Ok, so is the Griptilian about the best buy for $60ish?

I always wanted to like the Native. But the points on the bottom of the handle always bothered my hand. The grip just wasn't right for me.

Griptillian is a tad large, mini Grip is a tad small. For around the same price, maybe $15 more, you can get a G10 Kershaw Avalanche. Grippy, just over 3" I believe, S30V steel, good reputation, what's not to like? :)
 
gbaker said:
I’m surprised the rectangular blocky handle of the Native is more comfortable to you than the slightly rounded handle of the grip.
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Lots of little things make me like the ergos of the Native better than that of the Griptilian:

  • Using the choil, I can get four fingers solidly on the handle. This in a knife about the size of a mini-grip.
  • Using the choil, you can get your hand right up to the cutting edge for great control. Compare this to the half-inch-or-so dead space between hand and edge on the griptilians.
  • It's slightly flatter, so it rides slightly easier in the pocket.
  • I prefer the opening-hole over the studs. Less protrusions to get in the way.
  • The hole also allows a strange (to me) high-precision, low-force hold: middle pad of middle finger in choil, thumb in hole, index finger along spine. Try it!

rifon2 said:
Also, I completely disagree with the post above that says the Axis lock ain't so hot. I think that it's the best all-around lock available today. (But that's another thread that we've had already...)
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We miscommunicated. I meant the lock-back isn't so hot compared to the Axis. I agree with you, the Axis is the best lock on the market.
 
For a black plastic locking folder, the Griptilian is a great knife for $60. You want to shave off a few bucks and get a knife tha fits better in a pants pocket, check out the AG Russell FeatherLite.

-bob
 
i just ordered a Kabar/Dozier Thorn in D2 for just under $60. Worth looking into, but might not be your thing.
 
I carried a Spyderco Delica, and then a Kershaw Avalanche, before switching to the BM Mini-Grip, and never looked back.

The Delica was nice and durable, but the lockback is nowhere near as smooth as the Axis. I have small hands, and had to grip the knife just right to be able to swing the blade full-open with my thumb.

I bought the Avalanche because I loved the assisted-opening Chive, but the AO is a lot slower with the larger blade, and the G10 scales shredded my pockets in minutes.


The BM Mini-Grip is a very compact size, grip is just thick enough to be comfy, solid pocket clip, and looks great (aside from the so-so grips). The Axis lock was amazing to a n00b like me: smooth like butter. In no time I figured out the "Axis flick" using the back of my thumbnail on the thumbstud, and can open it about as fast as an automatic. Oh, and pocket clip is reversible too.

A great knife that would be awesome with premium scales.
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No doubt! Anyone want to get together to harass BM on this subject? I would happily pay another $30-40 to get some nice micarta scales. That's far cheaper than what it would cost to have a customizer do.

Also, for some reason, the customizers hate doing Mini-Grips. Apparently they're really tricky for some odd reason.

Has BladeForums had much success pitching ideas to major companies in the past? This is a huge board, and I'd imagine a petition signed by hundreds of members would carry some weight.

-MV
 
rifon2 said:
There are some very reliable sellers on ebay for new knives; one
I'd recommend highly is "knivesflacowboy".

But I'd personally go with an online dealer, and for Benchmade
I'd recommend www.gpknives.com.

My .02
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Yeah, I'd much rather deal with a real site. I planned on using GPKnives as well. I'll take a look at the others everyone suggested too, thanks.
 
Hmm...I'd agree with the comments about the avalanche *provided* you have the extra 20 bucks...of course, a liner lock is no comparison to the axis lock, but in materials, the avalanche easily defeats any Benchmade under 100.

Really though, I think the grip does just fine with 154CM and FRN. Everyone wants a G10 grip, but that's another knife's territory. The grip is supposed to be the entry level axis lock, which it can no longer be with G10...hmm...I might still buy one though...
 
The blade on the Avalanche looks tiny though, it's just over 3". I think I want something that has a bigger blade.
 
Check out the Byrd line of knives. I have the G10 Cara Cara, which can be had for a little less with stainless or FRN handles, combo or plain edge on all models. It's an excellent knife. Think of an Endura, give it G10, steel spine and a choil and that's roughly what to expect. I've EDC'd it since I got it and haven't even thought about buying another knife since.
 
I was looking at the Cara Cara before the Grip but I decided to get something at least as good as the Grip for my first real knife.
 
I just bought a Grip (551) after carrying a Delica for years. I think the Delica is a great knife and I just bought a Delica 4 for my son, but I'm in love with my new benchmade. Although it's bigger than the Delica, it fits fine in my pocket. I like the lightweight, grippy handle and the axis lock is great. I bought it from gpknives.com. I originally ordered a mini too, but it was out of stock. They notified me promptly and got me my 551 in a hurry.
 
jfindon said:
I was looking at the Cara Cara before the Grip but I decided to get something at least as good as the Grip for my first real knife.
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Your call, but based on my experience the Byrd ARE that good. Hope whichever you gets satisfies you though.
 
Hmm...I don't think the avalanche's blade is tiny...it's a little too big for my tastes. Visually, I imagine it'd be almost indistuingishable from the full sized grip in size.
 
Vivi said:
Your call, but based on my experience the Byrd ARE that good. Hope whichever you gets satisfies you though.
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Agreed. I have only handled the Grip, not used it, but I know the G-10 Cara Cara is a hell of a knife. The steel is very good, not just for the money, but period. It will get sharper than 154CM, burrs less, and is run harder, but won't hold an edge as long. If you sharpen your knives this is a moot point. For me the Byrd's ergo's work better in a variety of grips, and the choil comes in very useful for choking up on cuts. It won't have as good of fit & finish or be as smooth, but as a cutting tool the Byrd should easily be on par with the grip.
 
Gunmike, the variety of grips I can use the Byrd in is one of my favorite features of it. I've got about 4 different grips I use pretty regularly depending on the type of cutting task at hand.
 
Here's a picture of my Grip with a few others for reference. The Avalanche is about the size of the Native in the pic.

The Grip is a full sized heavy duty folder. I got mine at GPKnives last year on sale for $59.00 If you buy one you will be happy with it.

Leek
Native
Grip
Spec/Speed Bump

S3600006BBB.jpg
 
Obviously it is all opinion, but I am leaning towards caling the mini grip one of the best, most favorite, user knives I own or have ever owned...and I have owned alot. I, personally, didn't like the native. Good luck. Josh
 
you could try to find a good used knife on ebay. I picked up a bm 94# off there for about 60 bucks.
 
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