Sell me on a Ritter/Wilkins mini grip

mkjellgren · Mar 23, 2012

Alright guys here's the deal. For he past couple of months I have been on quest for the perfect edc to replace my aging benchmade 707. I have thus far picked up a para 2, a sage 2 and 3, a g10 dragonfly and a serrated h1 dragonfly with a blade swap in mind, and a zt 0350. I really like all of them, and but I still feel like I could find something better... For instance:

Para 2: nearly perfect but the clip rides a bit high and it's a bit "stabby" looking for urban environments.

Sage 2: very excellent knife in every way except I reaffirmed my general dislike for frame/liner locks. Nothing really wrong with them, they just aren't my favorite.

Sage 3: bought this one as attempt to prevent the purchase in question, I love the sage series and I honestly like this one better than the sage 2 but something about it just doesn't scratch the itch.

ZT 0350: absolutely a beast of a edc knife but again, not the hugest liner lock fan, and with summer on the way I think it's just a bit too heavy for everyday wear in light weight shorts.

The h1 g10 frankenfly is one of my favorite knives ever but I just can't help but feel underknifed carrying it as my only blade so it usually gets thrown in pocket along with a larger knife.

Basically, what I'm interested in is your opinions on the Ritter mini with wilkins scales and whether or not you agree that it is the logical next step in my search. The entire 3 years or so I carried my 707 I thought the only thing that would make it better was a slightly larger g10 handle and better blade steel. To me, that pretty much seems like what I would be getting with the ritter/wilkins. Thanks in advance. And before anyone suggests it, or don't want a sebenza. I think it would end up with a similar fate as my sage 2, greatly appreciated but rarely carried.

arty · Mar 23, 2012

I have a minigrip and a Sequel. The minigrip has a somewhat larger handle that is very comfortable.
I have the Sequel in my pocket right now. I have thought about the S30V blade versions, but I personally doubt
that the advantages in edge holding over 154cm will be obvious in my daily use. The 154cm takes a good edge and holds it for some time. I am sure that the S30V will hold an edge longer, but I wonder if it will be any better in general uxd than the regular minigrip or Sequel. I do have a knife in S30V and like it, but can't say that it is that much better than my knives in 154CM. ....
I am not so crazy about G10 and the Minigrip handle is good in the hand and the pocket.
The Wilkins scales are not for me, but perhaps for you. I think that they make the handle larger than it needs to be, but I am not sure about the specs.

RetiredGuns · Mar 23, 2012

Well it's obvious you like an Axis lock and a blade hovering around 3" so for functionality a mini-Ritter would be spot on. The S30V is a proven steel and the blade shape is well received. There is no doubt that this combo would be a great EDC. Add Wilkins grips if you can find them and you have about a $260+ knife. Is it worth it? Some might say no because it's not a big name or semi-custom or the fact that you could get 2 paras and a d'fly or 4 mini-grips for the price but it's a hell of a knife.

mantzao · Mar 23, 2012

Totally worth it in my opinion

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/934216-Love-me-my-Ritters!

mkjellgren · Mar 23, 2012

RetiredGuns said:
Well it's obvious you like an Axis lock and a blade hovering around 3" so for functionality a mini-Ritter would be spot on. The S30V is a proven steel and the blade shape is well received. There is no doubt that this combo would be a great EDC. Add Wilkins grips if you can find them and you have about a $260+ knife. Is it worth it? Some might say no because it's not a big name or semi-custom or the fact that you could get 2 paras and a d'fly or 4 mini-grips for the price but it's a hell of a knife.

See, and this is the predicament I find myself in. I literally talk myself in and out of it on a daily basis. Considering I have spent about $600 on knives in the past 2 months I probably should just buck up and not worry about it being a $260 minigrip... but then again, since I have spent so much recently, I don't want to spend a bunch more only to feel like I spent $260 on a minigrip.

Add to this that my birthday was last week and I've got a little spare cash to play with and the temptation gets harder and harder to resist.

tomsch · Mar 23, 2012

I have quite a few really nice folders including 6 Chris Reeves, a Les George VECP, Spyderco Sage2, Para2, and several other folders that fit in the same range. Of all them I carry the Sage 2 the most. I just picked up a mini-Ritter and have a Wilkins pair of black grips on the way. Even using the Mini-Ritter this evening I'm impressed with the blade shape and grind. Slices very well and is the perfect size for what I need an EDC folder for. Adding the Wilkins grips should talk it to the next level but even as is the design is very impressive for a 3" bladed folder.

ChrisB507 · Mar 23, 2012

Why not try a regular mini-Grip for around $80 or a Ritter for around $120? You could always add the Wilkins grips. I recently bought a Ritter mini-Grip; it's a nice upgrade but both are great knives. If it were me, I would try one out before going all-in on a $250+ knife.

mkjellgren · Mar 24, 2012

ChrisB507 said:
Why not try a regular mini-Grip for around $80 or a Ritter for around $120? You could always add the Wilkins grips. I recently bought a Ritter mini-Grip; it's a nice upgrade but both are great knives. If it were me, I would try one out before going all-in on a $250+ knife.

