Mini-Grip/Regular Grip M4 or S30V?

HappilyGrim

HappilyGrim

Joined
Mar 16, 2013
Messages
231
So I'm thinking of picking up a Mini-Grip/Regular Grip since everyone seems so entranced by it. Typically I'm not a fan of FRN handles, they feel cheap and plastic like for my taste. However, from what I've read the Grips seems to be an exception of this.

Right now, however, it's a toss up between 2 different dealer exclusives. One being a BM 551 grey handle with black accents and the other being a BM 556 black handle but with M4 steel.

Now I have plenty of knives with s30v. It's been a very good steel to me but seems to lose its razor edge rather quickly while maintaining a good functional edge. At the moment though I don't have any knives with M4 but I've heard some great things about it.

While I think I'd prefer the size of the regular grip, the size of the mini-grip isn't necessarily a deal breaker either. In fact, depending on how much I like it could determine whether or not I get both after receiving the first one.

So, my friends. What would your recommendation be in this particular situation? Would getting one sell me the other? Or would one just be significantly better without the other?


Edit: Here's the grey one I was speaking of. I figured I didn't need a picture of the black one since we've all seen it before.

nhvslI2.jpg
 
I have a Ritter Grip in S30V and a 2 week old Mini in M4. There is no question the M4 holds an edge better. I can't comment n the ease of sharpening, since it still has the factory edge, which is hair popping sharp, even after some heavy use.
 
I have a couple knives in both steels. I like the M4 better for edge holding. I just hate that Benchmade feels it nessasary to coat them.
 
I have 3 Grips and 1 mini all in M4, go M4:thumbup: As far as sharpening, they're pretty similar really, M4 has better toughness and edge holding the only down side really is the non-stainlessness, which isn't really that bad and the coating takes care of a majority of the blade.

Old pic from when I only had 2 M4 grips, 551 and Ritter
 
I got my first mini-grip about 15 years ago. Prior to that, I had been carrying a 705 with G-10, and ATS-34...

At first I thought, this thing feels cheap. A common first impression. After carrying it, and using it, I forgot all about the cheap feeling, and really grew too like it.
My first one got a LOT of use every day for 4+ years. I never had any issues with the knife what so ever.
I have fairly big hands, so I thought I might really like the full size. Nope... Completely different feel. Not sure why, but it doesn't have liners, so it doesn't feel very substantial.
Since the first one, I have had 2 other mini-grips, and will be ordering an M4, and possibly another from the Customize a Grip program.

They are great knives.
 
SpringAssisted said:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1067988-ParaMilitary2-Blue-M390-PM2-All-Black-NIB-M4-Limited-Edition-Griptilian I bought #205 and he is a great seller. Plus buying from here kinda supports the forum :D
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I really want to buy that one right now but I leave to go on a cruise tomorrow and I want to save my money just in case of any emergency. I planned on buying one or the other when I got back if no such situation occurred. I couldn't in good faith beg someone to hold it for me when I can't even give a definitive answer on whether I could purchase. Plus that's just a burden anyway. But man, I'd love the full Grip in M4!
 
I'd make a decision based on size, not steel. Minis great if you want a small knife, full-size more versatile. Full-size M4 shows up often enuf, be patient.
 
I wish Doug ritter would offer an M390 version. No coating necessary and it can be stonewashed.
 
I prefer smaller knives, and the Mini in M4 has replaced my other knives for edc right now. It takes a great edge, and the coating will keep it free of rust. I have other minigrips and a 707, but the M4 is great stuff.
 
JNewell said:
I think you mean you got your first Mini-Grip about 5 years ago? :D Not 15, at any rate. ;)
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Nope definitely not 5 years. I kinda lose track of the years, but I got my first one right after they came out, just can't remember exactly which year it was.
IIRC, the Mini Grip won "Knife of the Year" in 2002, so if that was the first year, then it has been approximately 11 years. My first one was 440C.
Maybe someone can tell us for sure what the first year was for the mini grip.
 
I have the mini grip in S30v and M4. I say just get both and be done with it :)
 
Unfortunately, I have no grips in HS steel, only in 154cm and S30V.

I must say, the difference between s30v and 154 is considerable. While daily cutting performance is comparable, my 154 mini grip needs to be resharpened much more often than my s30v.

And as far as that goes, none of my M4 blades have yet needed a touch up - they are all still shaving sharp. That said, I must admit that my M4 knives have not had the heavy use my 'lesser' blades have, but I can easily see that they have a definite 'edge' on edge holding over other options.



As far as the handles go; the mini grip feels far more solid the full sized. With my 551, I can definately notice an (to me, unpleasant) 'hollow' feeling and sound to the scales, primarily when opening and closing the blade, not so much when using the knife. It does not detract from the performance of the knife in any regard, but just makes the knife feel cheaper than it actually is (and performs). However my 556 handle just feels solid at all times.
 
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