My first Benchmade

T

tonijedi

Joined
Sep 21, 2009
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So now I've a Benchmade Mini-Griptilian, those with a round hole (555HG). It's a very nice knife, in the size that I now like to carry and overall a very practical knife. The grip is a tad short to fit my hand completely and it has a small burr inside of the thumb hole, but neither one of these aspects make too much influence on the overall performance. So from now on I will have another EDC folder (I gave up EDCarrying larger blades, these 3 inches blade ones are perfect for my daily tasks) to use besides my SOG Visionary I.
They are both great blades, I prefer the design and ergonomics of the SOG but the lock on the Benchmade feels better and stronger (although SOG's sounds better when locking... that's a freaking addictive "click").

I prefer SOG's low carry clip but this one on the Mini-Grip is a good one too. Some days ago some wrote a tread complaining about BM sharpness out of the box. Mine came shaving sharp, not the sharpest I got but very very good.

In the near future I plan to get a Delica 4 (FFG) so I can have 3 different EDC options (not because I need, just because "I NEED").
Any suggestions (preferably other brands besides SOG, BM or Spyderco) on small little 3in folders for EDC?
 
I like the mini-grip, I don't have an issue with the handle size. You could take some fine sandpaper or fine steel wool and try and remove the burr.
 
Any suggestions (preferably other brands besides SOG, BM or Spyderco) on small little 3in folders for EDC?
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I guess a Kershaw would be the next logical choice in that price range.
 
I HIGHLY suggest getting a RAM. it'd be your first Kershaw, and your best knife.

But also think about saving up and getting a higher-end folder, something special. From any of the good companies. I'd rather have one special folder than 4 entry levels.
 
Artfully Martial said:
I HIGHLY suggest getting a RAM. it'd be your first Kershaw, and your best knife.

But also think about saving up and getting a higher-end folder, something special. From any of the good companies. I'd rather have one special folder than 4 entry levels.
Click to expand...

Best is always subjective, but I think that the Mini-Grip is a great choice, it's my every day carry.

One special folder - the Mini-Grip is a special folder in it's own right. What do other folders have to offer that the Mini-Grip falls short in? Titanium framelock? Please, all subjective and all opinion.

OP - you made a great choice, go with the Delica next and tell us what you think.
 
The RAM is thinner, uses G10 instead of FRN, has a flipper, a finger choil, is more ergonomic and is usually 5-10 dollars cheaper.

To the grip's credit though, I think the quality is more consistent and the steel is a little better in the base model.

I've owned several minigrips but the RAM is just in a whole new league. When the minigrip came out, it was revolutionary to offer so much for so little. You'd have to be crazy not to get one back then. That's what the RAM is now, without the constant adoration.

That said, the minigrip is great. I did outgrow it pretty quickly, and that was with the D2 Cabela's model. When it was stolen, I didn't bother getting another. I got a 960 red.

Since then I've had a few others, but they were all given away to friends quickly.

This has actually caused me to change my advice. Get whatever knife you're going to get (I'd personally suggest the S30V Native over the Delica, or at least the Centofante), but put some time in between the buys. Take the time to obsess over the new model, let that wear off, and figure out what you liked and didn't like before you move on. Pretty much any new knife is going to wow you for a couple weeks.
 
stormyone said:
The Mini Grip is a great 1st Benchmade.

How are you liking the Axis-Lock?
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I love the axis lock! I prefer it over the arc lock, the axis feels stronger.


somber said:
Best is always subjective, but I think that the Mini-Grip is a great choice, it's my every day carry.

One special folder - the Mini-Grip is a special folder in it's own right. What do other folders have to offer that the Mini-Grip falls short in? Titanium framelock? Please, all subjective and all opinion.

OP - you made a great choice, go with the Delica next and tell us what you think.
Click to expand...

Yes, best is always subjective. I've to say that so far I prefer the SOG Visionary over the Mini-Grip (because of the general ergonomics). But the difference isn't that much. I've a titanium framelock on a bigger folder and other kind of folders too. For some time I used to think "what the heck, this guys make a normal folder and a reduced version of it, why?!?" Bigger isn't always better, so I came to conclusion that for my daily tasks these smaller versions are just perfect. I'm going to buy a S30V Native, maybe even earlier than the Delica, but I don't know if I'm going to carry it as much, looks already too big (but who knows? I like to try first).

Artfully Martial said:
The RAM is thinner, uses G10 instead of FRN, has a flipper, a finger choil, is more ergonomic and is usually 5-10 dollars cheaper.

To the grip's credit though, I think the quality is more consistent and the steel is a little better in the base model.

I've owned several minigrips but the RAM is just in a whole new league. When the minigrip came out, it was revolutionary to offer so much for so little. You'd have to be crazy not to get one back then. That's what the RAM is now, without the constant adoration.

That said, the minigrip is great. I did outgrow it pretty quickly, and that was with the D2 Cabela's model. When it was stolen, I didn't bother getting another. I got a 960 red.

Since then I've had a few others, but they were all given away to friends quickly.

This has actually caused me to change my advice. Get whatever knife you're going to get (I'd personally suggest the S30V Native over the Delica, or at least the Centofante), but put some time in between the buys. Take the time to obsess over the new model, let that wear off, and figure out what you liked and didn't like before you move on. Pretty much any new knife is going to wow you for a couple weeks.
Click to expand...


You're right about the time between new knives :) I'll take a look on that RAM for next year. I'll figure out at which price I can get it. Although some knives have quite different prices over there in the US in the end with shipping or buying them here in the EU they can vary a lot. For instance, the Mini-Grip, the Visionary I and the Delica are on the same price range for me (~65€)

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!
 
My EDC locking folder at the moment is an Endura 4 PE (not FFG), but I also carry a Swiss army knife and a Leatherman P4 squirt. I find that having some tool options besides a knife blade meets my overall needs very well. So my recommendation is an SAK or mini multi-tool, whichever model/brand that meets your needs.
 
Hombre Secreto said:
My EDC locking folder at the moment is an Endura 4 PE (not FFG), but I also carry a Swiss army knife and a Leatherman P4 squirt. I find that having some tool options besides a knife blade meets my overall needs very well. So my recommendation is an SAK or mini multi-tool, whichever model/brand that meets your needs.
Click to expand...

I carry a Leatherman Wave (with the bits! People drop their laptops and ask me to put the disc/memory/battery in place LOL) and I use it almost every day! Now there's even people in the office looking for me when they need a tool of some kind.
I just got addicted to these 3in folders, I love the way the fit into my pocket and the ease of use and utility they provide!
 
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