I would like to upgrade my Griptillian 550

O

onlyaire

Joined
Apr 7, 2007
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to either a HK 14205, or the Ritter RSK Grip. The HK has full liners and G10 scales, and I believe thicker blade steel. The Ritter grip has a better steel?
S30V, compared to the 154cm that the HK has, and is also a bit lighter. Also I'd like to know if I'm getting more knive for my money, than my current grip 550 440C is giving me. My only real beef with my current grip is the blade shape..I don't really care for the sheepsfoot blade shape and prefer the drop point with thumbstuds.

Anyways I'd like to hear some overall opinions of both knives, pro's and cons, as I'd like to order one these knives during the upcoming week.

TIA
Dave
 
I just received a 14205, but was a little disappointed and I am not keeping it.

It materials are great, but there's something about the ergonomics that just doesn't work for me.
The peak on the underside of the handle that sits between forefinger and middle finger gets in the way when I am thumbing the knife open.
The Ritter also has much cleaner lines when it is closed.

I have decided that the Ritter Grips are perfect knives for me. I have knives in S30V and M2, in both sizes.
A Mini is great for EDC off-duty and a full sized gets carried in a belt pouch when I'm working (firefighter) or out in the woods/camping.
Many people deride the Griptilians' "plasticky" handles, but they are light, grippy and very strong.

My advice: Go Ritter.
 
The exposed square tang of the 14205 is another bit of poor design when closed. The knife spends most of it's time closed in your pocket and it should be completely innocuos. The 14205 isn't that knife.

Get a Ritter. Superior design all the way around.

Phil
 
I just got the Ritter. Don't tarry. They are running low and he said he only had a couple left.

Then they have to manufacture more of em.

Edited to add that I think you would like the RSK Mk1. The blade shape is very close to Charles May's fixed utility hunters. But it FOLDS!
 
The Ritter MSk1 is only different from the BM Grip in these ways:
- slightly deeper belly on the blade
- stonewashed blade
- slightly different scale material (I should know this for sure, but I don;t because I'm dumb)
- S30V steel which, although I like it alot, isn't perceptibly different than 154CM. I own blades in both steels and, unless you're a metallurgist or a semi-professional knife steel tester, you will not notice the difference. If someone does the notice the difference, it will be illusory, in my opinion.

I like BM's Griptilian and so does Doug Ritter..... hence, the Ritter Grip. That said, I plan on getting both a BM550 and an MSk1 in the future, not because one is better than the other, but because I like doing that.

My vote? Keep the BM550. Get the Ritter Grip.
 
and just ordered a full size Ritter Grip. I also have the Mini Ritter Grip coming from a trade, hopefully this week.
I do currently have the 550 up for trade, for the time being, but if I continue not to have any bites I'll just hold onto it, I do like the Olive Drab scales.

Thanks for the Advice
Dave
 
"My only real beef with my current grip is the blade shape..I don't really care for the sheepsfoot blade shape and prefer the drop point with thumbstuds."

Why not just get a regular 154cm 551 Griptilian??? It will save you a ton of money vs the Ritter.

Sorry--for that kind of cash---I'd be buying a higher end Benchmade--like a 520---525----or 710.


Don't get me wrong---I like the Griptilian at its price point----but when approaching $100 the cheap plastic handle has gotta go----I see no real value in the Ritters other than its not your run-of-mill Griptilian-----at that price point --it doesn't offer much.
 
I too like my Grip except for the blade shape and oval hole.

Somebody pointed out to me that Benchmade will replace the blade for $25. Whether or not I get a new knife I am going to upgrade my current model.
 
are the Grip, Mini Ruckus, and the 14205. After these latest opinions of the 14205, I figured I'll spend my money on a well respected, and proven knife, the Ritter Grip. The Mini Ruckus, while it does still appeal to me, I'm not sure if I'll like the longish handle for an EDC:confused:. So I'm going to hold off on buying that knife until I can hold one first hand. The Ritter Griptillian has the blade length, shape, thumbstuds, and a slightly better grade of steel, to make it a perfect work EDC IMHO. My other BM is a Mini-dejavoo, which I love:thumbup:. The rest of the BM's don't appeal to me right now because of either size or construction. Anyways I'm pretty happy with my decision and look forward to my new addition. Heck if I can sell my current grip for 50.00 the that will help ease the pain in my wallet:)
 
I have 4 Ritters, 2 stonewashed and 2 black blades in both sizes. They are all great knives. I've never been disappointed in the full size RSKs or Grips with partial liners (I wish they were full, too) and FRN scales (I'd rather have G10), but the knives are so well-balanced as a complete package that these two points have never really bothered me or affected the performance of the knife.

I also have 4 other Grips and minis in 154CM and D2. My favorites among the Grips are the Ritters. I have as much confidence in them as I have in my Para-Millie and mini-Manix.
 
I have a 550 and would recommend to get a 551 either in 440C or 154CM if you really don´t like the blade.

I love the blade:D
 
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