Mini Benchmade Griptilian - Ritter or Cabelas?

D

Davyd

Joined
Aug 24, 2007
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Looking at getting a Mini Griptilian as a good pocket knife for general purpose around the house, weekends away from the house, hunting (not really skinning). Really a nice stong sharp edge

They all seem good and was initally tempted by the sheeps foot blade design but concerned it may not be quite pointy enough. So may indulge and looking to choose between the Cabelas and Ritter versions

Cabelas: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...rid=&parentType=&indexId=cat602943&hasJS=true

D2, Cheaper, but more tactical - black blade and darker handles. Not a good look around other people

And the ritter

http://www.aeromedix.com/product-ex...uct_id/1083/nm/Doug_Ritter_MINI_RSK_Mk1_Knife

CS30V, does it have a reinforced handle?, more expensive and non black balde and may even be tempted by yellow handle to minimise non knife liker concerns

Appreciate any views - and information particularly if the handle on the Ritter is stronger (more metal reinforcing?)
 
All Grips share the same basic construction, only the blades differ. Metal liners are full length in the mini, 3/4 length in the full size Grip (same liners for both maybe?). Far as the knives are concerned, its a win-win, neither is a bad choice. Both are flat ground, though the Ritter is ground a bit higher on the blade, would make a better slicer. The minis don't hit me as being the type of knife that would attract much attention, pick the one you like best!
 
Grips are excellent no matter which flavor you choose. The only word of advice I can offer though is try to hold the mini and the full-size if you can. I found the mini's handle a little too short (and I've got smaller hands). However the full-size Ritter Grip fits my hand perfectly. Anyway, whatever you choose, they are quality knives.
 
I have both and I prefer the ritter for a couple reasons...

1. It gives you more blade
2. I prefer the stonewash over the black coating which scratches and can come off.
3. You cant tilt the miniritter downwards and push down the axis and it will close by itself.
4. The d2 is only hardened to around 59 ( I have heard complaints that they should have went harder).

But then again it is a little cheaper than the ritter.

Either one will be a excellent knife!
 
From a performance standpoint, what is more important to you? The Cabelas version has a better point and will hold an edge a little longer. The Ritter version has better geometry for more efficient slicing, and the S30V is no slouch in the edgeholding department.

I have both a Cabelas mini and a Ritter mini. Personally, I carry the Ritter more.
 
I also carry my mini-RSK more than my Cabelas mini. The blade profile makes it as good a slicer as my FG Spydies and S30V is my fav steel for a small folder. I use it for warehouse work and general EDC carry.
 
You will not go wrong with any of the Grips. I have one of the older 555 with the oval hole and Sheepfoot blade, Great knife. In fact of all the Benchmades I have had over the years it is the only one I have not sold off. Is the Ritter or the Cabelas model better than the standard Grip, that is a matter of personal like and dislike. You can save a few bucks by just getting the standard Grip in 154Cm and for day to day use you will not know the difference. You can get the standard version in colors, yellow, OD green, pink and blue. Only difference between the Grips and some of the other BMs comes down to what I call window dressing.

One word about the blade grinds, they are not a full flat grind blade.
 
Thanks All

Good and remarakbly consistent information, that reinforced my feelings. It is particularly good to get as I am not sure they are even in stock anywhere in this city to be able to have a real look

I just ordered the Mini ritter in black. - If I want a politcially correct version I may go back for a yellow ritter or a blue in standard later. While the differences between all of them may be relatively small in the bigger sceme of things- It sounds like a better fits to my needs and by the time shipping to OZ is included the price differential is smaller.

Thanks
 
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I might recomend looking at the 154 cm version. I have a full size ritter and a full size 551 154cm grip. I like the 154cm better because it has a better point and is MUCH easeir to sharpen. I also had some chipping issues with the s30v in the ritter and reprofiling the bevel to get them out was a huge pain. I find that the 154 is a great value and no slouch in retaining a good edge. This plus the huge difference in ease of sharpening is what keeps the regular grip in my pocket and the ritter in the tool box.
 
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Congrats on the great purchase. I look forward to hearing from you when it arrives.
 
I have the mini and full size. I love them both and they are my favorite folders. I carry the full sized more often, it's not that much bigger and they are so light you can hardly tell it there.

I like the partial serations. Great for cutting nylon webbing. If the knive gets dull, they will sharpen for free with a $5 shipping charge. Haven't had to do it yet.

I did break a clip when I slid down out of my lifted pickup truck and the clip hung up on the seatbelt- almost hurt myself. They sent a replacement for free.
 
As my thumb heals I am now sporting my second set of bandaids/plasters on another finger from the ritter mini - damm its Scary sharp. And when you slip the blood comes fast and copiously - pressure on the on the wound till it stops bleeding

Ordered the full size Ritter yesterday and recieved notice it was shipped today

I was tempted by the stronger point of the standard - but the washed blade persuaded me in the end. Aeromedic also tightens the blade hinge screw to lock it - good for here in OZ...while it is a legal knife it is best to avoid confusion and customs seems to be opening all packages with knives.

I'd better get a new pack of bandaids - the yellow Wags the Dog band aid may undermine my professional credibility - though they seem to work better for my children

The Spyderco delicia arrived a few sdays ago - a good knife, solid, again hair popping sharp and the design keeps the hand well off the blade when it is open.... but does not do it for me nearly as well. Finish seems rougher (Spydie hole seems to have a burr on the edge, blade geometry - I like the4 belly in the grips for general purpose slicing and potetial skinning, opening far from as smooth and slick (tried adjusting the screw tension but made no difference), and ratio of working blade to handle and other is not as good, And a little harder to close. Also a more agressive look which I wish to avoid. I am trying to like Spydies' as well ( I will have 4 when the Endura arrives) but don't think I am succeeding. The Grips are going to be the go to knives
 
I have the full sized Ritter Grip and I *love* it. However, i went with the Cabela mini grip because it has more of a point. I like my smaller knives to be pointy.

But I am sure the Ritter mini is excellent, and i know the big Ritter is awesome.
 
Mini Rit Grip, great choice - have one in my pocket as I type. Prefer the mini grip to the full size, its a perfect EDC size.
For a Spydi, have a look at the Caly3, its another mid size folder that gets a lot of my pocket time.
 
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