To Mini-grip or not...

RetiredGuns

RetiredGuns

Joined
Mar 13, 2009
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I've gotten back into knives after several years of nothing new and have bought 4 in the last 4 weeks. I now have 100+ (mostly small locks and slippies) I have bought a small Schrade auto just for cutting open boxes, a Leveretto for collector's purpose, a Mini-Tac custom fixed blade from Joe Hargis and a D2 Para. I am thinking that a plain edge 555HG mini-grip might be next. I can't imagine a better EDC than the Para D2 though but I am sort of enamored with wanting to try an Axis lock and a cheap, but good Benchmade. Will it feel like a toy against the Para D2?
 
I used to think FRN was kind of toy like until I actually got my hands on a knife with handles made out of it. Reminds me of that little pun with the word assume.

Anyway its definately not as nice as g10, but its pretty solid as long as its got metal liners. Having handled a few mini grips (none of which were mine) I wouldnt say no to one as a carry knife since the weather here is pretty decent. I would probably go for g10 if youre in like colorado or michigan.
 
I'm in Northern, IL. At first I thought the Para was a little large, but being so thin it carries well. I have handled the Cabelas D2 mini grip, but I don't need the D2 bad enough for the $30 extra cost. I also don't care for black blades. I like my steel to be nekky. :D
 
I'll tell you what, this isn't totally relevant, but i just got my first benchmade, a Ritter RSK MK1, and the Axis lock has totally stolen my heart. Opening a knife doesn't concern me anymore, i can kick open anything with a thumbstud as fast as any auto, but what appeals to me about the axis lock is how quickly and smoothly you can go through a deploy-cut-close cycle. retracting the blade is where the axis lock really shines. My blade has a considerable amount more heft, making it a bit easier to manipulate the blade during opening and closing, but i don't think you'll be disappointed. And if you decide you like the mechanism, but don't like the cheap-ish feel, look into getting some Wilkins Grips from knives.cx or some scales from cuscadi.de
 
The G10 scales are tempting for sure, but at a price of over 2 new mini-grips I don't know. I have also grown to love the spydie hole so that is why the 555 mini.
 
I've had the 555 BM for about two years now. Love the blade shape, the 154cm and the Spydie hole. All around great knife.
 
Go yellow! ;)

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I've been EDCing my Mini for about 5 years and like it so much I just picked up a second one to send to Tom Krein to try one of his regrinds. I didn't want to part with the one I've got and wanted a back-up anyway.

I prefer the blade shape of the 556 myself, but to each his/her own- however, just so you know, the hole vs. stud thing is irrelevant with the axis lock- I've never seen anyone use either one on an axis lock knife.

I've yet to come across anything that can knock my Mini out as my EDC, and not for lack of trying! Of course, YMMV
 
The Mini grip is a fantastic knife for everyday tasks. I carry mine occasionally and it is an awesome knife for the money. However, if I were going to choose between carrying a Mini Grip and a Para my choice would be the Para no question. The main reason for this is due to the handles of the two knives. I have large hands and I can barely get my pinky on the handle of the Mini Grip while the Para has a very over-sized handle it give a very confident grip. That being said, I am not going to get rid of my Mini Grip because I like having it even if I don't carry it very much.
 
licepuppet said:
The Mini grip is a fantastic knife for everyday tasks. I carry mine occasionally and it is an awesome knife for the money. However, if I were going to choose between carrying a Mini Grip and a Para my choice would be the Para no question. The main reason for this is due to the handles of the two knives. I have large hands and I can barely get my pinky on the handle of the Mini Grip while the Para has a very over-sized handle it give a very confident grip. That being said, I am not going to get rid of my Mini Grip because I like having it even if I don't carry it very much.
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I certainly don't "need" another knife, but that's why we're all here! I just figured the mini-grip/grip was sort of an EDC staple so I want one. I am pretty sure it could never dethrone the Para. I am also thinking I don't have one crazy colored knife so a yellow mini is sounding good....
 
The mini grip is my favourite knife - ritter version in my case.

It may be smaller than some - but that gives it the advantage of not overwhelming a pocket.
 
I say go for it.

555HG is in my top three EDCs, if it had G10, it would probably be #1.

grips.jpg
 
I have a 555BKHG and it is a great knife you wont be unhappy with it! On mine i have a set of pale green G11 wilkens scales and they make it so much better, the pinky has just a little more room with them also. The grip is hard to beat! wait till you see how smooth the action is on it
Jared
 
I received my 556 Yellow mini today and aside from the post office shredding my package it is great! I actually opted for the thumb stud just to have something completely different than the Para and after 20 seconds I realized that with the Axis lock, who needs any other way to open these things! I can flick it open and shut faster than a Filipino girl with a Balisong! :D

The handle does NOT feel cheap like I thought it might and when it locks up it sounds off with a solid snap. I can tell it's going to be a great carry and with a tiny bit of yellow sticking out of my pocket, co-workers figure it's just a box cutter or something.

A+

Wanted to add - This knife came scary sharp
 
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Just got my mini-grip (regular 556 for me, 556pink for the GF) and it is AWESOME. I handled it once in the store and for some reason it didn't seem as good as my old standby, a Delica (even felt a little cheaper at first). But when I carried it today, man I'm in love with the thing! What a great little knife!! :thumbup: :thumbup:

The thumbstud placement is really nice as well for some reason; I'm not afraid about cutting my thumb on it like I used to with my Leek. Just a well designed and executed affordable knife.

It's my first benchmade, and now it won't be my last :D Looking to try the Ritter one as well. And I should probably go ahead and get a second 556, just in case :)
 
After having gone through a boat load of different brands and knives (the latest being Emerson), I have yet to find anything that gives me the ease of use, smoothness and ergonomics of my Griptilians. The handles are solid, the lockup flawless and the steel is great. I have no problem getting my hand past the knife in my right pocket and it doesn't weigh me down. In it's size range, I can't think of a better knife than a Grip.
 
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