Question about the mini-griptilian...

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BigJerk

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Jan 26, 2010
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I have heard MANY positive things about this knife, and have seriously considered getting one. My question is, what specifically about it makes it so great? People seem to LOVE the axis lock, but many other Benchmade models of similar size have this lock too. Why does the mini-grip seem to be one of the most popular Benchmades for EDC?
I have been searching long and hard (I just said long and hard) for a quality new EDC, and I just can't seem to make up my mind. It's either gonna be the mini Grip or a Spyderco Delica (waved or unwaved.)
 
Well the Mini-Grip is cheaper than most axis locks. Plus its a perfect size and its quite ergonomic. Blade steel is above par and the colors are another plus. I don't know of any other knife you can get that's much better for about 50-60 in terms of f+f and simple usefulness in a folder.
 
I agree with everything miachaelscarn said,everything about it makes it the perfect edc knife. Trust me I never wanted a griptilian cuz how common they were and I wanted a more unique knife. But I spent alot of time and money looking for a great edc knife when I should have just got a mini-grip. I have a full size grip and a Cabella's D2 mini, I love the cabellas edition becauseit has full steel liners instead of the partial steel liners of regular grips.
 
Well, it's one of, if not THE least expensive axis lock models. I think that has a ton to do with its' popularity. The blade length is sub 3", so it is legal to carry in more instances as well.

In terms of the knife itself, it just feel extremely solid for its' size, which has a lot do do, I'd think, with the full length liners. The blades are 154CM, D2, or S30V (in the case of the Ritter), and there are 4 different blade styles available. Not to mention the myriad of scale colors, and custom scale options.

In the end, it is just a very well-built, functional, versatile, and appealing knife for the money. Do I use it as much as some of the higher-end Benchmades I've bought since? No, but that doesn't make it any less a value. If anything the mini-grip was the stone that started the avalance of axis-lock knives, for me at least.
 
I own a yellow 556 and carry it around in my mini-BOB everyday - it's a great knife and it's reputation is well deserved but if you are considering the Mini-Grip against the Delica, especially one of the new FFG D4 Delicas in nice colors, that is the choice I'd go with. It will slice way better and it's posible you may find the handle to be a little roomier too.

The small things I find about the Mini-Grip that I don't cheer about is the short grip (free pinky), the shorter blade that has thumb studs which in effect can make the blade effectively shorter (remedied with the sheep's foot model with the Spyder Hole) and the hollow grind on a narrow width blade.

A good example of what I mean is trying to slice a good sized apple in half with my Mini-Grip. I keep mine hair popping sharp but when I try to cut an apple in half at my desk with it it takes a lot of force to push through and it almost feels more like the apple is splitting rather than being cut, ala a wood splitting wedge. If the apple is crisp, it pretty much breaks in two by the time the Mini-Grip blade is halfway through the apple. Plus the thumb studs hang up on the apple too.

A D4 or E4 with the new FFG blade will slice much better without any obstacles.

Just a small example and just my opinion.
 
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I have both a 556 mini and a FFG Delica 4 and both are nice. As mentioned, the Spydie is a better slicer and light too. The mini grips are pretty tough buggers though and I'd have no problem putting the blade to some tough tasks. Everyone needs at least 1 axis lock and they can still be found for under $60 if you look. Get both!
 
The Griptilian also fits some people's hand very well. Those that like thicker handles tend to gravitate toward the affordable axis, where those that like thinner ergos don't like the grips as much.
 
I dislike the Mini-Grip so much I gave it away. The Delica is much more comfortable to me and better constructed.

I've tried several benchmades and just cant get into them. I know they are decent and people like them but they just dont do it for me. For mid to lowend production knives I like pretty much everything by Spyderco and alot of Kershaws at the moment.
 
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I've had both the Delica and the Mini-grip and I found I like different things about each of them. The axis lock makes the Mini-grip perfect for knifesterbation but the ergos on the Delica were more comfortable. Depending on what you use it for, either of them are a good choice. To be honest I know people say buy both but it is the best way to decide it. Pick up both and sell what you like less (of course what can happen is you end up keeping both but oh well;))
 
Ah...hmmm.....yeah, I have both the mini grip 555 and the Delica 4. I have absolutely nothing bad to say against the mini grip. And yet, I don't think I've carried it outside the house more than once or twice.

In comparison to the D4, the profile of the cutting edges is almost the identical. 154cm & VG-10 are both great steels, and yet the D4 is the one I slip into my pocket most often.

In the end the mini grip is a great knife. If you want one, then get it. On the other hand, the Delica 4 is just better, imho.
 
Been carrying my Mini Grip every day for almost a month now, and it's terrific for everyday stuff! The edge is great, and I've come to love 154CM.

MiniGrip1.jpg

However, for my hands the handle is 1 cm too short of perfect. But being a bit smaller means it's also less conspicuous when drawn, which is a plus.
 
BigJerk, I have the BM mini grip and it is a very well constructed knife. However, I urge you to handle one before you buy. I find the handle too small. It is difficult for me to hold onto while closing the blade. I have medium sized hands but thicker fingers and the full size Griptillian works better for me. Check out their Kulgera also!
 
My Benchmade folders have out cut my Spyderco folders in every case I've tried them. I did not try a FFG Delica or Endura, but Benchmade definately cuts better than the standard grind models. I prefer the full size Grip. The handle is more comfortable, but the mini-Grip is a very stout little folder, and the HG models have very thin edges and the 154CM used in newer models holds an edge for a very long time.
 
Yeah its a great knife but the primary reason is cost. If the model 710 or 940 or 705 was 70 bucks that would be the most popular.
 
Mini grip is a great little folder, full steel liners, much less "clack" than the regular model, AXIS® lock is amazing (my opinion) I favor BM style over SPCO 99% of the time, so I am biased.

It's definitely short in the hand, 3 finger knife if your hands are larger than medium, still a great tool.
 
Will all of this about the full length liners also hold true for the Ritter Griptilians coming out in CPM M4? IOW, will the smaller one have full liners while the larger one has only partial?
 
My thoughts on my Mini.

It is not my favorite knife by any means but , I do like it then.. there are things I do not like about it.
I disagree that it feels solid , to me it feels a little too light. What bothers me most about it and thus keeps it out of my EDC are the handles. I cannot stand the cheap plastic handles that Benchmade used.

Otherwise it is a nice little EDC , mine is 440c ( fine by me 440c is nothing to sneeze at ) , I do like the lock , there is thankfully no blade play and the jimping is well thought out.

I have toyed with the idea of getting another set of grips for itbut I cannot justify the price versus what the Mini cost me.

Yea , get rid of those horrid plastic handles and there is one nice little EDC there.

My two cents.

Tostig
 
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