Benchmade: Mini-Presidio or Mini-Grip?

Random Dan

Random Dan

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So having already acquired a Kershaw (ZT0350) and a Spyderco (PM2) I'm now thinking about what BM to buy. The Mini-Presidio seems like it's just about the perfect knife for what I want, but it's almost double the cost of a Mini-Grip.:eek: Besides the handle scale material what are the differences between the Mini-Presidio and Mini-Grip? Which one would you pick, and why?
Thanks.
 
Well, the Presido is an automatic while the Griptilian isn't. I've handled the Presido before and don't care for how you deploy the blade. I like the Mini Barrage much better. In regards to the Mini Griptilian, I own one and find that it carries in my pants pocket really well and can deploy the blade as fast as an auto.

So, if I had to pick between the Presido and the Griptilian as an EDC I'd go with the Griptilian since you're much less likely to run into legal troubles with a manual folder rather than an auto.
 
formersatx said:
...the Presido is an automatic...
Click to expand...
No, the presidio is NOT an automatic unless you specifically buy the automatic model, which is a lot more than 2x the price of a mini-grip so I doubt that's what we are looking at here.


To the OP, which mini-grip and which mini-presidio are you comparing? The 525 has aluminum scales and a flat-ground 154CM blade vs the 527's hollow-ground 440C blade. For the mini-grips, 556 is saber-ground and the newer 555's are hollow ground with a thumb-hole, and then there are all the different blade profiles for each set...

In any case, the greater differences for me are blade shape (I prefer the presidio drop-point) and handle-length: mini-presido is 4.15" vs. mini-grip is only 3.87". That 0.28" combined with spine-to-belly width spells the difference for me between a tiny knife and a small knife. The mini-grip does not fit my hand, it is too small and I can barely hang onto it vs. the mini-presidio and mini-barrage which fit fine. The mini-grip is a tiny beater knife (blue class) vs. the finer quality of the mini-presidio (black class). Whether you want to pay extra for the higher quality is up to you. I'd advise taking both in hand somewhere (e.g. REI) and getting a feel for which you prefer before deciding strictly on cost/value.


Btw, why are you focusing on two mini-knives rather than regular sized knives more comparable to the others you mentioned?
 
chiral.grolim said:
No, the presidio is NOT an automatic unless you specifically buy the automatic model, which is a lot more than 2x the price of a mini-grip so I doubt that's what we are looking at here.


To the OP, which mini-grip and which mini-presidio are you comparing? The 525 has aluminum scales and a flat-ground 154CM blade vs the 527's hollow-ground 440C blade. For the mini-grips, 556 is saber-ground and the newer 555's are hollow ground with a thumb-hole, and then there are all the different blade profiles for each set...

In any case, the greater differences for me are blade shape (I prefer the presidio drop-point) and handle-length: mini-presido is 4.15" vs. mini-grip is only 3.87". That 0.28" combined with spine-to-belly width spells the difference for me between a tiny knife and a small knife. The mini-grip does not fit my hand, it is too small and I can barely hang onto it vs. the mini-presidio and mini-barrage which fit fine. The mini-grip is a tiny beater knife (blue class) vs. the finer quality of the mini-presidio (black class). Whether you want to pay extra for the higher quality is up to you. I'd advise taking both in hand somewhere (e.g. REI) and getting a feel for which you prefer before deciding strictly on cost/value.

Btw, why are you focusing on two mini-knives rather than regular sized knives more comparable to the others you mentioned?
Click to expand...

I was thinking of the 525 and 556 or 555. I want a mini because I already have two "larger" knives and I don't really need another one. And the only REI near me doesn't have the presidio :(


OrdnanceBubbaUSMC said:
Benchmade 707 before Mini-Presidio, better design and cheaper
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I'll definitely take a look at the 707.
 
Random Dan said:
I was thinking of the 525 and 556 or 555. I want a mini because I already have two "larger" knives and I don't really need another one. And the only REI near me doesn't have the presidio :(

I'll definitely take a look at the 707.
Click to expand...
Hmm... any other brick&mortars with benchmade around? Eitherway, if REI carries the others, I'd just advise making sure that the mini-grip and the 707 fit your hand before making a purchase. After handling both of those specifically, I went with a Kershaw 1740 instead for a knife that small. If the mini-grip or 707 feel too cheap or small in hand, splurge for the mini-presidio or look elsewhere? *shrug*
 
yeah I'd go for a 707 or mini grip, I have two mini grips, great pocket edc, god range or choices in handle colours, I rememberer thinking about the Mini-Presidio back when, but something about the handle always put me of, just looks I think, i didn't regret it, but now tend to spend a little more on knives the 707 looks good to
 
I think I've ruled out the Presidio for now. I really like the 707, but I'm still not convinced it's worth the ~$40 mor over the Mini-Grip.
 
For what it's worth, when I was debating getting a Presidio or a Presidio-Ultra, I found out that the Presidio's aluminum scales apparently chew up pockets. Something to keep in mind.

Also, when I was debating between a Mini-Barrage and the 707, I heard that the 707 scales aren't extremely comfortable to some. The mini-grip, on the other hand, is known for great ergonomics.

I know I'm doing a lousy job of detailing the differences, this is just what I remember from researching some of the models you're looking at.
 
You could also look at the Bone Collector version of the Presidio 525. The 15030 has G10 scales vs the aluminum of the 525, with a slightly modified blade(more like a grip blade).

I have and carry a 707, and 525. The 525 is a little rough on pockets, but can be fixed. Either one is a good knife.
 
How about a Ritter mini with custom scales...? Of course then you're talking about a $200+ knife. But I can speak from experience, it makes an EXCELLENT edc.
 
Random Dan said:
I think I've ruled out the Presidio for now. I really like the 707, but I'm still not convinced it's worth the ~$40 mor over the Mini-Grip.
Click to expand...

IMHO the mini-Grip suffers somewhat by association with its full-sized sibling. The 707 is a great little knife, but there's nothing wrong at all with the mini-Grip.
 
I handled the Mini-Grip. It was very solid, stout, and reasonable priced. Would be worth it. (I went for the full size with special H20 steel (X15 TN))
Haven't handled the presido, but from what i've seen with the MG, seems really nice.
 
I do like the Bone Collector, but I still can't get over the ugly Bone Collector branding on it.
 
I have all three the 707 556 and 525.

The 707 (Sequel) is the smallest which makes it very easy to carry.
It's a great knife and I like mine a lot.
But, for me as an EDC, it's a bit small.

The 556 (Mini-Griptilian) is a little bigger than the 707.
Yet, it disappears when I clip to the inside of my front pocket.
The blade is big enough for most of my daily urban stuff.
Everyone complains about the plastic grips.
But personally, I don't see any issues here.
(that coming from someone who makes custom scales for them)

Last but not least is the 525 (Mini-Presidio), which is again a little bigger than the 558.
I can definitely tell when I have this one in my pocket.
There's more of a rugged build on this one than the other two and it feels it.
Everything is just a little bigger.

All three are great knives and I'm sure you will be pleased with what ever one you decide to get.
When I can't decide on which one of two or three I want get.
I follow the steel.
I go for the one with the best steel I can. It's the difference between a good knife and an awesome knife.
I don't know how much you want to spend. But, there is an on line dealer selling Limited Edition Mini-Presidios in M4.
PM me if you want info.
If an upgraded steel is not an option; I'd go with the Mini-Grip it's the Goldilocks of this story.
 
The Bone Collector has better steel and can be had in wood as well. The logos do not affect the cutting ability at all.
 
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