Grail Knives

[FA Tre]

Just wondering how many of you guys have ended up acquiring what you thought was your grail knife only to end up not really being all that excited about it and even somewhat ambivalent? I recently acquired (and have since sold) a small CRK 21 insingo with micarta inlays, which was my grail EDC knife and it just didn't do it for me in person. I felt more attachment to my PM2 than this guy, which I should really love. Wondering if it's only me or if this has happened to others.

 

[T.K.C.]

I think the word "Grail" is very much over used. For me, a "Grail" is a VERY hard to attain, NOT something that is very easily attainable. I would really have to give this some thought as to what this would be for me. I have not thought about this in a very long time.

 

[Sosa]

The hunt is half the fun. So is making people really have to pay for something on auction sites.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

I reserve the right to change this opinion, but as of right now I don't think there is a grail knife for me. I spent a couple of years on here looking for The One, but I think it's fictional. I actually sold off a huge chunk of my collection because much of it was redundant and what I really want now are knives that fill particular roles and will do exactly what I ask of them in that role. Maybe once I fill the roles that I want I'll notice more that I'll happily fill with more knives and if not that I can always concentrate on eaking out incremental improvements and slight advances with fun, new blades, but I'm not gonna find one knife that does it all and I've honestly stopped looking.

 

[LaneMeyer]

Grass is always greener...
I haven't been able to attain any of my "grail" knives just because I seem to put expensive pieces in that category. Plus it's weird, even if I did purchase my grail knife I'm not sure what I would do with it. All my grail knives seem to fall within the 4500-6500 dollar range. If I owned a knife that pricey what would I do with it. It's like I'd just have to have it on the wall as artwork or something.

 

[FA Tre]

What I'm talking about isn't really a grass is greener thing where the moment you acquire "the knife" your searching is supposed to end yet doesn't because there's always something newer and shinier. It's more like I realized the grass was plenty green on my side already and I was more content with my PM2 than my supposed grail knife.

Perhaps it's also that I've also lost interest in "mini" versions of knives.

 

[marcus52AR]

You should try on a LG plain insingo, more comparable size wise to a pm2.

 

[RevDevil]

I think the word "Grail" is very much over used. For me, a "Grail" is a VERY hard to attain, NOT something that is very easily attainable. I would really have to give this some thought as to what this would be for me. I have not thought about this in a very long time.

I agree with your definition. To expand a bit as well, I would say the hard to acquire part would be due to actual availability and not a lack of funds on the part of the buyer/seeker.

 

[Comeuppance]

I've had so many "grails" in my time, and have handled most of them eventually. Honestly, I've only got one left (0777 Herringbone) and I'm not exactly in a rush to snatch one up. My experience with "grails" so far has left me with a better understanding of what I truly value in a knife - functionality and value. I would love to handle and see a 0777 Herringbone, but I know that, as an actual tool, my 0452CF is worth more to me because I'll actually use the damned thing.

 

[Comeuppance]

Also, I've found that I often just want better versions of pre-existing knives; my "grails" don't even exist. I'm actually having one made (tool steel version of a Cold Steel Pro Guard) and the other has never been made (Snakewood Raindrop Damascus Large Insingo Sebenza 25)

 

[P_Meticulous]

I would say the hard to acquire part would be due to actual availability and not a lack of funds on the part of the buyer/seeker.

Also, I've found that I often just want better versions of pre-existing knives

Yes & Yes.

I’m a Benchmade nut. Have been for about 15 years. I’ve been around the block long enough (and made enough purchase mistakes) to know what really works for me (in regard to a good EDC). I’ve gone from idealizing larger folders to relying on smaller, lightweight designs.

My Grail fit these characteristics:

• A favorite model design that has been entirely revamped with top-notch materials, exceptional fit-and-finish, all while retaining it’s every day user capabilities.

• A favorite model design that utilizes your favorite steel, handle materials, and color aesthetics.

• A model that is hard to acquire due to availability and a limited number release.

• A model that required a bit of hunting.

Those are my characteristics of my grail. While I do believe the word is misused/overused, I do still believe in the passion behind the word. Here’s my recent example:

One of my favorite EDC platforms from Benchmade is the 531. It fits all my needs for a good EDC (Slim, lightweight, and large enough to get my daily tasks done). I liked it’s predecessor (the 530), but I didn’t like the traditional dagger grind, looked more like a weapon instead of a tool. While keeping the dagger shape, the 531 utilizes a modified drop point, stronger spine, nicer belly for slicing, and is more cali-friendly.. The only thing that was missing for me was better handle materials and my favorite steel (M390).

I’ve RIT dyed 531 scales (blue scaled pic below), swapped them with 530 carbon fiber scales, but nothing really satisfied the hunger for those Gold Class designs and better steels.. Here’s the 531’s I’m talking about: (continue reading below)

Long story short, I advocated for a 53X Gold Class release on the BKC home forum and left for about two years without checking back in. While I was gone, I missed out on two exceptional Gold Class 531 designs (i.e., the 531-131 & 531-132).

Due to feeling uncomfortable/skeptical of buying on the secondary market, I thought I really had missed out on a NIB/Dealer offering.. After searching for a loooong time, I finally found a brick & mortar dealer who still had my grail (NIB) in stock. This isn’t a grail that’s going to be tucked away in the safe, I’ll be carrying her for a long time and I can’t foresee anything from BKC's current (or) new lineup that will kick it out of my pocket. It will be tough for them to top this design, even if they made another 531 GC.

So yes, I do believe and have my grail

 

[Bob Denman]

I just picked up one that was on my "Grail" list
The Benchmade Mini-Skirmish
For an older and well-used knife: it's in pretty decent shape. There's nothing wrong with it that can't be fixed, and I'm considering it to be worthwhile addition.

 

[sgt1372]

I just picked up one that was on my "Grail" list
The Benchmade Mini-Skirmish
For an older and well-used knife: it's in pretty decent shape. There's nothing wrong with it that can't be fixed, and I'm considering it to be worthwhile addition.

FWIW, there's a more current thread on the topic of "grail" knives where you may wish to post this response instead.

See: What Is Your Grail Knife And Do You Own It?

 

[Bob Denman]

Thanks! I must have missed it...