Benchmade or spyderco

Bill97z said:
Why are the grip's so damn expensive compared to the spydie's?
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Perhaps for the same reason that the Benchmade Vex costs twice as much as the equivalent G-10 Meadowlark or G-10 Cara Cara.

All kidding aside, the AXIS lock may generate slightly higher production and assembly costs, and the Griptilian is made in the USA rather than Japan. Other than that, there really isn't an answer to your question except for, "That's what Benchmade charges."

Again though, both are really excellent knives, and to be fair, the Griptilian is generally not really priced all that much higher than a D4 or E4 (in fact, the ZDP-189 Delica is priced very similarly to the D2 Mini Griptilian).
 
BM = greedy bastards who will do anything to make more and more Money. Ya need to remember that we are the last people BM sells to, most companies don't sell to enthusiasts as we are only a very small percent. They sell to the general public and this results in more $$$. Thats all that matters to them.
 
Bill97z said:
Why are the grip's so damn expensive compared to the spydie's?
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Well, I just checked out Newgraham's sight and the Endura 4 goes for $49.93 while the 551 Griptilian goes for $62.50.

That's only a $12.57 difference, which is not that much in my opinion...especially when you consider that the Endura 4 is made in Japan while the 551 Griptilian is made in the USA.
And the Endura 4 is using a lock that is cheaper to produce than the Axis-lock.
 
Recursion said:
BM = greedy bastards who will do anything to make more and more Money. Ya need to remember that we are the last people BM sells to, most companies don't sell to enthusiasts as we are only a very small percent. They sell to the general public and this results in more $$$. Thats all that matters to them.
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Whoa! Nothing agianst the other companies like Spyderco, but Benchmade is very good at making knives for enthusiasts. They have the gold class, limited editions, automatics, offer embelishments like engraving, etc. When other companies make all or most of their knives oversea's out of inexpensive materials like plastic handles and average blade steels (AUS-8A, 420HC, etc.)they're not marketing those products to knife buffs who are willing to spend around $100 or more. I don't know how many times I've seen people ask for upgrades like G-10 handles, exotic locking mechanisms, and steel upgrades on the Spyderco forums.
 
They're completely different knives. The Spydercos have VG10 steel, the Grip has 154CM. The Spyderco has thin FRN handles or thin steel handles. The Grip has thick Zytel (same as FRN?) handles. The grinds/shapes are different of the blades. Two are lockbacks, one is an Axis lock. All three are great knives, from the blade to the handle. If you can, because you eventually will, get all three. I would get a drop point Grip to start with, and you can find a good price on the 3 series Delicas and Enduras. If you want the new 4's, the only difference IMHO is the four position clip. I prefer the 3 series to the new 4 series.
 
They're all great knives and so is the Spyderco D'Allara Esav mentioned. Your best bet would be to handle the knives a lot and determine which locks best into your mitts. What has worked best for me has been the Spyderco D'Allara Drop Point as is and the Delica 4 with ZDP-189 blade steel with a very thinned-down edge. The D'Allara Drop point is a good mixture of toughness, refinement (smoother action than an Axis Lock even when the D'Allara's pivot is cranked down as tight as can be), and cutting ability with a low price.
 
Size:

Mini-grip = Delica
Grip = Endura
(approximately)

Go check 'em out, but PUT EM IN YOUR POCKET AND WALK AROUND THE STORE.

Really.

I'm pretty new to the non-SAK knife world, but I went to the store and loved, loved, loved the feel of the mini-grip in my hand. Bought it, went home, found out that it's significantly bulky in the pocket (especially if you have a lot of stuff in the pocket), bought a spyderco. Now a spyderco goes with me, and the mini-grip lies on my desk and gets used for everything at home.

Precisely what makes the grip and mini-grip so ergonomic makes it a less comfortable carry - at least if pocket realty is scarce.
 
I'm a die-hard Spyderco fan, given a choice, i'd choose the Delica/Endura every time, however, everyone has different preferences, what *I* like may not be what you like

go to your store, try 'em both, you'll know when you've found "The One"

personally, i'd suggest either the D4 or E4 Waved model, or perhaps the ZDP-189 model (ZDP Endura isn't out yet, but will be soon)

I'd like to see Sal and crew release a Waved ZDP series.....
 
allenC said:
Well, I just checked out Newgraham's sight and the Endura 4 goes for $49.93 while the 551 Griptilian goes for $62.50.

That's only a $12.57 difference, which is not that much in my opinion...especially when you consider that the Endura 4 is made in Japan while the 551 Griptilian is made in the USA.
And the Endura 4 is using a lock that is cheaper to produce than the Axis-lock.
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I don't know.....12.57 might not seem like a lot, but it's a 25% increase over the Endura. Not trying to slam BM at all here just stating the facts with the above mentioned "example." think of it this way........if you went the Endura route, every 5 knives you can get one "free."
 
Bill97z said:
I don't know.....12.57 might not seem like a lot, but it's a 25% increase over the Endura. Not trying to slam BM at all here just stating the facts with the above mentioned "example." think of it this way........if you went the Endura route, every 5 knives you can get one "free."
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True, but....
If Spyderco worked out a deal with Benchmade and made an Endura 4 with an Axis-lock (and made it in the USA), would pay $12.57 more for it?
 
I personally prefer Spydies, just because I prefer the Spyderco designs. The Spydies I own are very utilitarian in nature, and have a great level of functionality. The price is nice too. My favorite Spydies are all Golden made. I just haven't fallen in love with Spydie VG-10 the way that others have.

Benchmade makes excellent knives, and from what I've held recently, have superior fit and finish. Benchmade also has the Axis lock, which is probably the best lock I've ever had the pleasure of playing with. One of my most carried knives is a large Benchmade Rittergrip in M2. It's a little bulky in the pocket, but an awesome knife. Good ergos, great lock and outstanding blade.
 
I think i'll go with the grip it looks stronger and i like the black coating on the blade. Besides i am used to carrying bulky cold steel knives so i wont have a problem with the bulkyness. I was thinking of getting a tanto point, but what point do you recomend?
 
I believe the large Griptilian, the Ritter version in particular, to be one of the best knives on planet earth. Smooth, strong, refined, effortless to operate and an effective cutter. I like the others too, and own them, but if it could only be one the Grip would be my pick. The Endura very close behind.

All a matter of preference though. Fortunately, the price of these knives is very good and, we don't have to be limited to just one or two (or three, four, etc).
 
The Grip only has partial steel liners on the full size. The Mini grip has full steel liners.

That being said my vote goes to the Endura. It beats out folders that cost twice as much for pocket time :thumbup:
 
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