BM Griptilian

J

jason2891

Joined
Sep 28, 2010
Messages
99
im looking into getting one but am having a hard time justifying it to myself with the holidays coming up and all...UNLESS you guys can sway me one way or the other with some basic pros and cons of the knife...thanks!
 
Mini grip is super popular. Great little knife, comes in a whole bunch of high end steels, the wonderful axis lock and the g10 handles are super ergonomic

Can be had for very reasonable too at online stores such as knifeworks knifecenter and blade hq. Check out also the blade exchange here, there's sure to be one for sale or trade.

Benchmade is a great company to work with in my experience. Wouldn't hesitate to own another
 
Look into the Benchmade Doug Ritter RSK Mk1 Griptilian designed by Doug Ritter - the BEST Griptilian made, IMHO. I purchased mine from www.aeromedix.com and couldn't be happier.

It was more than worth the price I paid for it; an incredibly useful, tough folding knife that won't let you down. It easily justifies its price.....it will last you a lifetime.

It's a little over $100. Even if you only carry it for a year, the price of entry is less than ten dollars per month - a wise investment, and a pretty cheap life insurance policy. :D
 
I would say look at the benchmade 522. I had a grip550HG, but hated the blade shape. Love the 522 though.
 
I've had a few--both sizes--and still have an orange regular. I like mine a lot. I think the Axis lock is very secure.

Most of the complaints I've read here are by people who don't like plastic handles. That doesn't bother me. The regular size makes a fairly loud "thwack!" when it's opened hard--the partially lined handles are sort of like a sound box. Again, that doesn't matter to me. FWIW the mini has full liners and opens more quietly. I've also read posts by people who think the handle is too thick--again, not a problem for me.

Lastly, every once in a while you'll see a post by someone who has had an omega spring break (the omega springs make the Axis lockk work). If that happens, you either have to ship the knife to Benchmade for spring replacement, or make your own from piano wire. I've broken 2 (I've had a dozen or so Axis knives). The first time I sent it in, paid postage, and waited a few weeks. The second time, I made the repair myself, and the piano wire worked perfectly well for me. Piano wire is very cheap. I may have voided the warranty by doing my own repair work, but I'm really not worried about that. On the other hand, there are plenty of Axis users who've never broken a spring.
 
The Grips are great knives, not fancy but great knives. Made in the USA too.
 
I like mine just fine, a basic 551. Plastic handles are cheesy in general, but these have a nice solid feel to them. The action is very smooth, and the lock is tight and secure, and no blade play.

I see the price has gone up significantly since I bought mine though. Ninety dollars seems a bit much for plastic...

Good luck deciding!
 
A Griptilian (or Ritter Grip preferred) is one of the best designed knives I have ever used. The grip is secure, comfortable and light weight, so it won't weigh you down. It is also one of the fastest knives I own. A simple thumb flick and it is open, a slight wrist twist and it is closed. The lock inspires confidence and I have never had a spring fail. I started out with a 551 and now I have two Ritter Mk1 and four other Grips. The Grip is a knife I never hesitate to recommend.
 
I bought both versions of large Griptilians - sold them both. Never got any pocket time as they were too big for what they offered and they were: BM 551 - big, chintzy, plastic handle. RSK MK1 - big, chintzy, plastic handle and grossly overpriced. My $.02 :)
 
cziv said:
I bought both versions of large Griptilians - sold them both. Never got any pocket time as they were too big for what they offered and they were: BM 551 - big, chintzy, plastic handle. RSK MK1 - big, chintzy, plastic handle and grossly overpriced. My $.02 :)
Click to expand...

I feel the same way about the large grips. But I have 6 mini grips. The minis are a totally different ball game in my opinion. Anyone that likes a good 3 inch knife ought to try the mini grip out.
The large never really grew on me, but I beat the hell out of it, so its ok.
 
HKBM45 said:
I feel the same way about the large grips. But I have 6 mini grips. The minis are a totally different ball game in my opinion. Anyone that likes a good 3 inch knife ought to try the mini grip out.
The large never really grew on me, but I beat the hell out of it, so its ok.
Click to expand...

I've heard that many times about the mini-Grips but haven't gotten around to trying one out yet. :)
 
I own a 555HG Mini-Grip and it's a fantastic knife, my only "complaints" with it is that the handle is a little small for my hand, which of course is no fault of the knife, and it doesn't at all hinder the performance, and the Valox scales don't feel as nice nor are they near as tough as G-10. My $.02? Benchmade Bone Collector. It's basically the knife the Grip should have been. I bought the Mini-Bone Collector and couldn't be happier, I love the G10 Scales and the D2 blade steel, not to mention the handle fits my hand perfectly and the extra little bit of weight on the blade makes opening the knife a silky smooth dream.
D2, G10, Axis Lock, Full Steel Liners, and a Spyderhole all for under $100 (I paid $94 BNIB) = A win in my book.
 
I agree, the mini-grip is totally different from the full size. I can't stress this enough: You won't be disappointed in a Ritter mini-grip (mini-RSK 1). They are an outstanding knife for the size / price / blade steel (S30V). IMHO, it warrants serious consideration. I use mine quite a lot. I also have a spare, that's how sold I am on them. Great little EDC! :thumbup:
 
I have been particularly taken with my recent M390 limited from GPK. This is my first non-Ritter Grip of either size. It's a great knife, much better than I'd guessed (I was very partial to the excellent Ritter blades).
 
I love the Griptilian series, both the large and mini. I especially like the Cabellas D2 Grips, they are my favorites.
 
SpartanSaint said:
Mini grip is super popular. Great little knife, comes in a whole bunch of high end steels, the wonderful axis lock and the g10 handles are super ergonomic

Can be had for very reasonable too at online stores such as knifeworks knifecenter and blade hq. Check out also the blade exchange here, there's sure to be one for sale or trade.

Benchmade is a great company to work with in my experience. Wouldn't hesitate to own another
Click to expand...

I have yet to see the Grip in G10. Do you happen to have a picture of that thing?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top