BM558-400 vs BM556BKD2: Direct Comparison

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Frank_Zuccarini

Joined
Feb 12, 2006
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116
I've searched and read a bunch, but I hope that there are a couple of forum subscribers that own BOTH a:

Benchmade Ritter Mini-Griptilian RSK Mk1 (S30V Steel), and a

Benchmade Cabela's-only Mini-Griptilian (D2 Steel)

If so, can you please summarize your opinion of the relative strengths and weaknesses of each, and which, if you had to choose only one, you'd keep.

I currently own the Cabela's mini-Grip. I LOVE it, and it's hard to imagine that the Mk1 mini would be much better. I know that the blade geometry is different, as well as the steel, but I can't seem to tell (without actually owning it) which I'd prefer. I find that handle fits both my pocket and hand very comfortably (without the clip). The handle is the same on both models, so this is a non-factor. It all boils down to blade geometry and steel (plus, satin vs black).

Anyone own both, and care to comment on the difference in steel and geometry?

Thanks...............Frank
 
I own both, but like them as much as each other.
The D2 Mini costs a little less, but I prefer uncoated blades, so that equals things out for me.
Sorry that doesn't really help you much Frank!

The best Mini Grip ever was the 558M2-600, but you probably don't want to hear that!;)

 
Wow, nice collection of mini-grips.

That 558M2-600 is hard to come by, and really expensive these days.

I also prefer uncoated blades, but I really wanted the D2, expecially given that I could not find any M2. That pretty much pushed me to the Cabela's model, which I just love.

Steven, any chance you can make any unqualified statements regarding the cutting characteristics of the Ritter S30V blade, versus the mini-Grip's D2 blade? Which is the better slicer? Which holds an edge longer? Which is easier to sharpen? Which chips more easily?

Thanks for your comments and for the great photo............Frank
 
Frank_Zuccarini said:
Which is the better slicer?
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There's really not much in it. Many have said the the wide chord of the Ritter makes it a better slicer, but I really haven't noticed a difference.

Frank_Zuccarini said:
Which holds an edge longer?
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Again, it's hard to say.

Frank_Zuccarini said:
Which is easier to sharpen?
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About equal again. I use a Sharpmaker and strop. The D2 feels different when sharpening - sort of smooth and silky..but it cuts toothy. That doesn't make sense, does it? :o

Frank_Zuccarini said:
Which chips more easily?
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I haven't experienced chipping in either.

Sorry I can't be more help, but the two knives are really close in performance.
The Cabelas and Ritter Griptilians are two of my favourite knives in the World. Knives like these are the reason I no longer have Sebenzas. That sounds dramatic, but for me it's true.
 
Thank-you, Steven.

You may not think that you have helped much, but you told me just what I need to hear. The D2 Mini-Grip is a damn good knife, and the advantages of the Ritter/S30V version are minimal to non-existent.

I think that I should stay happy with my D2 version. It is a really terrific knife.

Again, thanks for you help..................Frank
 
I have the Cabelas D2 mini-Grip and the mini-Ritter. They are both very good knives. In use, I think the D2 version holds an edge a little better. The mini-Ritter has better edge and blade geometry. The only part of the blade geometry where the Cabelas version is better is the point. But the wide chord blade with thin edge makes the RSK a better cutter (not that the Cabelas version is a slouch).

I prefer uncoated blades, and that, combined with the better geometry, has me carrying the mini-RSK more often.

In summary:

Cabelas D2 advantages: edgeholding (but not by much), better point
RSK advantages: blade/edge geometry

You have to decide for yourself how the coated/uncoated blade issue works out.
 
I have every mini steel version (not blade shape) except the M2 one. I'll fill in that hole one day. As far as your question about the Ritter vs. the Cabelas versions... I EDC the black mini-RSK simply because I like the blade shape better than BM's standard blade shape.

Blade shape aside, I really like D2 for a blade steel. If I weren't carrying the mini-RSK, I'd be carrying the Cabelas. If you're happy with the performance and looks of your Cabelas mini, then stay with it. I think the biggest difference you'll find is in how you sharpen the two steels. From my experience, D2 seems to want to be left a little toothier or coarser than S30V.

My mini-RSK is probably the most impressive slicer that I have as far as tests like push cutting, shaving, etc. But that level of sharpness doesn't last long under use. The D2 mini doesn't perform as well in those same tests, but in the warehouse or the yard, it cuts well and keeps on cutting well for a lo-o-o-o-ng time.
 
Gentlemen, thank-you very much for your comments.

If I stumble upon a good, used Ritter, I'm not likely turn my back. In the meanwhile, I'm awfully happy with my Cabela's D2.

Frank
 
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