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Blur, Cyclone, or Griptilian?
- Thread starter KFLEISIG
- Start date
Esav Benyamin
MidniteSuperMod
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- Apr 6, 2000
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- 90,915
Griptilian's a great knife, in all its incarnations -- a lot of choice there, within the same basic platform. I think it has the edge over the other two. It's a surer bet.
The Blur also has a devoted following, but you might want to step up to the more expensive S30V Blur to match what would then be a cheaper Griptilian.
The Cyclone is a good-looking knife with interesting technology -- turning the assisted opener on and off. I haven't read any review of it, though.
The Blur also has a devoted following, but you might want to step up to the more expensive S30V Blur to match what would then be a cheaper Griptilian.
The Cyclone is a good-looking knife with interesting technology -- turning the assisted opener on and off. I haven't read any review of it, though.
JPD1998
Gold Member
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2004
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- 3,572
Its really going to come down to what you want to use the knife for. I have both a Blur and the Grip (coated blade with thumb studs) and theyre pretty different knives.
If you want an assisted opening knife the Blur is probably one of the best I've ever used. It's very fast and positive. I have the tactical version with the Tanto blade. Like most Kershaw products the quality is top notch. I would imagine the quality of the Cyclone is probably just as good, I don't own a Cyclone but I have a few Kershaws with Sandvik 13C26 stainless steel blades and for my purposes I find it to be great steel. IMO the Blur is good for general purposes....cutting open boxes, as a general utility knife.... It's good for EDC. The full sized Cyclone seems to be more useful in its design and probably better than the Blur in terms of utility (for a similar price). So between these two I'd take the Cyclone.
IMO the Grip is entirely different, it has the Axis lock instead of a liner lock and some have a higher grade of blade steel. If you dont own an Axis Locking knife Id say try one, theyre just as fast to open as an AO and have less things to break and clean when your out in the woods. Also the Grip is a better choice as a workhorse, like hunting or camping etc. I like working knives to have G3 or synthetic handles, aluminum handles that are slippery or loose their finish makes me nuts (but thats just me).
I think the Grip is too big to EDC, but others here do carry them all the time.
It's a hard choice but I'd narrow it down to the Cyclone or the Grip. I got my Grip for $59.00, so at a similar price the Grip wins. But the average starting price for a new Grip is closer to $65.00 - $75.00 so that might sway you too. Id have a hard time picking just one so Id probably buy both .
Also you might want to check out the Kershaw Speed Bump or The Speed/Spec Bump. Both in the same ball park as the Grip and very nice AO knives.
If you want an assisted opening knife the Blur is probably one of the best I've ever used. It's very fast and positive. I have the tactical version with the Tanto blade. Like most Kershaw products the quality is top notch. I would imagine the quality of the Cyclone is probably just as good, I don't own a Cyclone but I have a few Kershaws with Sandvik 13C26 stainless steel blades and for my purposes I find it to be great steel. IMO the Blur is good for general purposes....cutting open boxes, as a general utility knife.... It's good for EDC. The full sized Cyclone seems to be more useful in its design and probably better than the Blur in terms of utility (for a similar price). So between these two I'd take the Cyclone.
IMO the Grip is entirely different, it has the Axis lock instead of a liner lock and some have a higher grade of blade steel. If you dont own an Axis Locking knife Id say try one, theyre just as fast to open as an AO and have less things to break and clean when your out in the woods. Also the Grip is a better choice as a workhorse, like hunting or camping etc. I like working knives to have G3 or synthetic handles, aluminum handles that are slippery or loose their finish makes me nuts (but thats just me).
I think the Grip is too big to EDC, but others here do carry them all the time.
It's a hard choice but I'd narrow it down to the Cyclone or the Grip. I got my Grip for $59.00, so at a similar price the Grip wins. But the average starting price for a new Grip is closer to $65.00 - $75.00 so that might sway you too. Id have a hard time picking just one so Id probably buy both .
Also you might want to check out the Kershaw Speed Bump or The Speed/Spec Bump. Both in the same ball park as the Grip and very nice AO knives.
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2005
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- 2,938
I really like the blur. It makes a handy little edc knife.
- Joined
- Nov 11, 1998
- Messages
- 130
I own the Blur as well as the mini Cyclone and mini Grip (original sheepsfoot with 440C). They are all pretty different and have their pros and cons ...
The grip is the easiest to operate - the Axis lock is very nice. The knife is very light, which is nice for pocket carry, but does not give you the same confidence a heavier beefier knife would. Great EDC - I go back to it quite often. I'd say it's not as comfortable in the hand as the other two though.
The blur sits perfectly in the hand. It's got a very natural feel. The blade is very good for slicing and is pretty thick. The quality is great, fit and finish excellent. The AO action is very smooth also. I like taking this one camping, where a bigger knife with a longer blade is useful.
