Doug Ritter Large Griptilian Questions..........

[EVERETTJOHN]

Is the only difference between the Doug Ritter large Griptilian and regular production knifes , the blade ? Do they have steel liners ? Who makes the nicest G10 scales for this knife ? Thanks guys , seems like I have a million questions being new to this knife hobby , Sorry........

 

[harris2]

Yes, the only difference of the Ritter Griptillian is the blade, the length is the same, however. The stainless steel liners are three-quarter length and is identical in both models. Of all the different blade shapes used by Benchmade, for me the Ritter design is by far the most useful. Highlights of the Ritter blade differences is listed below:

- S30V Stainless Steel versus 154CM of the producton model
- The tip and belly is a different profile and is excellent for just about any cutting or slicing
- A more prominent ramped thumb rest for enhanced control and security
- High Flat grind with 15º (30º inclusive) edge, 6.9º bevel versus 20º-25º for production model
- Stonewashed Finish
- Doug Ritter laser engraved logo

Use a little caution. The 551 (full size Griptillian) is pretty much an up-sized Mini-Griptillian with a little more aggressive checkering and is a nice knife and handles well - I own both the regular 551 and Ritter 551 and their mini versions as well. But... it does not have the "solid" feel that the mini has. On the inside of the handle (scales) it uses three-quarter length liners and is "honeycombed" and that causes a "hollow" feel that the mini does not have. As I said it is a nice knife, but it does feel different. I would recommend you view and handle the 551 in person before purchasing it. Custom scales will of course give the knife a completely different, and very solid feel.

For custom scales there are several in this forum who make them. "Keyman" and "DeathofAllThings" have many beautiful example photos posted and are highly recommended by members.

 

[pnsxyr]

Harris nailed it.

At face value, it's a minor variation: a different blade with the same everything else.

But the blade design is just superior and one of the best you can find on a folder. It's high flat grind is a strong performer with heavy work as well as light slicing. The tip is strong but not at the expensive of being so thick it is useless for many tasks. The edge is very easy to sharpen, S30V is an excellent cutlery steel, a stonewashed finish is more durable than satin or any BM coating, and the spine serrations are fantastic in that they give you much better control.

I am a huge fan of the Grip but I like the Ritter far more than the other blade offerings and think it is worth the price. It's hard to use any of the other three blade shapes once you use the Ritter!

 

[MobileFireLord]

Now a days, both Griptilian and Barrage can have two (3 in Grip) different blade shape, and 4 different steel, Doug Ritter may have lost that "edge".

At this point, only difference I would think would be that of blade shape in DR special. I am hoping he would add more "advantage" by offering something more at this point.

MFL