I really want a Benchmade but,

MercyfulfateXX

MercyfulfateXX

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Mar 2, 2014
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I know they have a few aluminum handled knives but I am wanting to buy a mini griptilian and they just feel like a toy. I know you get what you pay for but I cant get over the toy like plastic feel of the griptilians. Am I overthinking this? I guess when I pick up my ZTs or Spydercos then the Benchmades its overwhelming the build quality I guess? no disrespect to the Benchmade owners. Shouldn't Knives of this caliber have better handles?

now the mini Grips have the full liners? and the regular Grips do not? whats the best Benchmade for around (preferably right at) 100$?
 
Look at the mini bone collector it comes in g10 and is a very similar design to the grip. It's heavier and a bit more expensive though.
 
The full size grip still has liners, just not full. It's a great knife, there are a few destruction tests on the interweb that show how strong it really is.

AntCaps also has a great suggestion a bit out of your price range, but the Bone Collector series is MUCH beefier. And you get D2 steel vs. the 154cm. btw, they have discontinued the BC series, so if you like what you see grab one. The Griptilian will always be around.
 
The Griptilian is only one of many offering in the Benchmade line up and not representative of all their products. It's the least
expensive BM knife they offer.*

For the price (Pre MAPP) the Grip was a great deal. Quality materials and steel at an affordable price and why it is so popular but it's still BM's least expensive knife. Like everything else and like you said you get what you pay for.

If you want a BM proper that is better then the Grip you are going to have to pay a bit more. Or you may consider getting something from the HK lineup. They have quit a few knives that are great quality and good performers a more affordable price.

Best of luck!
 
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thanks for the responses! what is the H/K line exactly? is it a better or worse or even a Benchmade product?
 
I thought that the Griptilian's grip felt a bit weak many years ago when I got my first one. The mini-grip is partially lined(has to be for the axis lock to work)

.

I have carried the sheep's foot blade at the top off an on at work for many years. It has been dropped and mistreated and the handle shows very little wear. The lock up is still solid with no
side to side or forward to back movement. The 154CM blade has held up quite well and takes a razor sharp edge on my sharp maker very easily. I recently purchased a Doug Ritter mini-grip
in S30v. I like the shape of the blade and the beautiful stone washed finish. That is slightly over your $100 limit but I strongly suggest you check it out.

I have also looked at replacement handles at different times but they are all equal to or more than the cost of the knife.
 
Benchmades > Spyderco and ZT.. But as an avid BM collector/user, I think the grip does look like crap and I don't own one..

Look at the AFCKs, the 710, some osborne designs... Don't head to the most popular and cheaper models.

enjoy.


EDIT: oh and don't forget the 760... and Benchmade balis are da bomber. And the Skirmish is sweet too..

But for $100 you are limiting yourself to a liner lock, so go with the 710.
 
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MercyfulfateXX said:
thanks for the responses! what is the H/K line exactly? is it a better or worse or even a Benchmade product?
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It is my understanding that Benchmade makes the HK line for HK. I believe you pay a little more for the knife because it is a collaboration.
 
Some or most of the HK line is a tad cheaper. They use a lot of 440c in the HK line
 
The Benchmade HK line and also the HD line (now discontinued) is kinda like their budget line of knives. They used to have a Red class that was also discontinued.

The HK line does have some standouts though and is worth taking a look at.

As an aside I have a BM HK Ascender that's one of my favorite knives. Had it for many years and have used it a great deal and have been very impressed with it on many levels. Although not a "Premium" steel for some the 9CR13COMOV they use is very good stuff. Easy to sharpen and takes and holds a very good edge for a surprising amount of time.

Although discontinued the Ascender is still available at KW for $32 or so. For the price I don't think you can do better.

Have a look and best of luck!
 
Rift or Mini-Onslaught. You're not going to find them new for $100, but if you are patient you could get one off The Exchange in that neighborhood.
 
It's the plastic handles that make it a quality knife IMO. They're rounded so very comfortable in use, have a nice pattern so are grippy, and are light for their size (especially the handle thickness).

