Mini-Griptilian vs. Delica

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Sep 19, 2017
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Just bought a Mini Griptilian off of the forum, and I think it's fantastic, based on my very limited handling of it. (The only thing I don't like about it is the black blade, so I may try to sell it and buy the unpainted version, or I may try to trade for it.) I've never handled a Delica, but I know that everyone is crazy about them. I'm thinking that the two blades are just asking to be compared, though. For people that have used both, how do they compare, in your estimation?
 
Are you referrring to the 556 or 556-1? While this may cause controversy, I personally believe the Mini Griptilian to be a much better knife. I am not a fan of the Delica scales at all.
 
Are you referrring to the 556 or 556-1? While this may cause controversy, I personally believe the Mini Griptilian to be a much better knife. I am not a fan of the Delica scales at all.
I'm talking about the series that has 154cm steel, so that would be the 556 series, not the 556-1. And yes, your opinion is controversial; I started a different thread once and got an earful from everyone about how wonderful the Delica is. I couldn't disagree, since I'd never handled one before, though those scales just make me shiver, they're so unattractive. Of course, how they look says little about how they function.
 
I like the delicas ffg blade and pointy tip. The mini grip is a little more comfortable for me. Think it's because it's thicker. I also like how easy it is to open and close one handed.
 
I'm a big fan of the Delica. I've carried one as an EMT, Soldier, various hospital jobs and it's handled them all fine.

That said, the Mini-Griptilian is a very good knife too. It costs more than the Delica, but it has a stronger lock. The only reason I don't own a Mini-Griptilian is the ergonomics are wrong for me. The full size Griptilian feel better than the Mini, but is bigger than I like to carry. The Delica 4 is one of the most comfortable folders in my hand. When I feel like getting my Axis-lock fix I carry my Bugout.
 
I'm a big fan of the Delica. I've carried one as an EMT, Soldier, various hospital jobs and it's handled them all fine.

That said, the Mini-Griptilian is a very good knife too. It costs more than the Delica, but it has a stronger lock. The only reason I don't own a Mini-Griptilian is the ergonomics are wrong for me. The full size Griptilian feel better than the Mini, but is bigger than I like to carry. The Delica 4 is one of the most comfortable folders in my hand. When I feel like getting my Axis-lock fix I carry my Bugout.
I've got a Doug Ritter full-sized Grip on its way, also courtesy of the forum, so I'll soon be able to compare the full-sized and mini versions. That said, when I look and handle the Mini Grip, I just think, Daaaamn, this is nice; someone put some effort into this and did a good job. I feel like a little bit of a fancy-pants when holding the Mini Grip; it's classy.
 
I have a Mini Grip 555HG (thumbhole, modified sheepsfoot) and the Delica4 FFG. Both are good knives. They both have their individual strong points. Overall, though, I prefer the Benchmade Mini Grip by a small margin for carrying.
 
I like the mini grip a bit more than the Delica . Mostly because of the axis lock . The Delica has insert liners that makes the FRN handle feel sturdy and not as light weight as a manix . I like the FRN on the Delica better than the cheap plastic they use on the benchmade . The Delica cuts better . In my opinion the Delica is a better value that said the axis lock and the drop point blade on the mini grip is more of my liking.
 
Both are great knives.

I like the Benchmade a little better though. US made and that sweet axis lock.
 
I prefer the Mini Grip over the Delica by a very large margin. The top reasons being 1. prefer axis lock over a back lock 2. the mini grip has a blade edge of 2.91 in vs 2.56 in on the Delica which is significant to me and 3. the Delica is too wide in the pocket. Having said that, I'd choose a Bugout over both of them. In the end both are capable knives; it just comes down to which one fits your personal tastes and use better.
 
I like the mini grip a bit more than the Delica . Mostly because of the axis lock . The Delica has insert liners that makes the FRN handle feel sturdy and not as light weight as a manix . I like the FRN on the Delica better than the cheap plastic they use on the benchmade . The Delica cuts better . In my opinion the Delica is a better value that said the axis lock and the drop point blade on the mini grip is more of my liking.
The model I currently own, the 555BKHG, doesn't exactly have a drop point. The knife is kind of interracial; the tip is the interesting result of what happens when a sheepsfoot and a clip point have a kid together.
 
I have both styles of the mini-grip in 154CM. Pseudo spydie hole and the regular drop point. If I had to choose right now I would pick the Delica FFG. That is based on the S30V Zome green I just recently acquired. Slim, light, razor sharp out of the box and when you hear the lock click in I am confident it will hold.

You cannot go wrong with either of these knives. Like so many say "Get'm both!" I did.

,,,Mike in Canada
 
I choose the Delica. I’ve never owned an axis lock without vertical play. As for the comparison: this is a question that’s been posed for years now. When I got into knives 7 years ago I was choosing between the D4 and the Mini Grip and I searched comparisons. The internet is filled with them. I wager at one point it was probably the most common knife video on YouTube. I also appreciate the fact that the Delica handle fills my entire hand. My pinkie dangles on the Mini Grip.
 
I choose the Delica. I’ve never owned an axis lock without vertical play. As for the comparison: this is a question that’s been posed for years now. When I got into knives 7 years ago I was choosing between the D4 and the Mini Grip and I searched comparisons. The internet is filled with them. I wager at one point it was probably the most common knife video on YouTube. I also appreciate the fact that the Delica handle fills my entire hand. My pinkie dangles on the Mini Grip.

That is interesting. I have only experienced one Benchmade knife ever with blade play and I have owned 20+; however, my Delica I had a couple years ago had a little blade play. I am not a fan a lockback style knives, but that's just my personal preference. I think Spyderco's Ball Bearing Lock mechanism and Benchmade's Axis lock are among the best. Are your Delicas the FRN handle scales?
 
I choose the Delica. I’ve never owned an axis lock without vertical play. As for the comparison: this is a question that’s been posed for years now. When I got into knives 7 years ago I was choosing between the D4 and the Mini Grip and I searched comparisons. The internet is filled with them. I wager at one point it was probably the most common knife video on YouTube. I also appreciate the fact that the Delica handle fills my entire hand. My pinkie dangles on the Mini Grip.
I had no idea this was just well trodden territory; I thought my question was novel. Oh well; maybe all obvious questions have been asked before. Anyway, besides the mini grip, I have an Anthem. Neither has any blade play, so chuck those two data points into the non-blade play column.
 
I have both. I found the Delica 4 FFG to be more comfortable in my hand. I have a big hand. Both great knives but I've give the edge to the Delica for comfort. I have no problem with the feel of the scales. Considering you can find Delicas on the exchange for $50-60, keep an eye out, snag one, and try it out.
 
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