Spyderco Delica vs Benchmade Mini Griptilian

I carried one of the original Delicas for well over 10 years. I've been carrying MiniGrips ever since- probably close to another 10 years by now. To my way of thinking, for a small locking folder these are 2 of the best knives there are, and they are both huge values to boot. I've tried full-sized Grips, both sizes of Ritter Grips, FFG Delicas and countless others along the way.

My preference is the standard (stud) MiniGrip by a pretty good margin. There is nothing wrong with the Delica, and I occasionally carry my ZDP version just so I can feel like it's not wasted money, but I just don't think it matches the MiniGrip. Here's why- for me, the grip is more comfortable in use, has a better handle to cutting edge ratio, and looks better (classic blade shape and profile).

But the real clincher is the Axis lock. First, I've never had a problem with them, and I carried one for over 5 years before giving it to a friend. I've had about 10 Axis lock knives over the years and never had a problem with any of them- of course, there are others who have, so... Someone mentioned that they thought the Spydie hole made the Delica an easier one-hand opener, now, beside the fact that you can get a MiniGrip with the hole, to me nothing beats just holding the lock back and swinging the blade open- then hold it back again to swing it closed.

Besides being fun to play with (as many have said), I've just never found anything easier and quicker to use and put away- it is almost amazing how fast you can get this knife out and open- do what you need to do- and then get it closed and put away.

Anyway, they're both great knives, and I wouldn't want to not have both, but it's the MiniGrip in my pocket 99 out of 100 days. I tried a PM2, but it takes up MUCH more room in my pocket for less than 1/4" more cutting edge- oh, well- another one for the drawer!

Have fun, you can't go wrong here! (But get the MiniGrip!)
 
I've carried the Endura and Griptilian (Both just larger versions of the knives you are considering, I have big hands) as my primary knife and here's what I think:

The Endura is slimmer, the Griptilian has more width, which I prefer when holding, since it has a fuller, rounder feel. The Endura slid into and out of my pocket easier though.
Both held a edge great that never failed me as an EDC.
I liked the Spyderco hole better than the Benchmade thumbstud, this was my favorite thing about the Endura, it felt so right when you open the knife, of course, you can get that option on the Griptilian now.
The Griptilian AXIS lock is awesome. Never fouls up and its fun to flick it open and closed. The Endura was a regular lock back with a Boyle dent, but if I tried to, I could squeeze it really hard and get it to close while holding it. Though after 2 years, one of the springs broke (I played with it a lot). It's worth note that Benchmade's sharpen/repair service is outstanding.
The Griptilian pivot screw can be adjusted to you liking if you think the blade is too loose or too tight, I couldn't adjust my Endura, though I never needed to, it could potentially be a problem.
Griptilian is made in the USA, something I always like to support.
Both knives are easy to open one or two handed, have nice grips and sharpen pretty easy.


In short, you really can't go wrong with either, I recommend both to friends who ask. Personally, the fuller grip on the Griptilian and the AXIS lock do it for me. But I do miss the Spyderco hole. I think the biggest deciding factor is the width of the knife, if you want a bigger, rounder grip, go with the Griptilian, if you like your knives slim and sleek, go with the Endura/Delica.
 
Just received my mini Grip on Friday in the mail and so far, I'm very pleased. I own a Delica as well and for right now, it's sitting in a drawer and the mini has taken it's place.
 
I prefer the mini griptilian. Fits in (some) watch pockets on jeans. Smoother operation. I also prefer the Caly 3 over the Delica.
 
One thing of note, Griptilians are very customizable. You got multiple bladestyle, steel, stud or thumbhole deployment and handle material/color options to pick from. Delicas are avialble in a few options namely colors and two blade grinds.

The standard black mini grip does it for me, very good edc. Also like my Delica4 and Meadowlark, though I actually prefer the Stretch over them.
 
I'm glad I found this thread, I was on the fence about both knives. In the end I'm going to go with the Mini Grip. Just seems like an all around solid knife.
Plus I like the idea of flicking it open and close in front of the TV! Lol
 
Get one of each and sell the one you like less. You will eventually anyway.
 
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