Griptillian or RAM?

viking252200 · Jul 18, 2009

I have this urge to get a new knife as my EDC.

I presently carry a scallion and have so far been very happy with it, though i sometimes wouldn't mind a bit more length...

My cutting tasks are pretty standard i think..cutting ropes, boxes, opening letters...
I sometimes though also use my EDC for a bit of gardening work, cutting thin saplings, things like that.

As for the price, here in Japan both are around the 100us$ mark.. i know it's a bit expensive.

So, help me choose, what are your thoughts on these two?..

fudo · Jul 18, 2009

I like the Griptilian and the Spyderco Calypso Jr. for EDC.

Tostig · Jul 18, 2009

I own a 555 MiniGrip , and a RAM.

They are pretty different from each other , the RAM being one heck of a nice AO.

Tough call , I love my miniGrip but I also love my RAM.

Buy both

Dr Heelhook · Jul 18, 2009

RAM out of coolness..

din · Jul 18, 2009

Tostig said:
I own a 555 MiniGrip , and a RAM.

They are pretty different from each other , the RAM being one heck of a nice AO.

Tough call , I love my miniGrip but I also love my RAM.

Buy both

I was under the impression that the RAM wasn't AO?

Tostig · Jul 18, 2009

din said:
I was under the impression that the RAM wasn't AO?

agghhh... My bad. It's not an AO , it just acts like one.

Seriously the flippin' action is so assertive it seems like an AO.

alaskanmonte · Jul 18, 2009

I have both and like the RAM better. Its not an AO but its action is just as fast.

orthogonal1 · Jul 18, 2009

I'd probably go with a Griptillian, since you have a choice of blade shapes, metals, and handle colors.

hardheart · Jul 18, 2009

grip - variety, ambi, I think a little better steel

MVF · Jul 18, 2009

Two of my favorite knives, though I prefer the Mini-Grip. I've carried the Mini-Grip as my EDC for about 5 years now and just can't convince myself to carry anything else other than for special occasions (WH, Mnandi, or custom). It carries well, is the fastest and easiest overall when it comes to get out/open/use/close and put away than any knife I know of except an OTF auto. Good blade shape and feels good in my hand.

With that said, the only thing that keeps the RAM from replacing it, is that for me it is a little too thick and heavy for everyday carry and is a bit of overkill for my everyday needs. It can be just as fast as the Mini-Grip and the ergos are amazing. It get the most "chair time" (next to my TV chair) of any of my knives, both because I like using it and because it's so much fun to play with.

You can't go wrong with either and will probably end up with both eventually. I say handle them both and get the one that fits your immediate needs better first. You are in for a treat whichever it is.

spoonrobot · Jul 19, 2009

The Griptilian and Min-Griptilian are both nice knives but they don't compare very well to the RAM. I've carried and used all three models extensively and found the RAM to be superior in ergonomics, cutting ability and just overall quality of design.

The sole exception that the Griptilians have over the RAM is in potential blade strength, the RAM had a wonderfully thin tip, not excessively so like the ol' Spyderco Delica 3 but still fairly thin. Whereas the Griptilians have thicker and potentially stronger tips. This would be an advantage; should you envision the need to pry frequently and forcefully, a requirement that appears to have fallen out of vogue these past few years.

Jake Bauer · Jul 19, 2009

Grip. Better steel, better lock, no bead blast finish.

vmlew · Jul 19, 2009

I don't really care for the design of the RAM. The 2 layered scales on the handle, all the raised screw heads, and the three bumps in place of the thumb stud really bothered me. Still, others may think these things are a plus. I gave away my RAM and still have a mini-Gripilian. The Griptilian is kind of a "Plain-Jane" equivalent that holds an edge better. I remember the RAM always needing the edge touched up ( at least more than the Grip).

knivesandguns · Jul 19, 2009

I don't like the Grip's plasticy handle. It looks and feels cheap to my hand. The ergo's of the RAM are better IMO, and as for steel, well many have said that the Sandvik steel that Kershaw uses has better edge retension than spyderco's VG-10, it's personal preference for the steel I guess. (154 is also an excellent steel) Someone mentioned the thin tip on the RAM compared to the thicker tip on the grip--this is dependent on what you will be using the knife for. (the thin tip will cut better, but be slightly weaker)

You can also get a set of Firebert's wonderful wood scales for it, and they make the knife feel even better in the hand. The RAM looks better with the black blade IMO.

My vote is for the RAM, but you will probably enjoy whatever one you get.