It's 3 extra euros here, would that make it worth it?
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Help me choose a new EDC
- Thread starter Zanuha
- Start date
It's 3 extra euros here, would that make it worth it?
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2005
- Messages
- 4,271
If the blade steel matters to you, the BM Ultra is 440C, IIRC. It's a very good blade steel and I've never had any issues with it in an EDC folder, but some folks think that it's a "Model A" steel in these days of wonder stuff like S30V, S90V, INFI, and other newer steels.
The Ultra should give you a good 4-finger grip on the knife, unlike the mini-G. That's almost as important to me as blade steel. Just be aware that the Ultra/Presidio handles are thicker than the mini-G or D4 handles so it'll be a bit more noticable in your pocket, if that's how you carry.
I only carry a knife and a lighter in my left pocket, so thickness won't be much of an issue. I can't tell from the photos, is the Ultra beadblasted or stonewashed? Also, is the Ultra easy to flick open? The thumbstuds look like they're awfully close to the handle.
FYI: VG-10 is a Japaneese-only steel; 154CM is US-made. I prefer 154CM, a standard steel of sorts in many Benchmades - and quite effective. I have a few BM's in that metal - only one knife in VG-10 - a Kershaw 1193-2 Gentleman's Folder.
My favorite steel is S30V - and the Spyderco Native is available in that steel at an attractive price, as is the Buck Vantage Pro (#342 & #347). I have two S30V Natives - and a #347 Vantage Pro - excellent knives - great bargains (Here, of course!). If you want an AXIS lock, an excellent blade-lock, it'll have to be a Benchmade. I prefer the Bone Collector series - the mini (#15030 series) being similar in size to the mini-Grip, but of harder and thicker (.115" vs .100" for the mini's) D2 steel and either G10 or walnut wood. Of course, it has an MSRP here of $135-$140 vs the mini-Grip's starting price of $95. My wife liked my walnut mini-Bone Collector, #15030-2, so much, I had to get here one! Just a consideration. I am not fond of the Bone Collector's 'skull' symbol, but I don't have to look at it much, either. Good luck!
Stainz
PS My first BM was my 551 Grip - in 440C - and is my least-favorite BM knife.
My favorite steel is S30V - and the Spyderco Native is available in that steel at an attractive price, as is the Buck Vantage Pro (#342 & #347). I have two S30V Natives - and a #347 Vantage Pro - excellent knives - great bargains (Here, of course!). If you want an AXIS lock, an excellent blade-lock, it'll have to be a Benchmade. I prefer the Bone Collector series - the mini (#15030 series) being similar in size to the mini-Grip, but of harder and thicker (.115" vs .100" for the mini's) D2 steel and either G10 or walnut wood. Of course, it has an MSRP here of $135-$140 vs the mini-Grip's starting price of $95. My wife liked my walnut mini-Bone Collector, #15030-2, so much, I had to get here one! Just a consideration. I am not fond of the Bone Collector's 'skull' symbol, but I don't have to look at it much, either. Good luck!
Stainz
PS My first BM was my 551 Grip - in 440C - and is my least-favorite BM knife.
It's decided, I'm going with the Mini-Grip. Having an opening hole for use with gloves would be quite a convenience, the overall shape looks more peaceful and my Leatherman E302 has a slightly smaller handle than the Mini-grip and it's comfortable, so yeah. I get cash on the 20th, so I'll order it this weekend so it's here on the next Friday.
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- Mar 31, 2009
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- 2,237
If you are worried about "flickability" the BM Axis-lock knives would be preferable over the Delica. The Delica is a fine knife however, and I would earnestly recommend it without reservation. Both knives are ambidextrous, and as a lefty myself I appreciate that they are.
Unless you do large amounts of cutting at a time, I don't think you will notice much of a difference between 154cm and VG-10. A lot of people like the Mini-Grip, so I think that you have made a great choice.
Unless you do large amounts of cutting at a time, I don't think you will notice much of a difference between 154cm and VG-10. A lot of people like the Mini-Grip, so I think that you have made a great choice.
The Military's deployment is snore-inducing-slow. *sarcasm*
To be constructive, I'd say the Delica 4. The Mini-grip feels small in the hand, almost too small. The Delica is a similar size but allows the use of your whole hand. I wear an xl glove and the Delica fits my hand perfectly. I would say VG-10 and 154CM are pretty comparable but I tend to drift toward spyderco in the steel department simply because they seem to do it correctly everytime and Sal and company have a ton of experience with many different steels, I tend to trust them a little more in terms of steel quality. That's not to say that Benchmade uses cheap steel or that their steels are treated poorly, they are great as well. If you do opt for the Delica and you want to broden your horizons a bit, I'd check out the FFG versions in colors they slice like champs and with a small EDC that's what you're really looking for.
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2011
- Messages
- 651
I have both and i would carry the mini grip any day over the d4. It just feels better in my hand. I like how quickly the mini grip opens and even though its a fairly small knife in my book it feels alot bigger than the delica. Usually i like a good back lock over the axis mechanism, but i prefer the mini grip. Steelwise the Vg-10 has it beat. It sharpens easier, holds an edge better and is more corrosion resistant. If you look on the exchange you might be able to score one for well under 85 euros as long as they will ship outside of conus.
It's finally here! 
Opening the box was orgasmic, it's my first high end folder.
When I first got it I thought that it was a bit smaller than I thought but when I opened it, I knew it was going to be good. The scales are grippy and the Axis lock is just as good as I thought it would be: smooth and easy. No bladeplay, no broken screws with the pocket clip (I'm pointing at you Pika II) and it's comfortable. Thanks for the suggestions everyone, I have no regrets.
PS. Will snapping the knife closed with the lock dull the blade?
Opening the box was orgasmic, it's my first high end folder.
When I first got it I thought that it was a bit smaller than I thought but when I opened it, I knew it was going to be good. The scales are grippy and the Axis lock is just as good as I thought it would be: smooth and easy. No bladeplay, no broken screws with the pocket clip (I'm pointing at you Pika II) and it's comfortable. Thanks for the suggestions everyone, I have no regrets.
PS. Will snapping the knife closed with the lock dull the blade?