Benchmade Mini Grip vs Giantmouse Ace Iona

[Grandmaster]

I would go for the Benchmade, had the big Grip, only thing I didnt like was the scales, go aftermarket with the scales and clip ant its really unique and good knife.

 

[Klingac]

If you can save up a bit more, the hogue knives Doug Ritter RSK is well reviewed. It's basically a griptilian by the same designer that did it for Benchmade. Some would argue its better. No one's tested the m390 on it yet, but they do have better reputation for qc than Benchmade. But alas most companies have some qc issues that get through.

Yeah that is not much of a choice for me. It's out of my budget and the shipping and import fees would be insane.

It is not a requirement for me to have the m390 on the blade. I just don't trust Benchmade's QC after what I've read.

I might do it like you suggested and either pick it up in person or ask the online retailer to inspect it before shipping.

 

[marrenmiller]

If you can save up a bit more, the hogue knives Doug Ritter RSK is well reviewed. It's basically a griptilian by the same designer that did it for Benchmade. Some would argue its better. No one's tested the m390 on it yet, but they do have better reputation for qc than Benchmade. But alas most companies have some qc issues that get through.

You also can't get ahold of one from Hogue, from what I can tell. People report waiting months to get theirs shipped to them.

 

[Mo2]

You also can't get ahold of one from Hogue, from what I can tell. People report waiting months to get theirs shipped to them.

Thanks, I haven't read the thread in a while tbo. Good to know. Guess we'll have to grab one fast if they hit the exchange.

 

[The Chad 0211]

Go with the GM unless you get the grip in 20cv. Iona is far superior to your basic S30V minigrip. I know because I own both. Don’t need to hear about the metallurgy when you’ve actually tested both

 

[olywa]

I have an older Ritter Mini Grip that I never use or carry. I swapped the scales out for some G10 aftermarket scales and swapped the original BM clip out for a BM arrowhead clip and I still don't get jazzed about it. Just too thick and too short for my liking.

I picked up an Iona last month and it's been in my pocket daily since then. The handle is just a wee bit short but not problematic. The blade profile really appeals to me and it's nice and thin behind the edge. I love the wire clip and the M390 steel performs every bit as well as my Bradford Guardians, which is high praise indeed. I use this knife hard and don't find the steel lacking in any way. If I were to tweak the design it would be to add another 1/4" of handle length and make it a flipper, but I'm pretty pleased with it as is.

 

[Rykjeklut]

If I were to tweak the design it would be to add another 1/4" of handle length and make it a flipper, but I'm pretty pleased with it as is.

And maybe a tiny little cut out for easier access to the lock.

 

[whp]

I don t have an Iona, but my Ritter mini grip is a very nice knife. The handle length and thickness makes this sub 3 inch blade a very good user.