In praise of the mini griptilian

S

saywhat?

Joined
Dec 5, 2006
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I've been somewhat of a Spyderco nut as of late, but I just got a 555HG mini grip and am loving it. The axis lock is smooth as butter, it is incredibly fast to open and close without switching grips on the handle, the 154 cm blade was razor sharp out of the box and the thumb hole tops it all off.

After carrying and Endura 4 for quite a while and recently the Tenacious, the mini grip at first seemed too small. Now I'm starting to think it is about the perfect size for true casual EDC.

Everything I've read is true about how ambidextrous this knife really is. You can open and close this with just a flick of the wrist. No more nicked thumbs (I hope) messing with liner locks. I plan on getting a full size grip as well. My Spydercos have been in the drawer for a while now.

If only they started making the grip models with G10 scales......................
 
Well, what color did you get? I got a yeller one in December. A drop point 154cm 556. It's is gradually getting more and more time than my Native and or leek or anything else.

I mean it's small enough not to get in the way, but big enough to do any job I can come up with. Therefore, the pocket time and growing on me as the perfect EDC. The handle size is small enough for it to disappear, big enough for my medium sized hands and the blade runs the whole length, so it's a large blade on such a small handle. In other words, the handle size to blade length ratio is awesome.

The Axis is Rock solid, like holding a fixed blade, but really just a folder. I still worry about the Omega Springs breaking though.
 
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I have the plain black one. I'll be getting a pink one for my daughter and a blue for my son this Christmas! They are too young yet to be trusted carrying them of course, but I still cherish the old .22 my dad bought just for me when I was too little to remember. The kids like to look at my knives and even notice the clips hanging out of other people's pockets. Hoepfully they will appreciate how old their knives are when they get handed down.
 
I've got a Mini-grip partially serrated. It's been the BEST small pocket knife I've ever owned to date..... Hands down.

My next purchase will be the same knife but PE.
 
4 and counting! :D

Mini-Griptilian-Group-1.jpg
 
Don't forget the D2 versions from Cabelas. They come in black and and olive drab, mini and regular sized versions. I agree, this is a great knife from Benchmade.
 
myright said:
How do you think the thumb hole compares to the thumb stud on this knife?
Click to expand...

On mini's, IMHO the thumbstud wins, but I haven't tried the new round hole on a mini yet. On full size Grip's, the new round hole has jumped to the top of the pile for me, so I am looking forward to trying a mini with it.
 
I have a ritter mini-grip in M2. i've tried to carry it but I just can't get used to it. I always carry a locking folder in my back pocket and the mini-grip handle feels too bulky to me. I'm used to a small sebenza or a Mayo 172 TNT. This is clearly a great knife, I love the axis lock, but I'm afraid this one is going to the chopping block.
 
I just got my first grip today as well, mine is the full sized (the 550) with OD green handles and a black combo edge. I am going to give this knife some pocket time. I am going to give my endura 4 a much deserved rest. This knife really fills the hand especially after carrying the spyderco for a while. I am looking forward to putting this knife through the paces.
 
morrowj_98 said:
I have a ritter mini-grip in M2. i've tried to carry it but I just can't get used to it. I always carry a locking folder in my back pocket and the mini-grip handle feels too bulky to me. I'm used to a small sebenza or a Mayo 172 TNT. This is clearly a great knife, I love the axis lock, but I'm afraid this one is going to the chopping block.
Click to expand...

I'll be happy to take it off your hands. I could always use a spare. :)
 
When I first used my 556, it felt a bit short for my large hands. But now that I am used to it, it seems just right. Small enough to be an easy carry inside the pocket in any kind of clothing. Big enough that I can put all my strength behind it comfortably when necessary. Cheap enough to replace if lost without much pain. The ideal EDC.

The main thing I didn't like about it were the sharp edges along the slot in the handle. That was easily solved with fine sandpaper and now it is perfect.
 
I think that Grips are like Buck 110's, you just aren't complete until you own one. I love my 551.
 
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