BM 555 MiniGrip vs Waved Delica 4...

B

Biginboca

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Mar 17, 1999
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Going to give my stepson his first locking knife for his 12th birthday present. He already has a few Swiss Army knives, but on a recent camping trip he had a hard time making a sharp stick for roasting marshmallows with one and I started getting nervous about safety of it since it lacks of a lock.

So I started browsing the forums because his birthday is next month and I managed to source a NIB 550 MiniGrip and also a NIB Waved Delica this week for the same price, $50. They have both arrived and now I am not sure which one to give him!

I feel that the Grip is probably a safer knife because the lock is stronger, but the waved delica a more fun knife. Although the wave feature may be inviting trouble?

What do you guys think would be better for a first *real* folding knife for a 12 year old?
 
Mine grip, might be dangerous with the wave feature. Plus, I belive Benchmade knives are much smoother that spydercos out of the box. Not to say spyderco doesn't make good knives, but they are stiff when I first get them. Benchmade all the way man. Keep the spyderco.

Axis lock is also easier to unlock without wierd hand possisions. I just can't BM enough, sorry:D
 
with no wave it'd be a tough choice, but I would not gov a 12y/o the D-wave... I have both and love certain things about both... I prefer the D4 for ONE reason... tip down/spyder hole config. I think the boy will really love the Grip! When I was 12 the only locking choice was a Buck or a Sog Tomcat... I always had a slippie (SAK or Case) one until I got a leatherman (age 13). I still have that Leatherman!
 
I agree with masteroffajitas, BM mini grip axis lock would be easier to manipulate than a back lock to a 12-year old. Besides, giving a wave feature to a kid is asking for trouble.
 
I dont think the axis is a good choice due to the ease of flicking.A non waved delica would be good.
 
Sep said:
I agree with masteroffajitas, BM mini grip axis lock would be easier to manipulate than a back lock to a 12-year old. Besides, giving a wave feature to a kid is asking for trouble.
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I don't think the AXIS is easier than a back-lock(stronger perhaps), but I'd agree that the wave feature might be too much for a 12 year old.
The mini-grip will appear less "weapony" as a knife for a 12 year old as well. The wave feature may appear too "tactical" to some obsevers.
I think the D4W could be great as the second knife he gets though.:thumbup:
 
Ok, thanks for the input. You guys all pretty much echoed my sentiments.

Mini Grip it is!
 
Glad to see my little mini grip is going to be passed on to someone new :) Treat her with care!
 
Agreed. I think the 555 is a better idea for a 12 year-old. There's just less of a chance of an incident. Also the fact that it looks more like a utility knife than the D4W; it's less likely to get strange looks, you know what I mean...

And I say all this as one who has carried a D4W for 11 months now :D
 
I almost shredded up a decent pair of pants, and nicked the fitted box spring sheet on my bed trying out the Wave feature.

I can't imagine what a 12 year old would do with a Waved Delica!
 
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