Mini-Grip vs Camillus EDC

K

KnifeKnewb

Joined
Jun 26, 2004
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Hey everyone. As my name indicates, I'm new to the whole knife thing. I used to carry a SAK, but then when it broke I realized that the knife was the only part I ever used, so I decided to buy a folder for EDC. Basically, through reading posts on this forum, I've narrowed it down to the Mini-Grip (thumb-stub) and Camillus EDC, and now I'm tearing my hair out trying to decide before I buy. I like the metal handle of the EDC more, but from what I hear the axis-lock is definately better than the frame-lock of the camillus. For my purposes, I think both steel types would be fine. Unfortunately, I won't be able to handle either of these, and I know that can be the determining factor, so instead I'm relying on you guys. Thanks a lot.
 
Do you like recurve blades? Can you sharpen them? How pointy do you like the tip to be? The EDC has the recurve blade and it's tip isn't particularly pointy as there is little drop to the point on the spine. How big are your hands? I have medium size hands and thought the EDC grip a bit cramped.

The mini grip is a simpler blade edge, easier to sharpen. It's much pointier. Better gripping ergos. Lock and carry is ambidextrous. Grip is lighter.

EDC has an improved steel.

Definitely hold them both if you can as that will make a big difference in your opinion.

I prefer the Mini Grip.

Phil
 
While I havent owned a EDC, nice knife for sure, but I have owned a couple other framelock knives in that price range & personally don't like a framelock/linerlock design anymore, but thats just me. I dont like the idea of a ramped lockbar engaging a ramped tang...its just not a true contact.
The AXIS design puts perfect 90 degree pressure on the bar and should eliminate any motivation of the bar trying to slip off the tang regardless if oil is on it or not, plus wear doesnt affect lockup. So far I have proven this(at least to myself) by dousing the lock mech with oil and it simply doesnt affect the lockup. I wish I could say the same about the crkt s-2 framelock i had. Lockbar popped right off the tang with minimal pressure when I tried that.
As for the minigrip, it flat out kicks a$$... slickest little knife you'll find in terms of smoothness and ease of opening and closing. I'd bet my bottom dollar I could whip my mini out cut something and shut it faster than anyone with an auto..its insanely easy and fast to use. Very stout, precisely built little knife with a deceptively long cutting edge. More cutting edge than my Spyderco Native, Delica and Calypso jr(which btw if you don't own one get one! It is the very best cutting knife you'll ever find!)
The mini is not as prone to twisting failure or failure when oil gets on the lockbar as a liner/framelock design imho. its pretty much immune to a failure unless you hold it a weird way, put it through repeated, unnaturally harsh testing or you get a lemon. Also pretty much immune to wear on the mechanism other than an occasional omega spring may break, but people make way too much out of those anyway as it really doesnt cause the lock to fail at all. I had an omega break on my mini after a little over 2 years of constant flicking. The lock became easier to operate all of a sudden and I heard something rattling on the knife. it still locked up like a rock though. Just sent it in and BM and they put new scales, new clip, and 2 new springs on and its good as new again. just a bit higher maintenance for much higher performance is all.
Don't overlook the Spydercos......................
Especially the Calypso jr!!!
 
I've owned at least one of each. I traded-off the EDC, and still have the 556 Mini-Grip.

...Guess which one that I suggest that you get?.:D.
 
I've got an EDC and I really like it, however it is more of a light use/gents folder than a heavy duty user. It has quite a dainty handle which will feel insecure in larger hands. In the same size the Spyderco native beats it hands down in every category of use IMHO. I still carry the EDC from time to time however. I like it's slimness and elegance. I think the Mini Grip is more in the class of the Native - a solid, heavy use small knife.
 
mini-grip is just such a great knife. a bit cheaper - the calypso jr. is also a great standalone EDC
 
Thanks guys, looks like I'll be going with the Benchmade. I forgot to mention earlier that I do have fairly large hands, so it sounds like the handle of the mini-grip will suit me better (form follows function, right?). I also do prefer the blade shape of the mini-grip because I'm new to sharpening and I've heard its a lot easier to sharpen than the curved camillus. Thanks again for your help guys, I'm sure I'll be really happy with the Benchmade. :cool:
 
sting7777 said:
now just decide what color... my favorite is the OD
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I'm thinking about the OD, it'd be a nice alternative to the same old, same old look of the black. We'll see. By the way, I noticed your from CT, I'm from New Haven myself. :cool:
 
KnifeKnewb said:
I forgot to mention earlier that I do have fairly large hands
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Hate to but in late but . . . while both of those are great knives and the mini-grip will be "better" for your hand size, NEITHER will be good for large hands unless you are doing non-demanding tasks. In keeping with your brand options, the full-sized grip or the new Camillus Heat will fit your big hands better. (I have big hands too.)
 
Jason Burns said:
Hate to but in late but . . . while both of those are great knives and the mini-grip will be "better" for your hand size, NEITHER will be good for large hands unless you are doing non-demanding tasks. In keeping with your brand options, the full-sized grip or the new Camillus Heat will fit your big hands better. (I have big hands too.)
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You hate to "but" in late...I hate to differ, but I must. I have pretty large hands; (Think along the lines of a baseball catcher's mitt.). I have my BM 556 Mini-Grip right here (see it?.:D), and due to the shape of the grip and the nicely rounded end, it still works for a LARGE hand, and works very well.
 
glockman99 said:
You hate to "but" in late
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OK, OK Dann, so I forgot a "t" :rolleyes: :D ;)
I guess it is always a personal issue and have NOTHING against the mini-grip . . . it is one of my favorite small knives. My little finger always hangs off the end. Mine is stuck with my stuff in Nicaragua but I used to carry it for smaller task and for slacks. I just always tend to gravitate towards larger grips for bigger tasks.
 
Recently got a BM 556 with the combo blade and the blue handle. I'm catching a little hell from my wife about the blue handle.....it's kinda "baby" blue.....but I like it! Very sharp knife.
 
Since you like metal handles, you may want to check out Benchmade's new Monochrome. Very utilitarian blade shape, inexpensive, good steel and reliable lock.

bm-10300.jpg
 
You have made the right choice in a MiniGrip. I have both a 555 and 556.
I prefer the thumbstuded 556 as I find the oval hole on the 555 can be a bit slippery.
 
You may have made your decision Newb, but we all know what has to happen next. The only way to choose betweenn two knives is to get them both. Get an EDC as well.
 
Ming65 said:
You may have made your decision Newb, but we all know what has to happen next. The only way to choose between two knives is to get them both. Get an EDC as well.
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And also get both a BM 556 and a BM 551 for those days when a "small" folder (BM 556) just won't "do it".:D.
 
Jason Burns said:
Just noticed that there is a 555 in the for sale forums
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I'm the seller of the 555. I can say with confidence that both the Mini Grip and the EDC are top notch. Although I can use the money I don't mind at all if I don't sell the Mini Grip. If I do, I'll probably replace it one day with a Buck/Mayo, but all knives mentioned are great. Probably just a matter of personal style.
 
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