Benchmade Mini-Griptilian or Mini-Stryker?

M

Marty_E

Joined
Jun 7, 2016
Messages
59
Hi Forum Members,

I just registered with the site and wanted to say "hi". I have carried Opinels for years as well as owning an older Gerber (pre-Fiskars) and several two blade pocket knives given to me by my dad and grandfather. I'm looking to add a modern knife to my colection as an EDC. I was looking at the Benchmark Mini-Griptilian and Mini-Axis Stryker. They seem similar in many ways with the Stryker having a narrower handle thickness and a higher price. Of the two which would you consider to be the better for everyday carry and why (optional)?
 
Mini-Grip. The handles of the Mini-Grip are better IMO. The handle of the Mini Stryker was too short for me and I sold it.

I think you mean "Benchmade" and not "Benchmark". :)
 
Welcome to BF, Marty_E!

The Griptilian line is hugely popular--it's #2 in Benchmade's "big three" behind the 940/943 and ahead of the 710 in sales. You get a lot of bang for your buck with the stock Grip--Axis lock, very decent and sharpenable blade steel in 154CM, a good cutter, and very affordable. The downside for me is the Noryl plastic handle which feels both cheap and uncomfortable in my hand. Lot's of guys don't mind it and lots of guys hate it. Like many, I have aftermarket scales on my two Grips and love those knives, but the scales end up doubling the cost of the knife. Might be more than a bit much for one's first foray into modern folders.

I have the G10 model of the Mini-Axis Stryker in 154CM and like it pretty well. Honestly, it doesn't get much of any carry time as I prefer larger knives. (I love my full-size 908-1501 CF Stryker and that gets carried often, but that's a way more expensive knife.) The Mini-Stryker affords only a three-finger grip, but I don't know how that relates to the Mini-Griptilian as I've never held one.

My advice would be to find a knife or big-box store that stocks Benchmades and handle those two and a bunch others and find out what feels good to you. Good luck and have fun making your choice.
 
Yes Benchmade not Benchmark. :D

Thanks for the replies. They are giving me a lot to think about. Especally the point of "hands-on". I can comfortably handle knives with a 3.8" handle though something closer to 4" would be ideal. I'll see what's near me in hopes they have knives that I'm interested in to checkout.
 
Really like my mini grip, carried it everyday till i got my barrage. Really like the extra size, and dont really notice it in the pocket.
 
Marty, I got out my Axis Mini-Stryker when I posted in your thread before and decided that I'm going to sell it. With all my other knives, it just doesn't get any carry time and needs to find a new home. I bought it in like new condition here last summer, carried it only a few times, put a nice edge on with the SharpMaker, and it's still in like new condition. I can make you a good deal on it, so please email me from my profile page and let me know if you're interested before I list it on the exchange.
--Steve
 
ChazzyP, thank you for your offer, but I did not see this until now. I just got back from a local purveyor of outdoor supplies where I bough a mini grip.
 
Marty_E said:
ChazzyP, thank you for your offer, but I did not see this until now. I just got back from a local purveyor of outdoor supplies where I bough a mini grip.
Click to expand...

Congrats on your purchase, Marty! I hope you enjoy it and get a whole lot of good use out of your new mini grip.
 
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