This really isn't a valid comparison except that I'm trying to decide which one rides shotgun to my Spyderco Yojimbo 2. I realize the Grip drop point would make more sense but I chose the tanto because I want a sturdy EDC EDT (Every Day Task) type of blade. The Yojimbo 2 is tough, strong and laser sharp, but I want to keep the tip as sharp and pristine as possible (which is probably ridiculous because I use all my knives and have no trouble maintaining or sharpening them).
But for the sake of discussion, I'm weighing the pros and cons of the Griptilian 553 vs. the PM2 for my grunt tasks. In this case the Griptilian is in 154CM (which I love), and the PM2 in S110V (which I'm learning to love). I have confidence in both steels for the type of cutting tasks I do daily- mail, opening cardboard boxes, plastic packages, dog food can tops, etc... But my reason for wanting to explore a lesser expensive, more robust blade tip (Grip) is simply for durability.
Considering the roughly $20 price difference ($50 difference for the S110V) between the Griptilian and PM2, my general observations follow:
I like how both knives feel and handle. The PM2 feels a little more refined, which could just be because I'm used to it (I've carried a Military for years). The Griptilian is nice, if only a little "cheaper" feeling in the hand, due to the handles. But on its own it feels sturdy and comfortable- solid with good grip purchase and balance.
The Spyderco action definitely has the edge in smooth operation and the compression lock is outstanding. The Griptilian feels solid, if not as smooth as the PM2 and the Axis lock feels secure.
Both blades are extremely sharp. The 154CM is likely easier to maintain, and I'd feel less hesitate using the tanto tip of the Benchmade for things like popping dog food aluminum tops with that gentle rotating prying motion.
Thumb stud vs. Spydie hole? I like 'em both. Probably faster with the Spydie hole strong hand, slightly more coordinated with the thumb stud off hand. Go figure.
So overall, both knives are perfectly suited to handle what I use my EDC EDT knives for. If I need something for heavier duty work I go to one of my Moras or the tools on my Swiss Champ. Oddly enough, perhaps the over-riding factor will be the clip. I can carry the PM2 any which way I want- strong side, off-side, tip up, tip down. The Griptilian allows for only right or left side carry, tip up. It's a mild "disadvantage," but perhaps just enough.
For anyone who has tortured themselves by reading through this meandering comparison, I'll save you the time and respond for you:
"JUST KEEP BOTH!" Which I may do.
I know, I know. Both are awesome. I just don't want any "drawer queens," so I want to narrow it down to just the one for opposite side carry to my Yojimbo 2.
In looking at the blade construction between the two knives (steel notwithstanding) they really aren't that different in terms of thickness. The geometry of the Griptilian tanto is of course different, but I'd guess the PM2 can handle a lot more grunt work than I've put it through.
So maybe the answer is to carry both, and put Yojimbo 2 in the back pocket! That leaves an entire other pocket for something else!
Until then.... thanks for reading!
But for the sake of discussion, I'm weighing the pros and cons of the Griptilian 553 vs. the PM2 for my grunt tasks. In this case the Griptilian is in 154CM (which I love), and the PM2 in S110V (which I'm learning to love). I have confidence in both steels for the type of cutting tasks I do daily- mail, opening cardboard boxes, plastic packages, dog food can tops, etc... But my reason for wanting to explore a lesser expensive, more robust blade tip (Grip) is simply for durability.
Considering the roughly $20 price difference ($50 difference for the S110V) between the Griptilian and PM2, my general observations follow:
I like how both knives feel and handle. The PM2 feels a little more refined, which could just be because I'm used to it (I've carried a Military for years). The Griptilian is nice, if only a little "cheaper" feeling in the hand, due to the handles. But on its own it feels sturdy and comfortable- solid with good grip purchase and balance.
The Spyderco action definitely has the edge in smooth operation and the compression lock is outstanding. The Griptilian feels solid, if not as smooth as the PM2 and the Axis lock feels secure.
Both blades are extremely sharp. The 154CM is likely easier to maintain, and I'd feel less hesitate using the tanto tip of the Benchmade for things like popping dog food aluminum tops with that gentle rotating prying motion.
Thumb stud vs. Spydie hole? I like 'em both. Probably faster with the Spydie hole strong hand, slightly more coordinated with the thumb stud off hand. Go figure.
So overall, both knives are perfectly suited to handle what I use my EDC EDT knives for. If I need something for heavier duty work I go to one of my Moras or the tools on my Swiss Champ. Oddly enough, perhaps the over-riding factor will be the clip. I can carry the PM2 any which way I want- strong side, off-side, tip up, tip down. The Griptilian allows for only right or left side carry, tip up. It's a mild "disadvantage," but perhaps just enough.
For anyone who has tortured themselves by reading through this meandering comparison, I'll save you the time and respond for you:
"JUST KEEP BOTH!" Which I may do.
I know, I know. Both are awesome. I just don't want any "drawer queens," so I want to narrow it down to just the one for opposite side carry to my Yojimbo 2.
In looking at the blade construction between the two knives (steel notwithstanding) they really aren't that different in terms of thickness. The geometry of the Griptilian tanto is of course different, but I'd guess the PM2 can handle a lot more grunt work than I've put it through.
So maybe the answer is to carry both, and put Yojimbo 2 in the back pocket! That leaves an entire other pocket for something else!
Until then.... thanks for reading!
