Griptilian/Whirlwind, Blackout

[kevin stadler]

I would appreciate comments/comparisons on the Benchmade Griptilian versus Kershaw Whirlwind or Blackout. I know the Griptilian is the superior knife but would like to hear comments on the above knives.
Thanks,
Kevin

 

[SilverFoxKnows]

for three or four years, now. All things being equal it's a pretty good knife. No problems with the SpeedSafe, no problems with lock-up, no problems with the clip. I think it's 440A, not a supersteel by any stretch of the imagination. But it's worlds above anything in 420J2 by Frost. It's very comfortable to hold and it's got a pretty high grind. So it's a pretty good slicer but a crowbar it isn't. If you're a lefty it's almost useless, though. The clip isn't reversable and neither is the thumbstud. If you want a hard use folder, I'd say go with the Banchmade. It's got better steel (440C VS 440A), a stronger lock and it's ambidextrous. But if the Kershaw fits your hand well and you fancy the SpeedSafe you'll be getting a good knife that should last you a long time. We have three Kershaws in the house, a Blackout, a Chive and a DWO I picked up a dozen years ago. Never had to send one back. And the one time I did write to Kershaw with a question, they were very prompt with a reply. Hope that helps.

Frank

 

[UnknownVT]

Originally posted by SilverFoxKnows
If you're a lefty it's almost useless, though. The clip isn't reversable and neither is the thumbstud.

I'd agree with just about everything said about the Blackout - it's a neat knife.

However the Whirlwind although similar has a slight advantage -
I found I can open the Whirlwind left-handed (and I am right-handed so my left hand is pretty "dumb") by using the largest of the drilled holes in the blade. The Whirlwind also has a more pronounced belly to its blade which may suit some people.

You might also look at the Kershaw/Ken Onion Avalache - which is also Speed-Safe assisted opening with black TiN coated premium steel of S60V and slimmer/flatter G-10 scales.

Or even my current favorite the Kershaw/Ken Onion LEEK (Speed-Safe Frame-Lock)

in plain matte beadblast stainless steel finish

Review -
Kershaw/Ken Onion LEEK (pics)

or rainbow:

or the new TiN matte black finish:

 

[dylan_d]

I'm a lefty AND carried a blackout, but I lost it . The stud is reversable, at least on mine. Overall a nice knife, but I wouldn't recommend it for hard use.

 

[SilverFoxKnows]

they said the stud COULD be reversed BUT it wouldn't thread all the way in. So I guess it CAN be but it wont be quite the same. YMMV.

Frank

 

[PhoulPlae]

The Blackout/Whirlwind is a great everyday knife, but it is not designed for hard use. It carries comfortable and the handles are very nicely contoured. The lock-up is secure, but the liner is probably not very strong compared to other "heavy use" knives. The Speed Safe system is simply awesome, extremely smooth, never wears outs, but may draw unecessary attention. The 440A blade sharpens easily, and comes extremely sharp, but it wears quickly.

For small chores, the Blackout/Whirlwind would be fine.

If you need to do some real work, the Griptillian would win hands down.

Kershaw does make a knife better suited for heavy use called the Avalanche. It is very similar to the Black Out but has G-10 handles and has an incredibly edge holding S60V (CPM-440V) blade, and is only around $80.