Griptilian or Barrage or something else? help a noobie out

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Fatsquirrel

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Apr 3, 2016
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Hello fellow knife lovers, I am a big noob in the knife world and tommorow Im FINALLY getting my first real knife after weeks of research and changing of my mind on which manufacturer to go with.
I decided that its going to be Benchmade knife, Im just not sure yet which model.

I have around 100-120$ to spend so Im basically looking at two models. Griptilian or Barrage.(Someone here on forum also had a Benchmade 710 for sale but hes not replying unfortunately and a new one is out of the question due to price... :( )
Which would you guys recommend?
Im leaning toward Barrage because it looks amazing, but Im afraid that the spring assisted opening will hurt me one day opening by itself in my pocket >< Also the laws are pretty grayish about spring assisted knives here in EU.

I will be using the knife for EDC and I would like it to be well built with strong blade. Ease of sharpening is just a bonus.
Also Im definately sure that I want a bit bigger knife and a plain edge .

What do you think :)


edit: Since Im from Europe, Benchmade prices in stores here are just wtf. So I am limited to Ebay buying. (cheapest shipping and generally good prices) Im currently looking at seller called nwtradingcompany and whitemountainknives
 
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The Griptilian is an iconic knife for good reason. Strong , good ergonomics, fine working steel. Assisted opening knives are more trouble than they are worth in my world of working knives. I like my Griptilian more than my Barrage (which I de assisted).
 
As a first Benchmade the Griptilian is a great start. One of the best parts about the axis lock is the ability to easily open and close with one hand and with the assisted opening of the Barrage takes that away. I'm not taking anything away from the barrage though as it's also a great knife however if this is your first I would stick with the Griptilian or mini Griptilian. The only downside to the full sized Grip is the handles. The sound that they make when opening and closing is an awful plastic clack. Down the road a good way to get rid of that clack is to get a set of aftermarket G10 scales from a reputable company. These completely transform the knife and turn it into what it should be from the factory at the price that they charge for them.
 
I would check out the Benchmade 551-1. It's an improved Griptilian in every aspect. If you pay close attention to the exchange, you'll score one for only a little more $$$. G-10 handles and superior blade steel make it a worthy upgrade. I hate the cheap feeling of the Noryl GTX handles
 
Nikkogi said:
I would check out the Benchmade 551-1. It's an improved Griptilian in every aspect. If you pay close attention to the exchange, you'll score one for only a little more $$$. G-10 handles and superior blade steel make it a worthy upgrade. I hate the cheap feeling of the Noryl GTX handles
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THIS
That is basically the only thing thats keeping me from absolutely loving Grip, those Noryl handles :(
The only problem is that 551-1 is much, MUCH more expensive. Basically double the price of the standard model. Even used ones are crazy high + noone here wants to send to EU :(
 
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Are you looking at the Mini or the Full sized versions. I have owned both sizes of each and here are my thoughts.

Full Size: Barrage. I favor the Barrage series as I feel it carries better than the fat Griptilian for a larger knife. Upgraded version of the 580 available as well.

Mini: Mini Grip. Either is great. I liked the mini of these knives equally. Still have a mini version of each, but neither of the full size. I think the mini grip is a better option for a small knife, as it is cheaper and feels good in hand. The mini barrage is good if you need a slightly larger handle, and like to tinker, you can make scales for the barrage series much easier than the Grip series. Personally I have the 586 and the 556 with upgraded scales, but I favored the stock Mini grip over the Mini barrage stock.
 
I am also a noob to folders. I only own 2 knives so far. Delica 4 in 189 steel and a griptilian. I love the griptilian. Blade stays very sharp with little maintenance and the axis lock is unbelievable. Only complaint is the grips feel cheap but are very comfortable and seem very solid. I hoping to find some new grips in a nice wood cuz I think it would look cool. Delica 4 is my work knife. Great steel and really light to carry.
 
If using eBay without a doubt go with white mountain bro!! I bought over 30 knives from him and he is excellent to deal with!! His name is Justin and he will bend over backwards to hook you up!!
I have both blades you're looking at and I'd have to say go with the Barrage!! Awesome knife that is a ton of fun and it will NOT open in your pocket!! There is a safety on it if you're really worried!
Good luck and let us know which you decide on!!
Joe
 
mjpgolf1 said:
One of the best parts about the axis lock is the ability to easily open and close with one hand and with the assisted opening of the Barrage takes that away.
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+1 :thumbup:

I can't tell you how many times I've considered a Mini Barrage or built a custom one in the online store...but I just can't go thru with it when I think about losing the action/'flickability' of the Axis Lock. I'm not saying avoid the Barrage because of a subjective complaint of mine, but I do think the Axis Lock is best enjoyed unassisted as it was originally introduced. Either knife is going to perform cutting chores well however...after all, it is a Benchmade. :D
 
Mini griptilian was my first real knife 13 years ago still in my rotation. The griptilian is classic my fav benchmade.
 
the mini-Grip and North Fork are both awesome. These are my first 2 Benchmades and I would not trade them for anything.

IMG_3096 (1).jpg
 
Is the 551-1 series, the Griptillian with G10, available only with gray G10 and blue liners?
 
I'm new to this stuff too, bought quite a bit in the last few months. On your budget I'd go Mini Griptillion or a Spyderco Delica 4. They carry nicely in the pocket. The injection molded fiberglass scales drove me nuts initially. Over time they have grown on me. They are cheap scales, but very well done, solid EDC knives.

I actually bought a North Fork first, it's overall a nicer knife, s30v, G10 scales. I find I carry it less than the previous mentioned knives because it seems to take up more pocket space. If your not carful you can easily catch the thumb stud on your pocket accidentally opening the blade. Poked myself a few times before I figured this out.
 
FullMetalJackass said:
Rift if you can afford it, otherwise Griptilian is a no brainer.
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The Rift is awesome (by far my favorite knife), and you can find a used one in the price range you're shooting for. Barring that, there is another option:
The HK 14715 Axis. Made by Benchmade, 3.69" D2 blade, full stainless steel liners, G10 scales, all for $100. It's a far better value than the standard Griptilian (also comes in tan handle, and tanto blade).
14715bk.jpg
 
I believe that is the only configuration at this time. I'm sure they will come out with more colors as time goes by. I would also check out the Spyderco paramilitary 2
 
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