Still undecided about getting a BM Griptilian

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outdoor_guy08

Joined
Sep 19, 2008
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91
I recently ordered a couple mini-griptilians and I love them. The axis lock and the blade on the mini-griptilians are awesome, and the size is small enough for the pocket.

Now I've been thinking of ordering the larger griptilian, but have been hesitant. I do EDC a Gerber EZ-out purchased circa 10 years ago, and its size is good - thin, light, and very versatile. So this makes me think the full size Grip would be fine since it's the same blade size / grip.

I went to a local knife shop and checked out the full griptilian, but man alive that handle is huge! :eek: It's not the length but the width of the handle that makes it feel so bulky and huge.

I love everything about the mini-grip, and like the idea of a full size grip but for some reason the width of the grip makes it feel 2-3 times as large as my EZ-Out, and easily twice the width of the mini-grip.

So I'm still debating on whether I should get it, but since it's loved by so many here, can you give some feedback on why you own one and love it so much?

Thanks for helping me decide if I should own a full grip or not.
 
I like the Mini Grip a lot but find the full size grip just bigger than I like in an EDC. Just too much handle. The grips are a best buy with the Axis lock but I am staying with the Mini as it does anything I need in an EDC.

RKH
 
If you like the Mini Grip that much I'd stick with that. I have 2 and the size in my hand and pocket are just right :thumbup:.
 
Another thought, for folder with a larger blade you might consider the Spyderco Endura. Its handle is not oversized so it carries nicely in the pocket. VG-10 blade steel, back lock, terrific gripping texture on the FRN handle and moveable pocket clip (my EDC going on years of complete satisfaction).

oregon
 
Of all the Benchmades I own I have two large Grips, one a Ritter in M2 the other a 'standard' 551. IMO the Grips offer a combination of good blade design mixed with the Axis mechanism for strength and safety. To some, the feel of the GTX handle material, mixed with the "CLACK" sound detract from them being perfect, but the other side of it is these are VERY strong designs...the GTX material will likely outlast the blade.

Some of my buds have taken their Dremel's or sandpaper to the plastic ridges to smooth them some, but I don't have problems with this. These make great work/task knives and I'd rather have more than less grippiness.

On width, the thickness is the same as the 520, and a little less than the 615. It will fit in the pocket nicely but unlike slimmer models like the 710, you'll know it's there. One option is to remove the clip and carry the Grip in a belt pouch - the large BM velcro pouch works great.

All in all, for around $60 these are good knives for the money that should last a long time with regular use.

There's my $.02!
 
Do yourself a favor and get a Lrg Grip or any one of the Benchmade axis folders...
And please .... Cut your EZ-out in half... and place it gently in the trash...;) AKA ( sock drawer)
 
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I like the blade and the steels offered are great. The handle also is a deal killer for me the aftermarket G10 blades would make it for me, but for now I carry other knives.
 
Like this?

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Moore Custom Cutlery has them in various colors, not cheap, but it completely transforms the knife into a great blade and a great handle.
 
Just do yourself a favor and get one. I have large hands and the thicker handle fits my hand perfectly. Gives me lots of control.
 
I also really like the mini-Grip, but I found the handles on the full-size Grip to have too much flex if I really have to hold the handle hard. Looking at the 2 sizes, it does make sense. The mini-Grip has full length liners, but the full size Grip's go about 2/3 down the length.

If you want something a little bigger & like the axis lock, may I suggest a SOG Visionary II? They now have VG-10 blades, full SS liners (Thin ones, like on the mini-Grip), & a low riding bayonet clip. The only downside, really, is that the scales are zytel, however, SOG did a great job texturing them & they feel pretty close to G-10 (They're not, of course, but close). I believe the Visionary II's a little shorter, closed (4 5/8"), but has a longer blade (3.75").

Anyways, it's just a thought.
 
Thanks for all the replies guys.

I may break down and have to get the large Grip because it is one of the most affordable Axis Benchmades in the larger size and because I love the mini-grip so much.

When I hold the mini-grip, I just can't understand why they didn't just lengthen the grip and the blade, but kept the width of the grip the same. Maybe I'm just picky about having a large handle in my pocket, and in actual use maybe I'll just get over it.

Thanks again to all for the helpful input.
 
If you're looking for a griptilian-esqe knife with a thinner handle, take a look at the Benchamde/HK 14000 series. Specifically the 14205:

14205.jpg


It's heavier, mostly due to the slightly thicker blade, but that also makes it tougher. Handle scales are G10.

You could also check out the 14210, which is the size of a mini-grip with the same features.

You will be paying more, but ask anyone who owns this knife and they will say it's worth it. :thumbup:
 
I love both my full sized Grip (ritter) and my mini (cabela). I could see how someone might not like the full sized, but it really isn't too much form me (and it is still pretty light weight).

The mini is ideal for EDC in an urban setting, the full sized is awesome for everywhere else.
 
BoxANT said:
I love both my full sized Grip (ritter) and my mini (cabela). I could see how someone might not like the full sized, but it really isn't too much form me (and it is still pretty light weight).

The mini is ideal for EDC in an urban setting, the full sized is awesome for everywhere else.
Click to expand...
Thanks.. is there any way you could post a side by side photo of the full Grip and the mini-grip from a handle-width perspective? I've not been able to find any photos that show the two side by side from a handle width perspective.
 
I say stick with the AXIS lock because they are near perfection. You already have an example of a griptilian so check out what might be the most loved benchmade of all; the 710.

Its a larger knife like the normal size grip but uses better materials and is a favorite around here. Plus it is more narrow which seems to be your major holdup with the full size grip. Just a thought!

Ryan
 
Nikx said:
If you're looking for a griptilian-esqe knife with a thinner handle, take a look at the Benchamde/HK 14000 series. Specifically the 14205:

14205.jpg


It's heavier, mostly due to the slightly thicker blade, but that also makes it tougher. Handle scales are G10.

You could also check out the 14210, which is the size of a mini-grip with the same features.

You will be paying more, but ask anyone who owns this knife and they will say it's worth it. :thumbup:
Click to expand...


As I was reading this thread, the H&K series, specifically the 14205, instantly came to mind!:thumbup:
 
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