Benchmade Grip vs Mini Grip

R

Runawayemu

Joined
Sep 30, 2012
Messages
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Okay, i recently posted something to justify buying a Benchmade. I am convinced. Now I look and I wonder, what is the difference between the Grip and Mini Grip? Other than size is there any other functionality lost in the mini grip? Now I am really considering the Grip since it's only like 5-10 dollars more than the mini. And what are your thoughts on the Presidio? It's the same price on the site I'm looking at now and I really don't know much when it comes to these high quality benchmade knives. I mostly deal with little things like Kershaw and low end Spyderco (if there is such a thing! I loved my spyderco ambitious!)

thank you!
 
I have always wanted a Presidio, but could never pull the trigger on one. I have a full size Grip, and what I hear is that the mini-Grips have full steel liners, while the full size models don't. Which can give them a cheap feel.

Not many people buy the Presidio, I'm not sure why.
 
I wish I could choke up higher on the mini grip
Other than that though :)
 
My mini grips get a lot more pocket time than my full sized. The mini is, to me, the perfect locking folder. It's big enough to get work done, but small enough to be unobtrusive in my pocket.
 
I have a Bone Collector which I believe is based on the Presidio. If it means anything I am probably picking up another Grip whenever I get around to it. I am either getting a custom ordering one or going for a "custom" run

The Bone Collector is a tad heavy for my taste. I never found the grips felt cheap on the Griptilian, which does not mean I don't want some Cuscadi or Wilkins grips on there though. I do like the shape and lightness of a standard grip for its size
 
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357fan said:
My mini grips get a lot more pocket time than my full sized. The mini is, to me, the perfect locking folder. It's big enough to get work done, but small enough to be unobtrusive in my pocket.
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My words exactly. The mini grip is just about as good as an all around knife as you can get.
 
I'd get the fullsize grip. 3.5" for me is the perfect length. Hey guys does the mini make the CLACK! sound when you open it? I'd imagine not since it has full liners.
 
How big are you, and how much do you covet pocket space? I like the full size, my buddy said it was too big for what he would want to carry.

Where do you live? Go check one out in a store.
 
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De Plano said:
How big are you, and how much do you covet pocket space. I like the full size, my buddy said it was too bog for what he would want to carry.

Where do you live? Go check one out in a store.
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Unfortunately there are no knife stores nearby that i know of. Pocket space isn't a real issue. At most I have a knife and tac pen in my left front pocket and I plan on carrying more in the future. I have a crappy flashlight that came with my Kershaw I bought a while ago. I feel as if I can't really go wrong with either one, but I just want to know if there is a real large functionality difference between the both of them.
 
The only functionality difference is .50 inches of a blade. I carry it, along with another blade around the same size, my phone, my keys with 2 flashlights, and a multitool, and I'm probably around the same age as him. Though I don't wear jeans. I just don't like jeans. Ohh yea and I carry my zippo too.
 
knife2Agunfight said:
I have always wanted a Presidio, but could never pull the trigger on one. I have a full size Grip, and what I hear is that the mini-Grips have full steel liners, while the full size models don't. Which can give them a cheap feel.

Not many people buy the Presidio, I'm not sure why.
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I don't know for sure whether the full size grips lack the steel liners (not saying they don't, I just don't have any personal knowledge in that regard), but I have found that the mini grip feels a bit higher quality. I don't know for sure what to attribute that to. I own a mini and after handling a full size grip the full size does feel a bit cheaper IMO. I love the mini grip though. It really is a great edc knife.
 
I opened one up, it only goes 3/4 down the handle, and it only covers half of the handle width ways.
 
knife2Agunfight said:
Not many people buy the Presidio, I'm not sure why.
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Well, there are two models, the 520 Presidio, and the 522 Ultra Presidio. I own the latter and have handled the former.

The regular presidio has aluminum scales which were too sharp to comfortably use with bare hands for much longer than a few minutes. I'm also told that they tend to destroy pockets, which seems pretty logical. Great blade though, a super wide flat ground 154CM drop point.

The one I've got, on the other hand, has FRN scales, which are lighter and more comfortable. Probably weighs about and ounce or so less to boot. Problem is, it has a super deep hollow grind on the blade, which makes it almost too fragile to use. I've managed to snap the tip on mine several times, and finally snapped a good inch or so out of the cutting edge.

I've always wished they had merged the two models; it would make for a near indestructible knife that is still comfortable to use and carry. Think somewhere between a Ritter Grip and the Adamas.
 
The mini grip is awesome for all the reasons above. At work I carry a full size Griptilian. It's a little fat in the hand, but I have fat hands. I like the mini more though. It's the perfect size. They are both very durable with good steel also. I like the looks of the Presidio but didn't like the extra weight. Have a great day.
 
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I like the size of the mini grip for EDC. It is basically unnoticeable in my pocket. Good luck!
 
edge927 said:
but I have found that the mini grip feels a bit higher quality. I don't know for sure what to attribute that to. I own a mini and after handling a full size grip the full size does feel a bit cheaper IMO.
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The reason that the full sized grip feels so 'cheap' is because of the hollowness of the FRN scales. If you look at this image below, you can see that the FRN is molded as a thin shell with ribbing. This is done to save on weight and also because each type of plastic has an optimum range of wall thickness (read all about it here). End result: the full sized grip feels pretty hollow.

IMG_5917.jpg
 
Nico01 said:
The reason that the full sized grip feels so 'cheap' is because of the hollowness of the FRN scales. If you look at this image below, you can see that the FRN is molded as a thin shell with ribbing. This is done to save on weight and also because each type of plastic has an optimum range of wall thickness (read all about it here). End result: the full sized grip feels pretty hollow.

IMG_5917.jpg
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Thanks, I knew someone would be able to explain it. Thanks for the pics too!
 
I also carry a full-size Grip at work while when off I almost always have a mini in my pocket. They are great knives for a reasonable price. the reason I use the full size at work is that it feels better when wearing gloves,
 
knife2Agunfight said:
I have always wanted a Presidio, but could never pull the trigger on one. I have a full size Grip, and what I hear is that the mini-Grips have full steel liners, while the full size models don't. Which can give them a cheap feel.

Not many people buy the Presidio, I'm not sure why.
Click to expand...

IIRC the liners are the same on the grip and the mini-grip. They look smaller on the grip because they fill less of the larger handle.
 
I've got the Presidio and Griptilian.

Both are nice and functional knives. The Presidio feels a lot more high quality but its heavier with its all metal construction. Both are tough as nails though.

In the end i prefer the Grip as a daily user and I don't mind the plastic handles one bit. The lightness of the knife is a positive imo. If you prefer more hefty in your hand, then look at the Presidio.

6208110766_b4cf7fa474_b.jpg
 
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