Help me make a choice between a few Benchmades.

[1337]

Hey guys,

I'm having a hard time deciding which Benchmade to get. My choices are the 530 Pardue, Osborne 943 (clip point version), or a griptilian. I've heard nice things about all of these knives, and I don't know which to get first. My conditions are: I don’t want serrations, I would probably get the 530 with a black blade, I don't want to spend a fortune on a gold class Benchmade, and I would consider making my own griptilian from the Benchmade website if I happened to have my final choice be a griptilian.

So far, I'm leaning towards a griptilian, but only if it is the S30v steel, Dough Ritter model, which I have had no luck finding for sale, or for a reasonable price. If anyone here on the forum knows where I might be able to pick up a full sized or mini Ritter griptilian then let me know. It's pretty high on my list.

So tell me, what you think a good choice would be? I'm open to suggestions and happy to hear what people think.

 

[CapitalizedLiving]

Osborne 943 would be my first pick of the options you listed, but I also have had a lot of success with the 940 and the 710. I have two Griptilian trainers and they take a beating like nobody's business, so I probably wouldn't hesitate to get one of those (in any steel offered) if I didn't mind how wide they are... which I do. Slim, discreet, and light-weight are characteristics that are as important to me as mechanical properties such as handle and blade materials. If you don't care about subtlety then the 530 or the Griptilian would work just fine, but I'd prefer a Griptilian simply because it's cheaper and lighter and I don't think I could break one unless I really tried.

 

[bdmicarta]

Of the ones listed I would pick the 943.

 

[unhappyfarmer]

I have owned a 530 for 2.5 years, and I enjoy how thin and light it is! I don't even know the thing is in my pocket when I carry it! It makes it especially useful as an EDC and as a hiking knife.

However, one of my axis lock springs recently gave out, and the blade is unevenly ground.

Still holds a good edge, it just isn't the most spectacular knife I own.

Hope that helps! I don't think you could go very wrong with either of them.

 

[ooitzoo]

Hey guys,

I'm having a hard time deciding which Benchmade to get. My choices are the 530 Pardue, Osborne 943 (clip point version), or a griptilian. I've heard nice things about all of these knives, and I don't know which to get first. My conditions are: I don’t want serrations, I would probably get the 530 with a black blade, I don't want to spend a fortune on a gold class Benchmade, and I would consider making my own griptilian from the Benchmade website if I happened to have my final choice be a griptilian.

So far, I'm leaning towards a griptilian, but only if it is the S30v steel, Dough Ritter model, which I have had no luck finding for sale, or for a reasonable price. If anyone here on the forum knows where I might be able to pick up a full sized or mini Ritter griptilian then let me know. It's pretty high on my list.

So tell me, what you think a good choice would be? I'm open to suggestions and happy to hear what people think.

Dude, just get a griptillian. Its an excellent "everything" knife and you can get one for a fraction of the cost of the 943.

My experience with the 530 was that the handle was too thin in my hand and didn't feel secure.

The 943 is an expensive knife (relatively speaking) and functionally doesn't feel as strong as a regular grip (my choice is with D2 steel but I think 154cm should do just fine.)

 

[Poez]

I would take 943. I do not have it, but I want it. I have few griptilians but do not carry them much. The handle is a bit on the thick side for me - it takes up too much space in the pocket. Can not say anything about 530 - it never appealed to me somehow.

 

[Jaiofspam]

943 hands down for a general edc... if its a bit out of your budget or more than your willing to really/wanting to spend i would go with the griptilian.

 

[triggahappy28]

i have owned or held all three and it really depends what your looking for. Count the 530 out, too small/weak, I have both the grip and mini grip and love them both as great utility knives, but the 940 has a certain class about it that sets it apart, its more than just a tool.

 

[Sonnydaze]

Get the 943. Is nice and thin (.410") for easy carry and uses good blade-steel S30V. The Grip is much too fat @ 0.640". The model 530 uses 154cm which is a lesser blade-steel.

 

[ooitzoo]

Get the 943. Is nice and thin (.410") for easy carry and uses good blade-steel S30V. The Grip is much too fat @ 0.640". The model 530 uses 154cm which is a lesser blade-steel.

Really? How much of a performance hit have you taken on 154CM vs. S30V? They're actually fairly close.

Oh and btw, I've seen more than one 943 have a broken tip. I don't think I've ever hear of that happening with a grip.

 

[Jaiofspam]

took a couple quick pics for you... hope they help somehow:
regarding s30v vs. 154cm steel snobbery, have you realistically been able to tell the difference in performance?
if so, is it enough reason to discount the design/price of the knife with "inferior" steel?

 

[foofie]

I have all three (well, a 940 rather than 943)
They really are different knives. Is there an REI nearby where you can try the grip and 530?

What are you looking for? 530 is much smaller/sleeker than the grip. But (in my hands) does not feel very good. The Grip is a surprisingly big knife - especially if you plan EDC.
mini-grip is great for edc (for me - light duty mostly). But my favorite is the 940. Good combo of size (long handle, but thin enough to disappear in the pocket), blade length/shape, weight, and feel.

 

[mkjellgren]

Go with a Ritter grip. They are only available from one site which is not a BF dealer so I can't mention the name. Just Google "Ritter RSK Mk1" and you'll find it. The run $112 and apart from buying one used, there are no discounts. I can say with absolutely certainty though, a Ritter grip (either regular or mini, mine is a mini) with a nice set of custom scales is one of the best edc knives I've ever carried.

 

[1337]

took a couple quick pics for you... hope they help somehow:
regarding s30v vs. 154cm steel snobbery, have you realistically been able to tell the difference in performance?
if so, is it enough reason to discount the design/price of the knife with "inferior" steel?

Thanks for the pictures! Seeing the knives side by side in comparison always helps.

 

[1337]

I have all three (well, a 940 rather than 943)
They really are different knives. Is there an REI nearby where you can try the grip and 530?

What are you looking for? 530 is much smaller/sleeker than the grip. But (in my hands) does not feel very good. The Grip is a surprisingly big knife - especially if you plan EDC.
mini-grip is great for edc (for me - light duty mostly). But my favorite is the 940. Good combo of size (long handle, but thin enough to disappear in the pocket), blade length/shape, weight, and feel.

I do have a somewhat local REI as well as a few other various sporting good stores with knives for sale that I'm planning on going to next time I get a chance. My style is more sleek knives like that of the 943, but I feel like I'd be willing to go with a griptilian (probably a mini from what people are telling me) just for the functionality as well as the looks.

 

[talavinder]

I have a 530, Grip 550, 551, Mini-Grip 555, 556 and Osborne 940, 943. I like them all. I only carry the 530 when I need a very slim knife. I carry it without the pocket clip. I use it only for very light cutting. If I think that I am going to do heavy cutting I mainly carry the Grip 550. For regular EDC I carry the Mini-Grip 555 or the 940. If you are only getting one I would stay away from the 530. I just feel it is just way to light for every day use. If money is an issue go with the Mini-Grip. If money is not an issue go with the 943 hands down. I perfer the 940 because I like the blade design.