First EDC - Benchmade Axis

E

El_Cid

Joined
Jun 22, 2008
Messages
72
Help me choose my first EDC knife from Benchmade. I want an axis lock.
I can't decide between the 943 (940) and the mini-grip... Is the price difference worth it? I really prefer the look of the osborne - but I'm not sure its worth the price difference...

Also I am interested in a steel that is easy to maintain - won't rust and is easy to clean. Usually I prefer to pay more for quality - but only if its really worth it.

Or if you have something else to suggest. I will also buy some Boker CLB stuff :)
Thanks in advance
 
I have both the Mini-grip and the 940 and I like them both for EDC. The steel (154CM and S30V respectively) on both is easy to maintain and have good rust resistance, though in my use the 154CM is easier to sharpen. The Mini-grip is a solid performer, but the 940 does beat it out on blade length and overall aesthetics as many users are turned off by the zytel handle of the Mini-grip.

There's also price to consider, as a Mini-grip is the least expensive of the two coming around the $65 dollar mark if you look hard enough.

It may be to your benefit to go to a brick-and-mortar store and handle both before making a decision, but whichever you choose, you definitely won't be disappointed either way.
 
ohhh how easy that would be :) to check them out in a store
but I live in europe - and we don't have that kind of store that has Benchmades :)
the handle material is what worries me about the mini grip too :(
 
Just pay the premium for the 940 series. Life is short, so reward yourself. I'm not saying you'd be upset for getting the griptilian, but the 940 is a very fine and slim knife. You won't regret buying it.
 
The mini grip is great I have one and Edc it when I can. I also live in europe and the edc laws here are quite strict. Also the grip is much cheaper so if you're worried about les or confiscation then get the grip
 
Nathan - there is also the problem with mailing a knife - the mailing company over here forbids sending and/or receiving knives... how did you transport it?
 
the new graham store is out of stock for all the knives, I wanted to buy from there cuz a member from the benchmade forums told me they have the best prices and excellent customer service... do you know any other stores that ship to europe?
 
To me my 943 is the fastest smoothest Axis, it's like having AO, and carries so lite! One of my favorite full size EDCs.
040-1.jpg
 
Have you looked at the Mini Doug Ritter RSK Mk1 - also called the Mini Rittergrip? Its the second one from the bottom, below the full size Rittergrip and the fixed Rittergrip.

http://www.equipped.org/rsk_mk1.htm

DSCN0625.jpg


Axis lock, Griptilian handle, semi-custom wide S30V blade. The Griptilian handle's shape fits a wide variety of hands ... from my kids' small hands to my XL hands.

I've EDC'd one for several years now. Great knife!!
 
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grip handles are inferior, yes. but its all relative. they wil suit u fine for 98% of all tasks u ask of it. if u can order online from cabelas, buy a grip with D2 steel!! love mine!
 
thanks for the replies... you know how it is - if you pay so much money the least u can do is be crazy about what ur buying... so i think I'm gonna go for the 943 or 940 - still can't decide which blade shape I prefer. Could anyone post them both together?
 
Being partial to 154CM, I still have to say that the 940 series, with its S30V steel, is slightly better - steel-wise. The aluminum scales on the 940 series will be nicer too, I think, along with overall sleekness of design. BUT! I sure love the BM Griptilians.

If I was going to go with a Griptilian folder, I'd spend the double amount and get the Ritter knife, like KenK has. It isn;t the steel (I really prefer 154CM); it isn't the scales (they're the same); it isn't the wider blade design (it isn;t that different); it isn;t that it's worth twice the price (that's up to the buyer, material wise it certainly isn't); it's just a more attractive knife - and I like Doug Ritter and what he's trying to do.

If I was looking for a sleek, semi-dress knife, I'd probably opt for the 940 series. Otherwise, I'd go with the Ritter RSK (griptilian).
 
The Benchmade 710 is a classic. :thumbup:

That being said, I strong suggest looking at the Benchmade/Doug Ritter RSK Mk1 Mini:
www.aeromedix.com

It has the S30V, a high, flat grind, the Axis lock, and the ergonomically excellent Griptilian handles with steel liners. I am carrying a yellow-handled Mini, and a standard black full-size as my EDC currently, along with a 710D2, in way of BM EDCs. You can't really go wrong with any of the above.

Good luck. :)
 
I don't get whats the difference between a Ritter and a normal griptilian besides the price..
 
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