My First Benchmade?

[wmc1982]

The griptillian was my first real knife and entry into the afi world. I had a full-size drop point and loved it until I got a Paramilitary.

If I were you I would take a long, hard look at the sheepsfoot version, because I am partial to thumb-holes, and had the studs of my drop point catch on my pocket too many times.

My biggest problem with the full size grip is that its kind of bulky in pocket. If you're thinking about the delica or endura, I'd go for that instead, or maybe a stretch!

I've heard it's a bit bulky. I was thinking about a mini-grip but those appear to be $5 more. Feel like I may as well get the biggest knife if it's cheaper. The bulk probably wouldn't bother me. I have a Tenacious so I am kind of familiar with the look of Spyderco but always wanted the Delica. But I don't have a benchmade at all and I feel like I'm missing out on a whole brand. (OCD thinking kicking in ).

Oh well, I'll get something. Maybe I'll think about it a few more days.

Edit: screw it, with my Kershaw Blur I'm good. What I need is some more fixed blades. Going to get a KaBar USMC black handle with Kydex sheath for $20 less than the grip. I'm a Ka-Bar addict!

 

[ctk123]

I've heard it's a bit bulky. I was thinking about a mini-grip but those appear to be $5 more. Feel like I may as well get the biggest knife if it's cheaper. The bulk probably wouldn't bother me. I have a Tenacious so I am kind of familiar with the look of Spyderco but always wanted the Delica. But I don't have a benchmade at all and I feel like I'm missing out on a whole brand. (OCD thinking kicking in ).

Oh well, I'll get something. Maybe I'll think about it a few more days.

Edit: screw it, with my Kershaw Blur I'm good. What I need is some more fixed blades. Going to get a KaBar USMC black handle with Kydex sheath for $20 less than the grip. I'm a Ka-Bar addict!

yeah, they aren't too bad in the bulk department. just nowhere near as slim as a military or paramilitary, which makes them so great to carry.

well if it helps any, there are still some ZDP 189 frn stretch's around for about $69!!

 

[EricV]

As I'm flicking my blur open as I'm typing, I really don't think you're missing all that much.

But my 527 is also damned fun to use too with that axis lock.

Now a midlock spydie won't be too quick to open, at least compared to a blur, or axis lock, but man if you like hearing a lock engage with authority a spyderco with a midlock is awesome. Of course again, so is the blur.

Damn, now you have me wanting a kabar.

 

[Unistat76]

I have a Mini-Grip (555 154CM) that I've EDC'd for about 3 years now. It is great, I absolutely love it. I use it for all the normal household and office uses. I recently bought a 710 site unseen based on the strength of that Mini-Grip.

 

[Jet B]

I just picked up my first Benchmade 2 weeks ago and it's a full size Griptilian. I have a bunch of Kershaws and Spydercos and an Emerson. I have always avoided the Grip because I thought the handle looked kind of chunky. All I have to say is that I absolutely love this Griptilian now. It is pretty much in my pocket all the time. The fit and finish is second to none and the axis lock is very addictive... I pretty much love the fat Grip handle now after motoring through some tough thick cardboard this holiday season. The handle feels great when you are doing hard cutting, and seems to spread the pressure out better in the palm than a slim knife.

The 154CM blade is very nice but I do believe S30V is a little bit higher end steel. If that is going to bother you, maybe look at waiting and checking out the 930, 940, or 943 models in S30V. Although, I do believe you can get a Griptilian in S30V, D2 tool steel or the corrosion resistant X-15.

I guarantee you won't be disappointed with buying a Griptilian though. I am honestly very surprised how much I like mine, it is now my favorite knife and probably my favorite brand.