Do It Yourself Griptilian Handle Modification

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bearcut

Joined
Sep 3, 2006
Messages
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Like many Griptilian owners, I didn’t like the cheap sounding “CLACK” that my Ritter Mk1 made when opening and closing. It’s a great knife, it just sounds cheap.

So, I took it apart and filled in some of the waffle holes to deaden the sound.

1st step: I took some bulk sinker lead, cut it roughly to shape and then mashed it into the waffle holes. I made sure it was flat so that it wouldn’t interfere with the blade.

2nd step: I took some epoxy and smoothed over the lead to finish filling in the waffle holes and secure the lead.
I made sure it was flat so that it wouldn’t interfere with the blade.

3rd step: Black permanent marker covered it all.

I only added about 1 ½ ounces of lead.
You cannot see this mod at all when the knife is put back together, even if you shine a flashlight inside. It looks totally sanitary.

The balance of the knife is much better now.
The annoying ‘Clack’ is gone.
The knife feels like a much more expensive piece with the extra weight. I mean it feels a LOT better.
The warrantee is voided. WHO CARES!

I posted this on the BM forum a couple of years ago. The Moderators didn’t like it and promptly removed it.

I just took it apart again because I am installing a set of WilkinsGrips so I figured I’d post the pics again here.

If the cheap sound of your Griptilian bothers you, try this mod. You will not regret it.
Or pony up for some Wilkins and have the Axis grail knife you’ve always wanted.
 
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Yeap interesting idea ! Always been aprenhensive of taking my Griptilian apart but now I may give it a try.
Thanks for sharing !



I just took it apart again because I am installing a set of WilkinsGrips so I figured I’d post the pics again here
Click to expand...
Never knew these existed , any idea of the price in American ? sorry if this is OT.
 
The hardest part in reassembling the axis is replacing the pivot pin.
I usually use a toothpick to line up the pivot/washers/blade.
It’s not too hard but it may take a while.

Google Kevin Wilkins. That is the German site.
The US distributer is Moore Cutlery.

I got the last set of black aluminum WilkinsGrips in stock but they still have the green and orange synthetic ones left.
They are pricey though.
 
I would just opt for the Mini-Presidio--solid, heavier, and a better knife than the mini-grip imo. :)
 
bearcut said:
The hardest part in reassembling the axis is replacing the pivot pin.
I usually use a toothpick to line up the pivot/washers/blade.
It’s not too hard but it may take a while.

Google Kevin Wilkins. That is the German site.
The US distributer is Moore Cutlery.

I got the last set of black aluminum WilkinsGrips in stock but they still have the green and orange synthetic ones left.
They are pricey though.
Click to expand...

I suggested a similar mod to someone, but with just the epoxy and some fiberglass cloth. I don't think I would want to add any weight.

I put a set of the green/black ones on my 550 and love them. I thought I read last year that he wasn't going to make the aluminum ones anymore. Are yours for the full size or mini?
 
Tostig said:
Yeap interesting idea ! Always been aprenhensive of taking my Griptilian apart but now I may give it a try.
Thanks for sharing !




Never knew these existed , any idea of the price in American ? sorry if this is OT.
Click to expand...

I paid $145 for mine back at the first of the year. http://www.knives.cx is the website.
 
Bearcut , is your the Mini-Grip ? I tried your handle mod to my Mini-Grip , got the lead smushed and cut/filed perfectly to shape , seemed thin enough but the handle wouldnt go back on all the way.. couldnt figure out if the lead was too thick still or theres just no room for anything in between the handle sides and the steel liner.

Thanks bro.
 
I modified my full size Griptillian.
I could see how a Mini-Grip might be a little tight to work on, the waffle holes are pretty small on the full size!

There is an aluminum filler for RC airplanes that has worked for some people.
Sorry, I forgot what it’s called.

Anything that fills in the waffle holes will muffle the ‘clack’ sound. Just be sure it stays where you put it! Just plain old epoxy would work well.

As far as the added weight goes, don’t underestimate the benefit of an ounce or two of added weight to an already light handle. The balance on the Ritter 552 was too forward for my liking. I only added 1.5 ounces of lead to the rear of the handle and it made a huge difference.

Non-Ritter Griptilian blades aren't as heavy, so added weight may not be wanted or needed.
 
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I've heard of just epoxy working well for muffling the noise.

the lead weight looks pretty good as well.
 
I like the concept, but not the idea of putting lead in my knife. :o

Mad props for creativity, though! :cool:
 
bearcut said:
I modified my full size Griptillian.
I could see how a Mini-Grip might be a little tight to work on, the waffle holes are pretty small on the full size!

There is an aluminum filler for RC airplanes that has worked for some people.
Sorry, I forgot what it’s called.

Anything that fills in the waffle holes will muffle the ‘clack’ sound. Just be sure it stays where you put it! Just plain old epoxy would work well.

As far as the added weight goes, don’t underestimate the benefit of an ounce or two of added weight to an already light handle. The balance on the Ritter 552 was too forward for my liking. I only added 1.5 ounces of lead to the rear of the handle and it made a huge difference.

Non-Ritter Griptilian blades aren't as heavy, so added weight may not be wanted or needed.
Click to expand...


Ahh ok.
I havent given up on adding somethin to muffle the sound some , but I did reprofile the blade on my mini , I will post a thread with it soon as my girls camera finishes charging.
I still want to use lead , since it was a lot easier than I thought it would be to smash it and shape it to the correct size , what a great idea !

I would love to have a custom set of grips but I cant justify the price on a knife costing 1/3 as much as the custom grips for it , no matter how much I love my mini grip ! :D
 
I would imagine Great-Stuff foam sealant would work well and be easier to use than lead/epoxy. Just shoot some in the holes and cut flush when dry, adds no weight, and I imagine foam would have excellant sound dampening properties. It can be found at any hardware store and most auto supply houses, comes in a aerosol can.
 
I used commercial grade windsheild chaulking.
It's black and dries quickly.
Worked great!
 
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