BENCHMADE or KERSHAW.

I own both , they are both quite different knives. The blade on the M.G. is more sturdy, the blade on the Leek is much finer.
The handles are of different materials , the opening is different , although one could make his/her Leek manual if you chose.
The lock on my Leeks have not failed at all , and I do not expect them too anytime soon.

Why not get both ?

See which one you like better. :)
 
3Guardsmen said:
Please don't take this the wrong way. I'm a Kershaw fan, and don't really like Benchmade's offerings (among other things) as of late, but your post, 2Brothers, bothers me for a couple of reasons.


The poster could mean that he thinks Benchmade is in a higher price range than Kershaw, as some people aren't aware that KAI/Kershaw have really started to branch out recently when it comes to higher priced, top of the line knives. Heck, I don't expect that every person who comes onto these forums knows that Shun and Zero Tolerance are related to KAI/Kershaw, and what a composite blade and MIM are.

You don't know what the poster means.

Well, since the basic version of the Leek is 13C26, 154CM is something to get excited over, so "Whooptee-do" right back!

No, it's not.

You apparently don't know much about the BM Grips! The Ritter Grips (mini included) have S30V, not to mention the fact that, if you look around, you can find Grips in D-2, so if I were you, I'd do some homework before you go off on somebody else!

The OP is asking about a MINI-GRIP. They are not available in S30V
as you state. The 552 is available in S30V, but it has a 3.4" blade and is only
readily available from once source, since it is exclusive.
So, that's out because of size alone. D-2? not CPM D-2. No thanks.
Yeah, homework done.

As far as "plastic" goes, how much do you actually know about FRN and similar materials? You did of course realize that even Kershaw makes knives out of "plastic," right? Ever heard of the Blackout, the Whirlwind, the Echo, and several others?

Sure I've heard of FRN. Sure I've heard of those Kershaw models.
Sure, Kershaw offers much more than that. Steel, Ti, G-10, Alum etc

Care to elaborate on that? Lets hear some examples? Better yet, can you provide links to the threads you've started on Benchmade's "joke" of a Customer Service/Warranty Department?

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=489565
Never went back to the thread to update it.
They said, "No warranty"

Nobody has called you any names, though I think that you're a wee bit overzealous, not to mention the fact that you posted without really doing your homework on Benchmade's Griptillian variations.;)

Regards,
3G
Click to expand...

thanks,

mike
 
2brothers said:
The OP is asking about a MINI-GRIP. They are not available in S30V
as you state. The 552 is available in S30V, but it has a 3.4" blade and is only
readily available from once source, since it is exclusive.
So, that's out because of size alone. D-2? not CPM D-2. No thanks.
Yeah, homework done.
Click to expand...
No, homework not done! http://www.aeromedix.com/product-exec/parent_id/14/category_id/151/product_id/1083/nm/Doug_Ritter_MINI_RSK_Mk1_Knife
And you don't consider D-2 to be a different steel than 154CM? Strange.

2brothers said:
Sure I've heard of FRN. Sure I've heard of those Kershaw models.
Sure, Kershaw offers much more than that. Steel, Ti, G-10, Alum etc
Click to expand...
And you think Benchmade doesn't offer knives with those handle materials?

2brothers said:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=489565
Never went back to the thread to update it.
They said, "No warranty"
Click to expand...
I figured.


Regards,
3G
 
The BM mini-griptilians have been offered in 4 different blade configurations (Modified Sheepsfoot, Modified Drop-point, Ritter Drop-Point, & Tanto) and 5 different blade steels (440C, 154CM, D-2, S30V, & M-2).

Regards,
3G
 
3Guardsmen said:
No, homework not done! http://www.aeromedix.com/product-exec/parent_id/14/category_id/151/product_id/1083/nm/Doug_Ritter_MINI_RSK_Mk1_Knife

Ok, you're right, there is a Mini available in S30V. One.
But only from one place? And priced double what it should be?

And you don't consider D-2 to be a different steel than 154CM? Strange.

