Ritter Mini RSK MK1 M390 or Manix 2?

[Ero2]

Going to finally order a new main EDC tonight. I have carried a native for ~ a year, and it's held up well. Finally returning it to my dad, and grabbing a new knife for myself. I almost ordered a Manix 2 LW (s110V) but saw this M390 Mini Grip and wanted to ask around. Decently hard user, so prefer a bit broader blade, or would probably get a PM2.

Thanks, as always, for the help!

 

[Phixt]

Don't rule out maxamet. Still available at knifeworks and DLTtrading last time I checked.

I like my mini RSK MK1, many here have said it's the sliciest design BM ever produced, and it of course is discontinued. I'd grab one while you can if you're on the fence about it.

 

[whp]

Both fine knives. For me the larger Manix 2 with s110v steel is a more useful size. And I prefer the lightweight to the g10 version. But the Ritter Grips with m390 steel are discontinued. In your shoes I might get the regular and mini sizes while I could. Get the Manix 2 later.

 

[That_Knife_Guy]

I have the full sized grip and it is a wonderful knife.

 

[M. Johnwell]

I haven't had a manix 2, but I had a mini rsk-1 for a while. Mine wasn't the greatest example of fit and finish (blade rubbed the handle) and came with side to side blade play out of the box. I'm sure I just got a lemon, but it made me kinda hesitant to buy another Benchmade without getting a chance to hold it.
Also, for my medium-large hands, it always felt just the tiniest bit short to me. So that's why I voted manix. Also because I haven't tried maxamet or s110v yet

 

[sfrigon1]

Manix 2 is the best edc you can buy ,jmho

 

[Wolverine666]

The Manix2 for sure. Awesome knife. I'd definitely go with the G10/S110V model instead of the light weight.

Not to mention the value and superior fit and finish of Spydercos over BM in general. My opinion.

 

[ourgon]

Ritter, it's discontinued so if you get it you have rare piece. And Benchmade has better customer service.

 

[whp]

I believe both companies have fine customer service. But I know more about Benchmade s service since I ve had to use it much more!
I do believe the remaining Ritter Griptilians are the last remaining bargains in Benchmade s current overpriced lineup.

 

[DocT]

The Ritter BM is a great knife in a great steel. I think I would rather have M390 over S110V. However, I have large thick hands and the handles of the Griptilian line are a bit short for me. Plus the rounded handle, while comfortable, do not ride well in my pocket. The Manix 2 has a larger handle and is more ergonomic for me. It fits me better and it is an equally strong knife. It is flat and rides well in the pocket, though it is a bit wide from spine to bottom. Also, the Manix 2 is easier to open, even with gloves on, for me. You can also get the Manix 2 in CTS-XHP, S110V, and other steel choices. I would choose the Manix 2, but think you would be happy with either one.

 

[photoman12001]

Both are great and I would not want to choose between them. If I had to it would be the Ritter but only with Wilkins grips, maybe AWT grips. Otherwise I'd stick to the Manix 2. I don't like the factory plastic Griptilian scales.

Get the Ritter first as others have said. Pick up a used Manix in the Exchange here. Good deals seem to pop up often there, especially on light weight versions. I just grabbed an older hollow grind DLC G10 version a few nights ago for a decent price and might sell the flat grind. I prefer the hollow grind version mainly for appearance.

But the obvious answer is both.

 

[Ero2]

Both are great and I would want to choose between them. If I had to it would be the Ritter but only with Wilkins grips, maybe AWT grips. Otherwise I'd stick to the Manix 2. I don't like the factory plastic Griptilian scales.

Get the Ritter first as others have said. Pick up a used Manix in the Exchange here. Good deals seem to pop up often there, especially on light weight versions. I just grabbed an older hollow grind DLC G10 version a few nights ago for a decent price. And might sell the flat grind. I prefer the hollow grind version mainly for appearance.

But the obvious answer is both.

Those grips are the grail of grips I've been looking for, but I didn't know enough to know it wasn't a sprint but aftermarket! Those appear to be PERFECTION! And, as you said, the factory scales look cheap to me, and I'm not sure how they would ride in my dress pants vs the "flatness" of the manic/spyderco scales.

