It has been done

S

Shawn7656

Joined
Feb 15, 2012
Messages
370
I stopped looking at the Benchmade Griptilian as an impulse buy, and more of a necessity. My EDC has been a Leatherman Wingman for the last week or so and while I love it, it's too heavy, and too unneeded. I barely use the extra tools, and the knife blade just doesn't feel like I should use it for anything too heavy duty - not to mention it doesn't stay sharp very long.

So, I have gotten the full size Grip, with black handles and the satin-finish plain blade. Once received, along with my light that's on its way, my EDC lineup will be the Grip, the Leatherman Style CS, and a Fenix LD01. This combo being in my pocket will make me feel confident in my abilities to tackle most everything I need to. I'm glad I finally made the move!


Does anyone have any good tips with the Grip other than custom scales (which I probably won't be doing)?
 
Shawn7656 said:
Does anyone have any good tips with the Grip other than custom scales (which I probably won't be doing)?
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I can only speak for the Mini Grip because I don't own a full size Grip. You might consider sanding down the handle were the pocket clip comes in contact with it. If it's anything like the Mini Grip those pointy little bumps, while great for gripping, will tear up your pockets pretty quick.
 
marcinek said:
Keep it sharp?
Click to expand...

Lol of course. I meant little tips like what RailSplitter said (thanks, btw, I may try it if need be) - sanding down the scales by the clip so it doesn't eat pants.
Some knives people like to do little customizations to, so I figured I'd see if anything was popular
 
The only thing I did with my Grips was to reset the edge bevel on the blade so that it was easy to touch up with my Sharpmaker, and change the standard clip to an arrow clip like the Rifts and the old H&Ks had. Other than that... just use it.
 
dalefuller said:
The only thing I did with my Grips was to reset the edge bevel on the blade so that it was easy to touch up with my Sharpmaker, and change the standard clip to an arrow clip like the Rifts and the old H&Ks had. Other than that... just use it.
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I'll probably be changing the bevel angle as well, something lower and a bit sharper :)

I like the Loctite idea as well

My question, as I've never used a knife with an Axis lock before, is can you pull it down on one side to release it, or does it have to be both? I've got a knife with a knock-off axis lock (brand is Dakota) and it needs to be both - not to mention using it is sort of tricky. I know Benchmade has patents on the lock though, so I have no doubt it will be much easier to use when it's legit.
 
I've been carrying a mini-grip for about 4 years and it has worked out well. You can pull the axis lock knob on either side of the knife and it will unlock it. I have been carrying linerlock knives for about 15 years and can operate them easily enough but the axis lock is even easier to operate. The main difference is that with the liner lock you have to coordinate getting your thumb out of the way before completely closing the blade but with the axis lock you can keep your fingers out of the way the entire time so you don't have to concentrate quite as much.
 
Shawn7656 said:
I'll probably be changing the bevel angle as well, something lower and a bit sharper :)

I like the Loctite idea as well

My question, as I've never used a knife with an Axis lock before, is can you pull it down on one side to release it, or does it have to be both? I've got a knife with a knock-off axis lock (brand is Dakota) and it needs to be both - not to mention using it is sort of tricky. I know Benchmade has patents on the lock though, so I have no doubt it will be much easier to use when it's legit.
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One side works just fine.
 
Thanks guys. As a lefty I find it very hard to find a knife that pockets, opens, locks, and unlocks easily with my left hand. I'm thinking the Grip will change this.

One reason the Wingman cannot be my EDC is because it's extremely difficult to open the blade left handed (and I'd say I've adapted quite well). I have to use my middle finger to get it halfway up, then my thumb to get it the rest of the way... Though because of the design my thumb easily slips onto the serrations, which could be very dangerous if I'm in a hurry.
 
Did You Get The 551 Or 550?
I Really Like The 550 Because Of The Spyderco-Type Hole. Makes It More Simple, But I Also Really Love The Sheepsfoot Blade Shape.
I Would Change The Bevel And Sharpen It To 20Deg. On Each Side. The Thing Will Be So Scary Sharp That It Will Cut You If You Even Look At It Lol.
Also, I've Owned A Few Grips And Never Had An Issue With The Handles Where The Pocket Clip Sits.

If You Did Want Custom Scales.. There Are A Few Guys Around Here That Make Their Own As Little Projects.. I Bet If You Got The Material(Which Is Pretty Cheap) You Could Ask One Of Them And They Wouldn't Charge You Much.

Other Than What I've Mentioned, Have Fun With It And Use The Hell Out Of It.
 
On the Loctite thing...
I dont have Loctite, so I used Teflon tape.
Worked awesomely.
Just thought you would like to hear that.
Cheaper, and you dont have to wait for anything to dry. :D
 
BladeChick777 said:
Did You Get The 551 Or 550?
Click to expand...
551, as I've never used a knife with a hole and I didn't want to be disappointed. I have also never used a sheepsfoot blade. I figured I'd stick with the tried-and-true and opt for the thumbstud with a drop point blade.
 
There are all kind of fun things you can do with axis lock, especially when they've got a relatively heavy blade like the Grip does. For example, if you hold the knife in your palm with the lock fully depressed, you can open the blade with a just a small rotation of your forearm. With a little practice, it's pretty much indistinguishable from an auto to most people (though some discretion is definitely advised.)
 
So I've heard. I look forward to being able to deploy a knife left-handed and effectively at the same time! :D

Just to make sure - does the pocket clip take a t6? I bought a lil screwdriver that has a t8, a t6, and a t5 bit so I think I have my bases covered, but I just want to make sure (I also have bits 10, 15, 20, 25, 27, and 30 from another set)
 
It was considered, but for $50+ more I just can't see it, at least not right now. I've got a lot to save up for and my job will be ending around 20 days from now (I work at a store that's closing)
 
Instead of sanding, pop a piece of gorilla tape over the handle and under the clip.
 
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