Ritter Griptilian vs. Osborne 940

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backpackboy

Joined
Jun 5, 2010
Messages
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Hey all,

I just joined up as I'm getting into knives now. Looking to buy my first nice blade within the next few days. The summer approaches with much opportunity for backpacking trips, so I'm looking forward to bringing a great knife out there. I was hoping you all could help me finalize my decision!

I've narrowed it down to the Ritter Griptilian (Benchmade model 552)

link: http://www.aeromedix.com/product-ex..._id/1080/nm/Doug_Ritter_RSK_Mk1_Folding_Knife

Specs:
CPM-S30V, 3.44 in blade, .115 in thickness, 3.82 oz., wide chord drop point



And the BM Osborne design 940

link: http://www.benchmade.com/products/940

Specs:
S30V, 3.40 in blade, .115 in thickness, 2.90 oz., modified reverse tanto




The knife will be used primarily for backpacking excursions, so anything you can imagine I would need to do out there. I also may end up EDCing it a bit. Weight of it is not very important. I want to hear any opinion you have. I must say I am very much leaning towards the Ritter grip right now due to its blade shape, extra jimping / gripping and that it is recognized as a good survival knife.

Thanks in advance!
 
for your intended use I would get a small fixed blade.

also: theres lots of companies to consider other than benchmade where your dollar will go farther, imho.
 
I agree with monger that a fixed blade would fit best for backpacking excursions.

That being said, I would go ahead with your instinct and get the Ritter.

I EDC'd the 930 Kulgera for 6 months which has similar specs to the 940. Although it is a great blade, honestly I don't feel that it would really be up to some of the chores you might need to take care of while backpacking, camping, etc...very slim design made it comfortable in the pocket, but not the most robust.
 
Thanks for the advice so far guys.

I own a Ka-Bar 7 in. USMC Utility / Fighting knife that will be going with me, I'm just looking for the perfect folder to accompany it!

Funny you should mention the Kulgera - it was #3 on my list =)

You confirmed my suspicions that it might not be the right choice. My main worry about the 930 / 940 is that they aren't as capable when it comes to that stuff, where as the Ritter grip will be. Thanks for your input man.

Keep it coming... I love advice from people who know what they are talking about - all I hear from my girlfriend is "that one is prettier. get that." *sigh*...
 
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I'm looking 940 myself too. Though I got quite few on mylist. 940 seems to be tough knife and reverse tanto makes it pretty though I hear.

Now if you go outdoors and choose knife specially for that, what temperatures you are most likely to be? In colder environtment you cannot easily open either knife with gloves on and 940 is metal handle knife, so it might be less suitable for colder climates. Grips all round handle might also be comfortable for extensive use as you might need to use knife pretty extensive period of time in outdoors.

Griptilian seems to be more work and utility orientated. Its blade shape is very finctional for the utility work. I'd probably go for Griptilian.
 
The thing that I don't like about the Kulgera is the exposed liners, but maybe it is just me. I have two Ritter Grips and highly recommend a Ritter Grip for your purpose. The blade design is very functional and it is a tough knife that takes and holds a great edge.
 
Wow! I thought this was a no-brainer and that getting the 940 was the thing to do. I don't have experience with the Ritter, though.

The 940 is a very fine knife that is slim and extremely easy to carry. It is also plenty tough. I use mine for edc along with backpacking and other outdoor activities. Neither knife is a chopper. I can't imagine what you could want the 940 to do that it couldn't handle.
 
the 940 is plenty tough for any backpacking duties, more than adequate if you're taking along a fixed blade as well. it's been up everest, has the griptilian?
 
I just sold my S30V RSK MK I Ritter Grip due to it's larger handle size - didn't like the way it felt - polymer handle. I do have two 940's a user and a collector. They're silky smooth and just cool as all get out to me.

That said, in a back-packing scenario the fatter handle and broader blade of the Ritter Grip might be right up your alley. :thumbup: Here's a pic - Ritter in stonewashed - both would do fine.

849847730_EGsyx-L.jpg
 
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Although the 940 is a great knife for what you want you really can't beat the Ritter. The whole design is fantastic. It is light and the handles are bomb proof and comfortable.:thumbup: I love mine. Get the orange handles, that way if you drop it you can easily find it in grass or leaves.
 
Lots of options, but since your request was between the Ritter grip and the 940 I would personally go with the grip. I have owned both and while the 940 is a great edc and well built, I am more comfortable with the beefy construction of the grip for hiking and camping tasks.

The grip is a great compliment to a fixed blade for camping.

The 940 blade is a great slicer and a very handy knife, just not for outdoors tasks.

My suggestion would be to go to a knife store and handle them both to make your decision
 
Its all a matter of personal preference. That being said, get a small fixed blade and the Ritter.
 
I find both the 940 (and Kulgera) to be too small and slippery for outdoor use. So, of these options the Grip is the way to go. However, I wouldn't buy either one myself for backpacking...instead I'd get a Spyderco such as an Endura, Delica, or something from the Salt series. You just can't beat the hole opener for simplicity and durability. Also, the Salt series are meant for salt water use so they can't rust, which is nice for a backpacking situation where it is hard to clean stuff.
 
I consider the 940 series to be more of a gentlemens folder. They are slim, smooth, and aesthetically pleasing. Relatively thin blade profile, smooth machines aluminum handles, and an overall closed design, etc. Nothing about those knives indicates any hard use functionality, it's not convincing although they are "tough". Always use the right tool for the job.
For someone getting into knives and has an interest in backpacking/camping/hiking, etc -my recommendation would be the ESEE Izula or H.E.S.T.
1 - These are more purpose built than any folder could be,
2 - They are more affordable and can definitely take advanced use and abuse without issues.

Battoning a folder while making firewood is not an option if you want to keep your knife in 1 piece. It does look like the Ritter is a more solid choice.
 
I would say out of the two for your intended use, the Ritter is better suited...although, i think the 940 is "prettier".;)
 
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Thank you guys so much for all the great replies and advice. It is sounding like the Ritter is the better choice!

RevDevil, I mentioned in a previous reply that my fixed blade is a 7" Ka-Bar USMC. That is what I will be using for battoning, not my folder. I realize the USMC is not the best fixed blade - I bought it earlier this year for around 65 bucks with a cabelas giftcard (as I am a student I don't have that much money for knives =P) I figure it will get the job done out there though. My next investment in knives will certainly be a nice fixed blade survival knife.
 
thejamppa said:
In colder environtment you cannot easily open either knife with gloves on and 940 is metal handle knife, so it might be less suitable for colder climates.
Click to expand...

Axis Lock knives are very easy to open and close when wearing gloves. That's one of the reasons that I carry one in my fire jacket.

Backpackboy, I own both knives and consider the Ritter Grip to be better for the great outdoors.

I choose to carry my Ritter Grips more than any of my other knives, not because I'm scared to use or lose a Sebenza or XM18, but because I find the RSK to be a more practical knife.
 
Heh, thanks for the reply Steven. I'm really glad to hear that. Can't wait to have this thing in my hands!

The only question left is...

Stonewash blade + black handle, stonewash + orange or black coated + black!


:D
 
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