Benchmade Griptillian worth it?

[KennyB]

I find it a little silly when people criticize synthetic material since by and large most of it is many times stronger than natural materials and improving everyday.

 

[cross1178]

I love the mini grip. It's the right size for what I do and doesn't scare the bejeezus out of coworkers who are squeamish at the sight of knives. Is it better than a $30 folder? It is to me and that's all that matters. As far as price goes, You can still get mini's for under 70 shipped and full sizes for 75 all day off the bay.

 

[CycleBob]

I just replaced my mini-grip that was confiscated a couple years ago when we visited the Statue of Liberty (ironic). In my opinion the Benchmade axis lock is outstanding and although I do not love FRN, I think the texturing and shape of the grip and mini-grip handles make it pretty tolerable. I did think about buying a McHenry Williams 707 instead to get away from the FRN. I also have a 940 (S30V) that I love, but it's a fair bit more expensive. On the whole I think the mini-grip is a great knife and still worth the price.

 

[cncpro11]

The Griptilian was my first "expensive" knife purchase.
I liked it so much that I bought my little guy a mini grip for his 12th birthday.
Mine doesn't get carried too often but Gus carries and uses his nearly every day and it still looks like new.

That FRN is some tough material and 154cm is a fine blade steel. It holds a decent edge and is easy to sharpen, and the axis lock is very strong.

Short answer is yes, the Griptilian is worth the money.

 

[chambelona59]

Cham, where you get the clip for mini-ritter? Gary

That's the clip that came on it.
Btw, I like the FRN scales, I also prefer the texturing and slight palm swell of the design.
Nothing cheap or plastic-y about them to me.
I have no need to replace them with expensive glow in the dark boxy candy bar looking scales with little concentric moon craters in them, of course that's just me, anyone that want's to replace the FRN with GID Mother of Pearl certainly can.

 

[chambelona59]

I believe all benchmade knives have been increased by all of the major retailers. The Grip was a fantastic deal before it's price got hopped up. Try a Spyderco Delica, better fit and finish all for $50ish bucks.

Here they are together:

 

[GaryC]

Nice, I have the same clip on my 530 when I bought it years back, love the blade shape on those Ritters. Thanks Gary

 

[Revival29]

I have a mini grip on the way through a trade. Its also my first Benchmade. Pretty excited to see I will like it or not.

 

[EDCanAdamas]

The Griptilian was a great value when the prices were around $70-$80. With the price jump I wound not buy one again. Thats not to say they are bad knives, but the new prices take them out of the "quality beater" catagory where they belong.

Also, the Axis lock is great, but its starting to become overated in my opinion. Too many people seem willing to "drink the Benchmade Cool Aid" just because of this lock, which in part explains why Benchmade has not released many new knife designs with different lock styles.