I've had a mini grip years ago, i liked it just fine i just didn't like the handle as much as the 707 so I gave it to a friend. I know what I'm getting myself into with the grip platform and will probably be ordering an orange Ritter mini in the next couple of days. The decision to go all in on a $250 knife stems from the fact that I am trying to best some VERY good knives. A standard Ritter mini, while a great knife on its own I'm sure, is not going to top some of the other knives I've purchased recently, at least not in my mind. Who knows though, when I get my Ritter I may end up eating my words. I just think that for me to top the knives I already have I need to pimp it out a little.

So, with that said, what I'm wondering from all of you who own them is, does the ritter/wilkins mini grip feel like it costs $250+...?

crimsonfalcon07 · Mar 24, 2012

I don't have the Wilkins handles, but the Ritter grip is one of my favorite knives. It's pretty much the only one I'll carry outside of my midtech HTM Gun Hammer. I think you're right though that you should get custom handles for it. The Noryl GTX handles don't feel that great.

mantzao · Mar 24, 2012

mkjellgren said:
So, with that said, what I'm wondering from all of you who own them is, does the ritter/wilkins mini grip feel like it costs $250+...?

Yes

I had lots of great knives but now I have only six. Two sebenzas, one XM-18 and 3 Ritter/Wilkins.
I consider this bunch the best knives i ever had!

RetiredGuns · Mar 24, 2012

I did this combo for less than $150 brand new. Bought a yellow mini, sold the new scales in 10 minutes, had custom scales made. The choice of scale material is nearly endless.. I personally don't mind the original scale design on a knife this size but yes, if I were handed the Wilkins I would use them. Just wish they were more readily available, more affordable and available in different materials. They "seem" like a big hit amongst grip fans but yet allusive and possibly discontinued. If you want them you might better go for it.

arty · Mar 24, 2012

RetiredGuns said:
I did this combo for less than $150 brand new. Bought a yellow mini, sold the new scales in 10 minutes, had custom scales made. The choice of scale material is nearly endless.. I personally don't mind the original scale design on a knife this size but yes, if I were handed the Wilkins I would use them. Just wish they were more readily available, more affordable and available in different materials. They "seem" like a big hit amongst grip fans but yet allusive and possibly discontinued. If you want them you might better go for it.

Where did you get those scales and how much were they? They look really nice. Are they the same size and thickness as the original yellow grips?

Voodoosix · Mar 24, 2012

mkjellgren said:
So, with that said, what I'm wondering from all of you who own them is, does the ritter/wilkins mini grip feel like it costs $250+...?

i sold my Strider PT after putting Wilkins scales on my Ritter mini grip, it made the strider look and feel cheap (ive since swapped the blade to the M390 but had no complaints with the 558 blade). ive since picked up the full size as well and havent looked back.

aquaman67 · Mar 24, 2012

I'm a fan of Wilkins scales. I went a different route though.

Try them. If you don't like it you could always sell them.

mkjellgren · Mar 24, 2012

Well, I pulled the trigger on the Ritter mini today, should be here sometime next week. I'm probably going to carry it for a few days before ordering the Wilkins scales just to make sure I like the blade enough to spend the money on the scales.

The next question would then be pale translucent green or swimming pool green? I'm sick of black g10. Also, texture wise, how does the Wilkins g11 feel in comparison to something like the g10 on a para2? I assume it is much smoother but does it have and texturing on the surface? Or is it completely smooth like the leafstorm where the visable texture is under the surface and only visable due to the scales being translucent. Its kind of hard to tell in pictures.

RetiredGuns · Mar 24, 2012

arty said:
Where did you get those scales and how much were they? They look really nice. Are they the same size and thickness as the original yellow grips?

$100 your choice of material. Custom scale division, Germany. Luke will take care of you....

The replacement grips are generally thinner. Here is my next set - "worn" canvas Micarta.

mkjellgren · Mar 24, 2012

RetiredGuns said:
$100 your choice of material. Custom scale division, Germany. Luke will take care of you....

The replacement grips are generally thinner. Here is my next set - "worn" canvas Micarta.

Now you've got me thinking about the endless possibilities with cuscadi. Assuming price was not an issue would any of you go with cuscadi scales over wilkins?

dark impaler · Mar 24, 2012

Interesting coming up on this thread...I had a mini-grip (tanto) before and now I'm feeling for a change-up from all my frame-locks. Sort of a withdrawl from once having an axis-lock, but wasn't too fond of the handle to say the least. I'm looking into the more conventional mini-grip 556 and since its on sale... With the Wilkins grips, liking the shape and style, that I see and all the reviews I've watched on it, keeps getting enticing. Was also considering one of the greens...

Well, best of luck on your choices and post some pictures when you get it all together.

Tixx · Mar 24, 2012

Might want to check this thread:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/900941-Meet-quot-The-Ritters-quot/page2

bdmicarta · Mar 24, 2012

I would like nice scales for my mini-grip. I've noticed that BM makes lots of interesting models in that same size range. A couple that I've noticed are the 907 and 470. Of course the logical thing would seem to be rejuvenating the 707 or buying another one. I've been carrying the mini-grip for several years and I'm thinking about switching to something bigger, in fact I have a PM2 on order but I don't know if I can switch away from BM.