Griptilian / Paramilitary

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raja

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Nov 2, 2005
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I'm considering getting a griptilian or paramilitary and would appreciate comments comparing the two. I know there is a $35-$40 price difference; is the extra money worth it for the paramilitary?

Thanks
 
I have a Ritter Griptilian. It is a great knife.

I had a Paramilitary but didn't like the compression lock - among other things.
 
I have felt both and own the griptillian, which says something. I prefer the ergonomics of the grip and felt the para was out of balance.
 
They're both great knives, and also great deals. It just depends on how much you want to spend and how important handle materials and size are to you.

But the para will pwn a griptillian if you put them head to head.

G10 versus FRN (cheap feeling even by FRN standards)
S30V versus 440C

Aside from these things, I love finger choils, and the para gives it to me. I love the full length handle. I didn't need a 4 inch blade, worse yet, it would be difficult for me to use in my life--but I wanted the full sized handle.

The para is NOT as high fit and finish as the Griptillian, but it feels like it has 10x the quality. Paras and compression locks in general often have a tiny amount of blade play and slightly off centered blades, rare on any Benchmade as far as I know.

I prefer the compression lock slightly to the axis lock mainly because of the blow through design, which means it's very easy to take care of and virtually impossible to rust significantly without you at least knowing (unlike omega springs). They're both superb though, and the axis lock is actually a little easier to use and smoother. Plus, it sucks the blade in much better.

That said, I own both. Get a minigrip, much smaller, lighter, etc....great price...I prefer and use the D2 Cabela's version myself. Use the minigrip for some occasions and the para for others.
 
The grip switched to 154CM. So you can get one in 440C, 154CM, D2, S30V, or M2. 2 different sizes, with a few different colored handles, and the choice of hole or stud. And of course plain or combo edge.
 
Artfully Martial said:
....But the para will pwn a griptillian if you put them head to head.
..............
Click to expand...



Again put the Para up to a full size Ritter Grip with S30V so that things are even (and the prices are then even too).

I forgot to mention that the Spyderco compression locks have a "so-so" detent keeping them closed. I've owned both a Lil' Temperance, a Salsa, and a Yojimbo. All have had trouble staying closed due to the detent not working properly.

I prefer how the Axis lock "sucks" the blade shut if it's open anywhere under about 1.25 inches.

I've also owned an 880BT, and a 910 from Benchmade and both of those liner locks had great detents on them. They would never come open unless you wanted them to do so. That's much more than I can say for the Yojimbo.

:cool:
 
Well I own dozens of knives, fixed and folders. Probably hundreds over the last 20 yrs. I would have to say the Para is about as good an edc as I have ever owned. I just like it. To each his own though. Try them both and then decide. keepem sharp
 
I would say Value-wise, definately the Griptillian. I remember when I first got my Para and thought to myself, wow I paid over a hundred bucks for this thing? It just seemed like too much, although many feel otherwise. Both are nice knives but to answer your question, no the Para isnt worth the extra money IMHO, especially when you consider you can buy a Regular Grip AND a Mini Grip for about the price of a Para.
 
The knives aren't even if you include a ritter, in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I like the knife a lot (and like I said, own a D2 Minigrip), but the best G10 scales in the industry (next to the Manix) conquer some of the worst FRN scales. And I think the ergonomics are superior too.

The ritter just isn't that great a deal, in my opinion. Again, I like it a lot, and would take both given the chance (did), but I think the para is the clear winner provided you have the space for it.

Plus you get an oversized spyderhole and one of my favorite blade shapes.
 
Either one are very good but I'd chose the Griptillian because I find it built tougher/stronger.
 
"I know there is a $35-$40 price difference; is the extra money worth it for the paramilitary?"

At twice the price the Para is still a better deal. I have tons of Spydercos and am no stranger to Benchmades and the Para make the Griptilian pee in it's bed at night. I once saw a Para shove a Griptilian to the ground and made it eat dog doo-doo! The Para really really exposes the Griptilian for what it is, a great lock and handle with a average blade design. The para will out slice the Griptilian every day of the week and twice on Sundays. It is a fact not just opinion. The Para is the FAR better slicer!
 
:thumbup:
kgriggs8 said:
"I know there is a $35-$40 price difference; is the extra money worth it for the paramilitary?"

At twice the price the Para is still a better deal. I have tons of Spydercos and am no stranger to Benchmades and the Para make the Griptilian pee in it's bed at night. I once saw a Para shove a Griptilian to the ground and made it eat dog doo-doo! The Para really really exposes the Griptilian for what it is, a great lock and handle with a average blade design. The para will out slice the Griptilian every day of the week and twice on Sundays. It is a fact not just opinion. The Para is the FAR better slicer!
Click to expand...

Hahahahaha, that was good stuff.

It's true though. I had both, gave the Griptillian away. The blade shape and the flat grind on the Para will out cut that Grippy every single time. The full size handle in G10 and the deep finger choils paired with the large thumb hole for ease of opening blow the use and comfort factor way above the Griptillan. The lock is first class, but still the only thing that the Griptillain can arguably compete in.

The Para is a better knife, and don't let anybody get you to doubt that, but the Griptillian is by no means a bad one. If the look and feel of it appeal to you more, get it, and it will never let you down, but don't let the doubters fool you, it can't compete with the Paramilitary at all.
 
A vote for the Grip.

The FRN/G10 argument is moot. They're both variations of fiberglass. They're both very strong. Yes, I prefer the texture of G10 to the Grip's FRN, but the Grip design fits hands better.

The axis lock is ambidextrous, winter glove friendly for opening/closing, opens and shuts like a charm. Locks solid.

Phil
 
I think the Paramilitary is worth the price difference. Better geometry, steel, handle. I think the G10 is much nicer than the plastic and overall the Paramilitary feels better and more secure in my hand. Then there is the choil which I really like.

I still think the Griptillian is a good value and a good knife though but I see them as two different classes of knives. Maybe a more matched comparison would be the 710 vs Paramilitary or the Griptillian vs Endura.
 
Well......I'm about to trade my Ritter Griptilian (full size) for a Paramilitary so I can see how it is.... since I have a few Grips and no Para's.
 
Fisher of Men said:
Well......I'm about to trade my Ritter Griptilian (full size) for a Paramilitary so I can see how it is.... since I have a few Grips and no Para's.
Click to expand...

Make sure you buy a Marine Tuff Cloth for your new Para's blade.
The one that I had developed rust spots on it after a few hours.
Spyderco S30V must be different to Benchmade S30V.
 
In case you're keeping score, the count now stands at 7 votes for the Para and 7 votes for the Grip. Looks like I'm the tie breaker for now. :eek:

I own both and love them for different reasons. If I could keep only one, all things considered, it would be the Para. I really like the choil. :thumbup:
 
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