Stryker Axis vs Griptilian w/ upgraded scales?

T

TFin04

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Aug 21, 2005
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Hey guys, looking to pick up a new knife and I haven't purchased an Axis lock knife in a while. I really like the new Stryker axis knife, but I notice it is very similar to a Griptilian once the scales are updated to G10 or aluminum.

Each end up being about the same price all said and done. Do you see any reason to select one over the other?

Thanks.
 
Besides the obvious form differences the only thing I can think of is that your warranty will be intact with the Stryker. If you change the scales on a grip you technically void the warranty. I know you can always put the original ones back on before you send it in, you just asked for "any reason"
 
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Maybe the full steel liners of the Stryker add a little more strength but, other than that, SurfisLove covered it.

I'm prejudiced. I'm currently in love with the Axis Stryker. Not so much the Griptilian.
 
Get the Stryker. It's a sweet blade. Grips are a dime a dozen, custom scales or not.
 
The Stryker is one of my favorites. One difference with the Stryker is that its blade is more of a spear point than the Grip.
 
No need to change the scales. Here is a production G-10 Griptilian in CPM 20CV.
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1449123997.155607.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1449124007.358406.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1449124019.297315.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1449124028.085026.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1449124038.823518.jpg
 
Do both the mini stryker and the full size have full length steel liners?

Anyone have a comparison photo of both of them side by side?
 
I don't have a Mini Stryker but from photos I've seen of it, yes, it definitely has full steel liners.

I've become a convert to the Stryker recently. I never cared for a tanto blade style before the Stryker. And the drop point model is a great all round blade style. Both the tanto and drop point blade styles are, IMO, more useful in and are done better in the Styker than any other knife I've known. It's just a solid design with which I can find few faults.

Benchmade "mini" knives are almost always too short in the grip for me to hold comfortably or grip reliably so I've never been interested in the Mini Stryker.
 
The Stryker is a strong, solid knife that can handle some serious use. I think the new AXIS version only makes it that much better.

I carried an original 910 Stryker for years while working. Second only to my AFCK the Stryker would be my most carried and used knife. It's a well built, well thought out design that's stood the test of time.

I don't see how you go wrong with either but given a choice, for me the Stryker without question.
 
Agreed I think the stryker looks like a fantastic knife.
Problem is no B&M store in my area stocks them which is why I was after a comparison photo to get a "feel" on which one I may want.

@pbcg - the 910 stryker is a liner lock right? Titanium or steel? I have read so many good reviews of Benchmades vintage liner locks .... do they continue to lock up good and tight after years of regular use? (no display case queens)

My own experience with liner locks (other brands NOT Benchmade) has not been positive and they get worn after some years. lock-up not as good as initially.
I wonder if BM just knew how to do them better?
 
nealf5 said:
@pbcg - the 910 stryker is a liner lock right? Titanium or steel? I have read so many good reviews of Benchmades vintage liner locks .... do they continue to lock up good and tight after years of regular use? (no display case queens)
Click to expand...

Although I now prefer the AXIS, or would say it's may favorite, I can't say enough about the Liner lock on the Stryker or any of the BM Liner or Frame locks I have. The AFCK & Stryker have worn a little (very slight lock bar travel) but the lock up is still rock solid. In the case of my AFCK we're talking 17+ years so I'd say they're very well made, reliable and confidence inspiring.

I know the AFCK liners are Titanium but I'm pretty sure the Stryker liners are stainless steel but not 100% on that.

Bottom line is I have complete confidence in BM's Liner, Frame and Axis locks and would feel completely satisfied and well equipped with any of them.

Hope this helps.

Edited to correct: I have confirmed that the liners on the 910 are in fact Titanium not Stainless Steel. I have a few BM Liner locks from back then and they are all Ti. Not sure why I thought the 910 might be SS but it is Ti. Just wanted to correct that.
 
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I personally can't stand the hump on the new Stryker knives, I returned mine shortly after receiving it. Its otherwise a really nice knife, if only it was a flat transition on top like the original and the Griptillian.
 
Redmasta said:
I personally can't stand the hump on the new Stryker knives, I returned mine shortly after receiving it. Its otherwise a really nice knife, if only it was a flat transition on top like the original and the Griptillian.
Click to expand...

I agree. The placement of the stop pin is odd and looks odd. Well, they basically just used the Triage handle, right? As far as I can tell, the blade also looks disproportionately thinner on the new Stryker, it's because of the taller handle. I love the older 910/913/913 models. The solid full length liners on the Stryker Axis model are very nice, and gives it a new level of toughness. I do like the older Ti liners on the previous models better, it was a lighter knife.
I've always loved the Grips though, in any configuration. Large, small, and the 551/556 MDP is my favorite. Tough call as they really are both good offerings, but that damn bump on the Stryker tips things in favor of the Grip. Those that have never owned or handled or used the older Strykers would have nothing to really compare the new one to.
 
The "Hump" does change and deviate from the original design, and I say this as a hardcore Stryker fan, the hump not only doesn't bother me but I think adds to a sure solid grip. I like it. Guess it comes down to personal preference. I'll admit the purist in me would have preferred it as close to the original 910 as possible but with the AXIS upgrade I'll take it.

I'd add that I would have liked the new version to have the same blade length as the original also but in hand haven't really noticed it being any smaller. Maybe it's just knowing it is? lol...
 
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I was kinda concerned about the "hump" myself until I actually started handling the knife. It doesn't really impede use and it's not uncomfortable either...at least to me. I think it would look better if it was a sloped transition to a thumb rest like the design of the 710 handle but I'm used to the way it looks now. I was never familiar with the original Stryker design so the Axis Stryker just looks right to me. So "right" I now own four of them...and counting.
 
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