Delica 4 vs Mini Grip

T

tophertaylor13

Joined
Jun 18, 2015
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Yes, the age old question with countless forum threads dedicated to it.
I have a little extra cash at the moment and the knife bug has taken hold again. I currently EDC an Endura 4 ffg but I'd like a smaller blade to toss into rotation. I love my endura so I have a feeling I'd love a delica but that axis lock is sexy. Is the axis lock really worth the extra $25-30? I also worry that the handle on the mini grip will be too short? Maybe I just get the delica and ask the misses for a mini grip for christmas?
 
That's a toughie. I just pulled out my Delica and Mini Grip for the sake of comparison, and remembered how difficult that is since they're both excellent, similarly-sized knives--despite the design differences. Adding to the comparison difficulty are the various blade options (Delica--FFG; Mini Grip--drop point, sheepsfoot, tanto, Ritter; steels; serrated options, etc...)

Personally, I give a slight edge to the Mini Griptilian. The handle on the MG is definitely shorter than the Delica, but it's also slightly bulbous/swollen unlike the flat-handled Delica. In my small hands, I can lock in a much stronger grip with the MG than with the Delica; it's more ergonomic. I can also deploy the MG much faster than the Delica, which doesn't really matter from a functional standpoint but there's a certain appeal I can't really explain.

Some folks with larger hands who find the Mini Grip too small will add a lanyard. Others will just go with the Delica. You're unlikely to be disappointed with either, though since you already own an Endura you might give the MG a shot for the sake of variety--and to check out the Axis lock.
 
You answered your own question OP :thumbup:

Get both, like you said, get one now and ask the Mrs. for the other one for Xmas.
 
If you decide on a mini grip - a 555 (the one with the thumb hole) might be a good choice since you are familiar with the Endura. You can also get a deep carry clip free from Benchmade for the mini grip.
 
Just bought a mini grip today to carry in scrubs so my 940 won't slip out. I wear extra large gloves and can get a full hold on the grip. The regular griptilian is the same price as the mini if you can't get a full hold. I bought the regular black but there is a custom s30v steel version on ebay for really cheap. I almost got it but I wanted to try some of the other steels by benchmade and so far I'm really liking it. Planning on getting a deep clip for it as well.
 
I would get both. They are both great knives. Now for me.....I only now have the mini grip. I feel as though it's a tougher knife that can handle a little more than the Delica can.

Don't get me wrong...I love both. But if I had to choose just one it would be the Mini Grip.
 
I own both, and would recommend both. If I had to choose one, it'd be the Delica. I'm not particularly sure as to why at this point, but I would.

Oh, and an old photo!
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For me, it comes down to the steels and what is worn daily. If you are in khakis or dress pants, the Delica is slimmer, but I like the rounded feel of the mini grip better.

If jeans are worn regularly and a bit more width isn't an issue, I would take the one with the better steel.
Grip-m4, m2hss, m390
Delica- hap40, super blue, or zdp if chipping isn't an issue.
 
Regular Delia vs regular mini grip, I'd say they're about equal, I do like the axis better, but I like the bigger handle and flatter carry I'd the delica. IMO the mini isn't worth an extra $35, I'd get the m390 ritter, it's only about about $30 for a very nice upgrade in steel, If you do decide to go BM
 
If the Endura is a good fit for you then you may find the Mini Grip a bit too short. As already noted, the Mini Grip is a bit shorter but a bit fatter than the Delica.
These all have deep carry clips ...
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The Delica ZDP189 is available now but the Delica HAP40 will be awhile, probably out in time for Xmas. An M390 Mini Grip is gonna run $130 while the HAP40 Delica will be ~$85.
 
I love my endura, one of them is in my pocket now but prefer the mini grip to the Delica. Not sure why just do.
 
I'll take delicas all day long over mini or full size grip.
I have 4 minis and 2 delicas.
It's no contest for me. I like the axis lock and blade style of the grip, but not 154/d2 blade steel or it opening in my pocket on draw.
Delica erogonimics are much better.
All my grips will be given away.
vg10 delica will be given away.
zdp delica might go away when hap40 gets here.
 
I have the mini Grip and the handle is too short. The Delica is perfect for my dainty (not!) hands (very thickly muscled). Both are superb knives but the Delica has the advantage of being half the price or less and has a better heat treatment.
 
I just wanted to add that I delegated my 556 to 'beater' duty, as it was my least favorite knife of the 7 I own. It has more than held its own, however, in terms of durability. It has chipped more often than my VG10 Delica, but it sharpens super easy and is just a tough little SOB. I do love the Axis lock, without question. I would definitely get the sheep foot version of the knife if I were doing it again. The hole is just superior, IMO.
 
If price is no object I would take the Benchmade. I prefer their 154CM to Spydercos VG10, I prefer more contoured handles and, as much as I like a good midlock, the Axis trumps it quite handily.

If cost comes into the equations? Buy the Delica. The Grip is overpriced.
 
The Mini Grip is not worth the extra money. Handle is too short for many but works for my smaller hand. I like the deep hollow grind of the 555. Overall Delica is the winner.
 
For about $30-40 more you can get the ritter mg in m390,then it becomes a no-brainer for me.
 
Mini Grip. I like 154cm better than vg10, the frn on a mini Grip is done better than most frn. It doesn't look and feel cheap to me. The axis lock is a way better lock.
 
I've owned both and nothing wrong with either one, that's why they both have such a big following. Comes down to personnel preference. I'm a bigger fan of spyderco. For me the mini grip handle is a little short and just feels chinzy, plasticky.

Mike
 
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