BM's Ritter Mini Griptilian worth the $ over plain 552?

Z

zorak

Joined
Jan 18, 2011
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New to carrying a knife and want a useful EDC. Was thinking Mini-Grip but came across the Ritter model and there is, of course, a lot of hype with it. Wanted to ask the forum if the hype is real.

The Ritter model gets the CSM S30V stonewashed blade instead of 154CM on the Mini Grip. Ritter model has a drop point blade instead of the modified sheeps foot. I guess there are some other details I suppose that set it apart from the regular mini grip I was looking at.

I like the stonewash finish on the blade and the shape looks good, but is it any "better"?

Is the Ritter worth the extra $30 or so? If so, why?

Thanks :)
 
I've had a regular mini-Griptilian for several years. Recently I joined this forum and saw all the positive comments and hype surrounding the Ritter model so I bought one. After using it for a week or so, I couldn't find any situation in which the Ritter outperformed the standard model. On the plus side, the Ritter holds its value quite well and I didn't lose any money on the deal.

Both are fine knives and I could find no fault with either of them with regards to fit, finish or quality of materials. However, I personally think the regular model is a better value. As always, YMMV.
 
IMO, the blade shape, better steel, and blade finish are definitely worth the price difference. I will say that the more comparable regular mini-grip is the 556. Since you already like the stonewashed finish and blade shape, get it and if for some reason you don't like it you can flip it.

I will say that I've been through a lot of knives, including high end production folders, and the mini-Ritter still holds the top spot in my EDC.

Now, a pic to help you with your decision.
767e69b7.jpg
 
Having owned several of both models and sizes, I agree with SpookyDriver. The Ritter didn't outperform the 154CM Grip, I just liked the blade shape a little better. In real use, I found that the tip of the standard drop point blade was more useful to me than the tip of the Ritter and I didn't miss the deep belly of the Ritter for my normal uses.

If you really like S30V and the standard blade shape, take a look at BM's web site. They have a "Customize Your Grip" section now that lets you combine your choice of blade steel, handle colors, and clip/screw/liner colors.

The finished product will end up being more expensive than a Ritter, but it'll be your idea of the perfect Grip (within certain limits).
 
I went thought the same dilemma, so I bought the regular Mini-Grip but after a while I still had to get the Ritter Mini-Grip. The difference in performance is probably negligible but I really like the looks of the Ritter blade shape. I also wound up buying the Mini-Grip Tanto shaped blade, but the Ritter is still my favorite.
 
I can't decide which blade profile I prefer - they both function really well. For me, the steel variety is more of a deciding factor.

My favourites are the 556 in M390 and the 558 in M2 High Speed and S30V.
Your reallt can't go wrong (...unless you buy a 557 tanto ;) )



Here's a photo that shows the different profile of the 558, 555HG and 556:

 
No, now that benchmade is offering Customizable Grips is all colors variations and steel, for around the same price.
 
Wow, just went the the Benchmade site and checked out the Grip customization wizard. Very cool...
 
The Customizable grips are very cool, I just don't know if I can justify nearly double the price.

But to answer the OP'S for general EDC the normal mini-grip would probably suit you just fine.
 
i have a regular mini grip in drop point and the ritter. love both. the regular one is an edc for sure. but i like the ritter more for the shape and flat grind
 
I have a Mini Grip M390, a Mini Ritter and a full size Ritter and love them all...My first great folder was a Mini Grip in the base model with 154cm and I loved it...It is what got me hooked on Grips...It will be all the knife you need and is the best value on the market IMO...

Having said that I too love great steel and I personally think the Ritter design is the bestest out there...I love my Ritters and the Mini Ritter is in my pocket everyday so the money wasn't an issue for me...Well spent...

I figure you can't lose which ever you chose...I even love the handles...
 
Thanks...

So is the Mini-Grip (probably 556 if that's the thumbhole model) different enough from the BM 940 to warrant having both in my (albeit small and just getting started) collection?
 
zorak said:
Thanks...

So is the Mini-Grip (probably 556 if that's the thumbhole model) different enough from the BM 940 to warrant having both in my (albeit small and just getting started) collection?
Click to expand...

IIRC it’s the 555 that’s the hollow ground version.

And yes there is enough difference between it and the 940 to justify the purchase. Though lets be honest since when have we needed justification to buy another knife?
 
I like the aesthetics of the Mini Ritter's wider blade.

That said, the 556 Mini Grip is every bit as good for any use I would have.

For a somewhat wider blade than the Grip (although not the Ritters), check out the Mini Presidio 525 or the Mini Presidio Ultra 527. The 527 may be the best buy in the Benchmade lineup.
 
Are the Spyderco Native or Delica a good knife to consider along side the Mini Griptilian? How do these compare for EDC duty? About the same?
 
zorak said:
Are the Spyderco Native or Delica a good knife to consider along side the Mini Griptilian? How do these compare for EDC duty? About the same?
Click to expand...

Absolutely -- and all three are well-proportioned for EDCing.

If you want thin, think Delica FFG. It is one of the most popular blades in the Spyderco line as well as one of the best buys.
 
Thanks to all for your postings. They’re all interesting thoughts & experiences on Mini Griptilian blade types.

This is my first post and am new to the Blade Forum.

How would any of you suggest I proceed to get a Benchmade Mini Grip Ritter.

I’ve checked out a stack of online sellers, including http://www.aeromedix.com/Knives/ , eBay and have drawn a complete blank.

Are Mini Griptilian Ritter Benchmades just as hard to source as Hinderer XM-18s?

All suggestions welcome.
 
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