I never said D-2 was the same as 154CM. I was remarking when you
said "you can find Grips in D-2". I wouldn't take D-2 over CPM D-2.

And you think Benchmade doesn't offer knives with those handle materials?

Sure they offer those materials. Just not in this one.

I figured.

Figured what??

Regards,
3G
Click to expand...

I'm done with this thread. We can argue all day long to no avail.
You can keep posting about BM's in General all you want.
Would be nice if they had a Sub-Forum here, but choose not to do so.

have a nice day.

mike
 
Thinner folders can be more difficult to cut heavy with. I've noted in testing that some of the slimmer ones were borderline painfull in some cuts where I was seriously pushing into it to cut hemp and carpet. The Mini Grip and full size Grip have great locks. The grip is ample and wide on the full size Grips. I personally do not care at all for the cheesy cheap feeling handles on these knives or the nested liners. I'd prefer quality feeling handles and full liners myself. I also don't care for the warrnanty preventing you taking the knife apart to maintain it with BenchMade but they are not alone in this. Its just a private pet peve with me. I feel for a bit more money you can get a much better knife than the Grips in the HK14205 or 14210 HK knives by BenchMade.

S30V is only available on the Ritter Grip I thought. Maybe its different now and BM offers it on theirs also..

Generally speaking, BenchMade and Kershaw make a great knife. In fact I've tested the crap out of some of them from both companies and while its pretty much known I am not the biggest fan of liner locks Kershaw in general does the contacts for the locks more consistant on their liner lock knives than a lot of other companies out there trust me. I see a great many knives every year in my shop and Kershaw does a whole lot right let me tell you.

Also, when you make the number of knives Kershaw makes in any given year or even in a month for that matter it does increase the odds that you may see some that slipped out with a minor issue especially when you compare them to a much smaller companies knives. I can tell you I rarely get Kershaws sent to me for a lock job or eval, and rarely even get asked to look at them for this to help with a problem. I figure this is because the company fixed them correctly if they had an issue and supports them perfectly and not because they didn't fix it right when it was mailed to them. I can't say that about other companies by the way.


Get ya a good frame lock from Kershaw you'll be quite pleased. My JYDII is a gem and I really like the Tyrade and Leek frame locks also. My only real issue with Kershaw is that they position so many of their knives with tip down carry only and of course its usually the ones I want which means I no sooner own it and I'm drilling into it to thread new holes. Not a problem for me but I hate doing that if I can prevent. Hard to believe I'm sure but really I do.

Its never an apples to apple comparison to compare two companies offerings. You have to weigh the pros and cons. I look at things like blade steel choices, ease of carry, foot print in the pocket (do I have to remove the knife to dig deeper into my pocket to get my keys for example) weight, clip options for carry, quality of materials, customer service and support, forum presence (which improves contact) where it is made, IE, China, Taiwan, Japan, or USA and things like this.

Speaking of Kershaw I want to say this last bit. Kershaw makes a heck of a lot of reasonably priced made in the USA folders for the working man. They deserve a lot of credit for this. Look around and compare the same price point and try to beat them here. Its tough to do.

Lastly, I want to mention that Kershaw has taken great care of me on your behave in a way that only one other company has done and by Thomas in regards to some spare parts. If any of you run into any issue trying to snag a clip or torsion spring for a lot of what they make and have a problem with communication with them or its a weekend write me or PM me. I may just have what you need thanks to the support I get from companies like Kershaw that recognize what I do around here for you guys and on other forums. If thats not worth a little support I don't know what is. :thumbup:

Between the two of us there is little reason you should have any issues with a Kershaw product on this forum. I don't have all their stuff. I do have a good bit though including some ZT parts so take advantage if you have trouble reaching them. I will only ask for first class shipping to you which is what? Just over a buck! You can't beat that with a big stick!

STR
 
Last edited:
EDIT: Note to self: don't post without reading the whole thread.

Kind regards,

Jos
 
The Mini Grip is worth owning over the Leek just for the Axis lock. Not to mention the blade out of 154CM instead of 440A.

