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Kershaw Leek vs. Benchmade Mini Griptillian

For more rugged use, I'd lean toward the Mini-Grip... Ritter version, as others have mentioned... And then get some custom scales for it. ;) My CB Leek has probably been my most carried knife over the last few years. It is a very capable (and surprisingly tough) general urban EDC knife, but the Mini-Grip has a thicker and wider blade and handle and would be better suited for harder use.
 
What kind of "work" do you plan on doing outside with your knife? Realistically the Leek should stand up to 90% of the stuff your going to do with it, provided were talking about CUTTING versus some of that other wilderness stuff. I have taken the Leek out hiking and it was fine. Are you going to kill a grizzly, break concrete, or split logs with it? No.

The mini-grip isn't a bad knife, but it's one of the Benchmade models that seems WAY overpriced with MAP. Some of the mini grip models are pushing the $100+ mark for plastic and a blade. If you are going to shell out that kind of cash either get a "real" Benchmade like the 710 or Stryker series, or buy one of the Spyderco Manix'es (what is the plural of Manix?).
 
Like others have said it really depends.. The leek is an awesome knife for light use while the grip can handle more.:thumbup:
 
mini grip all the way, the tip is stronger, the lock is more robust. the leek isn't a bad knife, it just doesn't hold up as well to outdoor use. i have a mini grip and its in my top 5. and if you order it through bm's custom knife service, you can get s30v! bm for the win! lol
 
The quality of both knives is pretty good, the leeks can be found at lower prices, if that matters.

The Leek has a much thinner and finer blade, it will do MUCH better at slicing apples, for instance.

The Grip has a thicker, more stout blade, so if you will need that then the Benchmade is a better choice.

I do really like the axis lock mechanism, when you get good with it you can flick the knife open and closed very easily - which is handy.

Good choices, either one.

best

mqqn
 
Get both. The Leek and the Mini-Grip are both classic knives for a reason. Which one should you get first? The Mini-Grip. Why? Because it's more expensive. It will be easier to save up for the Leek later than the other way around.
 
Post #15.
There it is.

On the thread topic, I'd go with the grip. Stronger knife. On the flip side, I've taken just a sak camping with me. Opened packages, cut tape (first aid, idiot picked up a log from the fire with his bare hands and got confused when he got burned), and made fuzz sticks.
 
When I trail hike and am cleaning up the trail while I hike to kill time, I usually have a Spyderco with me in combo edge. It handles the fibrous material on a hike better. I would go mg if I had to choose the leek isn't an appropriate hiking knife.
 
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Leek is light duty. Thin blade -- not the best handle for any serious work. However, it is a great little knife to have around. Just not a good hiking or trail knife IMO.

I don't have a mini grip, but I've held one. It would do very well in a medium duty application.
 
This is an interesting thread for me, I just bought a Leek and a full size Griptillian. I love the Griptillian and it's a keeper but too big for EDC so I'm getting a mini (probably tonight after I crack into the bourbon).

I bought the Leek on a whim and I hated it the instant I got it, it's well made and nice and slim, but opening the knife is just awkward. It's just too small and the thumb studs are useless to open the thing, the little finger flip on the back works OK as long as you have the knife arranged in your hand so the pin thin tip doesn't prick your palm. There is also zero grip on the knife, it's bone smooth. And lastly the steel is about useless for anything but slicing apples, it's basically a paring knife. If you're a collector the design is cool and it looks really good, but it's not a practical knife if you want to use it.

I love everything about the Griptillian, even the grip on the full size I like, the lack of liners keeps it light and it's really well balanced, the Axis mechanism is the best I've seen on a knife. In my opinion the mini-grip by a mile.
 
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cuchulain77 said:
This is an interesting thread for me, I just bought a Leek and a full size Griptillian. I love the Griptillian and it's a keeper but too big for EDC so I'm getting a mini (probably tonight after I crack into the bourbon).

I bought the Leek on a whim and I hated it the instant I got it, it's well made and nice and slim, but opening the knife is just awkward. It's just too small and the thumb studs are useless to open the thing, the little finger flip on the back works OK as long as you have the knife arranged in your hand so the pin thin tip doesn't prick your palm. There is also zero grip on the knife, it's bone smooth. And lastly the steel is about useless for anything but slicing apples, it's basically a paring knife. If you're a collector the design is cool and it looks really good, but it's not a practical knife if you want to use it.

I love everything about the Griptillian, even the grip on the full size I like, the lack of liners keeps it light and it's really well balanced, the Axis mechanism is the best I've seen on a knife. In my opinion the mini-grip by a mile.
Click to expand...

I ordered the mini online and should be getting it before the 28th. I'll update you with some pix and opinions when I get it.
 
I have both. I don't really use the leek hard, it's mostly just clipped to my pocket for emergency use, because of the pointiness and quick deployment. I had to put grip tape on it for that.

I have the mini grip model with the hole. I love it. My other benchmade was the 705 which isnt' made anymore. I can't find mine so I replaced it with the mini grip. The blade shape is different, but I like it.

Still miss my 705 though.
 
Thanks to everyone for the great input. I will always come here before making any blade-related decisions. I know there are a lot of great knives out there, and the Mini Griptilian is definitely one of them. I'm very happy with it. Here's my review:

[video=youtube_share;adqcQQ_X62s]http://youtu.be/adqcQQ_X62s[/video]
 
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