griptilian or endura???

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griptilian or endura???
well i am looking to buy a new knife to use as an edc. and i am in-between the griptilian and the spyderco endura. i handled both today in a store and leaning more towards the griptilian with the hole not the one with the thumb stud. i am looking at using the knife for possible defense situation if the need ever comes up. i dont plan on cutting any rope or branches so i think i will forgo the 50/50 and get a plain edge. i am wondering which steel is better the vg-10 or the 440c? also at times i like flicking the knife open which lock will stand up better the endura or the axis? also what are the cheapest places to buy these on line?

thanks james
 
I would go for the endura in vg-10 , its a great knife for its cost.
Don't worry about the lock on the endura it is very durable.
 
My personal choice would be the Axis lock ---- that equates to the Griptillian. I have all of the "Grip" models and the mini, 556 works the best for me. Different blades for different tasks and user preferences ------- makes the world go 'round !!! :)
 
Can you flick the Endura open? Its lockback design has a pretty tight bias on staying close, although the opening action is smooth. So if you want flicking, you should go with the Griptilian. I disagree with you about choosing a plain edge when it comes to defense purposes. Serrated edges cut skin much more aggressively. However, I don't think 50/50 blades are all that good. So as far as blade is concerned, I think a fully serrated Endura would be better. And its modified drop point style is better at back cutting than the Griptilian's modified sheepsfoot point. However you can't flick the Endura so advantages in speed of draw probably goes to the Griptilian.
 
I may be wrong, but the impression that I got from your post is that this knife will be for daily use, but could conceivably be used for self defense if neccisary. Based upon that, I would strongly reccommend the Griptilian with the hole in it. I got the mini version a few months ago and love the design.

This thing excels as a daily user.

The lock is superior both in terms of conveniance and smoothness. Once you get the hang of it you can quickly open it up with just a gentle rolling motion; as opposed to a hard toss. About the only thing I don't like about the Axis design is that it doesn't sound quite as secure as other locks when it clicks into place, even though it is very strong. In my experience it corrects for wear better than any lock format to ensure a tight lockup for a long time.

The blade shape is excellent, with a good piercing tip that still has a lot of steel throughout its length. I'ev only handled Enduras rather than owned them; but the end of that blade just looks too delicate for my tastes. 440C is a great steel which is easy to sharpen and very corrosion resistant. It may not hold an edge quite as long as "super steels" but I use this thing hard and have never had a sharpness problem.

The Zytel scales aren't exactly luxurious, but they are easy to grip and virtually indestructable. We use Zytel at work to make engine components and I can tell you it really is strong stuff. Best part is the mini model has full steel liners which eliminates that "FRN hollow feeling" which I really dislike about linerless Spydercos, which I believe the Endura is.

Using knives as weapons really isn't my thing, but I can't imagine that the Griptilian wouldn't cut somebody if you poked them with it. If you ever get to that point there will probably won't be a big differance between ths two knives. Now that I think about it, I was recently using the 555 to cut some leather padding and it was seriously flying through it.

I'd say skip the 50/50 and go plain edge, if you know how to sharpen and aren't around rope it's work just fine and be a lot more convenient.

Edited to add: The best price I found was calling up 1SKS and asking for a price match.
 
My bad. Somehow his statement of using it for EDC and self-defense only when the need arises entered my brain as self-defense only. In this light, I ditto the Griptilian choice.
 
I would choose the Spyderco. It is a lockback and it is strong. Also, most everyone knows how to operate a lockback, so no problems id you loan someone your knife. Also, if a knife is going to be relied on possibly for SD you need to practice. Not only are there CLIPIT training courses, but there is a red trainer model to practice with. Either one would be great for EDC, but for both tasks I would go with the spyderco. You can also get them for really good prices. I would go with the plain edge if it were me though. properly sharpened, it can cut most anything. It is also easier to sharpen and can cut things that serrations will just tear up.
 
kind of a tough question. the spyderco seems like it really has a fine blade, where the griptillian has more steel behind it. I find the endura to be an excellent performer but the axis on the griptillian is excellent. If you don't expect to use it hard, i would say the delica, unless you play with your knives a lot.

