Question on 2 knives.

powells85

powells85

Joined
Nov 17, 2003
Messages
892
Hey guys, first off I'm wondering what you guys feel is easier to open, the griptillian with the hole or thumbstud. I do not have a local store to try either out so it would be over the internet. I love being able to flick blades open with the stud but it seems you all swear by the holes. My second question for everyone is, I might be getting a job soon at a gardening store selling christmas trees. There is probably small branch cutting, rope, and plastic webbing cutting involved and I think a fixed blade is better for this, I was wondering what some good recommendations would be, but remember that I would be around other people constantly so I want something legal (10 inches) and not very intimidating... thanks a lot guys.

-mike
 
You need to try a Spyderco folder and you'll start appreciate the opening hole.
Look into a Frost Mora. It should be Swedish. It's a very sharp fixed blade, but it's also one of those fixed blades that won't raise much of an eyebrow.
 
I have a spyderco ladybug and I'm really not interested in the spyderco(at the moment), I can't open my ladybug with the hole, it't too small. That's why I am questiong in hole in the griptillian in the first place. I do like the sheepsfoot blade a lot though.
 
first thing to know is that an AXIS lock knife diffrers from a liner lock because the AXIS lock provides resistance to keep the blade closed, which means it's harder to flick out than a liner lock - you need to use a different technique, which is to pull the lock back & snap the wrist. So for "flicking" purposes there will be no advantage to stud vs. hole. But you might want to try one before you buy, if you have your heart set on liner-lock-style-flicking.

second, I have tried the mini-grips with studs & holes, & there is really no difference in opening speed or comfort between the two, when you are doing a non-flick opening.

third, the ladybug isn't a good knife to use as the benchmark for how well opening holes work. It's way too small. Bigger holes work fine, which is why they are on so many knives. Personally, I find no real difference between stud or hole, except that with a stud (and a loose pivot) you can do a thumb-flick opening whereas with a hole you can do a "spydie-drop" opening.

as for a small cheap non-threatening fixed blade . . . there are just too many choices! I think a full-size griptillian would suit you fine, but for a FB just hit the 1SKS link at the top of the page & start browsing . . . . PS, if you will be cutting branches a part-serrated blade may be especially helpful.
 
This is obviously going in a different direction, but have you considered carrying a Victorinox One-Hand Trailmaster? Few knives are less intimidating than a Swiss Army Knife. This one comes with a one-hand opening blade for routine cutting, but it also has a very effective small saw blade. Plus a few handy tools.

--Bob Q
 
Is it cold where you will have to work? maybe you will appreciate a knife you can work with gloves on...? so a fixed blade or a folder with an opening hole should better fit to your needs, preferably with a combo edge...
I would suggest a Gerber expedition 1 for the fixed blade (good and confortable handle if you need to have it constantly in your hands, small but efficient and non agressive design blade, and worth it for the price...), or a Spydie d'Allara rescue knife for the folder (though it has a full serrated edge that works for everything...)
 
My thumb sometimes slips off the thumb-hole of my 555 Mini-Griptilian, so I think the thumb-stud would maybe be better in this size of a knife.

I don't have this problem with my 550 full-sized Griptilian. The large oval thumb-hole works just fine.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
I find studs quicker than holes if you do the ol start the blade and snap your wrist technique. Without gloves of course. Try this with a hole, its slower. If you plan on opening a knife with gloves on most often, you might want to go with a hole. At worst you can still grab the hole and pull open the blade.

I own spydercos, an AFCK with a hole, and an axis lock folder and all I can say is carefully consider the importance of opening your folder at top speed, the size of your hands, what you will be wearing most of the time, etc. Optimally, you should try both and choose whichever is more comfortable for you. Overall, the difference in speed between a hole and a stud is negligable. Really.
 
I would most likely get the full size griptillian and it would be an EDC. I would like it to open reasonably fast just in case for SD, but most of the time I carry a larger liner lock with thumbstud that is easy to open and has a nice spear point for SD. I don't have bear mitts for hands but I've grown accustomed to the thumbstuds, maybe its just a matter of getting used to opening a knife with a hole. Are benchmades pretty solid knives that they could take a little abuse, I would never pry or anything but want something I can depend on. I hate being 18 because at this age many people see you as a delinquent(sp?) for carrying a knife, especially the Man. Right now my EDC includes a SOG flash I which is lightning fast, then my ladybug on car keychain, wegner snife on other keychain, and Master knives linerlock for SD. The flash will probably be replaced by the griptillian or find another pocket in my jeans.
 
Originally posted by powells85
Are benchmades pretty solid knives that they could take a little abuse, I would never pry or anything but want something I can depend on.
Click to expand...

Yes. The Griptilians have steel liners behind the plastic scales. They are considerably more solid than similarly priced competing knives. Once you try an Axis lock knife it is tough to go back to anything else for EDC.

I prefer both the hole and blade shape of the 550/555. The hole does not get in the way of cutting and the blade is well suited for general usage.

I find the mini-griptilians to be a bit better than the full-sized ones. They have full steel liners rather than the partial ones of the big Grips. They also have a more aggressive (and thereby effective) gripping surface and the overall impression is of a higher quality product than the hollow plastic you ind on the full size models. The big ones are stil a great knife, but the smaller version has a number of nice advantages.
 
I'm quicker with a thumbstud, but a hole is more dependable. Maybe 90% vs 100%. I like larger pocket knives, and I find a drop point more useful in an EDC than a sheepsfoot, soo I opted for the 551. It is sturdy and dependable, though fishbulb does make some points I hadn't considered. You might consider the Buck Vanguard as a fixed blade. I use mine as a skinner, but it would work as a good EDC. It's less than 10" and inexpensive too. The Trailmaster was also a good suggestion.

Cheers
 
I got my 550S saturday at a gun show, after falling in love with it the first time I opened it.

I generally use the thumb hole to open, as a flick of the wrist to open it isn't always opening it 100%. Plus, using the thumb hole gives me a better holding position straight out of the pocket.

For when I need to get it out quickly, I shift my grip back and flick my wrist as I pull it out of my pocket, in a ready SD position, out and locked.
 
Powells85,

With an axis lock, there's little reason for a thumbstud or opening hole unless you're trying to be discreet. Most Benchmades, especially the Griptillian series, are built to take abuse. If you're going to be cutting lots of pine trees and twine, the partially serrated models will probably serve you better. I have a 551 and it's extremely well built.
 
Originally posted by thombrogan
Powells85,

With an axis lock, there's little reason for a thumbstud or opening hole unless you're trying to be discreet.
Click to expand...
Please further explain this. I am don't know a thing about benchmades. Even though I've been collecting for years, now that I'm 18 and it is easier for me to carry a knife at this age I've become more interested in them. Thanks a lot everyone for their suggestions. The griptilian will be an EDC, but I would not use it for work (cutting tree branches). I'm looking for a fixed blade thats sturdy with a decently thick blade for light chopping and yet inexpensive. I may even just go with the suggestion of getting a SAK with a saw blade. Anymore suggestions guys?
 
With an axis lock, you can pull back on the lock bar with your thumb and, with a little motion from your wrist, flick the knife open or closed as quickly as you desire. Better still, your fingers don't have to be in the path of the blade when you close it; unlike with most locks.
 
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