The native was one of the first Spydercos I bought and I have used the crap out if it and haven't had any issues with blade play yet. Now I'm sure if you do some crazy prying with it, you could cause some play but I think for an edc knife it should last you along time. If you end up with some play I think Spydercos warranty would hook you up.
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Is there a better choice out there than the mini griptilian, give or take $10.
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The native was one of the first Spydercos I bought and I have used the crap out if it and haven't had any issues with blade play yet. Now I'm sure if you do some crazy prying with it, you could cause some play but I think for an edc knife it should last you along time. If you end up with some play I think Spydercos warranty would hook you up.
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Actually, y'all might think this is weird, but I always compare my mini grip to my spyderco dragonfly...and the dragonfly wins hands down. No comparison. The ergos of the dragonfly make it a joy to carry and use.
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With proper googlefu you can get one just over 100 shipped maybe a wait. I didnt have a wait last week for a black on black and if you go second hand I've seen the lnib in the $90 range. Worth the extra$
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Second hand for $90? You kidding me? Maybe 3-4 years ago, but not now. None of the major retailers have them in stock either. None on Amazon, Knifecenter, Knifeworks, Bladehq, GPknives, or any major reputable online sites I see. Ebay you're going to pay 150 new for one most of the time. If you look around at the right pages that discount benchmades you can find a mini grip for $70 + shipping.
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Delica like someone else said and the Mini Grip are basically iconic for their value and function. Get either.
Even if there was a different knife around that price range, if you haven't tried a Spyderco or a Benchmade you cannot go wrong with either Delica or Mini Grip. And don't try another Brand. There's a reasons why Benchmade mini grips and the Spyderco lines are so popular. They are basically best of breed knives for most people.
On Spydercos get a full flat ground blade, I prefer the liner lock ones though, the Spydercos are all kinda, sorta the same to me that is they have incredibly form and function. In getting one or the other you get to experience VG-10 and 154 arguably two of the best everyday use steels out there! I like them better than harder steels as they have a balanced approached to edge retention and maintenance. Who wants to sit around and have to learn how to sharpen a blade because of its material. With 154 and VG its foosh foosh on a tri stone and your done. Super sharp edge!
I've pried with my mini grip it cuts and slices great. That said the sharpest and best slicing knife that I own is an Opinel #9 the carbon blade is friggin ridiculous and sharpens up into basically a kitchen scalpel, I kid you not, its become my go to kitchen, garden and everything knife. The Spyderco FFG blades are the only folders whose blades kinda sorta have that same slicing ability more often than not. The mini grip is close but not there, however I have pried with the mini grip and the tip is really strong!!! Not sure if that last bit of info helps or not.
Even if there was a different knife around that price range, if you haven't tried a Spyderco or a Benchmade you cannot go wrong with either Delica or Mini Grip. And don't try another Brand. There's a reasons why Benchmade mini grips and the Spyderco lines are so popular. They are basically best of breed knives for most people.
On Spydercos get a full flat ground blade, I prefer the liner lock ones though, the Spydercos are all kinda, sorta the same to me that is they have incredibly form and function. In getting one or the other you get to experience VG-10 and 154 arguably two of the best everyday use steels out there! I like them better than harder steels as they have a balanced approached to edge retention and maintenance. Who wants to sit around and have to learn how to sharpen a blade because of its material. With 154 and VG its foosh foosh on a tri stone and your done. Super sharp edge!
I've pried with my mini grip it cuts and slices great. That said the sharpest and best slicing knife that I own is an Opinel #9 the carbon blade is friggin ridiculous and sharpens up into basically a kitchen scalpel, I kid you not, its become my go to kitchen, garden and everything knife. The Spyderco FFG blades are the only folders whose blades kinda sorta have that same slicing ability more often than not. The mini grip is close but not there, however I have pried with the mini grip and the tip is really strong!!! Not sure if that last bit of info helps or not.
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Brass punch + hammer = tightening pinned pivots just as easy as screwed together pivots.
