Ritter Mk1 vs. BM Griptilian??? Please help.

L

LikeHike

Joined
Feb 23, 2006
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The Ritter RSK MK1 costs $115. The Benchmade Griptilian 551 is $62.50. If I understand correctly the differences are the MK1 is S30V and has a full drop point blade. The 551 is 154CM and has a modified drop point blade.

My main usage is outdoor hiking and backpacking. I want something easily accessable and do not always want to have my fixed blade visable (I keep it in my pack normally).

Is it worth getting the Ritter for almost double the cost???

Thanks for your advise.
 
I like the Ritter alot and the S30V is RAZOR SHARP. You can find good deals on either one on the forums. You might want to consider posting in the wanted ads. You may be able to get a real good deal. Either one you choose will do a good job. THANK YOU! Kevin
 
I also liike the Ritter alot. I agree with kda, that my S30V came razor sharp.
 
I don't have much experience with backpacking but for normal edc use I don't think it's worth it. I like a more stabbier blade than the ritter gives.

I'd go for the 551 and a pocket stone. :thumbup:
 
Depends upon your preferences in blade design and steel. Personally, I prefer the Ritter design and steel type, have 2 of them and I think they are better for outdoor and camping use. Some have difficulties sharpening the S30V and find the 154CM easier to get an edge on. I prefer the S30V and feel it worth the extra money; others would disagree. The stonewash finish rocks also and tends to show fewer scratches than the other finishes. My $.02. Good luck with your purchase. :D
 
I have and like them both a lot. If money is an issue, then I'd say the 551 is a great knife in its own right. I really like the steel on the Ritter grip, but I've been able to use my 551 on all of the same tasks without any problems at all (my 551 is 440C). The Ritter seems to hold an edge longer. I can appreciate the blade shapes on both. You can't go wrong either way, but it'll really be up to you to determine if the extra $ is worth it. I think they were both worth what I paid for them.
 
Native Justice said:
Some have difficulties sharpening the S30V and find the 154CM easier to get an edge on. :D
Click to expand...

I have limited experience using a Sharpmaker - is the S30V a real challenge?
Is it realistic to sharpen with a small stone on the trail?

underaged! said:
I'd go for the 551 and a pocket stone. :thumbup:
Click to expand...
Are you suggesting the pocket stone because the 154CM does not hold an edge as well and needs sharpening more frequently?
 
Besides avoiding the 440C models (sorry, just have no use for that steel anymore), either model should be more than capable for outdoor usage.

I like the Ritter blade more as it is a better slicer IMO, but you can reprofile the edge on the standard Grips.

As for steels, I like BM's 154CM. S30V seems to take a toothier edge, though, which enhances slice cuts.

If I was purchasing, I'd go Ritter unless I figured there was a high loss potential.
 
I have carried my Ritter for a year and a 1/2 with no chipping what so ever. I have used it at work cutting speaker cable (strippers fell off the scaffold). I have taken it backpacking some many places with no problems until my friend decided to see how tight he could get the pivot point (we were disscussing the problems with shipping into Canada) and used a hex key instead of a torrex bit and stripped the screw. Still opens, but now its a two handed opener =(. But nothing wrong with the blade itself
 
I have been very pleased with my Ritter RSK-1. It came razor sharp and, oh so smooth to operate. There is enough history on both these knives that either, or any, can safely be recommended.
 
LikeHike said:
I have limited experience using a Sharpmaker - is the S30V a real challenge?
Is it realistic to sharpen with a small stone on the trail?


Are you suggesting the pocket stone because the 154CM does not hold an edge as well and needs sharpening more frequently?
Click to expand...

The trick for both steels is to not let them get dull/blunt to begin with ... keep the edge sharp and you won't have to sharpen them. Having a Sharpmaker makes doing the periodic blade tune up easy!

Having a stone or any good sharpening tool on the trail, and knowing how to use it, always makes good sense.

The S30V traditionally holds an edge longer than 154CM with the same edge grind, used on the same material. :D
 
I've had a Benchmade 550 Griptilian in 440C for a long time now. A couple years. It's been a great knife. I also have a 555 mini griptilian in 154cm. I don't notice a difference at all in edge holding or ease of sharpening. For a normal user I don't think most people will be able to tell.

I think anyone that says 440C is junk, doesn't know how well Benchmade does 440C. Only when my 440C BM 550 dies will I go but a newer one in 154CM.

Conclusion: I suggest not paying the high price for an S30V Ritter. I've owned one and got rid of it because I wasn't that impressed. I agree with some of the other people here. I like the more stabby pointy blade on the BM 551. Heck I think even the 550 has a more pointy blade.
 
Pick the blade shape you want. Both are great knives. I have a Cabela's 551 in D2 - wonderful knife. I have a Ritter in m2 - wonderful knife. Blade shapes determine which gets used for a particular task. My son has a 551 in 440C - wonderful knife. Holds an edge far better than given credit for on the forums. The Griptilians are very well designed, you can't go wrong. Just buy the one you like. You can always try the other design later.
Bob
 
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