Ritter Grip vs. 550bkhg (Sheepsfoot/Opening-Hole Grip)

O

Oakengroves

Joined
Sep 4, 2012
Messages
418
Hello everyone,

I'm in the market to purchase a new Benchmade EDC and light-outdoor user. I have narrowed my choices down to the: (1) Ritter Grip; and (2) 550bkhg (Sheepsfoot/Opening-Hole Grip). I've reviewed several threads comparing a standard grip (drop point) and the Rittergrip. Unfortunately, there is very little information comparing the Rittergrip against the Sheepsfoot/Opening-Hole Grip.

Right now, I'm leaning toward the Sheepsfoot/Opening-Hole Grip because it is available in a black coating, costs less, is a little lighter, uses opening-hole deployment, and should perform similarly to the Ritter, considering its hollow grind. Comparatively, the advantages of the Ritter Grip are slightly better steel (s30v vs 154cm), a sharper tip for piercing, and slightly better slicing.

I own a 555bkhg (mini) and love the opening-hole deployment and slicing.

Any thoughts, commentary, or advice?

Thanks.
 
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I have both in full size and in minis. I like both a lot (more than the drop point by a long way). You aren't going to regret either one - it's going to get down to your personal preferences of steel, holes vs stud and FFG (to all intents and purposes) vs hollow grind. Just get both ;-)
 
I have both, and they are both good knives. The Ritter will slice a little better when cutting thick materials, but IMO the S30V steel is not as good as the 154CM in the 550. I found the S30V chips a lot more in use. YMMV The Ritter blade shape in another steel...then I would say it's a hard choice. The black coating on the Grips I have that are coated scuffs fairly easily, and IMO adds a bit of friction when cutting certain materials. Again YMMV The 550 is "wider" when folded than the Ritter, the blade sticks further out of the handle for the hole. This may make finding a sheath a little more complicated
 
I have a mini grip with a thumbstud and one with the hole. I like them both the same, the thumbstud one has better steel so I carry that a lot more, but I like deployment holes for the fact that they can't get caught up on pockets and other things. Not a big deal, cause I think its only happened to me like once...
 
I have both in the mini size the sheep foot 154cm is a much better slicer and holds its edge longer then the s30v ritter. I have bought and sold a few ritter's but have always keep my sheep foot 154cm. Having picked the 555's up for a song then adding the putman's scales it feels to me like I am carrying a custom knife.

 
If they made the 551 with a thumbhole I would never need another EDC. I would buy a ton of them

I love the Ritter blade, but need the thumbhole
 
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