 

[photoman12001]

There is more info on the Wilkins and AWT scales in this thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/threads/advanced-weapons-technologies-griptillian-scales.1491706/

For a small Grip the titanium Wilkins scales are the bees knees for me. On a large the Wilkins Ti makes the knife big and heavy so most people would probably prefer the AWT or Wilkins G10/aluminum on a large Grip.

 

[McFeeli]

That's a tough choice. The only way I would vote for the Manix is if you grabbed a sprint run, as the Ritter is already discontinued so it'll be difficult to grab one later in life.

I love my Ritter mini, perfect fit and finish, grinds were solid and sharp, buttery smooth action and a centered blade to top it all off. I really don't mind the scales(awesome orange color for me) and I think the full liners on the mini help that.

The Manix is a knife that should be in production for a long, long time so you shouldn't have any trouble grabbing one cheap(especially on the exchange). I actually think the Manix might suit your needs better, but I know the Ritter is no slouche when it comes to EDC chores.

 

[Ero2]

That's a tough choice. The only way I would vote for the Manix is if you grabbed a sprint run, as th Ritter is already discontinued so it'll be difficult to grab one later in life.

I love my Ritter mini, perfect fit and finish, grinds were solid and sharp, buttery smooth action and a centered blade to top it all off. I actually really don't mind the scales(awesome orange color for me) and I think the full liners on the mini help that.

The Manix is a knife that should be in production for a long, long time so you shouldn't have any trouble grabbing one cheap(especially on the exchange). I actually think the Manix might suit your needs better, but I know the Ritter is no slouche when it comes to EDC chores.

That's actually what I was just going to ask the forum, if there's something in this range that might fit better, AND, if the stock scales on the mini grip are truly that bad? I can't swing 70+ on new scales off the bat unfortunately.

Budget is 150, maybe 175 on the knife itself. Mountain biking, camping, whatever knife needs my 3 kids come up with, boxes, zip ties, yard work, etc. I want a knife that can hold up even if I don't put it through it's paces right away. I also, as sacrilegious as it may be on this forum, tend to be a 1 knife guy...1 wallet, 1 watch, etc. so am truly trying to grab the best knife I can, because I will keep it a VERY long time. Thanks all!

 

[McFeeli]

That's actually what I was just going to ask the forum, if there's something in this range that might fit better, AND, if the stock scales on the mini grip are truly that bad? I can't swing 70+ on new scales off the bat unfortunatey

I may be in the minority here, but I never felt the need to change out the scales on my mini. The factory scales are super tough, I mean it takes a ton to screw them up.

The problem most people have with them is that they just don't like the "plastic" feel of them. Like I said though, I have the mini so I can't speak for the full sized grip(I believe their liners are milled out).

I actually expected to hate the stock scales after reading so much distain towards them on this forum, but when mine showed up I was pleasantly surprised. I haven't felt like I needed to change them since.

*my Ritter mini with original orange scales

 

[adamlau]

Easy answer for an easy question: Ritter Mini RSK MK1 M390

 

[luke86]

Going to finally order a new main EDC tonight. I have carried a native for ~ a year, and it's held up well. Finally returning it to my dad, and grabbing a new knife for myself. I almost ordered a Manix 2 LW (s110V) but saw this M390 Mini Grip and wanted to ask around. Decently hard user, so prefer a bit broader blade, or would probably get a PM2.

Thanks, as always, for the help!

Well the Manix 2 lw is going to be a much larger knife than the minigrip but is very light. Really great knife and s110v is amazing. They can be found for under a $100 on the exchange so I would definitely recommend picking one up. The mini grip is going to be much smaller. To small for my liking but should be close to your native you just had. The ritters are going to be gone soon so if you think you might want one you better pick it up now or I imagine prices will climb as availability dwindles. So in short get both. I would suggest picking up the ritter to try and if you don't like it sell it and get a manix 2 lw. But definitely get the manix 2 lw down the road even if you like the ritter.