Back to the delica4 vs. mini-grip- I had both on my list and when it came time to buy I went for the Delica first thinking I would pick up a mini-grip next, turns out I like the delica so much I bought a second and still haven't go the BM. I bought on the secondary market but got both BNIB and now I have 2 delica's for less than a single mini-grip would have cost. Eventually I'll get a BM555 but I don't at all feel like the delica isn't everything I need and more.
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If you're looking for something a bit heavier, more robust duty go with the manix 2. The mini grip is perfect for more edc type stuff, but if you have larger hands you'll find it's a bit too "cramped" as some say. The Manix 2 is very comfortable, probably more than the mini grip.
Personally, I like the mini grip more. It's lighter, less aggressive, and the lock is a bit easier to manipulate for using it quickly.
Personally, I like the mini grip more. It's lighter, less aggressive, and the lock is a bit easier to manipulate for using it quickly.
I own both, I think the Mini Grip looks nicer, but I find myself carrying the Delica more. It's a better slicer as well. The mini grip to me is more of a gentleman's knife. Where as the Delica is more of a working man's knife. They are both very capable, but the Delica is just more satisfying.
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Mini-Grip all day every day. Axis lock, multiple blade shape options, Axis lock, US made, and BM's excellent customer service + blade replacement program.
(And yes, I know I listed Axis lock twice. It's just that good
)
(And yes, I know I listed Axis lock twice. It's just that good
)dragonfly looks tiny though and may be hard to handle.
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It's called a "little big knife" for a reason. The ergos of the dragonfly are truly masterful! You can't judge this one just on its dimensions. It cuts and handles like a much larger knife. Like I said, I own the dfly and the mini grip and I find the dragonfly to be the better, more functional tool. Ymmv.
Actually, I just went and grabbed both knives to compare them side by side. After doing so, I definitely stand by my opinion! The dragonfly went back in my pocket and the mini grip went back in the drawer.
. Having said all that, the delica is a great knife too! I just love the dragonfly! Whatever you go with for now, do yourself a favor and try out a dfly at some point.
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You can't go wrong with a benchie just to get to play with an axis lock. It really is that wonderful. Nothing open as smoothly as a broken in axis lock. That said the ergos on spydercos are off the hook. There's a reason why such an ugly knife sells so well! I like em both. Why don't you get a pm2 or other spydie if you are not sold on the benchie. Can't go wrong with most models. They all cut well.
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...honestly I'm torn between the two. Ive been a delica fan for a long time, but I recently fell in love again with the mini grip. My advice is to try to handle both before you buy, one may just work better for you. If you don't love whichever one you choose, you can always sell it on the exchange for only a minor loss.
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The Mini Grip is a good knife, but the handle scales turn me off. The hollow feel and sound of the handle coupled with it being, IMO, overly thick turns me off. I still carry it once in a blue moon, but not nearly as much as if it had some decent G10 on it.
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Yes, that's the best plan if you can manage it. Everyone's hand and grip is different. You just can't tell from pictures and other people's opinions. Sure, it helps, but if you get to handle them first that's the best. Good luck.
You can not go wrong with either, I have carried a full size Grip 551 plain edge for over 3 years now and love it. I bought my kids and their spouses FFG Delica's for Christmas 2 years ago, and they love them. Has stated in other replies its best to try both of them to see which fits you best, and which locking system you prefer.
I have issues with the mini-griptillian. I really like the regular size one. The smaller size just doesn't fit my hand properly. If you can try out a full size one, it's worth a shot. I MUCH prefer the HG (hollow ground) modified sheeps foot Griptillians to the drop point ones. The HG edge and hole opener coupled with whatever Benchmade does to the 154CM steel make it my preference. The Axis lock is my favorite lock as well. I have not tried a flat ground Delica, but generally speaking, my USA made Benchmade knives (Ares, 710, Grip, 42 Bali, TSEK, AFCK Axis, Pardue 530) have cut better than my Delicas (3 different ones, over about 10 years). The Delica does set a standard though. It's usefulness, ease of carry, and cutting ability have made it an iconic design for decades.