Benchmade Griptilian

So the M4 you say?

I'm no blade steel guru:D
What is the difference between the 154cm and the CPM-M4 Powder Steel? I also don't care much for the black coating. I need some convincing:D
 
154cm is stainless. CPM M4 is not stainless, but not nearly as rust-prone as ordinary carbon steel. The M4 is capable of decent toughness at high hardness, is very wear resistant, and takes an extremely keen edge. Competition cutters are most often CPM M4, which ought to tell you something. They could use any steel, but they choose M4.
 
ParacordMan1220 said:
So the M4 you say?

I'm no blade steel guru:D
What is the difference between the 154cm and the CPM-M4 Powder Steel? I also don't care much for the black coating. I need some convincing:D
Click to expand...
M4 is about as good as it gets in production knife steels. The fact that it isn't stainless is the reason it is coated. Benchmade puts a coating on all of their m4 blades to inhibit rust. Im not a black blade person either, but m4 is worth it. If you decide you just can't live with a black coated blade then definitely get a Ritter grip (Doug Ritter RSK Mk-1). The Ritter features a steel upgrade of s30v over 154cm as well as a blade shape seen by many as superior to that of the standard grip models. Ideally you find an m4 Ritter and slap some custom scales on it like this...
IMG_20120829_130801.jpg
Mine is a mini, but you get the idea.
 
/\ What he said again.
+1 M4
+1 Ritter
+1 Custom scales
DSCN4629.jpg

DSCN1442.jpg
 
I'm currently working on a review of custom grips for a popular military blog. In the mean time, I'll share a couple pics of mine. It's been said before but custom grips by Cuscadi or Wilkins makes this a completely different knife. It now competes well with my Striders and CRKs for pocket time. Here's a Vintage Micarta Cuscadi and a Wilkins G10. 112612gripscales_07.jpg112612gripscales_08.jpg112612gripscales_09.jpg
 
The whole Grip series is one of my favorite knife lines made! I have them all! Minis, regulars, Ritters, Wilkins grippies! Wilkins aren't cheap but they rock!! All the steels they use for the grips are great!
 
I personally liked the Mini-Grip more the the normal Grip. Though it may feel small for some(I have huge hands, wear large in gloves), I feel that it is perfect for a EDC. Not tactical shanking, but actual usage of a knife ie opening boxes, cords, cutting steak, ect. Could use a deep carry pocket clip though.
 
I'm a big fan of the BM Grips. I've had a beater 555 for the last year and just recently bought an orange 551.
I've tried many other more expensive knives for an edc, but always find myself going back to the Grip.
I like the full size. I know alot of people like the mini-grip, but I just find it way too small to be comfortable.
The full size however fits my hand like a dream. It is a little thick, but it still carries just fine.
I stayed away from the Grip for a long time because I thought the scales felt cheap.
To be honest, they still feel cheap to me, but the knife molds into my hand and the texturing provives an excellent purchase.
The action on both my Grips is lightning fast. One handed deployment and closing isn't an issue.
My old beater has held up just fine. I bought it used a year ago. It's my hard use edc and it still functions like it's brand new!
The coating on it had held up very well. There's a few scratches, but I've been really rough on this blade.lol
For the price, I would say the Benchmade Griptillian is an absolute bargain and would reccomend it to anyone looking for general all-purpose edc. Here's a pic of "Ol Trusty".



DSC02831.jpg
 
jleephoto said:
It's been said before but custom grips by Cuscadi or Wilkins makes this a completely different knife. It now competes well with my Striders and CRKs for pocket time. Here's a Vintage Micarta Cuscadi and a Wilkins G10. View attachment 315015View attachment 315016View attachment 315017
Click to expand...

Jleephoto, I also have the exact combo of Ritter-Grip with vintage micarta scales from Cuscadi. It is in my pocket right now and is regularly beating all other for pocket time. I love it, just wish I had the M4 Ritter grip as I really rate M4 steel but as it is this is a terrific EDC...

Ben
 
I think I actually prefer the more beefy Wilkins grips but like the look of the Cuscadi better. I have no doubt the originals are plenty strong but I just never carried it because I had choices the felt nicer. Now my Ritter holds its own. Was never confident of M4 since I spend a lot of time around water and all my S30V blades have worked well for me.
 
It's a good knife. Really comfortable in the hand and an excellent lock. There are many great options out there but if its the one that takes your fancy then you can't go wrong with one for the uses you mentioned.
 
SO, The final Round of my Griptilian Quest.
I have narrowed down my choices (again) to either the Benchmade CPM-M4 or the Doug Ritter RSK MK1.
The final question: Which do you recommend?
 
I think most would agree the M4 is the superior steel but that S30V has better corrosion resistance. I prefer satin finishes and the shape of the Ritter but wouldn't turn my nose up at either.
 
I own several Grips. They are a very light knife that can go toe to toe with much more expensive knives. However, the Ritter Griptilians are my favorites. The Pardue Grips are ground differently and it makes a big difference for me. The Ritters cut way better for me. Also, compare the prices of the Ritter Grips and Pardue Grips and you'll see they are priced pretty far apart. I prefer S30V over 154 CM because of the toothy edge it gets. CPM M4 will outperform S30V but I never noticed a difference because I strop at the end of each day of use. If the Benchmade CPM M-4 Griptilian is the Pardue one, I would pass on it and get the Ritter Grip in S30V. If the CPM M4 grip is the Ritter one then jump on it.

Unklfranco
 
ParacordMan1220 said:
SO, The final Round of my Griptilian Quest.
I have narrowed down my choices (again) to either the Benchmade CPM-M4 or the Doug Ritter RSK MK1.
The final question: Which do you recommend?
Click to expand...


Honestly, you can't go wrong with either one. Personally, I think the M4 version is a better value based on cost and blade steel. Also, you can get a Ritter Grip any time; the M4 version is a limited production. Good luck with your purchase.

_Shag
 
Peroni1973 said:
Jleephoto, I also have the exact combo of Ritter-Grip with vintage micarta scales from Cuscadi. It is in my pocket right now and is regularly beating all other for pocket time. I love it, just wish I had the M4 Ritter grip as I really rate M4 steel but as it is this is a terrific EDC...

Ben
Click to expand...

That really is a great combo with the Cuscadi vintage micarta. I have Wilkins on my mini Ritter but I have Cuscadi vintage micarta scales on the way for my BM 710. I seem to be ordering a new set of Cuscadi grips a month these days.
 
ParacordMan1220 said:
SO, The final Round of my Griptilian Quest.
I have narrowed down my choices (again) to either the Benchmade CPM-M4 or the Doug Ritter RSK MK1.
The final question: Which do you recommend?
Click to expand...

Buy the M-4 all ready! I think I am going to take my own advice. :D
 
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