Is there anything better than the BM Griptilian in its price range?

K

kindred_spirits

Joined
Jul 16, 2006
Messages
916
Hi guys, new poster here. I recently acquired a Benchmade NRA Pardue (Made In Taiwan, rolling lock, 440C) and I'm not really liking it at all. The knife overall feels flimsy, opening and closing is pretty rough (I've oiled it already too) and the zytel handle feels cheap. It feels like half the knife of my BM Ambush, which is a much better knife for the price, IMO.

Anyway, I've decided to go USA made from now on, so I'm returning it. I've read a lot of praise on the Benchmade Griptilian on these forums. I'm looking at the 553 model (I have an affinity for Tanto blades). In its price range, are there anything better? It would be my EDC. I prefer one hand opening, non-assisted (illegal in PA), and blade size under 3.5 inches. Aluminum handles would be a plus, as well as an Axis-type lock. Thanks in advance.
 
If you want a quality axis knife I think the Griptillian meets all your needs except the aluminum handle. Kershaw has some really good stuff but most are assisted-opening and frame or liner-locks. Spyderco makes great knives but they are lockbacks. In terms of good online stores, visit the exchange for dealers that support this forum (also 1sks.com which is operated by the forum).

One thing I'd suggest before buying is that you find a local knife shop with the largest selection and handle some knives that you're interested in first, to see if you like them in person as opposed to how they look in a picture. Also at a knife shop the prices are more expensive but you can ask to hand-pick among their supply of the model you like best so you can assure yourself of receiving a top-condition product.
 
Thanks for the responses guys.

I'm actually liking the NRA Pardue the more I use it, I'm getting used to the lighter feeling of zytel, since my only knife for a while was a BM Ambush with an aluminum handle. The 440C reverse tanto blade came pretty sharp, but not as sharp as the AUS 8 on the Ambush. It seems to be getting smoother, and I'll have to find the right size torx wrench to loosen it a bit.

But.... I'm still set on getting the Griptilian, unless somebody can tell me otherwise.
 
Spyderco D'Allara DP, a little cheaper, very similar function (the ball lock is actually smoother than the axis lock in my experience), but more comfort in my hands. I also prefer VG-10 to 154 CM, though most probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference in use.

Mike
 
Hmm.. the D'Allara looks very cool. I've never used a knife with a hole before, I should try them out. The ball lock looks very similar to the Axis.
 
I had a D'Allara plain edge and it was a great knife except of the ball lock. I found it to be too slippery and not easy to unlock. The post on the BM Axis lock is a lot easier to work than a slippery ball bearing.
 
there are a lot of quality knives in the $40-$50 range.
The Grip is good so are the Delica and Enduras.
Also check out the AG Russell one hand knives.
They have them in AUS-8 and ATS-34 which is equiv. to the Grips's 154CM.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top