I want a Griptilian BUT ...

[Professor]

I've just picked up a Mini Grip 555 after coming to the conclusion it offers many of the things I consider important for an EDC folder. I carried and really enjoyed a CRK folder for about 7 years, but always wanted a fully ambidextrous knife. The price of a Mini Grip with aftermarket scales is still a fair bit less pricey than a Small Sebenza and offers more of what I'm(currently) looking for. I'd love to grab a Ritter in the future, but this will work for now.

You and I share this in common, Sir. I carried a small regular Sebenza for 10+ years and have since been toting th BM555. There's a lot to love with the 555, and paired with a 4-5" fixed blade, a hatchet and saw, there's not much I can't do around my heavily wooded property.

The Mini-Grip in particular is more robust than folk realize. Swap that painted clip out for a black oxide one, tighten and blue-thread-lock all frame, clip, and pivot screws (pivot such that it does not swing freely and has no lateral play), let her cure for 24 hours, lube the pivot, break in the action, and besides one big-honk in' run-on sentence, you've got one heck of a folder.

I've carried custom and production knives alike, but for a pocketable folder I always seem to gravitate back to BM and the Axis lock. Just my .02.

 

[sgbeskin]

Professor,
I'm right there with you. I carried a Sebenza for many years, but I picked up a mini griptilian and it knocked the Sebenza out of my pocket. I think the mini grip would be a great choice. I have large hands and I don't find it too small.

 

[sharpbear]

I may have missed this as I just skimmed these posts, but the new Griptilian with CPM-20cv, grey g10, and blue barrel spacers are the way to go of you want to get your cake and eat it too. No hollow thwack when opening or closing like the original Griptilian plus the steel upgrade. It looks classy too. I believe it comes in every version (full size, mini, drop point, hollow ground sheepsfoot, partial serrations, etc.) except tanto. If you don't mind dropping $165-$195 then this is the one to get.

 

[Professor]

^ The new G10 series is nice, no doubt. I really like the hollow grind of the regular grips, and the mini's are not so hollow-sounding with the full inset liners. The G10 series has flat-ground blades, which have their own merits, please don't get me wrong. Heck, I like 'em all. Whom am I trying to kid?