The mini cyclone is quite heavy and beefy for it's size, relative to the blur. I imagine the full-sized one is even heavier ... For me the mini cyclone is a great EDC, and the Blur is a bit too long. The mini Cyclone has all the strength that the Blur has to offer in a more compact package with a more versatile blade. I got this one on eBay for $40 including shipping, so you really can't beat it for the price
And you can turn the AO option off if you want and never worry about it again.
The grip is the easiest to operate - the Axis lock is very nice. The knife is very light, which is nice for pocket carry, but does not give you the same confidence a heavier beefier knife would. Great EDC - I go back to it quite often. I'd say it's not as comfortable in the hand as the other two though.
The blur sits perfectly in the hand. It's got a very natural feel. The blade is very good for slicing and is pretty thick. The quality is great, fit and finish excellent. The AO action is very smooth also. I like taking this one camping, where a bigger knife with a longer blade is useful.
The mini cyclone is quite heavy and beefy for it's size, relative to the blur. I imagine the full-sized one is even heavier ... For me the mini cyclone is a great EDC, and the Blur is a bit too long. The mini Cyclone has all the strength that the Blur has to offer in a more compact package with a more versatile blade. I got this one on eBay for $40 including shipping, so you really can't beat it for the price
And you can turn the AO option off if you want and never worry about it again.I have a couple grips simply because after you pick them up they seem to open and work more intuitively than many others in the price range. My favorites are the D2 and the Ritter M2. They cut and cut and cut with little attention. I dont think I've ever sharpened either one and only stropped the M2 twice. Kershaws come and go with me. Nothing strikes me as really brilliant. Not that the grips are a huge step themselves but they seem to combine a lot of complimentary features that work together well instead of fill an advertisement.
Griptillian.
I don't care about assisted opening, so the lack is no minus in my book. Best lock in the business, (arguably) best guarantee in the business, 154CM steel, great utilitarian blade shapes, or tanto (and a trainer is available) if you want, in two sizes, your choice of stud or hole, and the Grips are truly completely ambidextrous.
I used to EDC a full size 551, but then my EDCs tend to the Endura, Ares, etc size, so it wasn't any bigger than my usual carry pieces.
Aside from the "it feels plastic" thing, the knife just has no minuses. Great ergos for me in full size (mini is a hair small for my hand, but so is a 705 or a Native.) Tough as hell.
Unless you want an AO, or the price difference is a deal breaker, I just can't see picking a Blur or Cyclone over a Griptillian, not for my taste and use.
I honestly don't think they're in the same class.
I don't care about assisted opening, so the lack is no minus in my book. Best lock in the business, (arguably) best guarantee in the business, 154CM steel, great utilitarian blade shapes, or tanto (and a trainer is available) if you want, in two sizes, your choice of stud or hole, and the Grips are truly completely ambidextrous.
I used to EDC a full size 551, but then my EDCs tend to the Endura, Ares, etc size, so it wasn't any bigger than my usual carry pieces.
Aside from the "it feels plastic" thing, the knife just has no minuses. Great ergos for me in full size (mini is a hair small for my hand, but so is a 705 or a Native.) Tough as hell.
Unless you want an AO, or the price difference is a deal breaker, I just can't see picking a Blur or Cyclone over a Griptillian, not for my taste and use.
I honestly don't think they're in the same class.
Cutshaw
Moderator
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- Aug 15, 2004
- Messages
- 7,274
Cyclone.
The assisted open is a fun toy but the gee-whiz factor wears out in a couple of days. I do like the Axis locks a lot - they are my favorite. My 940, 921 and Ares get a lot of carry-time. I never really cared for the feel of the Grips, though. Maybe it's the "plastic-thing" but, then again, FRN never tends to bother me in my Merlin or Calypso. Something about the Grip just doesn't feel right. Not being a snob, but the less inexpensive BM's feel VERY different from the more mid to upper range offerings.
I've been EDCing a Cyclone for the last 4 days and like it a lot. It doesn't have the heft/security of my Manix or Skirmish (few things do) but it is a good size folder with excellent ergos and a nice slim feel in the pocket. I'm anxious to see how the Sandvik steel holds up in the long haul - so far I've been really happy with the Sandvik steel in my Bark River.
Honestly, the Cyclone feels like a much more expensive folder. I think it may be one of the great bargains out there. It's sort of a budget Zero Tolerance.
As always, your mileage may vary. We all like different things and that's what makes life such fun place!
Enjoy!
The assisted open is a fun toy but the gee-whiz factor wears out in a couple of days. I do like the Axis locks a lot - they are my favorite. My 940, 921 and Ares get a lot of carry-time. I never really cared for the feel of the Grips, though. Maybe it's the "plastic-thing" but, then again, FRN never tends to bother me in my Merlin or Calypso. Something about the Grip just doesn't feel right. Not being a snob, but the less inexpensive BM's feel VERY different from the more mid to upper range offerings.
