Mini-Griptilian: To Spydhole or not to Spydhole that is the question?

[eak3]

Thinking about ordering a personalized Mini Griptilian and I'm debating whether or not to go with the Spyderco finger hole or the usual Benchmade blade post. I'm a big Spyderco fan but... Anyone have experience with either styles or both? Preferences?

 

[Nbrackett]

Try this for several opinions:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1343223-Battle-of-the-Griptillians

My first was a 555 and I really like it. About 30 grips later I find myself carrying a Ritter or drop point more often.

 

[338375]

I like both versions, but I don't choose a knife based on that. I'm more interested in the blade shape, and the MDP and Sheepsfoot blades are totally different.

That said, I didn't think I would like the Sheepsfoot blade, so I didn't buy one until last year. I was wrong, it's a great design, and I really like it. It
might take a little time to get used to it, if you have never had that blade style before...

The earlier versions had the oval shaped hole. I like the look, but for me they don't open quite as easily as the newer version with the round hole.
It could be me though because I have fairly big hands.

 

[Nfd538]

I have a 551 (drop point) and 550 (sheepsfoot spydie hole) I prefer the 550 much more.

 

[Chalet]

I prefer the 551 blade shape. If you wanted the blade shape of the 551 and the thumb hole of the 550 you could always try to find one of these, or modify a 551 blade like this. (Not my knife, found online. Although I would love a griptilian like this).

 

[uxo2]

Your attachment link is dead.

551 blade shape. If you wanted the blade shape of the 551 and the thumb hole of the 550 you could always try to find one of these, or modify a 551 blade like this.

View attachment 609042

 

[dalefuller]

The only set of Grips I have left is the sheepsfoot set with round holes. I prefer that blade shape to the MDP. It just works better for me as an all around EDC type blade because of the lower tip.

 

[jkarp_53]

The 550 does look cleaner; the black and orange looks great.

 

[psquared]

I'm pretty much indifferent when it comes to holes vs studs in opening action. Offered the choice of identical knives with either a hole or studs, I'd probably take the hole most of the time.

However in this case the grinds of the sheep foot and MDP are different. For my uses (mostly slicing), I'd take the hollow grind sheep foot before the sabre grind MDP.

If it was just about looks ..... I'd probably take the MDP.

Having said all of that, I'd take a Ritter before either of the above but I don't think they are available in the custom shop.

 

[bigolegator]

I had a custom one made and chose the 555 and love it. That said, I've owned several of the 551/556 and liked them as well but generally like the Sheepsfoot BM better than the thumb stud.

 

[Chalet]

Your attachment link is dead.

Oops. I fixed it.

 

[wright88]

I just a 555 (sheep's foot) mini grip in Olive Drab with a black blade. I sold it for a 556 with the same color scheme. The mini grips open amazingly well with a thumbstud, and I like the looks of the modified drop point over the sheep's foot.

I'd suggest getting one of each in hand to try, if you can.