How does the feel of a Ritter Griptilian w/ custom scales compare to a standard Grip?

R

RippedCityOS

Joined
Sep 3, 2010
Messages
124
I like my standard 551 Grip and use it quite a bit. That said, I don't enjoy the feel it produces when flipped due to the Noryl GTX handle material and not having full liners. Compared to my other axis knives, the Grip feels somewhat cheap in the handle; particularly when flipping it closed. The sound and feel it makes when flipping it with the axis lock produces an undesirable feel for me. I'm guessing some of you with Griptilians can relate. I'm curious, before investing in an upgraded model, if custom scales (Wilkins, Cuscadi, etc.) along with the Ritter blade make a difference in how the Grip feels when flipping? I would think that the added weight in the blade and handle would make it feel more solid. Do certain scales alleviate the problem at hand better than others? Or do these improvements not alter the feel of a standard Grip? Any input is much appreicated.
 
Last edited:
I've contemplated this and I have decided that I don't want to spend that much. Although I hear Cuscadi is a bit more reasonable, I have had a hard time navigating the site.

But yeah, when you compare a Grip to other knives with wood, micarta, g10 and carbon fiber it feels cheap, no matter how ergonomic it is.
 
I have the gold class Grip. Was about $250, although I've seen it for slightly less. Benchmade list price is $400, which is a bit much (http://www.benchmade.com/products/551-101). But it is nice. Very nice. The handles feel great, smooth, and completely fix that 'cheap' feeling the plastic ones have. I love my grip, I use the crap out of it, but I agree I just didn't like the feel of the plastic. I still use it as a bit of a beater knife, I haven't feel the need to beat on my gold version. But it makes a great EDC.
That being said, for a little more then the $250 I paid for mine you can get yourself a decent custom. But if you really like the grip it's not bad.
 
Last edited:
The Wilkins scales are nice and give the knife a heavier feel. You get the satisfying dampened "thunk" when you flip it open. I have a set of Cuscadi's about to be shipped any day now from them. Will report on them when they arrive. Both of these scales are and are to be installed on Ritter Grips.
 
I have Wilkins grips on a small and a large Griptilian. The knives have a satisfying sold feel and sound when opened, and seem noticeably more stout. The possible down side to this is that they are heavier and a bit thicker in the pocket. The price of Wilkins grips plus the price of a Griptilian puts one in the category of some pretty sweet production knives, too.
 
After owning a mini grip and a fullsize grip, I think ill stick with the other axis lock designs. My Rift just feels so much nicer, although it is heavier it feels much stronger.
 
I really appreciate the input guys; sounds like a Ritter Grip with custom scales is an entirely different knife and solves my issue with the standard Grip. Now for yet another tough decision to make on my collection. :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top