Thickness: Griptilian vs. 3D Native?

Can't help you with the Native, but I was able to measure the Griptilians I have available.

Mini-Griptilian 555
.490 inches at widest point

.655 inches including pocket clip

Griptilain 550
.616 inches at widest point

.790 inches including pocket clip

It's hard to get a real precise measurement on the textured handle surface, but these numbers should be accurate enough for comparison purposes.
 
If you haven't already, I would ask this on the Spyderco forum. There are quite a few Benchmade/Spyderco fans who will probably have both and can answer your question.

I myself would take the Native III out of the two mentioned. I love the Spydie hole, and while the Benchmade oval one isn't bad, it's just not as easy to open as a circle. Also the Native III sports VG-10. An absolutely fantastic steel. It's used alot by Spyderco, Al Mar and Fallkniven. Benchmades 440C is by no means bad though, it just doesn't have the edge holding ability of VG-10. (On the plus side 440C is more rust resistant.)

Also, you didn't say whether the thickness was something you wanted or didn't want. If you don't want thickness I would say take the Native I over both of these knives. It's thinner and opens alot smoother than the Native III. It also has a slightly better steel, or in other words the best steel out right now IMO. CPMS30V!:D
-Kevin
 
Actually, I had a Griptilian for a while, but then sold it off as it was a little bulky in the pocket for me.

Currently I'm looking for a secondary folder of ~3", so the Natives looked interesting.

Also, very interesting that the Mini-Grip is actually thinner than the bigger brother. I'd always imagined that they would be of similar thickness, for some strange unknown reason.
 
Take the regular Native. It's just a tad thicker than their Endura/Delica line.
 
Actually, the mini-Grip is quite different from its bigger cousin.

The handle is considerably thinner, and the texturing is less pronounced but seems more effective.

It also feels more solid and considerably less "hollow" than the full size Griptilian.

Overall it is a much more refined and carryable package than the big Grips. I believe that it is significantly superior to the Spyderco lightweight series.

Definately worth a look.
 
I wouldn't say that the Mini Grip is superior to the Spyderco Lightweights. I have both but prefer the Spyderco Delica to the 555.
The oval hole is not as effective and the blade has a tendancy to whip shut a little too quickly on closing.
Saying that, the build quality on the Benchmade is excellent and the Mini Grip fits my hand perfectly.
 
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