Benchmade Griptillian or Spyderco Paramilitary 2

Tanman

Tanman

Joined
Apr 27, 2014
Messages
8
I don't feel like buying two knives right now but I definitely want one of those, but I'm not sure which one. Can you guys help me decide? No matter which one I end up getting I will probably eventually get the other, I just want to know which one first haha.
 
They are both really good choices to me. I'm totally new to this hobby but I have looked around enough and I know they are both upper tier....I mean as far as I'm concerned. Honestly, they're both out of my price range at the moment.

I did just order a red Kershaw Blur today if that gives you an idea of where I'm at in this odd obsession. I think it's the attention to detail and the way each builder incorporates the more obvious and lesser known functions that the tool should have that intrigues me. Who knows?

Back on topic though and considering what I just wrote, Id go with the Benchmade.
 
If I had to pick one, I would chose the PM2, but I really love both designs. To me, the handle of the para 2 is more comfortable than MY Griptilian which ultimately wins it over for me. Both knives are light, have decent steel (reular production version), and great locking systems. I just ran upstairs to snap a picture if it helps. I never realized just how similar in size they are.
 
newknif said:
They are both really good choices to me. I'm totally new to this hobby but I have looked around enough and I know they are both upper tier....I mean as far as I'm concerned. Honestly, they're both out of my price range at the moment.

I did just order a red Kershaw Blur today if that gives you an idea of where I'm at in this odd obsession. I think it's the attention to detail and the way each builder incorporates the more obvious and lesser known functions that the tool should have that intrigues me. Who knows?

Back on topic though and considering what I just wrote, Id go with the Benchmade.
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Im new to the hobby too man. I try to watch a lot of reviews before buying a knife. I only have a Kershaw Skyline and a Buck 110 haha. My collection needs to grow since this hobby interests me more than anything else. Thanks for the responses everyone, I'll wait to see a few more opinions before I decide.
 
The Para 2 by a mile. I like the mini Grip but not the full size unless it's fitted with custom scales. Para 2 is a great knife. Only concern is that some of them are smoother than others.
 
The PM2 is a much better knife for the price IMO. They are both great knives with great designs and I recommend getting the grip as well (or the mini) at some point, but the PM2 would be my first choice.
 
I own both as well. Get the PM2. It's no contest.

I loved my Grip when I didn't own very many other knives to compare it to. Now it just feels cheap in comparison to, say for example, the PM2, Sage 1, Manix 2, or Benchmade 710. I actually prefer the mini Grip to its larger brother but neither gets carried anymore.
 
Between the PM2 and Griptilian, I'd lean a little towards the PM2. If you are open to the Ritter Griptilian, I'd get that instead. I think it's about the same price as a PM2. Ergos in hand are good on both the Grip and PM2. For doing a lot of cutting, I find the Grip to be a bit more comfortable due to the thicker handles. The PM2 is less bulky in pocket due to the flat handles vs. rounded ones on the Griptilian.

Here's a shot of a regular Griptilian, one with the Ritter blade (actual handles will be the same style as the regular Griptilian, not the Wilkins scales pictured below), and a PM2. You mentioned having a 110 and Skyline, so I included those to give you an idea of the size of these knives. They are sorted top to bottom from longest blade to shortest.

1178937_comparison1_800x454.jpg
 
I have owned a total of five Para 2's and two or three Mini Grips. I now own the Brown/s35vn Sprint Run and love the thing. It's a great knife. I also have another Mini Grip on its way to me, again it's a great little knife, it's also a tough little knife.

It just depends on what you would rather based on what you get with each one.

The Mini Grip is, like I said, a wonderful little knife. It has tough noryl scales, good blade steel(154cm), carries well, and is cheaper than the Para 2.

The Para 2 has better feeling scales on it and feels more solid in the hand. It has s30v Blade steel which is a little step above 154cm. Also you have more grip on the handle because it's a bit longer and curves to fit in the hand, and it does like a glove.

Over all I'd probably pick up the Para 2 because for the price you really get a great knife. But I would also look into getting a Mini Grip later down the road. Either knife would be a great step in your collecting and using. They both make good EDC's. So really it just depends on what you would rather have depending on each knife's features.
 
I bought the Paramilitary 2 on eBay. Should be here in a few days. To everyone who commented, thank you very much, The pictures were very helpful.
 
I have 2 PM2s, and as someone else mentioned the quality of the opening varies dramatically. The one that opens smoothly is in my EDC rotation. The other remains in its box.
On the other hand my Griptilian outperforms every other knife in my collection. It is just the smoothest opening knife I have ever owned.
 
The Griptilian really should be competing with endura/Delica, but because of the recent pricing change policy it's forced to compete with knives that are in the next tier up, it's like an Endura trying to compete with a BM 710, because Spyderco decided to bump up their prices

BTW, I have several of both and like both, but the Grip is the entry level for benchmade just like the FRN is for spyderco, the PM2 is a step up.
 
michaelm466 said:
The Griptilian really should be competing with endura/Delica, but because of the recent pricing change policy it's forced to compete with knives that are in the next tier up, it's like an Endura trying to compete with a BM 710, because Spyderco decided to bump up their prices

BTW, I have several of both and like both, but the Grip is the entry level for benchmade just like the FRN is for spyderco, the PM2 is a step up.
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Just wondering...do you thing the grip would be in the same league at the PM2 if the handles were G10? In other words is it just because of the handle material to you?
 
I have both and if I had to give one up it would be a very easy decision - I would definitely give up the griptillian. (For me it's not even a close call)
 
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