The blade shape is more useful, the handle will be grippier, won't show wear or scratches from use like the Leek will.

But buy what you like.
 
Thomas W said:
The standard Leek is actually done up in Sandvik 13C26. You can also get a Leek in S30V, ZDP-189, Damascus, or CPM-D2.
Click to expand...

I'm not a big Kershaw expert, so I'm curious--are any of those in the same price range as the 154CM grips, or the Ritter or Cabellas grips?

According to Sandvik's website, 13C26 is the standard steel for razor blades and surgical instruments. Do you think its performance equals 154CM?
 
the Kershaw Leek and the BM Grip available! The Leek definitely has more handle material options (Smooth G-10, Textured G-10, Stainless Steel, & Ti). On handle color options, it's probably a draw. On blade steel options, it's probably a draw (Leek: ZDP-189, 440A, 13C26, CPM-D2, & S30V Grip: 440C, S30V, D2, M2, & 154CM) as well. On blade shape options, the Grip wins. On blade coating, the Leek wins.

Long story short, check out the variety of both knives offered!

Regards,
3G
 
enderwiggin said:
I'm not a big Kershaw expert, so I'm curious--are any of those in the same price range as the 154CM grips, or the Ritter or Cabellas grips?

According to Sandvik's website, 13C26 is the standard steel for razor blades and surgical instruments. Do you think its performance equals 154CM?
Click to expand...

That's a tough question since there are so many versions of both models (Leek & Mini-Grip). If you compare the standard models of both (13C26 vs. 154CM for blade steel, FRN vs. SS for handle material, and frame-lock vs. axis lock for lock types), it really becomes quite a subjective choice.

As far as 13C26 vs. 154CM, again, it's extremely subjective. 154CM is going to have better edge-holding, but isn't going to be as tough as 13C26. 154CM probably beats out 13C26 for corrosion resistance, but by how much I couldn't say. 13C26 will probably take a sharper edge than 154Cm. Again, it's a tough choice.

Regards,
3G
 
enderwiggin, all of the leeks, save for the ZDP Leek, you can get for around $70 if not less if you look around enough.

3G, your last post is about the only one that makes sense out of all that you have said in this thread. Yes the two knives have many many options. From someone who would rather take a Spydie over either the mini-grip or the Leek [QUOTE:Originally Posted by 3Guardsmen] Between the Leek and the Mini-Grip, I'd take a Spyderco Delica 4! Regards, 3G [/QUOTE] you have little room to talk. The thing that i quoted came off as your recomendation for the Delica 4.

As for your other posts, getting into the argument with 2brothers was stupid and detrimental to this thread. from both of you. you gave your recomendation in the above quote. that was it. 2bothers stated his opinion, all be it a opinion that served to get this thread off track, but you didnt let it alone (neither of you let it alone) right away. that just served to make things more dificult. Also, as a side note, i understand needing to know about other companies in order to help those who ask, but stating that you were not really a BM fan [QUOTE:Originally Posted by 3Guardsmen]
don't really like Benchmade's offerings (among other things) as of late[/QUOTE] and then going and arguing the way you did about the company's warranty (in essence defending) and such came off as contradictory.

again, i understand knowing all the companies in order to help those with questions, and that is great. But going at it the way you did didnt help the topic of this thread.

Just something to consider for when a situation like this comes up again.

If you have a problem with what I said, PM me and we will talk that way.

Other than this, again, good post about the similarities of the two, and the diferences.
 
I own 8 benchmade knives and I'm a fan of their products. I own more Leeks then Benchmades though. I do edc my BMs, but over the course of time I have a leek on me more often then not. Btw I have never had a lock issue on a leek, liner or frame lock.

That said, go buy both. They are both reasonably priced. Can't go wrong with either one.

I wouldn't be comparing these knives against each other. They are very different, and will be used differently.
 
The framelock leek is a great little knife, but it is very... little. The mini grip strikes me as more capable of heavy use.
 
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