Benchmade griptilian question

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Dec 10, 2006
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Hi guys

I know the benchmade griptilian has NOT full steel liners, but I read in some thread that the mini griptilians HAS full steel liners to ad some sturdiness like the delica 4. Is this true?

Thank you
Marthinus
 
I have a mini-griptilian and it has full length liners as far as I can tell.

I understand that the full size griptilian has liners that only go part way. Don't got one, so I cannot tell you about that for sure.
 
I heard the same thing, but I don't know for sure. It reminds me of the Para-Military having the compression lock, but the Military has only a liner....
 
I'm holding both my grip and mini grip right now. Yes, the mini-grip has full liners - both sides.
 
followup to last post...when holding both the full size and mini when fully open and performing the handle 'squeeze test', the handle deflection is nearly identical...and negligible for all practical purposes ( at least for my uses).
Eyeballing it, the nordel plastic on the full size grip seems a tad thicker than on the mini, possibly offsetting the fact that the full size has only parial liners.
From the numerous positive postings on these knives, I doubt the liner difference would/should be a deal breaker.
Some folks do not like the 'hollow' sound of the full size grip...but that is just asthetics, not necessarily a comment on performance. It took me a while myself to get used to the 'plastic' feel of these knives, similar to my initial aversion to the 'plastic' feel of the Spyerco Salt & other FRN handled knives. After owning both types of plastic handles (nordel and FRN) for a while, I have grown to really appreciate their positive qualities. No nonsense and tough as nails.
 
Yeah whether you get the large or mini Griptilian you are getting one of the best bang for your buck knives around. I got my large for like $60 and have used the hell out of it and it's still going strong.
 
Looks like the liner question's been answered. In either case the mini and large Grips are a great deal for around $60.

On the "clack" sound the Grips make, I'm not bothered by it at all. The plastic handle scales make for a pretty bombproof knife and then mix in the Axis mechanism. My 551 is a superb working knife and the 154cm blade holds a really good edge.

And for an even better deal, spend a little more $$ and pick up one of the Ritters. That big S30V blade adds an amazing piece of steel to the package.

Oh, and on replacing the handle scales: There are a few who will do it, but because the liners are "nested" that means a lot of (spell expensive...) work goes in milling, say G-10 replacements.

Best to leave as is and just buy two! :D
 
Noryl GTX is pretty tough stuff :D It may feel light and fragile, but that stuff can take it.
 
Although the Lrg Grip.. like my OD green 551 has only partial liners... It is still just as strong as any of their fully lined ones like the rukus and 14200... It is my favorite BM... And much cheaper than the others and light too..
Matt
 
The mini has full liners on both sides, but there is a small edge of the plastic scales that covers the liner, so you can't see the liner unless you look inside.

The mini does not make a "clack" sound.

The large has partial liners.
 
Thanks guys, I like the mini but just can't decide on which one between the following models: 555 partial serrated, 556 normal and sbk. Those are all the options that I have unless I want to wait 6-8 weeks for new stock to arrive! I am leaning to the 556 normal. 3 inch is more than what I need in a blade and is ideal for me going hunting and camping and backpacking...... I have a delica 4 and a salt one so frn type handles are not new to me. I love them because of their simplicity and durability.
 
I've owned a 556 and am of the opinion that serrations are a waste of blade on 3" and smaller knives like the Mini Grips. I also prefer the design of the 556 blade over that of the 555. Leave the combo edges for the larger guys. In the end, whether hollow ground like the 555 or traditional drop point like the 556, it's a good choice picking either!!
 
I've owned a 556 and am of the opinion that serrations are a waste of blade on 3" and smaller knives like the Mini Grips. I also prefer the design of the 556 blade over that of the 555. Leave the combo edges for the larger guys. In the end, whether hollow ground like the 555 or traditional drop point like the 556, it's a good choice picking either!!

Couldn't agree more. I have both a 556 and a 555HG, and can't seem to make up my mind which one I like best: love the drop point with studs, but the sheepsfoot with hole is a mean slicer! Only factor tipping the scale is the combo edge I got on the 555: as you said, combo edges only come to life on a larger blade.
 
555 or 556 normal. I have the SBK, and the serrations do occasionally bug me. I however have a D2 mini grip that totally makes up for it!
 
The hollow handles are the exact reason why I don't like the 551. For the size they feel too light and the unlinered FRN feels weak. But I like the 530 which also has partial liners, so go figure.
 
I'd been wanting to pick up a 550HG but wasn't real impressed with the handles on it. I ran across some G-10 replacements and figured the orange handle/black blade combo would be something different from the ordinary. I really like the knife now!

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It might tide me over until I can find a Hinderer XM-18 in orange for a decent price.
 
Yes I like those handles also.....where did you get them? Yoy mentioned you like the orange handle/ bkack blade combo. Do those handles come in any different colors?
 
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