Native v. Mini Grip

[peacefuljeffrey]

I'd probably go for the s30v steel on the Spyderco. Native is a tad lighter too and will probably never need any service whereas the omega springs on the BM will probably break sooner or later and need to be sent in (no biggy but stillkind of a PITA).
If you find yourself needing an extremely stout little knife(Although the Native is plenty stout too) or constantly having to reach for and open & close and return to pocket, especially if quick one handed operation is key, say while your on ladders and stuff, I'd get the mini grip. Both can be opened and closed one handed, but the mini grip IMHO, smokes ANYTHING in terms of ease/speed of use w/ one hand.
On a side note, and this may seem stupid, but the mini is almost addictive as crack once you learn how to flick it open and shut and the Spyderco's always give that satisfying "CLACK!!" when you open 'em...pretty cool either way you go, both are superb little pocket knives. I dunno about you but I think I fiddle with my knives more than I use them!
I wound up buying both and wouldn't think of getting rid of either one.

I don't own a Native, though I like the way they look. I simply don't like the Spydercos that are riveted together anymore. I used to, but that was before I ever thought much about the possibility of taking a knife apart to clean, maintain, or tighten it. Now all my knives have to be disassemblable, and I'm ruined for riveted knives, for the most part. Now, I haven't taken apart either of my 2 Mini-Griptilians, but I know that I could.

I don't know why you say that sooner or later you'll have to replace an Omega spring. I know they are, like any spring, capable of breaking... but likely??

I know what you're saying about the satisfying "clack" and the enjoyable "flick." I myself fiddle with my knives far more than use them, too.

I'd go with the Mini-Griptilian -- and one with a thumb hole, not studs. You can get studs on any ol' knife. Go with a hole when you can, that's my motto.
(Hey, pretty good motto, now that I think about it!)

-Jeffrey

 

[Sticky]

I had a spring break on my mini after about 2 years of constant flicking. A few people have experienced broken Omega springs on Axis knives so I assume it's just the nature of that spring type. Its not a big deal as the knife worked fine still, but I hated waiting for my grippy to get back from them. I think it's a fair tradeoff for the ultra slick performance Axis delivers.
I took my mini grip apart almost as soon as I got it just to see how it worked, it was a little tricky to put back together and BM doesn't really care anyways from what I can tell. They just do what you want done with no questions..awesome customer service.
I only voted for the Native since he was going to be cutting a bunch of cardboard should mean less sharpening with the s30v (it SHOULD) unless he like sharpening like I do.
I do like the mini better than just about any dam knife regardless of price I've come across though...it's that good!
I haven't taken my mini apart since I first got it, it's too much hassle, I just soak it with dish detergent and run warm water on it, then douse it with rubbing alcohol to dry up the water, let it dry then militec it. smooth as can be after all that. Hell it's been through the washing machine several times too by accident, doesn't hurt a thing!

 

[Mike Kilo Niner]

But it never "fit" my hand like the Delica

Kevin has the right of it: both are great knives, but I EDC a Native. Fondle as many different knives as possible. Don't look at them, feel them. The finger groove in the Native's choil has some sort of natural, almost magnetic attraction for my index finger. The handles are just the right amount of material in my hand. It's slim and light enough to ride comfortably in my pocket. As others have said, YMMV.

Besides, isn't fondling as many knives as possible the whole point of shopping for a new knife? It's like Jeff Foxworthy said: it's not that men don't like to shop -- we just like to shop for different stuff. Ask any woman that's tried to drag her man away from a boat show.

 

[allenC]

I recommend the 556 Mini-Grip for several reasons:

1. You will never be able to tell the difference between the blade-steels in everyday cutting.

2. The 556 does have a stronger blade-to-handle design since it not only has dual steel liners, but also has bronze washers too. Not to mention the adjustable pivot.

3. The 556 blade is flat-ground and not hollow-ground like the Native.

4. You can choose from a variety of colors.

5. I prefer the Benchmade pocket-clip over the Native clip.

6. You MUST handle both knives. After reading all of the great reviews about the Native I checked one out for myself. The Native just does'nt work well for me. In fact, it is the most uncomfortable Spyderco I have ever held.

7. Although the Native has a longer blade, it actually has less cutting edge than the 556.

Happy hunting,
Allen.

 

[Sticky]

I always get a kick out of these threads, because ya know he'll wind up buying every dam cool knife that comes along like the rest uf us do!
You start out thinking $40-$50 is a lot of Money to spend on a knife and by the time bladeforums gets done with you, you'll own $1000 worth of $40-$50 knives.

 

[KeithAM]

I always get a kick out of these threads, because ya know he'll wind up buying every dam cool knife that comes along like the rest uf us do!
You start out thinking $40-$50 is a lot of Money to spend on a knife and by the time bladeforums gets done with you, you'll own $1000 worth of $40-$50 knives.

Bingo -- I'm well on my way.