Griptilian or Endura?

anthony cheeseboro

anthony cheeseboro

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Aug 8, 1999
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A while back, I posted a thread about what knives to take with me to Africa. I had thought about the Endura and Outdoor Edge Magna but someone mentioned the Griptilian and I am strongly considering it. The Griptilian is a bit more costly than an Endura and it is thicker and heavier. The plus side is that it is built mmore strongly. My Endura is ATS-55 and I guess that compared to the Griptilian's 440C, the two are about even. I know that the new Enduras will be VG-10 but I'm not comparing to the new one. What do you guys about these two?
 
I like the gritilian alot.

I am a diehard spydie carrier. fir the past 3 years I have carried nothing but spydie. before that was BM afck for 3 years.

I think the endura would be my choice cause I think the blade shape is more versatile cause of the point.

also you made a comment about the griptilian being tougher than the endura HOW?

handle thickness in a folder doesn't matter much. I couldn't possibly imagine breaking zytel or frn. and the blade can't be so much thicker to make a big difference.
440c or ats 55 I will go for ats 55. Yes, it is that much better.

though I don't think you can go wrong with either. I am partial to spydies.

besides if you are looking for toughness a fixed blade is the way to go.

and I bet in Africa you shouldn't have too much problem carry and FB.


good luck
 
These are two opposite extremes in blade shape. I think the Endura might have too thin a point to be used hard, and the Griptilian doesn't have a point, from what I can see. Instead, I think you should go over to Smoky Mtn and pick up a G10 Standard while they still have them. They're like a Delica on steroids.
 
I'd get the BM 550 if you're carrying in the field lots. It's very easy to touch up with a stone if needed. Either knife is a good choice, so get what feels best in your hand.






"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Enduras have always been a bit thin to me, and I prefer the Axis lock overall, so my vote would be for the griptilian.

the downsides of the griptilian? Only one I can really think of is it's god awful oval hole, but since the Axis lock is so smooth, I don't think it'd be nearly as big an issue as it is on say... an AFCK or Ascent.

However I do like Spyderco, I just find it sad that so few models really fit me, but hey, i'm gettin a Native Lightweight and a Chinook for christmas :)
 
Go with the Griptilian and if you want more of a point, go with the 551 version with the drop point. The Griptilain is tougher because it has at least a partial liner whereas the Endura has none. The locks don't even compare. Axis locks rule.
 
Griptilian.

I prefer the drop point version. The Griptilian offers a lot of bang for the buck.

I prefer 440C to ATS-55 and the axis lock to a lockback.

I don't think you will be disappointed.

I wouldn't rule out the zytel Magna either though. Talk about a workhorse of a folder. :eek:
 
I would vote on BM Griptilian 551 Modified Drop Point. I'm happy with my SPYDERCO Delica but in my honest opinion 4 inches is a bit too long blade for pure lightweight folders (FRN handle without any liners). Griptilian's handle with modular Axis Lock and partial liners seems to be much stronger than Endura's one. It is thicker and more comfortable for heavy cutting also.

On the other hand, if the light weight and flat, easy to carry package is the point and the knife strength is less essential (for light to medium cutting or as backup knife for the decent fixed blade) Endura could be better choice.

As to steel choice - 440C could be somewhat more corrosion resistant than ATS-55...

Have a nice, safe trip in Africa :)
 
Hmmm, I didn't know there was another version of the Griptilian with a different blade shape. To me there is no contest with this question. Axis lock beats a lockback hands down in my book. Plus I think the Griptilian is a cool design. It fits the hand very well and has an aggressive no slip grip. A little off balanced though with the heavy blade and super light handle.

That said, the original version that I have is not a particularly useful design. The cute little hump doesn't allow for even the most basic of scraping and prying tasks in tight quarters. I was bringing mine to work as a beater knife and couldn't even get into a 1/4" deep little corner on window trim to remove a bit of masking tape. We're talking the most basic and simple of tasks here. So I took it to the grinder for a little modification:

gript.jpg


Not as sexy, but a whole lot more practical. I'm still waiting to see the mini version of this knife!
 
I would go with the BM 551, good blade design with a strong, rust resistant steel, solid easy to use lock, comfortable to carry and use, won't make you cry if lost or stolen. Have a safe voyage and all my best wishes, Anthony!
 
Now that's nice Dennis! Great lines. I think I'll give mine to a buddy for Christmas and pick up one in that version. Do you know if it's available in a mini version? Thanks for posting the pic.
 
You guys have convinced me to get a Griptilian (not that it takes a whole lot to talk me into buying a knife). I think that the Griptilian and Outdoor Edge Magna will be my big folders when I head out. Although the Endura is feather light, I would prefer to have a really sturdy knife since travel will be light and won't have a bunch of backups.
 
If you are going to be using the knife for cleaning game the griptilian's blade design wins hand down. The axis lock is a better lock than on the Endura. Enjoy your trip:D
 
The Griptilian is an excellent choice, either the 550 or 551. At present I only have the 550. It DOES have a point to it...I was stupidly fumbling with mine while sitting, it slipped from my hand and as I reached down to "catch it," as the butt of the handle touched the couch, the edge of my reaching hand got stabbed by the blade tip. Just by a light touch.

Anyway, write a new thread when you get back and let us know how the Griptilian performed in Africa and have a great trip!
Jim
 
Originally posted by Peter Atwood
Do you know if it's available in a mini version?
Click to expand...

As far as I know their is not a mini version with this blade shape. The mini (555) looks like a smaller 550. I would prefer to see a mini with the blade shape of the 551 though.
 
Thanks Dennis.

So Anthony, now you have to decide whether you want plain edge or partially serrated. I'm personally against serrations most of the time. I used to like them but now find them to often be nuisance, especially for sharpening but also for mundane tasks where the edge is just too aggressive as in scraping. What are you going to be doing in Africa? BTW, be safe and have a great trip!
 
I'll definitely be going plain edge. Serrations are too much trouble for me. I will be working in Africa this summer on a research project into the origins of a relatively small language group in Western Nigeria, the Eddo speakers. Most of my work will be in the city of Ibadan but I will being going into the country side on occasion, furthermore, I like a good stout folder for utility and food preparation.
 
I'm by no means and expert on these or any other knives, but I've used an Endura for a duty knife ever since they first came out (with a BM 830 thrown in for a few years). Several months ago I switched to a BM 550 plainedge and I have not looked back.

Both worked fine for me for normal cutting, but the Griptillian gives me greater confidence should I ever need to use the knife for self-defense or in an abusive manner. I feel the lock strength advantage outweighs the slight size, cost and weight differences for my purposes. The Benchmade also just "feels good" to me.

I can't believe no one has told you to take both. That way, if your initial choice turns out to be wrong, (or if you just need a change ;) ), you already have the other blade with you.

Now THAT seems like a plan to me. Your needs are met, and you get to buy a new knife.

Dave
 
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