Benchmade mini grip. Yea or nay

[Rsq]

So here's the thing. I love the blade shape of this knife. I have heard complaints of the handles feeling cheap, but I could eventually make some better ones myself. What I am wondering is whether there exists a better tanto at this price point. Better would mean made of a better steel, heat treated better, any other thing that would make it better as an edc.

I am obviously leaning towards this purchase, so I am looking for people's opinions to push me over.

and for what it's worth, this price point is 70$, plus or minus

 

[knife2Agunfight]

You can pick up a full size Griptilian for that much. I have a Benchmade 551, and it's one of my favorite knives. Some people think it feels pretty cheap, but it's just a matter of opinion. I think it feels quality, you can't really go wrong with the Griptilian.

That being said, there aren't many tantos out there. Since they are harder to sharpen and give no advantage over a drop point that is easier to sharpen. This is probably the best tanto you can get for that price range.

 

[ColtM1911A1]

H&K makes a tanto in this price range; I believe there are made by Boker, but not positive. I handled one a year or so ago, and for that price point, it seemed to be a decent knife. I would google it and see what others think and the bill of materials they used to build the knife....cya

 

[SVTFreak]

They are absolutely a great knife. Feel is a personal opinion. While I also think they feel cheap, or weak, I didn't break mine in the time I carried one. So feel isn't necessarily indicative of weakness.

 

[BrentD86]

I can't say my mini grip is a bad knife, but it dies feel "weak", this is just my personal experience. I still carry mine but as a loaner because despite it's price it wouldn't break my heart if someone damaged it. Just not my taste, I bought it to give BM a try but I think it will be my last.

 

[baja820]

I just bought my first mini griptilian I had the same concerns about the handle feeling cheap and flimsy. I can definitely tell you its not cheap feeling. More utilitarian and functional they are great knives.

 

[Rsq]

I need a small knife because of the state I live in. I'm curious why you say that sharpening a curved point is easier that a tanto? I am accustomed to sharpening straight razors on a series of flat surfaces, and I imagine a tanto would lend itself nicely to a similar technique. no?