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Kershaw Leek vs. Benchmade Mini Griptillian

D

Daryl Coda

Joined
Feb 18, 2015
Messages
5
I want a folder (3" blade max.) that's small enough for EDC yet rugged enough for some light outdoor work while hiking and camping. I have narrowed it down firmly to Kershaw Leek vs. Benchmade Mini Griptillian and would sincerely appreciate input from anyone with experience with either. I know it's not a huge purchase, but I'm the type of guy that likes to settle on a product before laying out the cash. Thank you.

Daryl Coda
 
get a mini grip... i loved the leek but it is far too delicate for outdoor use. the leek is a slicer- thats it.

out of curiosity- if this is exclusively outdoor use- why not an EESE Izula which you can carry in your pocket, around your neck, and beat the heck out of it without worry of moving parts?
 
I would go with the benchmade especially if you have outdoor use in mind. The leeks a great knife but the griptillian will give you a better grip, a stronger tip and a more robust lock.
 
The D2 Mini Grip would be a great choice, the D2 steel will hold up very well to rough outdoor use.
 
Neither. I've owned both, disliked both. If I had to choose for outdoor use, the mini-grip. I'd look at getting the Doug Ritter version in M390.

I love ~3" blades. I own: Brous Bionic, TSF Beast, Spyderco Manix 2, ZT0770.
 
I like the Leek (and have a bunch of them), but as mentioned above, it's not an outdoor kind of knife. While not really elegant, I would compare it more to a light duty gentleman's folder.

Now I don't have the mini grip, but since that's the other option, I'd go for that one. I just never really took to the plastic-y look of the handles. But the build quality and axis lock are amazing.

I should mention that I do have an HK (Benchmade) Axis with G10 handles and D2 blade. And I think it's amazing and would make for a great everyday/outdoor folder. And I just heard somewhere on this forum that they are coming out with a mini version that would put it right as a dead comparison to the mini grip, but with much better looking scales. ....Just looked, and they are available at some of the bigger online retailers.

So that would be my new vote.... Mini HK Axis. Same manufacturer and size as the Mini Grip, but much better looking. :)
 
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I too like the Leek. My wife has one and I have one (somewhere). Both had damage to the tip done with pretty light use. Its not a knife I would count on for outdoor use at all. Its a self defense knife that can open letters and boxes in the office in my opinion.

I don't have the Mini Grip but I do have a standard Grip and am quite fond of it. I carry it often and its sharp and stays that way for a long time with a little stropping. The mini is a handy size, but too small for my hand size and personal preference.

I would tote nothing but a Victorinox in the woods before I went out with a Leek. Its definitely a city knife.
 
Leek is a gent's knife. Nothing wrong with it, I like it a lot (eldest boy is tuning the edge on the Sharpmaker as I type.) But it's not what I'm taking into the outdoors. If you are firm on your choices, then go with the Benchmade.

BFlying sure makes a good argument for that HK Mini Axis though. Damn his hide.
 
Never handled the leek, but the mini grip is so nice. I think you'll be very satisfied. Consider the Delica as well.
 
Between those two, the mini grip for sure. Tough, grippy little knife and the axis lock is loads of fun. Like others have said though, if this is for outdoors, you may be better off with a fixed blade. I know the mora is a cheap sturdy knife that many like and there are loads of others. If you are set on one of those folders I would think about going with a full size grip instead of the mini.
 
Grip is a ton of knife in a small package with high quality steel. Get a yellow Ritter Mini and be cool like me. :-)
 
I think you could get a Delica and a Mora for roughly the same price as a Mini-Grip. :D

The Leek is a really cool knife, and I would like to have one someday. I've handled them many times. I own a Mini Grip and a Delica - I like the Delica more, but the Grip is likely a little tougher.
 
Another vote for the Mini Grip. I don't think you can really go wrong with any of their blade options - M390, 154CM, or D2 (Cabelas).
 
Agree with most here, I would only use the Leek for light duty use.

If you do go with a Leek, find a Tanto Leek.
 
Having both knives, I agree with the majority of posters. Go with the grip...preferably the Ritter m390 if you can swing it.
 
I own several versions of both and would go for the Mini Grip for any outdoor or harder use. However, if you like the Leek and want one that will handle heavy use much better than the standard version get the S30V Random Leek. Only place I can find them for sale new right now is Cabelas. Same price range as the Mini Grip as well.
 
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