Benchmade Mini Rukus vs. Griptilian D2 for SD

[AfterDark]

I have been debating between these two for quite some time and I'm ready to take the plunge for my second benchmade. My first was an afck.

Does the griptilian have a finger guard to prevent a slip up? The handle looks curved away from the blade but they aren't distinct grooves like the the grooves on the mini rukus. Which knife is flatter to carry in the pocket? Would these knives make good SD knives? I'm deciding between these two because they are ambidextrous and I plan to put one in my left pocket. I already carry an emerson on my right side already. I just want a smaller and lighter knife that I can easily open with my left hand although the mini rukus will weigh more than my emerson.

I also considered the manix and chinook but it seems as if they will be hard to open with my left hand only due to the lock design. Please give me some suggestions and advice on which knife is better. Thanks and happy holidays.

 

[dmonay]

The griptilian is far lighter knife in your hand (I have one) no finger guard. I have no complaints about the grip or lack of it. It feels natural in your hand. But , the mini rukus is a solid knife, it has that finger choil for a solid grip. I've handled one. I also really like the look of this knife too. I considered buying one but it cost's a lot more.

 

[fst96ss]

I have a 615BK, and a full size Cabela's D2 Grip. While either would make a good SD knife, they are very different knives.
Each has it's strengths, and I can't honestly say that either has any real weaknesses.
The Grip is very secure in the hand, but the Mini-Rukus just feels awesome.
The Grip is lighter.
They are about the same length and width.
The pocket clip is better on the Grip. (I'd say that is the Rukus' only weakness)
Both have good steel. D2 is tougher, but S30v is like a razor blade when sharpened properly. I've rolled edges on S30v blades, but I've never damaged a D2 blade yet.
The Grip is cheaper.
The Mini-Rukus just looks a hell of a lot nicer.
You can customize the handles of the Rukus. The scales can be pricey though.
They're both Benchmades! You really can't go wrong with either.
I think personal preference should be more of a deciding factor than physical differences.
I also have a 6150BK Auto Mini-Rukus, and that thing is just unbelieveable!!!!

BTW......I'm right handed, but because on and off duty my sidearm is on my right side, I carry my knives on my left side. Any Axis lock BM is very easy to open and close left handed.

 

[jjacques]

Depends on how big your hands are, really. They're both great knives but I find even the full-size Grip's handles a bit too small for me. The mini-Rukus' handle is substantially longer.

Another BM to consider is the Presidio- its handle size falls in between the mini-Rukus and the full-size Grip, and its blade shape is basically the Mini-Rukus with a deeper belly. It's probably the heaviest of the three due to the steel/aluminum handle, but it feels really secure in your hand.

The Manix and Chinook are really easy to open with either hand- they have oversized round holes so it's difficult to "slip." You can't flick them open like you can with a Benchmade though.