I've had a Cabela's D2 edition mini-grip for the past 4 or 5 years, and used the tar out of it. But with size XL hands, I've often wished it was a bit bigger. I also am not sure of the plastic Griptilian scales for a primary knife, although my mini has never had an issue. Finally, although I'm very happy overall with the knife, the all-black mini-grip has drawn a couple of negative comments when I've pulled it out for every day use due to it being all black.
I understand the "tactical" category, but I am in the camp that the knife you're going to be best with is the one you carry almost every day. The one you're opening packages with, cutting your lunch with, basically the one most often in your hand. I've long believed that the current crop of tactical knives, while often well made and bomb-proof, are absolutely unsuitable for folks who work in an office for a living. But I digress.
So I wanted a larger Grip, with more durable handles, and a good-quality blade. For the past couple of years I've had a Buck Vantage with Bos S30V blade and G10 handles, and I liked the concept although the knife has left a bit to be desired in how it carries.
This month, Knoxville got an REI. I've never lived in a city with an REI before, but I've been through the stores. And I knew that they had a special-run full size Grip with G10 handles and a plain S30V blade. Not black, with a bright blade. Perfect for potential office carry. My wife joined the REI co-op, and we had a 20% off of one item purchase for the next week So the knife came home with me.
First impressions are that 1) the knife is amazingly sharp, 2) the blade is slightly off-center but not rubbing, and 3) the action is looser than my mini-grip. Overall I'm very pleased with the knife. The blade being off-center doesn't bother me, as this is a user. I intend to use this just as hard as my old mini-grip. The action I will try to tighten, but I know from my experience with the mini that it's a touchy adjustment.
I understand the "tactical" category, but I am in the camp that the knife you're going to be best with is the one you carry almost every day. The one you're opening packages with, cutting your lunch with, basically the one most often in your hand. I've long believed that the current crop of tactical knives, while often well made and bomb-proof, are absolutely unsuitable for folks who work in an office for a living. But I digress.
So I wanted a larger Grip, with more durable handles, and a good-quality blade. For the past couple of years I've had a Buck Vantage with Bos S30V blade and G10 handles, and I liked the concept although the knife has left a bit to be desired in how it carries.
This month, Knoxville got an REI. I've never lived in a city with an REI before, but I've been through the stores. And I knew that they had a special-run full size Grip with G10 handles and a plain S30V blade. Not black, with a bright blade. Perfect for potential office carry. My wife joined the REI co-op, and we had a 20% off of one item purchase for the next week So the knife came home with me.
First impressions are that 1) the knife is amazingly sharp, 2) the blade is slightly off-center but not rubbing, and 3) the action is looser than my mini-grip. Overall I'm very pleased with the knife. The blade being off-center doesn't bother me, as this is a user. I intend to use this just as hard as my old mini-grip. The action I will try to tighten, but I know from my experience with the mini that it's a touchy adjustment.
