Ritter Mini Grip v. LE M4 Mini Grip

Rhyno37

Rhyno37

Joined
May 27, 2012
Messages
291
Hey guys, looking to get my first Benchmade for EDC. I'm really stuck between the Ritter and M4 cerakote finished version. On one hand the Ritter has the better blade shape, but the M4 has better blade steel and is $15 cheaper. What do you guys think I should do?

http://www.gpknives.com/bm556minigripcerakotem4limited.html

http://www.knifeworks.com/dougritterminirskmk1stonewasheds30vblade.aspx

Or option 3, should I just get a full-sized griptilian or ritter grip for EDC? I wouldn't be against it, just worried it may be too large or thick. Which size do you guys find tends to work better? Is the mini too small for a lot of tasks? Thanks for any help guys, and feel free to post pictures :D
 
There is already some discussion about these knives over in the BM subforum...

They way I look at is, the M4 is limited in production. The Ritter is usually always available.
I have big hands and I love the mini. I looked at the full size, and didn't like the feel. Completely different
 
I love the size of the mini, the choice between those would be hard though. I love the shape of the ritter blade much more, but the m4 is a limited edition. Choices choices...
 
IMO blade shape and overall knife design trumps steel for what I enjoy carrying. As long as the lesser steel is still decent. CPM M4 steel is my current favorite, but s30v is still great.

That said, looking at the two blades I would actually disagree with you about the Ritter having a better shape. the M4 version appears to have a much more favorable EDC profile to me. So that would be a no brainer. The shapes are pretty similar from what I can see. So in this case I'd say get the M4 either way, unless the Ritter blade shape really has a hold of you.
 
I'd also take the M4 over the Ritter profile. I love Ritter's blade profile over just about any other folder blade shape, but the M4 steel is the deciding factor for me with these two knives. I've had many versions of both knives and they're both great cutters. I'd go with the steel choice if I were buying one.
 
We have a benchmade forum now? I did not know that, cool! I think I'll go with the m4 then. I don't understand why benchmade couldn't give the full size full liners, or give them both g10 scales.

I guess if I don't like the mini, it's limited production so I can always sell or trade and get a full size Ritter.
 
Rhyno37 said:
We have a benchmade forum now? I did not know that, cool! I think I'll go with the m4 then. I don't understand why benchmade couldn't give the full size full liners, or give them both g10 scales.

I guess if I don't like the mini, it's limited production so I can always sell or trade and get a full size Ritter.
Click to expand...


Yep. They just recently joined BF's :thumbup:

I don't know why they don't put liners in the full size either. As far as G10 goes, MANY have asked for the same thing. Maybe someday they will.
As long as the price didn't go up substantially, they would sell a gazillion of them...

I have to think they could do G10 or CF, and still be way under the price of aftermarket scales. There are other manufacturers that offer both materials on their lower end knives, so I don't see why they couldn't
 
338375 said:
I have to think they could do G10 or CF, and still be way under the price of aftermarket scales. There are other manufacturers that offer both materials on their lower end knives, so I don't see why they couldn't
Click to expand...

Most scale makers charge a premium when working with griptilians (a few don't take in griptilians at all) due to the fact you can't just make a flat scale like with other makers. You have to nest, and pocket the scale to allow for the liner/Axis lock.
This is something many scale makers have said takes a lot more work. It's not like other knives where you can take stock G10, cut it out into shape, round the edge and put it out on a knife. There's a bit of milling involved, very tight tolerances on the Shot show 2013 model.

Full sized liners also increase the weight. I think they are fine as they are for the price.
I just recently got a Griptilian Shot show 2013 version. Top notch, the G10 helps a lot. Makes the knife way more rigid and won't flex like in the Griptillian having taken it apart, I can see why they can't just use G10 (milled vs pressure molded plastics) because of price concerns.

For those who question the strength of the griptillian despite it's plastic handles and small liners. It's truly a tough knife.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkRr7452KmI
 
Glad to have benchmade on the forums now, they were about the only large manufacturer missing. I can't even comprehend how well a full size grip with full liners and G10 would sell. I do understand because of the nested liners that aftermarket scales are expensive.

So what's with the hate for the full size grip? The mini gets a lot of praise for edc. Is it just the half liners? I've heard some say its a pretty thick knife even though its lighter.
 
338375 said:
Yep. They just recently joined BF's :thumbup:

I don't know why they don't put liners in the full size either. As far as G10 goes, MANY have asked for the same thing. Maybe someday they will.
As long as the price didn't go up substantially, they would sell a gazillion of them...

I have to think they could do G10 or CF, and still be way under the price of aftermarket scales. There are other manufacturers that offer both materials on their lower end knives, so I don't see why they couldn't
Click to expand...

Rejoined, actually... ;) The Grips have liners, just like the Minis...actually, they're just about the same size! :eek: :D

We've now seen a couple of limited edition Grips with G10 scales (Shot Show and Camp Perry, both this year) and there was the CF GC Grip a few years back. I think there's a pretty good chance that BM will look at how well these are received - assuming the Camp Perry sells well - and expand this line. I agree, I think they'd probably sell a lot of Grips (and Minis) with G10 scales and traditional full liners, even at a higher price.
 
My vote: M4 Mini Grip

Why? M4 is better, mine came razor sharp.. You can always get a regular Ritter year around, but these babies are limited..

I carry this one when I go mountain biking now :)
 
I've read some people saying there is a problem with M4 rusting quite easy because it is a carbon steel. Most people say they start to rust by the pivot where it's hard to see. Any truth to this, or just blowing smoke?
 
Rhyno37 said:
I've read some people saying there is a problem with M4 rusting quite easy because it is a carbon steel. Most people say they start to rust by the pivot where it's hard to see. Any truth to this, or just blowing smoke?
Click to expand...

M4 haters be hatin’ - just smoke IMO ;)

- I’ve skinned boar with M4 (closed the blade with blood in pivot/axis area)
- Use my blade to cut fruit every day
- Don’t take extreme care when drying my blade when at work or on the go (usually just a quick wipe with a napkin and/or rinse off with water, then wipe on pants)
- And live near the coast

I have yet to have any issues with M4 or rust developing.. To be honest, I’ve done the same with 154CM and D2 - and they have both formed rust spots over the years.. I don’t know if its the Cerakote or what, but I honestly don’t have any issues with M4 and I’ve been using it exclusively for 2 years straight. Hope this helps.

- Also, I have yet to see any steel that beats M4’s edge retention (like I said, I skinned a boar and it was still hair whittling sharp - lol try that with D2 or 154CM).
 
The blade shape on the Ritter is definitely worth it. Better steel is always nice, but I've always liked s30v anyway
 
After giving it some thought, I just don't know if I can pull the trigger on the mini version of either. $120 is a lot for a small EDC. I'd feel like I got my money's worth if I bought the full size, where I can use it for about any task. I wish they made the mini grip handle length the same as the mini presidio 525
 
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I got the M4 and I would do it again...great knife and worth every penny. The Ritter blade looks more suited for hunting than EDC. S30v is a good steel, but I would highly recommend the M4 mini.
 
I have the ritter in both large and mini. The size of the blade on the mini is just perfect imo. I dont really carry the large because it has some qc issues. But the mini is definitely my favorite of the two
 
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