact, and I'm finding it's abotu as useful a knife as I own, and remarkably comfortable to use. So it sounds funny; I'm a grown-up, I can get over it!

 

[Lurp]

Ive only owned the knife fo a day but i cant stop playing with it. It has a very comfortable grip and i like its size. Im already getting used to the handles and they dont feel as cheap as the did yesterday.

 

[Shmackey]

Use two fingers to pull down the axis lock, one on each side....takes a lot less effort, try that.

Exactly. Opens up a whole world of Axis fun.