- Joined
- May 21, 2001
- Messages
- 2,871
I have now had my Griptilian for about a week and have carried it as my EDC since its arrival. It cost me right at 60 bucks via an Internet knife retailer. My first impression was - Wow, this is a handful. But I like larger knives so that was a pleasant surprise. Ergonomically, it fits my hand (medium sized)very well, the faux checkering and molded ridges give me a sense of security, and the metal inserts along the top and bottom of the upper frame are indented, which helps me apply considerable force while cutting. The knife came shaving sharp out of the box, not hair popping sharp, but shaving sharp.
I have used the knife extensively in the kitchen and around the barbecue, and I have used it to cut up boxes, sever rope, and fillet salmon. So far the blade shape and geometry have worked well for me and I have no complaints. I even like the elliptical hole in the blade, finding it no more or less difficult to operate than a Spyderhole or my AFCK. The blade opens as smoothly and easily as any folder I own, and the lock-up feels vault tight and strong (it is an Axis lock afterall) and mine has no lateral play what-so-ever. My spine wack tests could not budge the blade, even though I hit it harder than I have other knives. If I have any concerns it would be with lateral strength considering the molded Zytel handle and the limited metal liner inserts when compared to the BM 710. I do not plan on testing it to distruction to see if my concerns are valid. Maybe Cliff Stamp could do that some day.
So far the 440C (and of all my knives this is the first one I have owned in 440C) has held up well to my usual corrosion test. I used the knife to cut up various vegetables and fruits and then left the blade unwashed overnight. I detected no rust blemishes or discoloring as a result. Edge retention appears to be slightly less than my BM 710 in ATS-34, but the difference is marginal.
Overall, I am quite in impressed with this knife, especially at its price point. I plan on buying a couple more as presents to friends of mine who are not knife knuts, but who do appreciate a functional, well conceived tool, which is my opinion of the Griptilian.
I have used the knife extensively in the kitchen and around the barbecue, and I have used it to cut up boxes, sever rope, and fillet salmon. So far the blade shape and geometry have worked well for me and I have no complaints. I even like the elliptical hole in the blade, finding it no more or less difficult to operate than a Spyderhole or my AFCK. The blade opens as smoothly and easily as any folder I own, and the lock-up feels vault tight and strong (it is an Axis lock afterall) and mine has no lateral play what-so-ever. My spine wack tests could not budge the blade, even though I hit it harder than I have other knives. If I have any concerns it would be with lateral strength considering the molded Zytel handle and the limited metal liner inserts when compared to the BM 710. I do not plan on testing it to distruction to see if my concerns are valid. Maybe Cliff Stamp could do that some day.
So far the 440C (and of all my knives this is the first one I have owned in 440C) has held up well to my usual corrosion test. I used the knife to cut up various vegetables and fruits and then left the blade unwashed overnight. I detected no rust blemishes or discoloring as a result. Edge retention appears to be slightly less than my BM 710 in ATS-34, but the difference is marginal.
Overall, I am quite in impressed with this knife, especially at its price point. I plan on buying a couple more as presents to friends of mine who are not knife knuts, but who do appreciate a functional, well conceived tool, which is my opinion of the Griptilian.
