Buck alpha dorado or benchmade mini griptilian??

I have both and the Mini Grip is far superior in my opinion.

Why?

The Buck is small but relatively heavy and clumsy,its liner lock is not bad but it's only average,liner locks have their limitations and the Buck shows 'travel' which has already been fixed by them. I have 2 of these Bucks, one in 154 the other in more basic stainless.The cheaper one is I think better value. As said before, its quite short leaf shaped blade is not easy to sharpen. On the positive side, it's an unusual design and reasonable value.

The Mini Grip may well have a plastic type handle, but mine certainly does not bend in the hand or feel in the least flimsy. i chose the lurid yellow coloured one so I can find it in the garden,you can! Black might be more 'restful' I have the 154 version with thumb stud as I don't like holes on knives over-much. In terms of ergonomics I find this knife exceptional,it fits the hand very well, opens ultra smooth and fast and the Axis lock has caused ZERO problems despite regularly getting earth&muck in it.Very nice action.It sharpens well with no trouble and unlike the Buck, it has a pocket clip so no need for a sheath. I don't dislike the Buck but I hardly use it as it is very unlike the Mini Grip.

OP you need to examine and feel the knives before you decide, it's down to your tastes and likes. For me, one of these knives is alright, the other brilliant.
 
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willgoy said:
...As said before, its quite short leaf shaped blade is not easy to sharpen...

...It sharpens well with no trouble and unlike the Buck...
Click to expand...

This is pretty strange statement. How this make sharpening not easy? I sharpens a lot and lot of different knife, but really have trouble imagining how this may make sharpening not easier but more difficult.

...Forget to mention - surface on the handle of Grip really disturb my palm. If you cut once or twice - not a problem, but working for 5-10 minutes heavy cutting really make it uncomfortable... And one more - I have axis stuck few times, until I oil it...

There is many properties - like, color, lock tipe, clip. But after all if you going to use it as a knife, it's cutting performance is most to look for.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
nozh, I have less experience than you and I admire your tests on knives and commentaries. However, I simply find a short relatively wide blade without much belly tricky to sharpen.The BM has a longer slimmer blade that I find easier to deal with.

Your experience draws you to the Buck, mine to the BM.

Regards, W
 
Couple years ago I was gifted a Buck Alpha folder.

Not real comfortable in hand, no biggie, but it had significant blade play.

Family returned it and brought home another.
This one had a loose thumb stud that wouldn't stay tight.

Returned it for a compass and have avoided Buck ever since... still have my old 110 though. :thumbup:

imho, I would go with the mini-Grip or one of the Japanese folders that are far better made.
 
Buck knives has never really been on my radar.. I did have one many years ago (can't remember the model). It was a great knife although i had a lot of corrosion problems. That Alpha Dorado however sure looks pretty to me but I guess one man's meat is another man's poison. One thing though... Even though I've never handled one it looks plenty heavy with the steel handle. Makes some sense to omit a pocket clip and go with a sheathe/ holster carry system. The blade shape reminds me a bit of the native.
 
I own the Dorado and it is my EDC. Feels great. Locks up like alcatraz and is razor sharp. The 154CM is terrific and Paul Bos did a great job. It has a little heft and I love this thing. I use the Dorado day in and day out. I really like some of Bucks products and their customer service is terrific. Don't get me wrong the mini grip is a good knife but it also looks like every other knife out there. Bores the hell out of me. IMHO...
 
The Buck is heavy at 4.2oz. If this doesn't bother you, the knife should be a decent knife.
I have a minigriptilian, and it will be easier to carry in a pants pocket - it is lighter. The blade is longer (2.9"), and that may be a consideration - a negative or positive factor depending on the environment.
I would rather have a shorter handle in a pocket knife and usually edc something with a 3 3/4" handle for pocket carry....a Spyderco.
The Minigrip is a good choice.
 
Have you checked out the Buck Vantage Pro?

Top shelf material, rock solid lock up, and a bargain to boot.
 
I'm guessing since this thread is from over a year ago, he's probably made up his mind!
 
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