Have a Griptilian? Which blade?

I'm back from Vermont, where I can post just from my phone with very weak signal, and it's much easier to get pics up from my home computer. Here's my crew which includes Ritters, sheepsfoots, and 551SBK.

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You'll note the absence of stock Noryl scales.

I can't say that I really have a preference for one blade style over another--I like each of them in their own way. The blade shape, finish, full flat grind, and M390 of the Ritters is exceptional. I also really dig the hole opener and cutting performance of the hollow ground sheepsfoots. The 551SBK was my first Grip, and, while I'm not real big into serrations, it's very handy as a work knife and is perhaps my most-carried. The drop point style blade fills a nice middle-ground between the slight curve of the 550/555's edges and the more pronounced belly of the Ritters. There's really something to be said for each style.

As to steel, I'm a big fan of M390 and have lots of knives in it, but there's no flies on good ole 154CM. With all the talk about super-steels and edge-retention, 154CM takes a wicked keen edge, holds it reasonably well, has good toughness, is easy to re-sharpen, and gives you a lot of bang for the buck. The 550-1 knife which I may have mentioned in an earlier post, is actually my wife's and I don't have any experience with that steel, other than a couple cuts and that the knife was unbelievably sharp out of the box.
 
I have them all. I prefer the Ritter or 551.
I prefer the Tanto blade shape of the 583 Barrage.
I would like to see a spearpoint blade like the Nakamura or a Wharncliffe.
 
Great replies and very much appreciated!
I'll be looking for a Ritter or a Bugout. The Freek is sort of appealing too.
I like the high-grinds and thin blade-stock for slicing.

My thought regarding the tanto is that the sharp point where the two edges meet would make it good for cutting annoying plastic straps or zipties that some regular knives just sort of skate off of.

I'll be going back through this thread a few times!
My poor faithful 9170 SBK is getting nervous! I want a non-serrated, non-auto benchmade though!
 
I have this one. Always disliking the stock scales, this one came from a friend. Stonewashed S30v blade and matching clip. When it comes to the Grip series the Ritter is at the top for me.

 
tgtodd said:
I have them all. I prefer the Ritter or 551.
I prefer the Tanto blade shape of the 583 Barrage.
I would like to see a spearpoint blade like the Nakamura or a Wharncliffe.
Click to expand...
Man if there was a Wharnie I'd already have it!
 
Ritter - blade is to tall

Sheepsfoot - fugly

Tanto - how old are you?

Drop point - Ding! Ding! Ding! Aesthetic perfection!!

:D
 
Those that love the blade shape and slicey-ness of the Ritter should really check out the Bugout. It beats out the Ritter in my opinion
 
I have a full size Griptilian in OD green with drop point, studs, and 154cm. Great little knife.
 
Personally, I like the sheepsfoot for more utility type tasks where I use the point in the cuts. I like thinner blades with high grinds with belly for smaller, everyday, slicing tasks.

I have the 20CV SF with a saber grind from the custom shop and two M390 Ritter's. I prefer the thumb hole, but have no issues with the studs. If I use the tip a lot, I prefer the SG to a HG.

Something to consider is how steep you want the grind. The Ritter's high grind is nice if you like it thinner closer to the edge while still having a relatively thick spine. The CP, Tanto, and HG SF get thick pretty quick. Some may prefer that.

Regarding the tanto, BM does it a little different than the typical American style tanto. BM has a steeper grind on the main cutting edge than on the point. Many American style tanto's do the opposite (or use HG on the main cutting area).

Regarding the tanto's second point... I'm one of the few people that doesn't mind partial serations. The transition from the plain edge to the serations works like a second point/cutting hook for me. I have a tanto with partial serations in a different model and I use the transition as a cutting point more than I use the secondary point. However, sharpening serations on thick stock or steep grinds sucks. It's not too bad on thinner stock or shallow/tall grinds.
 
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