ParaMillie2 or Doug Ritter Griptillian?

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Sep 17, 2011
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An opportunity arose for me to acquire one of these knives at a good price point, and I'm stuck on which one to get. Recommendations?
 
As long as you aren't bothered by Spyderco aesthetics, then the Para is going to be the stronger performer, while also offering more bang for your buck (G-10 handles over FRN).
 
Is it bad if I just say yes?

If you actually like Para 2's, that would probably be my choice, simply because the handle on the griptilian doesn't tend to make people happy. But if you're thinking you might end up with a custom handle for the Grip, I'd go with the Ritter Grip all the way. It's one of my very favorite knives, and still makes it into my pocket occasionally, even with my Gun Hammers.

I personally just don't like the handle on the Para 2--handle to blade ratio is just too off for me to like it. I like shorter handles and nice big blades. Para 2 just has never done it for me. I've handled it several times, because it's just such a popular knife, but I honestly don't think I'll ever own one. But, then I think to myself, performance is really what makes Spyderco sexy, and it's BOUND to be one heck of a great performer.

I figure, you can't really go wrong with either one. You're gonna get a fantastic knife either way.
 
The Ritter Grip is a great knife.
I would get it over the Para 2.

Now if you could still get the origional Paramilitary I would recomend that too, but theyr'e all gone.

Both brand designs slice very well. The Griptilians have one of the most comfortable handle designs in knifedom.

Hold both and you may be able to make a better decision.
 
You simply can't go wrong with either one. There are two distinct tradeoffs, as I see it, and neither one is a dealbreaker in favor of the other, though personally, I lean towards the PM2:

Paramilitary blade-handle ratio. For some, this is a downside. For myself, it's one of my favorite aspects of a lot of Spyderco's line. It looks funky in pictures, but once you hold one, any concerns will melt away. The handle is impossibly comfortable, just the right width, and the length just makes so much sense once it's in use. You can grip the PM2 in a number of positions and each one conforms to the contours of your hand and fingers. I haven't owned mine long, but it's become one of the most comfortable folders I've ever used. The finger choil is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.

Griptilian handle material. This one is fairly polarizing, and judging from these forums, typically, you either love it or hate it. I don't care for it. As mentioned above, it feels "cheap" in comparison to many other folders, some costing much less. The overall design is quite comfortable, with no irritating hotspots and a smooth and reasonably narrow grip. Despite the lack of a blade choil, it's easy to choke up on the spine of the blade with your thumb, for a secure and accurate grip (though, as with some of my other folders, I tend to want to move my finger into a choil that simply isn't there). I just don't like the plastic itself; it feels thin and squishy, like it might crack if dropped or bumped too hard (though this never happened to any of mine in the time I had them). Getting back to what I was saying about the PM2's handle, I just wish the Grip's was a little longer, so my pinkie had some room to hang out and reinforce my hold.

Locking mechanism on each is great, and both are super secure and easy to engage and disengage with one hand. I prefer the narrower tip of the PM2, as it pierces very well and is quite capable with fine tip cuts, like in wood.

But really, go with your instincts. You definitely won't regret whichever you choose; you'll find it compulsory to purchase the other eventually. :D
 
I own a Para 2 and have handled the Griptilians. The handles on the Grips are just to thick for me to want to put them in my pocket. The closed Para2 is long but sits well in my pocket with the clip. I also like that the lock is simple and does not have springs like the grips.
The Para2 is very solid, well made, and comes very sharp. I also like that Sal, the owner is accessible and posts on the site. I may be wrong but Benchmade seems more like a large corporation to me, though in honesty, I do not really know a lot about the company.
 
Both are great knives. I do like the axis lock on my Griptilian much better than the compression lock for one hand open/close. I always had to two hand close my Para when I had it. The handle of the Grip does feel cheap from time to time, but usually it just feels like a no nonsense work knife handle to me. I don't really get why its such a big issue. It is actually light in hand because of the hollow handle, and from my experience is plenty strong.

The blade shape of the Para 2 is really nice, and cuts like a charm. My Ritter grip is still in the mail on the way to me, so I can't say much about it, other than it looks like a great slicer with a really nice belly.

To sum it up, it comes down to nicer handle vs nicer lock for me. I would go with the Ritter myself, because the grip handles don't bother me too much, and there are some really nice aftermark handles out there if you want them.
 
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I've had both and carried/used both. The Ritter will cut very well and mine all came very nearly perfect (centered blades, good action) from the dealer. That said, I don't have them anymore. They didn't carry well for me and were not as comfortable to use as my Paras and Para 2s. I also like the comp lock on the Paras better than the AXIS lock on the Grips. G10 over FRN ("Noryl GTX" or whatever) is no concern to me because FRN is extremely tough and durable, maybe more so than G10 in some situations. It was the size and shape of the Grip handles that didn't work for me, not the material.
 
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I bought at the same time cuz I had the same dilemma. I still have the Para 2, the Grip not so much. It does feel a bit on cheap plastic side but I am sure it plenty tough. I also did not like its oval shaped handle and tip-up carry. Just my opinion.
 
I've held Griptilians (similar to the Ritter) and currently own a Para 2, which I just received for Christmas. I much prefer the overall grip size, shape, and texture of the scales on the Para 2. I can get a better grip on the knife (the Griptilians feels slippery to me), and I can comfortably switch to different holds including a reverse grip. Plus, while I love the Benchmade axis lock system and there's nothing wrong with that, I slightly prefer the Spyderco approaches to locks (especially their improved back, ball bearing, and compression locks such as on the Chinook, the Manix, and the Para 2 respectively).

One other thing I like about the Para 2: it has a slightly beefier blade at 0.140" thickness vs only 0.115" for the Ritter. That Ritter I'm sure is plenty strong and a good slicer, but it's pretty thin and for an EDC, I'd prefer something slightly thicker.
 
I sold Griptillians but I carry a paramilitary 2. If that counts for everything. Quality, versitility, and ergonomics feel superior (my opinion)
 
I'm a huge fan of BM, but not the Lg Grip. I like the Mini Grip, but the large feels cheap and clunky, especially when compared to a PM2.
Just got my first, and though it takes a few days to familiarize yourself with the Comp lock, it is a great one-hand-opener.
Not to mention the slicing ability of Spyderco's factory edge.
 
I don't like the Para lock, it is so awkward to work. I like the Ritter, it's on my short list. Iwould also get a custom handle from Tuff.
 
I really think the Para 2 is the better knife . I think you have a lot more options too as far as steals and handle colors, and it's just one of those knives that when you let a friend use it they are like "this knife is badass"! One thing that's good about having a Gold Membership is if you don't like one of them you can just sell it .
 
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