- Joined
- Jun 8, 2005
- Messages
- 4,761
I've been looking forward to a minigrip for awhile now, be it in a mundane 440C trim or an exotic S30V. I've also wanted a D2 knife, as, judging from what I read, it seems to be my favorite set of comprimises. Well, I finally have it.
I was initially turned off to this knife because of its relatively cheap appearance. I didn't expect FRN to accompany Benchmade's name and D2 steel. However, after getting used to, the minigrip has an understated appearance that appeals to me more and more. The blade of D2 minigrips has a matte black coating that I'm also not a fan of, but when matched with a black hilt, it really isn't so bad. I really wish they could have used a titanium nitride coating, which produces a gorgeously dark shine. Alas, they do not. Because of its very low profile apperance, this knife might be ideal for public use. All in all, a pretty good looking little folder, but definitely not intended for pocket decoration.
The feel of this knife, as its name might suggest, is excellent. I find this interesting, as, reaching for the knife, I don't expect it to feel good--I expect to feel gross hard plastic and all of its sweat-slippery propertiers. Instead I'm treated to excellent ergonomics and one of the most solid feeling knives I've ever used. Now, the FRN does not necessarily offer much grip, but the bulky shape of the hilt itself somehow does. Despite its simplicity, the ergonomics are excellent. It feels like a knife I could use for hours before getting uncomfortable. The solid steel liners no doubt contribute to this solidarity.
The action is excellent, almost as smooth as my M16. This is my first axis lock knife, and I'm enjoying learning the tricks of flicking it open and closed. Closing the knife is easier than with any other knife I've ever used, even if opening it only ranks second. It's definitely an addictively fun knife. However, I must ask--why, oh why, did they not give this a flipper of some kind? They even have a hole in the back for it. Flippers are definitely a huge personal preference of mine--they make opening a knife much easier and they also protect your hand in case of lock failure. I want to see this feature on this knife.
The axis lock itself is very effective and can be used ambidextrously. Interestingly, the lock must be disengaged before you can flip the knife open. You can still open it conventionally, however. One of the cool features of the axis lock is that you can flick the knife closed as well. I had heard stories of the axis lock accidentally being disengaged during use. I can't possibly imagine how this happened. Holding the knife in the way that I would use it, even if I try (really), I can't disengage the axis lock. The lock feels strong, even though I honestly don't trust it enough to test it like my M16, especially when it lacks hand protection. However, I'm certain it's quite strong. I am a bit concerned about stuff getting stuck in the lock itself, however. Only time will tell if this is a real life issue.
This is my first tip up carry knife, and I must say, it takes some getting used to. I personally prefer tip down, but at least the clip is solid.
The blade itself is made out of D2 steel and comes quite sharp out of the box. I can shave with it, but only just barely.
There is no play at all.
Despite a few shortcomings (FRN scales, lack of a flipper) this is a great little knife for 70 dollars. Definitely a great value if you need a good work knife but don't need all the pretty.
I was initially turned off to this knife because of its relatively cheap appearance. I didn't expect FRN to accompany Benchmade's name and D2 steel. However, after getting used to, the minigrip has an understated appearance that appeals to me more and more. The blade of D2 minigrips has a matte black coating that I'm also not a fan of, but when matched with a black hilt, it really isn't so bad. I really wish they could have used a titanium nitride coating, which produces a gorgeously dark shine. Alas, they do not. Because of its very low profile apperance, this knife might be ideal for public use. All in all, a pretty good looking little folder, but definitely not intended for pocket decoration.
The feel of this knife, as its name might suggest, is excellent. I find this interesting, as, reaching for the knife, I don't expect it to feel good--I expect to feel gross hard plastic and all of its sweat-slippery propertiers. Instead I'm treated to excellent ergonomics and one of the most solid feeling knives I've ever used. Now, the FRN does not necessarily offer much grip, but the bulky shape of the hilt itself somehow does. Despite its simplicity, the ergonomics are excellent. It feels like a knife I could use for hours before getting uncomfortable. The solid steel liners no doubt contribute to this solidarity.
The action is excellent, almost as smooth as my M16. This is my first axis lock knife, and I'm enjoying learning the tricks of flicking it open and closed. Closing the knife is easier than with any other knife I've ever used, even if opening it only ranks second. It's definitely an addictively fun knife. However, I must ask--why, oh why, did they not give this a flipper of some kind? They even have a hole in the back for it. Flippers are definitely a huge personal preference of mine--they make opening a knife much easier and they also protect your hand in case of lock failure. I want to see this feature on this knife.
The axis lock itself is very effective and can be used ambidextrously. Interestingly, the lock must be disengaged before you can flip the knife open. You can still open it conventionally, however. One of the cool features of the axis lock is that you can flick the knife closed as well. I had heard stories of the axis lock accidentally being disengaged during use. I can't possibly imagine how this happened. Holding the knife in the way that I would use it, even if I try (really), I can't disengage the axis lock. The lock feels strong, even though I honestly don't trust it enough to test it like my M16, especially when it lacks hand protection. However, I'm certain it's quite strong. I am a bit concerned about stuff getting stuck in the lock itself, however. Only time will tell if this is a real life issue.
This is my first tip up carry knife, and I must say, it takes some getting used to. I personally prefer tip down, but at least the clip is solid.
The blade itself is made out of D2 steel and comes quite sharp out of the box. I can shave with it, but only just barely.
There is no play at all.
Despite a few shortcomings (FRN scales, lack of a flipper) this is a great little knife for 70 dollars. Definitely a great value if you need a good work knife but don't need all the pretty.
