Ritter vs. Pardue Mini-Grips?

[Accelerator]

Recently I was in the market for a sub 3" folder and ended up purchasing a Spyderco Chaparral which I absolutely love. In researching various options with that blade size, the mini-griptilian continually popped up. Even after getting the Chap, I haven't been able to get the mini-grip out of my mind. So, in the interest of maintaining my sanity, I have decided to make that my next knife.

I looked at what all of the usual sources had to offer, and am stuck between the Ritter model for a moderate price increase, or just buying the plain 154CM model and calling it a day. I have no doubt that the basic mini-grip is an excellent knife and I will be happy with it, but I am looking for opinions from someone who may have had both who might be able to give me some pros and cons between the two models.

 

[A.P.F.]

The Ritter uses S30V steel and has an excellent blade profile, imo.

 

[mkjellgren]

I MUCH prefer the ritters to the standard grip models. The difference is only in the blade, but the steel upgrade and ritter blade shape make the price bump completely worth it to me. The Ritter blade shape is a bit more versatile in my opinion and being a taller blade with a high flat grind, the Ritter is a better slicer. Slap some custom scales on a ritter and you'd be hard pressed to find a better EDC knife.

 

[deathofallthings]

Go with the ritter. If you want something really special, maybe you can buy a 558DLCM4 of someone.

 

[Accelerator]

I MUCH prefer the ritters to the standard grip models. The difference is only in the blade, but the steel upgrade and ritter blade shape make the price bump completely worth it to me. The Ritter blade shape is a bit more versatile in my opinion and being a taller blade with a high flat grind, the Ritter is a better slicer. Slap some custom scales on a ritter and you'd be hard pressed to find a better EDC knife.

I like the idea of some custom scales. Before posting this thread, I did a BF search looking for info, but most of it was the Ritter vs. other brands. However, a recurring suggestion was the addition of custom scales to the Ritter to really make it shine and I admit, I loved the sound of that. It seems like that combo was really held in high regard with respect to a base Mini and the potential of what a truly great Mini could be.

 

[flarp]

Steel: The S30V on my Ritter Mini-Grip seems to hold an edge marginally better than the 154CM on the standard model 556, although it really isn't a huge difference.

Blade Shape: The Ritter (558) and Pardue (556) both feature a high flat grind. The 558 has a wider, more robust blade, which should be a bit tougher. The 556 has a more tapered tip, which will make piercing easier. Both blades are the same thickness.

Handle/Lock/Clip: Same on both.

Other Options: The Ritter's options are stonewash and coated only. The Pardue models have different blade shapes and grinds: 555HG - hollow-grind sheepsfoot and 557 - tanto. The Pardue models can also offer serrations, if you want them.

Personally, I prefer the more robust-feeling blade and aesthetics on the Ritter model (especially since I fit it in my Wilkins scales). Functionally, I've never found either model to be lacking.

 

[mkjellgren]

I like the idea of some custom scales. Before posting this thread, I did a BF search looking for info, but most of it was the Ritter vs. other brands. However, a recurring suggestion was the addition of custom scales to the Ritter to really make it shine and I admit, I loved the sound of that. It seems like that combo was really held in high regard with respect to a base Mini and the potential of what a truly great Mini could be.

Exactly. Here is my limited edition ritter mini in cpm-m4 blade steel and custom cuscadi carbon fiber micarta scales:

(Click thumbnail for larger image)

 

[Accelerator]

Wow, those Cuscadi scales really bump it up into another category altogether. If you have any other pics, please feel free to post them.

 

[mkjellgren]

Wow, those Cuscadi scales really bump it up into another category altogether. If you have any other pics, please feel free to post them.

I'm not much of a photographer and all of my pics are crappy cell phone pics, but there are other members here who have posted some beautiful pics of their cuscadi scales. A quick forum (or Google for that matter) search for "cuscadi" should get you some good results. The folks at cuscadi do some excellent work and Luke is a pleasure to do business with. They have a nearly endless list if options in terms of matials, milling, finishing, etc. They are custom made to order so there is a bit of wait time (about 6 weeks for me) but you can get a set made exactly to your specifications for around 80 euros (about $100 when I got mine) and like you said, they really do take the knife to another level.

Here is the only other half decent pic I have:

 

[Random Dan]

I like the Ritter Grip but at twice the cost of a regular Grip I don't think I could ever justify buying one.

 

[Accelerator]

I like the Ritter Grip but at twice the cost of a regular Grip I don't think I could ever justify buying one.

With the best prices that I could find on both variations, the Ritter is exactly 31.7% more than the Pardue model. Both come with free shipping so that number is accurate. That being said, and after spending time on the Benchmade website looking at the "Customize a Griptilian" option, I think either one is a bargain relatively speaking.

P.S. I'm a Mech. Engineer so I am a math nerd by trade.

 

[Keyman]

I prefer the Ritter myself.
For the blade shape and steel.
It makes for a great EDC.
Especially, if you customize it to your liking.
Have fun.
Personalize it, make it yours.
Fortunately there is no shortage of different kinds of custom scales availible for the Mini-Grip/Ritter.

 

[Random Dan]

With the best prices that I could find on both variations, the Ritter is exactly 31.7% more than the Pardue model. Both come with free shipping so that number is accurate. That being said, and after spending time on the Benchmade website looking at the "Customize a Griptilian" option, I think either one is a bargain relatively speaking.

P.S. I'm a Mech. Engineer so I am a math nerd by trade.

I was going off of the prices of $60.25 shipped for the regular 556 and $112.00 shipped for the Ritter, as those were the cheapest I could find. I rounded a little bit.

 

[Accelerator]

Wow, that low-end price is a lot lower than I've found. I can see your point now for sure.

 

[arty]

Another option is the 707 Sequel. I have one in my pocket right now, with a couple of mini grips in the drawer. My most carried knives are the Chaparral and the Sequel. The Sequel has the same blade as the mini grip, but the handle is smaller and more pocket friendly.
Personally, I am fine with 154CM and prefer the Sequel for frequent carry. It probably costs close to the price of the Ritter, but I prefer the blade shape of the standard models.

 

[Accelerator]

Ritter ordered an hour ago. Will post pics as soon as it shows up. Thank you for everyone who commented and helped me out with this decision.

 

[338375]

I don't think you will be disappointed. I love them. This is the last one I got about 7 months ago, from the Build a Grip.
It has an S30V blade. While I have no complaints with the blade shape, I wish the Ritter style blade was an option.
I have big hands, but the mini is really comfortable in hand. I thought as much as I like the mini, I should check out the full size grip. Nope... Completely different knife, and have no desire to have one.