I have two of the g10-handled Grips, but they're just not the same. It's still a nice knife, still a nice design, but by practically doubling the weight and adding nothing positive except a more satisfying thwack sound when it opens very much detracts from the whole package. While the g10 version is still a nice knife, there are plenty of 5oz, 3.5" bladed knives; there are few 3oz, 3.5" ones.

Just one person's opinion. I know a lot of people like the g10-handled grips. But for me, the "plastic" handles don't subtract from the quality but makes it better than it otherwise would be.
 
I have a mini Grip with aftermarket scales and while it's not longer an inexpensive knife, it's one of my favorites now. Fits my hand well, has an opening hole and a deep hollow grind that cuts better than many realize.
The stock scales are plenty functional but if you don't like them then don't buy the knife (unless you want to customize it). There are plenty of other Benchmades to choose from as well as Spyderco, my other top brand.
 
AF said:
I have a mini Grip with aftermarket scales and while it's not longer an inexpensive knife, it's one of my favorites now. Fits my hand well, has an opening hole and a deep hollow grind that cuts better than many realize.
The stock scales are plenty functional but if you don't like them then don't buy the knife (unless you want to customize it). There are plenty of other Benchmades to choose from as well as Spyderco, my other top brand.
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I second this. You don't want a grip. Based on your description of what you want and want to pay, you should look at the Spyderco Manix2 G10. IMO.
 
I like everything about the mini grip except the current price.Glad I scored one before Benchmade came up with the price setting policy.:yawn:
 
Hey, handle feel is no small part of a knife, nor is your confidence in it. I've owned two Gayle Bradleys and assumed they would be lifers - smooth, solid lockup, stellar blade shape and steel, and good looks to top it off. The handle, though, just isn't a good fit for my hands. I had a buck vantage briefly that I loved everything about but would never use because the blade play made me think the knife was going to fail me. The handles on the HK Soldat feel like toy plastic and I'm glad I was able to hold a store demo model instead of buying it and having that instant remorse and disappointment.

The Cold Steel Tuff Lite became my most carried knife for over a year just because of the handle shape. It's so ergonomic it just melts into your hand and becomes a natural extension of it. I would often not close the knife for hours when I was working retail and just continue working with products with the knife locked open in my hand. No injuries or accidental cuts. Not one.

Don't feel like you have to forgive, like, or defend something you see as a dealbreaker. Nobody but you is qualified to tell you what knives to like and use.
 
On the smaller side, check out the 707 Sequel. It is similar to the mini-Grip but feels a little more solid to me.
 
LastRodeo said:
I second this. You don't want a grip. Based on your description of what you want and want to pay, you should look at the Spyderco Manix2 G10. IMO.
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I have the Spyderco Manix 2 xl. that's a great knife! I guess im wanting to really give the Benchmade knife a whirl. I know its a good quality knife I just haven't found one I like within my price point.I have the Spyderco Manix 2 xl and the ZT 0350bw so now to the Benchmade?
 
Comeuppance said:
Hey, handle feel is no small part of a knife, nor is your confidence in it. I've owned two Gayle Bradleys and assumed they would be lifers - smooth, solid lockup, stellar blade shape and steel, and good looks to top it off. The handle, though, just isn't a good fit for my hands. I had a buck vantage briefly that I loved everything about but would never use because the blade play made me think the knife was going to fail me. The handles on the HK Soldat feel like toy plastic and I'm glad I was able to hold a store demo model instead of buying it and having that instant remorse and disappointment.

The Cold Steel Tuff Lite became my most carried knife for over a year just because of the handle shape. It's so ergonomic it just melts into your hand and becomes a natural extension of it. I would often not close the knife for hours when I was working retail and just continue working with products with the knife locked open in my hand. No injuries or accidental cuts. Not one.

Don't feel like you have to forgive, like, or defend something you see as a dealbreaker. Nobody but you is qualified to tell you what knives to like and use.
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Great post, thanks man. I am a knife loving fanatic.like I said in a post yesterday or whenever im an old school Case XX collector in which I have around 150 of them and when I checked out and ultimately bought the ZT 0350BW I was hooked on the fancy knives.lol since the addition to my ZT I have added a Spyderco Manix 2 xl that's is awesome as well. now I want a Benchmade.but I am having a problem finding one that imo is worth the money.
 
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