- Pete
 
well thank you gfor all the post i think i am going to go for the gritilian. my problem now is the blade, i like the drop point but dont like the thumb stud. and the one with the hole has the sheeps foot blade. i take it that the regualr griptilian has a full liner also?

james
 
The Griptilian has liners throughout most of it. It's a very solid knife. Although I like both Endura and Griptilian, IMO the Griptilian wins hands down, esp. the 550. I find it also more comfortable and stable in the grip. Also has a larger, stronger pivot screw as opposed to a nonadjustable rivot pin.

The modified sheepsfoot to me is actually more like a modified spear point. Unlike a true sheepsfoot there is some belly to the edge, and the point is indeed sharp, though not needle-thin. I've been carrying mine daily the last 8 months and am pleased with its performance.

As far as 440C vs. VG10, I don't own anything in VG10 yet, so can't comment on it other than I hear great things about it, and it probably has a slight advantage in edge-holding. However, of the steels I do own (ATS-34, 154CM, CPM-440V, AUS 6 & 8, etc., etc...), 440C has become my favorite. Awesome corrosion resistance, takes a scary sharp edge, holds the edge nicely, easy to resharpen, and is quite tough.

Jim
 
Hmm tough call.

I carried an Endura around for 10 years, before I ever bought a Benchmade.

My daily carry now is a BM 705, but that Spydie never let me down. Still gets out of semi-retirement from time to time :)

I think you'll be fine with either choice, both are excellent quality knives, and both companies will stand behind their products.
 
I don't think the Endura will flick open too easily. All things considered, I'd go with the Grippy.:)
 
I carry the endura because it's lightweight and slim. It's astoundingly carryable. Add a good handle shape and kick-butt steel, and it's a great package.

I can't really argue with the philosophy that the Griptilian probably wins if you're looking for harder use, especially because of the axis lock.

My own methodology here would be: Pick up both knives in my hand. Will I really carry the much thicker Griptilian? If so, I'd buy it. If not, I'd stick with the thinner endura.

Joe
 
I'm a Spydie knut and have a bunch of them, including older FRN clip Enduras and the older and newer Delicas (and both Endura and Delica trainers). My first Spydie was an Endura which I still have, bought in '93. Just as tight as when I bought it!

I also have a Griptilian 550. Before I began carrying my Emerson Mini-Commander, it was my EDC since I had bought it a few months before.

I'd edge toward the Griptilian, but it's a mite more expensive, especially if you get the trainer too, which I would highly advise if you are serious about S-D.

The Grippy is thicker, but (yes!) "grippier." I personally love the blade shape and the oval hole. It flicks open seamlessly. You can adjust the pivot. It comes in a smaller version now, as well as several colors in that smaller version!

You really can't go wrong with either one, though.

But if cost is a large consideration, and you want a trainer, get the Enduras. You should save about $20.00 compared to the pair of Griptilians.

If cost is not a consideration, get them all! :)

Karl
 
<a href="http://www.sergium.izet.pl/images/knives/benchmade/Grip_01.jpg" target="_blank"><IMG align=right SRC="http://www.sergium.izet.pl/images/knives/benchmade/Grip_01_tn.jpg" border="2"></a>In my opinion Griptilian and Endura are very different knives. The Griptilian is some kind of halfway between “full-program” heavy duty folder with the handle built on steel liners and lightweight folder with no steel liners at all.
Griptilian construction has sturdy steel frame what holds together the all loaded points like blade pivot, stop pin, lock parts. It should be initially stronger than linerless Endura, especially taking into consideration Griptilian’s shorter blade.

At this moment SPYDERCO doesn’t have any answer for BENCHMADE Griptilian in their offer but this doesn’t mean they will not have in future.

So far the advice would be:
  • Get Griptilian if you want to have stronger knife what can take more load at hard use and probable abuse.
  • Get Endura if you want to have more blade in somewhat longer but lighter and slimmer package.
However all these differences – including price, steel and lock construction - are not too essential in comparison with handling comfort. Try to handle both knives to decide what fits your hand better.
This can make the most important difference!
 
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