Delica 4 vs. Mini Grip

It's not really fair to generalize about BM's edges based on one knife. I have 3 Mini-Grips and 3 full-size and the edges and grinds are perfect on all of them. It's also not fair to generalize based on 6 knives, but I think, based on how many they sell and their price point, that they must be making a lot of satisfied customers.
 
I've owned two Grips, both of which with nasty factory edges. The ones at Cabela's had nasty factory edges. I like their knives, their factory edges are just a mess from what I've seen.
 
I've handled a Mini grip before and have owned a Delica. I would get the Delica, besides I was not at all impressed with Benchmade's factory edge on it.
 
I would say it pretty much a toss up between the two. Yes BM has an edge consistency problem, ranging from excellent to down right bad. My grip was acceptable and easy to re profile with a set of cheap water stones (1000/4000) my 710 was bad. It was sharp but had a stupidly steep bevel and look bench grinder rough that one took some time to re-profile thanks to the D2 and the re-curve. It was worth it though on both knives to me. Chances are I wouldn't like the factory geometry on a Spyderco either:o. I the long run every serious knife owner should know how to sharpen and re-profile a knife to suit their needs.
Just buy one of the two for now then get the second later on. For cool strong lock get the mini grip, for consistent edge get the Spyderco. Over all the two knives are at the same level they just have different highs and lows that suit different people.
 
For me, it comes down to the lock. Axis lock is so easy to open and close with one hand, and can be done quickly. I find that I open, use a knife, close it, and put it back in my pocket, then get back to work. When working on a project, job, or just messing around at home, the easy of the Axis lock causes me to pick up a Grip more than any other knife. So, think about how you will use the knife and that may help point you in the right direction.
 
The Delica is better in my opinion. The handle is shaped better for use, and the jimping works. On the Mini-Grip, the jimping is useless, and therefore the thumb always slides forward, making it very uncomfortable to use. If they could fix that, it would be good. Also, the Mini-Grip is tip-up only, which is a huge thumbs-down for me.
 
Mini Grips -
-Handles are a bit short for my hands. (-)
-Jimping is decent on mine (+)
-Blade steel is decent (+)
-Overall price not what I would call exceptional value
-some blades could be sharper (-)
-Colors (+)
-Blade grind decent (+)
-No experience with CS (don't really carry the knives so they are still new)
-Cool bag may contribute to higher cost? (+)

Delicas -
-Better ergos all around (+)
-Spyderhole (+)
-Colors (+)
-New FFG blades are really awesome (+)
-Sabre Grind can be awkward when compared to FFG (-)
-Great CS, fast & friendly (+)
-Razor sharp out of the box (+)\
-Great value (+)
-Blade steel VG-10 proven quality (+)
 
Last edited:
I owned a Mini-Griptilian, sold it off due to it's gripless grip(I know, Gripless-tilian more like it.) The Axis Lock is not my personal favorite, the whole design just wasn't my type.

Fast forward to today, I just received a Delica 4 FFG, and that is one THIN slicing monster!
Similar design cues to the Endura, except it feels so small it disappears into your pocket.
It's not too late to snatch one up before the colors go away!

dsc06381z.jpg
 
I have both and carry both. They are very different knives.
-Both are quite solid with no blade play and very reliable locks.
-The Delica was sharper out of the box, if that is an issue to you. It isn't to me as the first thing I do with any knife is sharpen it give it the edge I like.
- I cannot tell the difference between them in edge retention. (And my hobby is measuring edge retention. I have tried, but cannot tell the difference between those two alloys.)

The mini-grip's handle is a bit short, but I find the mini-grip to be more comfortable in the hand.

The Delica 4 rides thinner in the pocket.

I think my mini-grip gets more pocket time. But you won't go wrong no matter which you choose.
 
I own and carry both, and as others have already said, they are both great knives. I tend to favor the Delica for its slimness in pocket and for the longer handle. I use a waved combo Delica 4 when I work construction, and the instant deployment is wonderful for quickly separating stuff. It is my only combo edge blade. My other Delicas and my RSK mini-Grip are all carried clipless in pocket.
 
I would go with the Delica. Mini grips grind was to thick for such a small knife.
 
AlotofKnivesandStuff said:
Not to be rude but both have a FRN (fiber reinforced nylon) handle scales...
Click to expand...

No rudeness taken, we are all here to learn and share ideas and whatnot. Technically, Benchamde uses a material called Valox. Spyderco calls their handle material FRN. I do not know the technical differences per se, but I am sure there are some there. This can be seen as similar to the differences between Canvas Phenolic laminate and Micarta.

In the end, the materials both serve the same purpose. In this case, the question lies in what manner they are used. The answer is a matter of individual preference.
 
This one is always a toss up for me too. I've got variations of both - Salt1, Delica1, Delica4 then the 556 Mini and the Doug Ritter Mini RSK version. I think that out of all of them I like the Delica4 and Ritter the best.
I've used my 556 Mini Grip the most out of the bunch but to be honest have been EDCing my Caly3 G10 or Dragonfly G10 the most for the last few months.

I know I haven't answered your question but I guess what I'm trying to say is that they're both great knives and if you can afford to eventually get both, do so. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
 
RevDevil said:
No rudeness taken, we are all here to learn and share ideas and whatnot. Technically, Benchamde uses a material called Valox. Spyderco calls their handle material FRN. I do not know the technical differences per se, but I am sure there are some there. This can be seen as similar to the differences between Canvas Phenolic laminate and Micarta.

In the end, the materials both serve the same purpose. In this case, the question lies in what manner they are used. The answer is a matter of individual preference.
Click to expand...

The difference is the brand. Zytel is another one.
 
THG said:
The difference is the brand. Zytel is another one.
Click to expand...

Yeah...and for what it's worth, which is IMO almost nothing :D ...if I've got it right, BM actually uses both Zytel and Valox on the Grips, depending on the color.
 
I carried a 556 plain edge for about 6 months and loved it. Axis lock is really fun to play with, deployment is so smooth...

But after I got over playing with it constantly I realized something about the axis lock, the omega springs are pretty weak... I just couldn't get over the fact that the springs could just break on me (which they did, twice).

For me I like my EDC knife to be reliable, the knife I always grab, and the thought that it could be disabled (still functional but not how its meant to be operated) turned me off of it.

So I got a Delica 4 FFG in grey and the lockback, though not as fun to play with, is so much sturdier and I have more confidence in it lasting me for a while.
 
I have both and the Delica 4 is riding in my pocket as I type this, it is my most carried knife, it is that one knife that I rely on and judge any new knives by, it is my standard. I like my Mini-Grip and carried it quite a bit when I got it years ago, but I carry my Delica more often than any other folder in my collection though I do change up quite a bit.

In other words, get both :)
 
The Delica has much much better texturing on the handle, but the Grip has smoother opening. Just adding more that I don't think anybody else mentioned.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top