Ritter Mini, Dodo or Mouse?

I like the Mouse and am not familiar with the Griptillian. I would not buy the DODO. I dislike the blade shape. The handle is way to large for the size of the blade edge (<2"). With the 4" handle of the DODO, you should get close to a 3" blade, not <2". If I'm going to have a knife that size in my pocket, I want the blade to go with it. I carry small knives, but the Mouse is a good example of a small knife, with a small, but useable handle. The DODO's handle is at least and inch longer than the mouse with the same size blade. If you want the DODO blade get a cricket, less expensive and over an inch shorter. Another reason not to buy the DODO is the new and as yet unproven ball lock. I've had more than a few problems with spyderco design problems in the past, and wouldn't trust the the ball lock for at least another year or two.
 
All three are good choices. I have owned a Griptilian and a Dodo. I am looking to get a Wegner Mouse. The Grip is more conservative appearing, but solid. The Dodo has a very strong grip and lock, but curved blades can be difficult to sharpen.
 
I'd go with either the Mouse or the Dodo. My friend carries a Dodo for EDC and has no problems with it. The handle is perfect for ergos and the blade shape excels in many cutting tasks. The ball bearing lock has definitely proven itself IMO. It is very strong and very reliable in my experience. The Dodo's clip is one of the best out there for low pocket carry and the wire clip is excellent. I admit the Dodo looks a wee bit strange, if that were a problem I'd go with the Mouse. I'd pick the strong and grippy g-10 and s30v over over the plastic handles of the Ritter Mini. I also prefer hole openers over studs.
 
Those are tough choices, Dude Crush. I've only handled and used the Ritter Mini-Grip and the Dodo, and have a secret longing for a Mouse II :)

You've listed three very different knives, so instead of telling you what I would pick, I'll tell you what I like and dislike about each.

The Dodo is a great knife that handles a lot of different chores, some very well and some just so-so. The dropped point is awesome for detail work - one example that always comes to mind is opening those plastic clamshell packages that are so popular nowadays. The large handle gives you a secure grip on the knife. The only cons I can think of are the ball lock (I found it uncomfortable to unlock) and ease of resharpening (don't let it get dull).

The Ritter Mini-Grip is also a great knife with a more general-purpose blade. Light in the pocket, and has a fantastic blade shape. As I've noted before, I would own one of these if I could just get over the price in relation to FRN handles. The only cons with this knife is that the checkering on the handle can be quite abrasive for extended use, and the dropped point where the handle meets the tang (minor nit).

As for the Mouse II, I can see that it would be a great EDC knife for those small jobs, especially around knife-sensitive people. You would probably want to stick a lanyard on the end to give your hand something extra to grab. The only downside I can see is that the blade length is somewhat limiting if this will be the only knife you carry. Simple solution, carry a bigger knife with it! :)

Hope this helps,

Matthew
 
The Dodo is not really an all around knife. It is just a super high-end box opener. It won't have the length to make slice cuts, and lacks belly. But when opening, boxes, pull cuts are extremely effective.

"The handle is way to large for the size of the blade edge (<2"). With the 4" handle of the DODO, you should get close to a 3" blade, not <2""

I have to disagree, it makes it easier to handle and use, just like box-cutters/superknives.

"Another reason not to buy the DODO is the new and as yet unproven ball lock. I've had more than a few problems with spyderco design problems in the past, and wouldn't trust the the ball lock for at least another year or two."

Yes, that was a few years ago, and defintely proven itself since then. There was a problem with lock up in the early batches, but was quickly fixed by the Spydie team. Also Spyderco is known to take care of their customers, and just let them know you have a bad one, and you'll get a replacement. If you are ordering online, I'm sure they have the newer ones.



Other pros: The lock is very smooth and is easier to open than an Axis lock because there is less force applied by the springs and thus the tang, which reduces friction.

They are fun. I have found a hand full of different ways to open them, and keeps things entertaining.




However, I choose the Mini Grip, because of its size in handle and in blade, blade shape, Axis lock and materials.
 
I've got a Dodo and a regular Mini-Grip. I've never handled a mouse.

The Dodo's ergonomics are far superior to those of the Mini-Grip. In fact, I can only get three fingers on the Mini-Grip handle because of the shape and size,but I have large hands. On the other hand, I tend to agree that the blade size and shape isn't necessarily best suited for an all-around EDC. Still, if you need the knife to be small because of a blade length limit, the Dodo is a very useful and effective cutting tool for many tasks given that it's blade is only 2 and 1/16".
 
I have the Dodo, and find it great for opeing boxes, as well as wittleing. It seems to do everything a 2" blade could do, for me at least. Mine is having lock problems, but I just havent got around to sending it in yet.
 
I have the Dodo and the Wegner II in S30. I am in an urban environment and the Mouse II is my edc. If I felt I needed something more, I would carry the Dodo. The Dodo is like a scalpel on steriods. If I felt I needed something even more I would carry the Sebbie.
 
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