BENCHMADE or KERSHAW.

R

Randy Kickass

Joined
Apr 5, 2008
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Hi, I Am Looking At Purchasing An -- Edc -- In A 3 Inch Blade Either A Benchmade Mini Griptilian Or A Kershaw Leek. In Non Serated Blade.
My Question To Any One Who Has Both Is What Are The Good And Bad Features Of Both
 
Had a Leek. Lock failed during pathetically light use. So has the lock on a couple of friends Leeks. 'Nuff said.

Buy the Grip.
 
I have both, the Leek is very slim and the blade is pretty thin, it makes a better gentlemans knife or for those dressiery occasions. It is very capable of work, but I like the Grip much better for that. The Mini-Grip is probably my favorite knife that does everything well. I have many more expensive knives and it gets more pocket time than all but my SAK. If this is going to be your primary edc, I would get the Grip. The Leeks are nice though so you should just get both to be on the safe side. I haven't had any lockup problems on any of my Leeks.
 
Not owned the Grip yet, but from the looks I'd pick that
over the leek for EDC if I had the choice, blade grind and
handle shape, for me, looks more useful, although the
G10 Leek was nice too, but I let that one go as well
G2
 
I have both and the Mini-Grip gets a lot more than the Leek. I have large hands and the narrow slippery Leek just doesn't do it as well for me. Both are great knives though.
 
Well I guess the Kershaw Mafia hasn't seen this thread yet:D

I have the S30V/G10 Leek & use it a lot.Great little knife.Lock never failed on me.If it did,Kershaw would probably replace it,no Q's asked.Their CS is THAT good!


I have quite a few BM's & carry them a lot.The 710 is a classic.There's not a bad thing I can say about it.If you want something smaller...consider the 930(nice gent folder) or the mini-grip(more utilitarian based)

Good luck,
 
I prefer the Griptilian. It should have better edge retention and a better locking mechanism
 
You might want to check out a Kershaw mini Cyclone as it is more in the size range of the mini Grip, or for a little larger, check out a Blur. BM, and Kershaw both make great knives, and I know for a fact that the Kershaw people have a GREAT warranty, as I've used it. Also hear great things about the BM warranty. :thumbup::D
 
One of the real issues for a EDU as opposed to a EDC is that a user is going to be used. When you actually use the knife to cut something you'll pretty quickly realize that a somewhat larger grippier handle on the knife is a big benifit. If it's a "gents" knife - it may be just used for very light tasks and having a smaller - lighter - slimmer tool for these tasks just makes sense.
Un-fortunatly I work for a living and so do my knives.BTW - the Griptilian has to be handled to be appreciated. My only gripe with the mini-cyclone is I wish Kershaw offered it with slim textured scales of some sort. I put tennis racket tape on the non-clip side of mine to make it just a little easier to hang onto.
On any knife you're going to use instead of collecting - see if you can't find somewhere to actually handle one before purchhasing. I pay a very slightly higher price from the local Sportsman's Warehouse / compared to blind internet purchases -simply because they let me handle and manipulate knives prior to purchase. This has saved me a ton of money because I have picked knives up ,opened and closed 'em once and known I wasn't going to use 'em - ever. No reason to buy that model/design.
 
I don't have either a Mini-Grip or a Leek. The blade shape on the Leek doesn't appeal to me. The RSK Mini-Grip does, tho. I do have the full size RSK and a Blur. I rotate between both of them more than any other of my knives for EDC. The RSK is in my pocket most for some reason, but the Blur is a very nice knife, too. I love the assisted opening action on it.

The one thing I can attest to is the extraordinary customer service of Kershaw. They went above and beyond anything I've experienced with any other company. I haven't had to use Benchmade's CS yet, but I hear they are good, too. But probably not in the same league with Kershaw.
 
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On the one Kershaw I had the look failed like crazy. I have a Large Griptillian and LOVE it. It is a dependable, strong, hard use knife. Get the Grip. :thumbup:
 
I would go with the Benchmade, unless you are looking specifically for an AO. Kershaw makes a good knife, don't get me wrong, but I would prefer the Benchmade. I also notice that Kershaw's steel tends to oxidize very easily (much like the steel Leatherman uses on their knives. Plus, for most people, the AO mechanism becomes a toy, and it's just one more thing that can break (though Kershaw is very good about replacing broken torsion bars, and they make one of the best AO systems). The last thing, is that with the Leek being an AO, your going to be more restricted as to where you can carry it- with more and more jurisdictions treating them like autos.
 
I have several knives from both makers, including Leeks and the full sized Grip (do not own the mini). They are a bit different in style and design, a lot would depend on how you plan to use it. IMO, the Grip is going to be a more capable knife overall than the Leek, easier to hold and grip, better ergos.The Axis lock is one of the best; haven't had lock failures on the Leek, frame locks are generally considered reliable. The blade tip on the Leek is a bit fragile, had one damaged but Kershaw replaced it no questions asked. I like the Leek, but do find some models to be a bit more difficult to grip. Leek models I'd lean towards include the G-10 S30v (personal favorite, sees regular use on fishing trips); the g-10 is easier to handle, slightly wider and a bit lighter, and the g-10 is very grippy. The CPM D2 Composite blade and the S30v Random would be worth a look as well. Warranties from both company's are outstanding. In the Mini Grip I'd go for the D2, though the other blade steels are fine under most usage. Get one of each, both are relatively inexpensive.

For a bit more $$, you might consider the BM707; have one and like it. Very similar blade profile to the Grip (would be interesting to see a few pics of them side by side) scales are thinner and it carries great.
 
If you can only get one, go with the Mini-Grip.
It will probably also be more lawyer friendly than the AO leek.
 
as a general rule of thumb, i always go with benchmade over kershaw.,,,VWB.
 
mp510 said:
...for most people, the AO mechanism becomes a toy...
Click to expand...
A very broad statement here that I don't believe is true.

The category (AO's) has had an incredible upward trend since we introduced them back in the late 90's. AO's are more popular than ever and are quite useful as an everyday carry.

...being an AO, your going to be more restricted as to where you can carry it- with more and more jurisdictions treating them like autos.
Click to expand...
All of our knife freedoms are being compromised regularly, not just AO's. If anything there is more positive vocabulary on the books in favor of AO's than there ever has been.
 
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