Spyderco Paramilitary or Benchmade Griptillian for edc?

[TheEdge01]

Hey guys, I was interested in the CRKT Foresight for edc but I work in a fairly dusty environment and I didn't know how well the ballbearings would hold up over time. I am looking to spend around a $100 for a good durable edc knife suitable for work and SD if necessary. I am interested in the Benchmade Griptillian but the handle is my only concern. Some reviews claim it has a cheap feel to it and I'm not sure how durable it would be. Should this be a concernor is it more of a personal preference thing? My second choice would be the Spyderco Paramilitary if it is a better option, but it costs a little more. Which one would be better? Any info is appreciated.

 

[hatchettjack]

I don't think you can go wrong with either! I have the spyderco manix2 lightweight and a griptilian. And I couldn't decide which one to carry, so I carry both![emoji1]

 

[HOKIE_FAN]

Both are great knives. i personally own a Griptilian and it's a great light weight EDC.

 

[hank_rearden]

get both (woohoo! my first time to be the first to say it!)

 

[r redden]

I have both and they are both great for EDC. I kinda like the PM
best but its really close as far as the Grips Handle check out this thread. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1314071-Griptilian-video-amazed-me

 

[brancron]

The PM2 is a million times better than the Griptilian. Go with the PM2!

 

[Havoc5J]

I prefer the ergonomics and incredible slicing ability of the Paramilitary 2 over the Griptilian. I've also never had an issue with a single Spyderco knife while 2 of my 6 Benchmades had issues which resulted in me returning or selling them. My history with Benchmades may not be typical, but thats my personal experience with their products.

If you really like the Axis lock or some other feature of the Griptilian though there's a lot of people making some pretty incredible aftermarket scales for the Griptilian. It's definitely a knife that you can customize and make one of a kind without breaking the bank.

 

[brancron]

I've also never had an issue with a single Spyderco knife while 2 of my 6 Benchmades had issues which resulted in me returning or selling them. My history with Benchmades may not be typical, but thats my personal experience with their products.

You and many other people (myself included) have had the same issues. Just to take one example, the worst factory grinds I've ever experienced have all been from Benchmade. I don't know why people still love them so much, considering their lack of quality control, boring designs, and ridiculous prices.

 

[Sulaco]

For slicing the PM2 wins. It also wins for ergos. But since I'm a lefty the Grip wins. Plus I prefer a thumbstud over a hole to open the blade.

 

[johnnyraggs]

I have both. The Para hands down. The Grip is nice but the PM2, well it's the PM2.

 

[Surfingringo]

Paramilitary 2 for sure.

 

[TheEdge01]

Thanks for all of the replies so far. This is the kind of info I need to know.

 

[einsteinjon]

PM2 for sure. Better cutter, better material right off the bat without having to customize, better ergos, better lock IMO (but I'm not a lefty). Lots of flavors of different blade steel, but even just Spyderco's S30V is one of the best steels I've used.

If you're curious about both we all know you'll end up getting both at some point, but I bet you'll end up getting rid of the Grip.

 

[Nellem]

The real question is not whether you should get a Spyderco or Benchmade but what Spyderco to get. The two frontrunners for me would be the Manix2 and PM2 and of these two my vote goes to a G10 scaled Manix2 (and more particularly the XL). I also lost interest in Benchmade as a result of quality disappointments.

 

[zl1]

PM2 has my vote.
G10 and s30v. Amazing ergos.
Carries real nice.

 

[Armadew]

Another vote for PM2. The Grip is a great knife, though. You should be happy with both.

 

[Gone2Fish]

I would tend to say the PM2 over the grip....

1) I like the edge grinds better on spyderco.
2) You can pick up PM2 with multiple steel options on the secondary market, more then the griptilian.
3) I prefer the compression lock over axis (thats just preference)

That being said, there is one griptillian that I would take into consideration right now though.... that is the doug ritter edition. It comes in M390, I love the wider blade on it and it holds its edge like crazy. FWIW.

 

[snooka]

PM2, open pillar construction.
Axis lock is very nice but more prone to collecting dust and dirt

 

[brj]

Para 2. I gifted my Grip to a friend a long time ago, but still have (and use) 1 Para1 and 3 Para2's ...
One thing that wasn't mentioned: the Grip's handle is contoured, so arguably better hand-filling, while the Para2's handle is flat, which makes it the absolute winner for carry. IMO, I prefer the ergos of non-contoured blades but YMMV.

 

[Cursum Perficio]

Para 2, no question.