I'm thinking about getting a fixed blade griptilian for hiking/camping. I never really see any comments about them. I love my mini-griptilian so I figure the fixed blade version can't be too bad. Anybody have one? Any other suggestions for a fixed blade knife in that price range that would be better suited for hiking?
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Fixed Griptilian
- Thread starter bennyG19
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The Fixed Grip is a great knife. I use it all the time for camping and some hiking. You could also look at the SOG Field Pup in that price range for a nice hiking knife.
It all depends on what you want to do with it. I use a RAT 3 - but those are hard to come by right now. The Fixed Grip is an excellent knife. There are plenty in that size range that would get the job done. Just make sure you get the straight edge version, you will regret the combo edge. (I wish my Nimravus were plain edge 
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I just saw this morning that Cabelas has added a fixed blade Griptilian in D2 to their website, along with their D2 folding Griptilians.
Interesting!!!!!!!!!
Interesting!!!!!!!!!
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How did you find that out? 
I agree, it's very interesting. I love D2.
I agree, it's very interesting. I love D2.
Ah its hidden as just the fixed blade Grip. Hmmm, maybe, just maybe.
I think you've made a good choice with the BM Griptilian. Doug Ritter contracted with Benchmade to make his Mk3, evidence that BM was on to something when they designed that knife. Another good thing about that knife is the price - about $60 on any good internet retail site.
Despite the hoorays for D2 (and more power to you guys if you're good at sharpening it), I like the 154CM. Unlike D2, you can get it absolutely *razor* sharp and it will hold that edge long enough to make you happy. I'd say, if you're a pro sharpener and have owned D2 before, go for it, otherwise, stick with BM's 154CM - they knew what they were doing when they made that knife. If you're after a similar knife and just have to have D2, look at BM Snody's 201 Activator Plus.
Despite the hoorays for D2 (and more power to you guys if you're good at sharpening it), I like the 154CM. Unlike D2, you can get it absolutely *razor* sharp and it will hold that edge long enough to make you happy. I'd say, if you're a pro sharpener and have owned D2 before, go for it, otherwise, stick with BM's 154CM - they knew what they were doing when they made that knife. If you're after a similar knife and just have to have D2, look at BM Snody's 201 Activator Plus.
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How did you find that out?
I agree, it's very interesting. I love D2.
EDIT: Smart Alec, I posted and then caught the name!
Here's the link for anyone else that wants it!
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...ty=1&Ntt=Benchmade&noImage=0&_requestid=27511
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- Oct 24, 2004
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Don't know about the D2 version but I have the original. It is a nice knife & would be fine for hiking etc. - not quite the slicer a thinner blade will be but cuts decent & is stout. The only drawback IMO is the handle but YMMV...
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I bought a fixed blade Griptilian a few months ago. I thought I would like it for pretty much the same uses you want to put it to.
But, it is as if they designed it more for combat and less for camping. It is fine if you want to thrust it into something.
You could use if for camping chores. It's strong enough. Nice blade size. Nice sheath. But, I don't like nearly as much as I thought
I might when I ordered it. YMMV
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Nice pic' brians!
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I'm a big Benchmade fan but for camping and hiking, i'd be hard-pressed to give up my RAT-3. Not too different in price from the fixed Grip. Or - if i were buying today, i'd spend a little more and get the Randall RC-3 "improved" RAT-like version. From what I've heard and seen from afar -- its better quality and improved ergos. Just another option.
I too have the BM FB Grip in black, with the combo edge, and most excellent sheath. Whoever posted the quote,"..don't get the combo edge, you'll be sorry.." should post a picture of their combo edge BM Grip. For what it's worth BM would not put a lame serration on anything that went out of the factory bearing their name IMO. The 154cm is a great choice for an all around blade, especially from BM's quality and price. hey, but I'm partial I own one!
I have serrations on both a Nimravus and a mini-grip. For the things I use them for, I would rather have a straight edge close to the grip than the serrations. It gets in the way of whittling and making fine cuts. doesn't affect the slicing so much.
154cm is a great steel, and I use it daily. D2 is not a step up necessarily, just different. I do wish I could get a 556BK in 154cm. Instead I think I will be getting a 555.
Realize that those serrations actually get in the way of alot of the things I use a knife for. It's great on boats when you need to cut cordage or webbing.
From what Doug Ritter has said, he brought his Mk3 design to Benchmade before the Fixed Griptilian existed. It was only after seeing Doug's plan for the Mk3 did they modified the Mk3 design to produce the lower cost Fixed Griptilian.
In reality the Mk3 and Fixed Griptilian are VERY different. Different blade size, blade shape, blade material, handle material, and sheath. The only things in common are the basic Griptilian handle shape and the manufacturer.
So,
Griptilian Folder ---> Mk1
Mk3 ---> Fixed Griptilian
I REALLY like my Mk3!!!
I have one and really like it. I think the handle is just fine and the blade shape has given me no problems. It's my first experience with 154 CM and I can get it very sharp. If I could change one thing I'd make if a full flat grind. A week or so ago I was playing with the idea of giving it a Krein regrind.
Well, either way, they're fine knives. My main point is, though, is that it's a good design all-around and the 154CM is pretty good for that knife. I'm going to get one someday, and the Mk3, but if they trade the steel for D2, I won;t.