Build quality question

F

FourPoints

Joined
Jul 24, 2014
Messages
9
Hey there all. I'll start by saying I'm new here. I've lurked around before but never registered, but I need a couple of answers please.

I would like to know what the build quality difference is between the Benchmade Griptilian and Barrage. I realize there have been many posts in the past on this subject but please stick with me.

If I was to take out the spring out of the barrage, not really into the assist, wouldn't the barrage just be sturdier? I like the full liners and its pretty beefy.

This will be a medium use edc and realize the blade steel differences. So just talking strictly build quality, which is the toughest?

I recently was tipped from a customer with a $100 cabelas card so I went and bought the griptilian but might be having second thoughts. It has a kinda awful clack when opening and just seems like some corners were cut in the build. Not saying it isn't a good knife at all though. Seems fairly tough and I like the D2. So thanks in advance for some opinions.
 
The other option for a similar total investment would be to outfit the Griptilian with a set of G10 scales from someone here on the forums. There are plenty of great knife modders who would be happy to do this for you for a reasonable cost. From what I've read, a set of these vastly improves the quality feel of the Griptilian, as many have said that's how it should have come factory.
 
You do know the barrage has skeleton liners right?
I am not sure about any difference in build quality, they both feel kinda cheap but works great
Toughest? I have no idea, i saw a Griptilian used as a bridge, it has a meatier shorter blade than the 580

What is that clak you hear when opening it? Can you upload that to youtube?
 
I have been looking at some aftermarket scales I think this would help a ton. The clack I'm speaking of I think is just kind of an echo inside the plastic handle. And I did not know the barrage was skeletonized inside. Thanks for that bit.


All in all I'll be very happy with either because I'm only out of pocket 30 bucks. As always I will nerd out on this for a couple weeks to find out my answers. Anybody else have an opinion on this?
 
The grip is a very sturdy knife, it may feel less so than the barrage but it will take anything the barrage will. Personally I prefer the lighter weight of the standard scales on the grip I know the knife isn't going to fall to pieces if I use it hard.

I have a mini barrage but have never carried it because it is heaver and more bulky than my mini grips that I carry daily. The "cheap feel" of the grips doesn't get into my head rob me of my confidence in the knife, as I said I prefer less weight in the pocket.
 
I tried the Grip at Bass Pro and was not really impressed. Then tried a 585 Mini Barrage (they didn't have the 580). Although I never was an AO kinda guy, I really liked the ergos, the action, and yes, the sound on the Barrage. I just found it a bit too small for my L/XL hands. I also wasn't overly impressed with the materials BM used in either the Grip or Barrage. Enter the 581 Barrage. Probably the closest to a Gold Class without being a Gold Class that BM makes (IMO). G-10 scales Aluminum Bolsters and m390 blade steel. More expensive? You betcha, by about $100 over the Grip. Worth it? YMMV, but If I (or just about anyone on here for that matter) could get a 581 for under a hundred bucks out of pocket? I would jump at it. It is heavier (5.2oz, a full ounce more than the regular 580), but to me it just feels right. Knocked the Paramilitary 2 right out of my pocket, and will likely stay there until I get my first custom in a few months.

Bottom line though, is get what feels right for YOU. Have fun shopping and welcome to the forum.
 
Well I'm kind of glad I had a gift card for a benchmade. I don't think I'll be buying any in the future. My brother and I both had gift cards so we thought we try the griptilian. My first one I had to tighten so much that it wouldn't fly open and closed like it should. I took it back and tried another and its a little better but still the same problem and the blade is off center. My brothers opens smooth as glass and no blade play at all. 1 out of 3 is a terrible ratio for quality control. I have a SOG tomcat the cost $130, $10 more than the griptilian and puts I to shame. For a $100+ knife, the quality is way off for Benchmade...
 
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