Benchmade Mini Griptilian 556 vs Spyderco Delica Wave for EDC

B

Brad24

Joined
Mar 13, 2008
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Hey guys, I have a Spyderco Native (the S30V one) that I'm not really a fan of because the linerless and pinned construction make it kinda rough to open and close (this is my second one, the first was better) and I am looking at buying a new EDC just for a change of pace. The Native is a good size and I wouldn't want to go much bigger or smaller, but I'm stuck between the D4W and the Mini Grip 556. I wanted a Caly 3 or a Sage for a long time but I'm just not willing to pay that much and I'd rather score one of these for like 45ish so I know i'll actually use it.

So here's the question, I want an EDC that feels quality built. I want as close to no blade play as possible and I want to be able to get a full four finger grip on it (some say the mini griptilians handle is too short? from the in hand pics I've seen it looks alright but I could be wrong...) and I want it to be comfortable in the pocket. To where when I'm going out, whenever, I don't have a seconds hesitation about slipping it in my pocket... As a brand I like Spyderco more but the axis lock is intriguing for sure... What do you guys think for EDC?
 
Both are great knives and you've asked an age-old question. The Delica is slimmer and I think the handle is slightly longer, but it will most likely have some vertical play when you push down on cutting motions (this is considered normal and is perfectly okay with people like me). The wave acts as a bottle opener it that matters to you at all.

The axis is really fun to play with if you've never handled one. It gets old like all other knife features over time, but it's always practical. I like both knives so much, I can't give you a suggestion. Flip a coin, that's how I'd do it.

Oh yeah, welcome to the forums:).
 
How big are your hands? I can get 4 fingers on my BM Mini-Grips easily, with about 1/4" to spare, but my hands are a little smaller than average. My glove size is right between most large and medium sized gloves. If your hands tend to be tight in large sized gloves, or you wear XL gloves, you won't get four full fingers on the Mini. I've got two of them, bought my first one 3-4 years ago. Great little knives. Unfortunately I can't directly compare it with the Delica, I have several Spydercos but no Delica yet.
 
Do a search and you will find a thread of mine from several months ago asking almost the same question. I ended up buying all 4 = delica, endura, ritter grip and mini grip. Needless to say they are all very good

I initally really did not like the Spydercos but they are growing on me.

My choice - the mini grip for general carry (and would be EDC if was alllowed here) and smaller blade - lightning opening, great blade shape, comfortable handle for me. The D4 is slimmer in the pocket though, but thicker blade, - also looks more agressive which I wish to avoid
Endura for larger blade - I find the full size grip handle to be too fat. The endura blade would make a good folding steak knife.

However if they brough out Griptillian with flat handles like the Spdercos ...

So the mini grip woudl be my choice unless you wanted the flattest possible knife
 
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Both are great... I prefer the grip... IMHO its stronger....
But the delica would be lighter/thinner and just as easy to open
 
I tried to search for your thread Davyd but I'm not a premium member I guess you could call it so I can't search or anything... tried to find it on google with no luck. I clicked your name and when I click your "recent posts" section, it won't let me open that, saying im not a pro member, but thanks for the good advice so far guys, please keep it coming. And also, if anyone felt so inclined as to include a size comparison pic or two that would be great! :cool:
 
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i have both they deilca and mini grip

both are excellent knives ,,well built

mini grip easier to open
delica slimmer handles
the four finger grip id have too give it to the delica ,no problem
i can get the fourth finger around the handle of the mini grip but just making it
 
Do any of you find the Mini Grip to have too big (wide) of a pocket clip / is the knife too wide and bulky? I like it and the axis lock seems cool but the navy blue color of the waved D4 is nice as well and with my long fingers, the D4 grip might be slightly more accommodating.... I think as far as just intrinsic value goes, the wave of the D4 might help combat the axis lock a little... I think the Native is a good size albeit maybe a tad bulky if that helps, hahaa I really like both but am really only looking to buy one right now, again if anybody has both and could post a pic that would be great.
 
I have a Native too, and loooooooove it. I prefer it to the Mini Grip. I wear a XL glove, and the Mini grip is tooo small for me (I've bought a few as gifts and have AT LEAST two friends who have one... thanks to your's truly). The native is a tad small, but I like it anyway. I'd like to try a full size grip (550HG), but don't have the expendable cash as of present. For the price, the Mini Grip is really nice though.

Try this with your Native:

Fill your kitchen sink with soapy HOT water, and I mean barely tolerable HOT water. Put the Native under water, and hold the lock down while opening and closing it over and over... swish it around a lot, almost splashing water outta the sink... now open and close it a bunch one handed like you would playing around watching TV, locking and unlocking... ( I even clean a bit with a Q-tip) Rinse with HOT water THOROUGHLY. Dry as well as you can. I dry every surface/facet I can reach, then roll it into the towel and whack it on the bed a little to force all the water out of crevices... then I just put a TINY drop of Miltec-1.. or a quality lube on the spot where the backlock rubs on the tang, and viola... aint no sebbie, but ready for a week of quality knifesurbation! woooo hoooo!
 
I have both the Native S30V and a Mini Grip 555. Really like both. Carry the Mini Grip more. Not sure why. On paper the Native would seem better but the Mini Grip just has a better feel to it.
 
I used to not like the looks of spydercos, but they have grown on me. I love them now! To me the lockback feels very strong with no play, but the axis is easier to open. I would go with the mini grip for edc though.
 
Hopefully, with the economy going where it's headed, the USA make of the Grip should pull some weight. The more we support overseas made, the less we support ourselves. I think it is also important to let companies like Benchmade AND Spyderco (& others) know that we appreciate their USA made products, not just for quality, but also for morality. In a case like this, it doesn't even cost any more, and THAT is a pretty unique situation. I say, "carpe diem," and let's keep it going!
 
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