Grip vs Mini-grip

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Dave28210

Joined
Oct 22, 2008
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Grip vs Mini Grip.....There's no doubt in anyone's mind that they are both great knives. I like the feel of both in my hand, so ergos is not an issue either way. I will use one of these as an EDC with some outdoor use, so I need it to function in a few different roles. My question is, does anyone feel like they are lacking something carrying the Mini? My debate is between the 550 HG and his little brother, the 555. Thanks fellas.
 
On the contrary. My 556 is actually feels more substantial for its size than the 550HG. Since ergos are not a problem I guess it all depends on blade size and whether or not you need the extra 1/2 inch or so. Both models would serve you equally well.
 
I am trying to think back yesterday to when I was at the store....There really is not much blade difference (besides the width), is there? I would use this for camping, etc, but also a relatively urban EDC. Our cops are cool here in NC, so legality not an issue.
 
Overall the sizes are very different, but blade wise not really. Given the apparent friendly area you live in the blade size wouldn't be too much of a concern, and since it would be pulling double duty the 550 would be a good choice. You'll have the ergos and the size to perform most tasks.
 
Does anyone have a good photo comparing the width of the handle / blade of the Grip vs Mini-Grip?

I've found good photos of the side profile of grip vs mini-grip, but have not seen any photos comparing the back of the knives (showing the width of the handle / blade).

Thanks in advance to anyone who can post those pix.
 
Thanks for the input. I like the smaller handle on the Mini, only because of the space saving qualities in my pocket. Especially since it only results in less than one inch actual blade size. I will go with the 555, just shy of 3 inches should handle most things until I am out in the woods, then fixed blades can come into play. I appreciate that you pointed out the "substantial feel qualities" (I guess I could call it?) and why you like your 556 rather than the full size. That definately swayed me and was a nice change from the "more blade the better" mentality, which of course has it's place as a great philosophy when selecting bayonets. So I will go with the more pocket and sheeple friendly version. Thanks again for your input.
 
outdoor_guy08 said:
Does anyone have a good photo comparing the width of the handle / blade of the Grip vs Mini-Grip?
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Sorry, don't have my 550 anymore but here is a 556 and a d4...

59487978.jpg


Dave28210 said:
Thanks for the input.
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Glad to be of some service:)
 
Loose my 550S last year and just receive my 550SHG yesterday... the combo edge is perfect knife for EDC or outdoor use.
 
I carry Minis much more often than full sized and I have found that there isn't much that the full sized Grip will do that the Mini couldn't.
 
Dave28210 said:
Get the mini if primary use is EDC. It will not only clip on nicely, but it will disappear into your pocket for any time you want to cary concealed, and you'll forget it' s there.

If it were primaryly used outdoors, you could consider the larger one.
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I found the Minis to just be toooo small for my large hands.. But with Sheeple in mind, there is a significant difference. I reckon, with practice, I could learn to adequately manipulate the mini in hand. I've never actually handled a FS Grip, though I'm interested for sure! I would probably carry two knives if I carried a big 'n like the FS 550HG... like an SAK. But you just can't please some people.. I work on the river, where knife carry is manatory, and I've had customers as why do you need THAT!!? I've fine-tuned my response to -soft, pleasant smile- "in case I have to kill you." -wink-

I tangled with the "FS vs. Mini" dilemma for a while, and settled on the 940. It is REALLY slender, but it is also kinda in the middle of these two size wise... at double the price of either. There has definitely been a learning curve for me handling this much smaller knife than I'm used to. ...It's cool, I got a Spydie Military inbound!...
 
Silverdagger said:
Dave28210 said:
Get the mini if primary use is EDC. It will not only clip on nicely, but it will disappear into your pocket for any time you want to cary concealed, and you'll forget it' s there.

If it were primaryly used outdoors, you could consider the larger one.
Click to expand...


It will be EDC overflowing into some outdoor uses. I would probably be more likely to go for the full size if it were the other way around.
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I never understand why people think someone needs a large blade when outdoors hiking or camping or something. Personally I find that they get in the way and are harder to control. 3" is all you need for anything really. Just keep it sharp, that's all that matters.
 
Capt. Carl said:
I never understand why people think someone needs a large blade when outdoors hiking or camping or something. Personally I find that they get in the way and are harder to control. 3" is all you need for anything really. Just keep it sharp, that's all that matters.
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Truer words were never spoken. :thumbup:
 
I have to go with Capt. Carl on this one bigger is not always better, but for these two knives neither one are really big enough to be considered a large knife. I went with the full size when I bought my ritter grip because I prefer the feel of a full size handle, and concealment and the legality are not an issue where I am. The mini handle is just too small for me. But go with what suits your needs and fits your hand better, either way you get one of the most versatile and comfortable knives out.
 
Capt. Carl said:
I never understand why people think someone needs a large blade when outdoors hiking or camping or something. Personally I find that they get in the way and are harder to control. 3" is all you need for anything really. Just keep it sharp, that's all that matters.
Click to expand...

I think a subtle part of it is possibly having to use the knife on you for self-defense or survival.

I don't plan on being attacked so I don't carry a fighting knife on me. That said, if someone were to try to attack me, the only knife I may have on me to defend myself is the pocket knife, so in that context, a larger blade may be more advantageous to fighting off an attacker.

For normal EDC duties you're 100% right, there's no great advantage to a bigger blade. But for those extremely rare SHTF moments and all you have is your EDC knife, a bigger blade can't hurt.
 
It's not exactly rocket science that a larger handle=overall knife knife might be easier to use/manipulate for someone with larger hands. For one, I found that I had to tuck my big 'ol thumb way down toward my palm to open the knife with the hole on the 555HG. Even if I were to get used to it, I don't like to have to shift a knife around in my hand too much. This goes from pulling the knife outta pocket/IWB/vest, to getting it into an opening position, then getting it to a using position. With a knife that fits my hand better, there is less movement. Of course, I'm not exactly a desk jockey. Part of my carry involves being able to use the knife quick and under the possibility of death defying circumstances.. like being trapped under water in a Class V rapid. ..be it entrapment by rope/webbing, pinned under a boat, or even getting a sandal stuck in the river bottom. Certainly these things are not common, but they are a danger I face every day. There is no blanket statement that can cover conveniences of these two knives vs. each other...except: Different strokes for different folks. Hand size and LAWS (unfortunate BS) are the two biggest factors I can think of.
 
That is a good point too. Hopefully I will never find myself in a knife fight. But between these two models there is not a ton of blade contrast. The major pro of the larger handle if I can deal with how it rides is that it may be a bit more controllable with gloves on or when wet. It's not that it is too thick for me per se, its that I already carry 5lbs in my pockets before adding a knife. Maybe I am attacking the problem from the wrong side....hmm. Everyone is giving me factors I have not thought of yet.
 
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