Kershaw Knockout vs Buck Vantage Force Pro vs Benchmade Mini Grip?

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Noswad0208

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Which is better for mid duty EDC? I love the size of my dad's Buck Vantage Force Avid, but don't like the aluminum scales. I know the Mini Grip is probably the toughest, but I already have a Kershaw Leek and I'm wanting something bigger. As for the Knockout, I like the profile of the blade and from the Leek I know that Kershaw makes quality stuff, just don't know if I want another assisted opener.
 
I dont know what your uses are, but if I had to pick from those three only.....Benchmade.
 
Not sure witch one is right for you but all three are in my EDC rotation and all three are good to go.
 
:thumbup:Get a full size grip. Slightly thicker but you will get used to it fast. What an amazing knife, tough, light, great steel options. One of my favorite hard use knives.
 
I know you mention not likening the alumenium handle but I like the Kershaw Camber . The scales got beat up in two weeks but mainly my fault . I had blurs and a knockout and that never has happened . I had a flashlight and other stuff in my pocket banging and scratching the handle . I deassited the Camber and it flips smoothly .

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From left to right:
Kershaw Leek
Kershaw Knockout
Benchmade 551
Buck Vantage Select Force

All four are great knives. The Knockout has aluminum scales. The select force has nylon scales. The large grip is in the same size class, at least for me. If money isn't an object I'd recommend the BM. If it is, I'd recommend the Buck.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1417225987.650111.jpg
 
I'm assuming you posted those three because you've eliminated other brands. Of the 3 I would recommend the Benchmade mini grip. If you're open to other suggestions I would look into Spyderco Delica or Endura--easy competition for those you listed.
 
The mini grip is too small for me, the full size grip does indeed have a thick handle.
I also dislike aluminum handle folders for the most part. Of those you listed I would either go with a full size grip, or the buck.
Of those that aren't listed, Ontario rat 1 or 2, or a spyderco delica 4 would be my first choices. They fit my hand better and are really top notch in quality and performance. No nonsense knives that don't mind getting dirty.
 
BM Grip has the cheapest feeling handle. I'd pick a Buck Vantage Pro (S30V), or a Spyderco Stretch.
 
I went back and forth between spyderco delica and mini grip and eventually chose delica 4 in zdp for a new edc. cant give enough praise. I will admit I'm pretty new to the craze and don't own a BM knife yet so I'm pretty biased towards spyderco. Honestly I just can't picture any knife being better for EDC than my Delica4. Happy hunting!
edit: I like this knife for the slimness of the handle, sturdiness of the blade and the durability/grip of the ramped knurling on the handle. Oh ya the spydiehole is great for opening the blade in any situation and the jimping on the back side of the blade fits snugly in the thumb. Great knife!
 
My Buck Vantage Force Pro has pushed all my other knives to the side and has been my EDC for the last several months. It has really grown on me and has been a top performer.
 
I've contemplated getting a Vantage Pro myself but something keeps me from pulling the trigger. I did read somewhere they are prone to "issues" like very late lock up and bad centering. I do own the Knockout but dont like it. the handle is too short and slim to fit my hand comfortably. I prefer the Blur and Piston
 
For what it's worth:

Knockout--thin aluminum handle, decent steel. It's assisted opening--I'm not a fan. I plan on giving mine to a friend.

Mini Griptilian--contoured handle, range of blade choices, well made. The grip is too short for comfort in my hand. Prefer the Mini Presidio and full sized Griptilian. I gave my Mini Grip to my step son.

Buck Vantage Pro--not familiar with the "Force" model but the original Vantage Pro had excellent ergonomics with G10 handle, excellent S30V blade with legendary Bos heat treatment and it sold for a relatively low price. I carried and used mine daily for 3-4 years, still have it and I still use it occasionally although I prefer any of several Spyderco models.

My choice of the three would be the Buck.
 
Bought my brother a vantage pro as a deployment gift, he loves it and is still his edc stateside. I have the vantage with ironwood scales and sandvick steel, flipping action is ok, it has some square edges but is a great price.

That said you may want to consider a spyderco delica as others have stated.

I don't own one but have been wanting a kershaw knockout for some time, especially now that they offer green anodized handles, just not with a satin or stonewashed blade?!? That's been keeping me from one. It does have a very high end like sub frame lock.
 
I paid $40.72 around this time last year from a big online retailer (hint) for a Knockout and have carried it ever since. For that price for a US made knife of it's quality it is pretty much untouchable. The only thing that kicked it out of my pocket a couple of days ago is a ZT 0566BW.
Not a fan of BM at all.
 
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