Mini Grip or Extrema Ratio BF1

N

NUN

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Sep 25, 2014
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I'm looking for a folder that's more substantial than my SOG Twitch II, but LA laws require a sub 3" blade for carrying in a pocket with a clip (exposed carry). I think I can carry a larger one, but it must be entirely concealed. I still like flippers, but I'm over the assisted openers. It looked like the obvious choice was a BM Mini Grip. Despite not being a huge fan of the handle, they come highly recommended and some of the color options are cool. Then I came across Extrema Ratio, and while tactical stuff is definitely not my thing, the BF1 is just so simple and boss that I'm really considering it. Plus, everyone's got a Mini Grip and very few have a BF1. Each one has features that I prefer to the other one (lock type, price, country where produced...) but I don't know enough to compare the steels (154CM or D2 versus N690) and I'm sure I'm overlooking some things that might make the decision more clear.

Not my photo:
DSCI0002-1.jpg
 
Hmmmmm. Wow. I'm almost stumped. Almost.... Just because these are two very different knives to compare.

First off, which one do you like the looks of more?

I can tell you this much - I have owned a couple griptilians and they are just not for me. They feel cheap and cheesy - unsubstantial. I think a large part of that is the handle material. (C'mon Benchmade, if cold steel can put G10 on the Recon 1.... I'm not paying that kind of $ for plastic scales...) I had one that I used a while and while it worked just fine, it just felt, ehhhh, cheesy. Like it would crater if I used it hard. But I did use it hard, and it took it, so there's that....

On the other hand, ER knives are built like brick chithouses. No BS. They are stout with a capitol S. I have not owned the model you are considering, but I have owned a couple ERs, and they were awe-inspiringly stout.

As far as all the other stuff - lock type: I would think either one would be fine, but if I had to put money on it, I'd bet on the ER. Price: I have no idea of the current prices of either, but I would assume the ER is much more expensive.... It's up to you if you think it's worth it. Country of manufacture: who cares? As long as it's a quality knife, I'm not one to discriminate. Italians gotta eat too.... As far as the steels go - N690 is very similar to VG10. IMO and actual using experience, it is better than 154CM, and somewhere just below, and I mean barely below D2.

Good luck with whatever you choose, and post a few pics if you can!
 
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I vote BF1! I have an older BF2 and carry it daily. I've been looking at getting a BF1 as well. I love the look and feel of these knives. And as far as the BF2 goes, it is a large heavy duty folder (well they call it a basic) that fits very well in the pocket. You probably wouldn't even notice a BF1. I say dare to be different and get the ER!
 
AntDog said:
Italians gotta eat too
Click to expand...

Hahaha that's true, but then again so do the Chinese and Taiwanese. Regardless, thanks for all that info. The price difference is about $50-60. I've read some post saying that ER's stuff is overpriced, and while the fancier models sell for $300-400, the BF1 doesn't seem terribly overpriced at $160, considering it's using all the same materials and blade steel as the rest of the ERs. Then again, $100 is a pretty good price for a USA made D2 knife in black and olive drab, though I have a feeling that before long I'll start to wish the scales were nicer...then I'll be back on the market for something in G10.

I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't overlooking any obvious reasons that one was superior to the other.


...if only these bad boys were a more affordable upgrade:
207.jpg
 
NUN said:
Hahaha that's true, but then again so do the Chinese and Taiwanese. Regardless, thanks for all that info. The price difference is about $50-60. I've read some post saying that ER's stuff is overpriced, and while the fancier models sell for $300-400, the BF1 doesn't seem terribly overpriced at $160, considering it's using all the same materials and blade steel as the rest of the ERs. Then again, $100 is a pretty good price for a USA made D2 knife in black and olive drab, though I have a feeling that before long I'll start to wish the scales were nicer...then I'll be back on the market for something in G10.

I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't overlooking any obvious reasons that one was superior to the other.


...if only these bad boys were a more affordable upgrade:
207.jpg
Click to expand...

Not a problem, and yes indeed - I'm sure the grip is a nice knife with g10 scales, but I have never tried it that way. When I owned a couple of them it was long before they made replacement scales for them.

I'm sure the ER would be a well built strong knife. The stock grip.... eh, not so much IMO.

If the griptilian looks good to you, go ahead and get it! If you feel the need to upgrade to G10 scales, I'm sure the option will be there for quite a while. I think I would most likely like the griptilian with G10 scales a lot. The only problem I had with it was the cheap feel the plastic scales had.
 
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Wilkins scales are definitely awesome, but check out igorded here on the forums, he charges a fraction of Wilkins price and they are well made (just installed a set).

As far as Extrema Ratio, I don't own any but I've always wanted one, there's a few models I've wanted to grab.
 
Here in Europe the ER's are more easily available. Thats why I can tell (since I have a couple of them), that ER's rock. Yes, they are not cheap. Yes, they are very well build. It's up to everybody to consider the price/quality ratio:)
 
I agree with antdog. I can't get around the scales on the BM. I would keep tapping it with my finger nail and scratching my head.

Never had a bf1 in my hand but it's what I would go with if I was in your physical shoes.
 
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I would like to add -- the mini grip, with its more handle-filling liners, feels far more substantial (density wise) than the regular grip. I disliked the regular grip handles so much I went straight for wilkins -- my mini grip still has factory scales and while I do have some micarta ones coming from Igor, I don't feel they are a necessity.

Since you are specifically asking about the mini, I'm not sure the comments about the handle apply, others may disagree though. I suggest grabbing a Mini Ritter Grip in m390... you get a great blade with a nice upgrade in steel. Use it for a bit and if you still think the handles aren't your cup of tea... you can look into all the neat custom options to personalize it to your liking...
 
Food for thought, got my scales from Igor today. Excuse the poor pics. They don't do it justice.
 
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