help me choose!

N

neal8929

Joined
Sep 11, 2006
Messages
9
for an EDC

Benchmade 551 Griptilian
$62.50
BM551.JPG


or
Spyderco Endura 4 , BLK, CE
$53.06
SC_10PSBK.jpg


I just cant decide. I am going to order either one tomorrow night. The most important thing to me is that the knife will hold and not break after lots of usage. Also I do not want it to "wobble" side to side like my old knife. Give me you guys opinions on both of them so I can choose please. Also if there is another option that is even better than one of these feel free to tell me about that! Thanks :D
 
I Have both. Fantastic they each are, but the Endura fits my had better, and I think the blade steel is better. (holds an edge longer and is equally easy to sharpen). However, you wont go wrong with either.
 
get the 550 instead of the 551 edge keeps a bit better from my experiance and you get the ease of open of the spyderco hole with the strength of the axis lock
 
I would go with the Griptillian. If you had the extra dough Id go through aeromedix.com and get the Ritter Griptillian as it has a better steel and blade design, but it costs a bit more.
 
i've had both, the endura just didn't feel quite right, the griptillian is a fantastic knife, the spyderco's still alright but i much prefferred the griptillian
 
Personal preference, of course. Mine is for the Axis lock Grip. Spyderco really makes some fine, smooth action lockbacks, but the problem for me is the "lockback". Plus, as nice as they are, they're no nicer than a black or blue class BM.

My biased recommendation goes to the BM Axis.....
 
id have to go with the BM Griptilian, ive never owned an endura but have handled one and owned other spydies, but i just love the grip, its such a smooth operating folder and the axis lock is awesome
 
Despite the fact that I have a boat load of Spydies, I would go for the BM Griptilian. The Grip has better ergonomics and a better lock.

I owned the Endura for a day and sent it back. I just couldn't stand the feel in my hand.
 
My vote goes to the Endura, just an all around great knife for the money. Plus you save almost enough on the price difference to get a 6 pack and a mickey d's meal;)
 
I carry the same spyderco except with the metal handle. Same blade type with the combo edge. I prefer all serrated or completely strait, but of the three folder knives I have the endura is my main EDC.
 
Also if there is another option that is even better than one of these feel free to tell me about that!
Click to expand...

Here's my alternative for a really sturdy knife: Cabela's Alaskan Guide, which is the classic tank-like Buck 110 with a super strong S30V blade and it costs a reasonable $68.
I do think it looks better than typical utility knives as well.

knives220.jpg


More in the style of your 2 choices, I do prefer the Spyderco Caly 3: it's very sturdy with its dual steel liners, but perhaps the blade is a little small for you (should be enough for most uses though).
 
I personally like the feel of a Griptilian over an Endura. But usually take a Delica over a mini Grip.

But all of them are awesome and will serve you well :D
 
Both the Endura and Griptilian are high quality knives that aren't going to break in normal use.
And you needn't be concerned about "blade wobble" on either knife.

There are 4 main differences that I see between the 2 knives:

1. The Endura is longer, of course. That 3-3/4" blade can come in handy.
(I also recommend, as others have, getting the plain edge rather than the comboedge.)

2. But the Endura is slimmer in width than the Griptilian and for me is a much more comfortable carry because of that.

3. Both have excellent locking mechanisms, though very different.
The Axis Lock is terrific and provides an incredibly smooth opening and closing action.
The Endura's backlock is a very well proven design.

Both locks will keep the knife open, but the Axis Lock really has a very slick action.

4. Finally, the opening - Spydiehole vs. Thumbstud.
I like both equally; but many prefer one over the other.

Blade steel, build quality and materials are comparable in the two knives.
The Griptilian is made in Oregon City, Oregon; and the Endura is made in Seki City, Japan.
 
The Endura 4 is hard to beat for combining strength with ease of carry. It offers a very solid lock-up with no noticeable flex, yet a slim profile that does not print though a pocket and a discrete pocket clip. The drawback is that although it does offer a smooth opening, it has the greater resistance of a lock-back.

The Griptilian is a tried and true design with many fans. Although a bit thicker in the pocket, it is still comfortable to carry. The Axis locking mechanism has a reputation as being one of the smoothest out there, and secure too. One other consideration is blade grind. The Endura should be more durable, but the Grip will take a finer edge.

Either knife is a great starter, or just an addition to an existing collection. If you are looking for a knife that will see a lot of hard utility use, I think I would choose the Endura. If you are looking for an EDC, the grip would be my suggestion. Like the others, I would suggest a full plain edge rather than a combo edge. Most detail cutting is done choked down at the base of the blade for greater control. With serrations at the base of the blade, it is hard to make those precise push cuts, or slices. Again, like one of the others, if going with the grip, I would chose the BM550 as I prefer the thumb hole over a stud.
 
id go for the Griptilian

love the axis lock and seems just a bit faster too open than the spyderco hole

for me anyway,,
 
I have the smaller versions of both knives and based off of my experience I would choose the grip. I would choose it because I is more comfortable in the hand, albeit bigger in the pocket, the axis lock is amazing, and I like the blade grind better. I also like helping out the American economy whenever I can. That said, the choice pretty much boils down to personal prefferance, both knives are excellent, so choose based off of what factors you prefer in a knife.
 
I have had both & still have the Spyderco ;) My Endura 4 PE waved is Awsome for the $. It fills good in the hand, both are good knives but I like the spyderco a little better.
 
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