I've been EDCing a Cyclone for the last 4 days and like it a lot. It doesn't have the heft/security of my Manix or Skirmish (few things do) but it is a good size folder with excellent ergos and a nice slim feel in the pocket. I'm anxious to see how the Sandvik steel holds up in the long haul - so far I've been really happy with the Sandvik steel in my Bark River.
Honestly, the Cyclone feels like a much more expensive folder. I think it may be one of the great bargains out there. It's sort of a budget Zero Tolerance.
As always, your mileage may vary. We all like different things and that's what makes life such fun place!
Enjoy!
- Joined
- Nov 11, 1998
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- 130
Paddling_man said:
Exactly. I love my mini grip, but it feels a lot cheaper than the mini cyclone, even though it's actually more expensive. I'm very happy with the cyclone for EDC. I think I'd like the Ritter grip a lot more than my original, but the price on those is way too high for a plastic handle ...
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- Jun 8, 2005
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All good choices, but for me personally, it's the grip(mini).
Cyclone is pretty neat though, I've been playing with one on and off lately.
Cyclone is pretty neat though, I've been playing with one on and off lately.
Well, I bought the Blur tactical tanto, Kershaw Cyclone and Grip 553S. I would say that my favorite is the Blur followed by the Cyclone then the Grip. I am having problem adjusting to the axis lock of the Grip and the plastic handle (feels flimsy) compare to the Cyclone. Its all about preference, so if you want to just buy one then you have to test them first and pick what you like the most. Im new to this and don't know much about steel components. I am still keeping my Grip (its growing on me). MHO! Regards.
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- Aug 20, 2006
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Kershaw is getting our opinions on a new ZDP Cyclone! It looks like we will be getting a 1630TiZDP! Won't that be great!
I have always thought that a S30V Blur with a Flipper (like the Cyclone) would be the perfect knife! Congrats on the new knife! I love my kershaws!
Jeremy
I have always thought that a S30V Blur with a Flipper (like the Cyclone) would be the perfect knife! Congrats on the new knife! I love my kershaws!
Jeremy
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2002
- Messages
- 133
Kershaw is getting our opinions on a new ZDP Cyclone! It looks like we will be getting a 1630TiZDP! Won't that be great!
Any new information about this? I love the optics of the Cyclone, just the blade steel used is putting me off a lil.
-Connor
I've never handled the Cyclone, so I can't offer any advice there.
But I have owned and used several Grips (550, 551, 555, and 556), and I've owned a Blur as well.
The Griptilians have a couple of really good features going for them:
The high grind of the blade slices very well.
The handle affords a full-size grip in the hand.
The Axis-lock is awesome!
But there are a few things I don't like:
The hollow sounding plastic handle!
Despite all of the texturing, the plastic is still slippery in the grip--it is secure due to the overall handle shape, but the plastic scales don't help at all (especially in the larger Grips).
The partial-length liners in the large Grips are kinda cheap in my opinion.
And, because it affords such a hand filling grip, the Grips are bulky.
The Blur also has some great features:
The speed-safe works great, and I actually prefer the thumb-stud opening rather than the flipper (if you've got a flipper, you really don't need assisted-opening).
The handle is pure magic!
The handle design fits my hand perfectly and is extremely comfortable.
The wide blade slices very well too.
The disadvantages:
The liner-lock is not as reliable and secure as the Axis-lock in my opinion.
The blade is not pointy enough for my tastes, and I don't like tantos either.
Weighing all the pros and cons....if you can live without a very pointy blade, the Blur is the better knife (especially the S30V version).
Good luck,
Allen.
But I have owned and used several Grips (550, 551, 555, and 556), and I've owned a Blur as well.
The Griptilians have a couple of really good features going for them:
The high grind of the blade slices very well.
The handle affords a full-size grip in the hand.
The Axis-lock is awesome!
But there are a few things I don't like:
The hollow sounding plastic handle!
Despite all of the texturing, the plastic is still slippery in the grip--it is secure due to the overall handle shape, but the plastic scales don't help at all (especially in the larger Grips).
The partial-length liners in the large Grips are kinda cheap in my opinion.
And, because it affords such a hand filling grip, the Grips are bulky.
The Blur also has some great features:
The speed-safe works great, and I actually prefer the thumb-stud opening rather than the flipper (if you've got a flipper, you really don't need assisted-opening).
The handle is pure magic!
The handle design fits my hand perfectly and is extremely comfortable.
The wide blade slices very well too.
The disadvantages:
The liner-lock is not as reliable and secure as the Axis-lock in my opinion.
The blade is not pointy enough for my tastes, and I don't like tantos either.
Weighing all the pros and cons....if you can live without a very pointy blade, the Blur is the better knife (especially the S30V version).
Good luck,
Allen.
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2006
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- 1,539
Yes, Kershaw is still working on the TiZDP prototype Cyclone. I don't know if the TiZDP Cyclone will be available in both the large and small like the current Cyclone, I think just the large. It is still in progress.