CRKT M21-04 vs. Benchmade Griptilian 551

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chich88

Joined
Feb 12, 2010
Messages
2
Hi all
Just after a little advice on my next purchase.
I've been searching for a while for an EDC and have come up with th CRKT M21-04 and the Benchmade Griptilian 551.

CRKT M21-04 Plain Edge
Blade length: 3 7/8"
Open length: 9 1/4"
Steel: AUS 8
Handle: Hard anodized charcoal grey 6061 T6 aluminum

Benchmade Griptilian 551 Plain Edge
Blade Length: 3.45"
Overall Length: 8.07"
Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel
Handle: Textured Molded Handle

I've found plenty reviews and guides which mention the Benchmade as a good blade but not much on the CRKT. I can get either for around $100 AUD.
Any thoughts??
 
Welcome to the forum :)
Go with the 551, you won't regret it. I only wish I had gotten one earlier on in my collection. They usually are around $60-70 USD. But if you look on the exchange forum often you will find one, they pop up rather frequently and for great prices.
 
I'd say that the benchmade will be a much better knife. however, I have not handled the m21. I have a griptilian.
a few reasons
-better blade steel
-better lock (axis vs liner)
-better company rep (crkt is generally well regarded, but Benchmade is usually considered to be in another class of knives- workmanship is most likely better)
-chicks dig benchmades
 
I own one of each.

They are pretty different knives from each other.

Don't get me wrong I really like my M-21 , it is in my opinion one of the better CRKT's made , mine is very sturdy and the flipping action is smooth , lockup is solid. The aluminum handles are a little slick but that doesnt bother me. The only thing that really bugs me is the chisel grind which I cannot get accustomed to. The Aus-8 is a wonderful , working steel , don't let the naysayers fool ya.

The Mini-Grip is a totally different bird , the lock is proven and sturdy. The blade steel is great , may prove a bit tougher to sharpen if you are unfamaliar with various steels. It is ergonomic and overall a cool knife , the only real turnoff for me is the handle feels cheap compared to the rest of the knife.

If you choose the M-21 I would try and search for an older model without the auto-lawks , I feel CRKT's earlier efforts were better made.

Tostig
 
I've owned both and in my humble opinion the Grip is in another league....that's not to say the CRKT is a piece of junk. However, the Grip's lock, handle, and blade shape are superior. YMMV.

- regards
 
Thank you all for the advice.
I was leaning towards the Benchmade.

Tostig, you mentioned sharpening may be difficult, can you recommend a sharpening system or method?
Currently, i use a couple of DMT diamond whetstones, coarse 325 and fine 600, and "sharpen" without guides. I first used these on a Smith & Wesson CK8H Tanto Blade and, ashamedly, didn't do a very good job. I was looking at some guided products such as the Lansky system. Any recommendations?
 
I would go with the Grip hands down. I'm awful at sharpening and I have touched mine up a couple of times on the Sharpmaker. I dropped it in the floor right after I got it and rolled the edge. Sharpmaker brought it right back. Good luck on your purchase.
 
Like Mentioned before I would go with the Grip They are a great knife for the money :thumbup:
 
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