What can make a mini-grip better?

RetiredGuns

RetiredGuns

Joined
Mar 13, 2009
Messages
2,402
Custom scales! It's the one thing that folks are always dinging this very capable and fun knife for. They are just a good knife period but the Valox or Noryl GTX scales while completely serviceable are indeed a bit "plasticky" feeling.
Wilkins grips are the Cadillac of after market scales but have a Caddy price tag. Custom Scales Division (Cuscadi) out of Germany does great work and the options are virtually limitless. I opted for Aero Carbon Fiber with a matching Cog Wheel back spacer. Absolutely perfect fit and finish! While the CF is smooth it has some grip and the Cog Wheel spacer is grippy as heck.

I know people are curious about costs and the total investment including a brand spanking new Mini-Grip was $160. High for a mini-grip? Sure, but now you have a semi-custom knife made to your specs that is likely one of a kind. Get a used grip and save even more.

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When I read the thread title, I thought you were asking a serious question, and was going to immediately reply with: Better scales!

I love the idea of ditching the flimsy, convex scales and replacing them with G10, or whatever else, like you've done. I also would opt for an open-back design, but maybe that's just me. Either way, your new Mini Grip looks great!
 
Want to do that with my Ritter grip. Having trouble getting a response from Cuscadi or Tuffthumbz again though :(
 
The knife looks great mate, congrats. Really nice choice of materials!
I opted for the "Cadillac" for my mini Doug Ritter though:)
I know the K.W. scales are more expensive but i prefer it's design a lot more. The griptilian is a great knife but it's not only the plastic feel of the handles that is a let down for me. The rounded end of the original handle is what i don't like!
That's why i went for the K.W. scales that has a more squared shape and end.
Also, it gives me a little extra lenght on the handle wich makes all the difference!

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I talked to Luke of Cuscadi also, to see if he could do some scales for the larger Ritter i bought recently.
I wanted something like the K.W., more squared i mean, but the options he gave me wasn't of my liking so i didn't go for it. They don't seem to be able to drift away from the original shape of the scales! At least, that was my perception of it.

So, my opinion and my opinion only!
I prefer the more squared shape of the Wilkins grip. The knife feels awesome in the hand!
That's why i bought another set:)
It totally changes the knife, making it feel way more robust.
I own a few other expensive EDC folders but the mini grip is the one that get's carried the most!
The mini griptilian, specially the Doug Ritter version, is an outstanding knife on it's own but with a different type of scales it is a total winner!
Cuscadi, Kevin Wilkins or another custom grip that is not made of plastic can only improve the best ever made knife coming from Benchmade:D
Personally, i prefer the Wilkins grips and highly recommend it!


Please mate, don't think i'm just trying to put your custom choice down because it really is not my intention.
Like i said before, it really is a great modification and the knife seems a hell of a lot better:thumbup:
However,for me, nothing beats the Kevin Wilkins scales!
 
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I don't think anyone will argue against the Wilkins being anything but great scales. I had a budget though and wanted different materials. I don't believe KW offers anything but G10 & aluminum? Next I am thinking about the stonewashed olive micarta for another Benchmade. The mini is a great knife even in it's plastic glory and modifying them is semi-affordable fun!

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bigmo66 said:
I don't think anyone will argue against the Wilkins being anything but great scales. I had a budget though and wanted different materials. I don't believe KW offers anything but G10 & aluminum? Next I am thinking about the stonewashed olive micarta for another Benchmade. The mini is a great knife even in it's plastic glory and modifying them is semi-affordable fun!

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I couldn't agree more:)
Yes, i believe Kevin only offers G-10 and Aluminum.
That micarta looks great. I've seen it before:D
That's a 710 i think.
 
Looks good to me Steve. My favorite EDC is a 940D2CF. With only 500 made they aren't common, and with the D2 blade and carbon fiber handles, they're very hard to find for sale. It took me a year to find mine, and I paid $225 for it. I'd like to find another, but it occurs to me that it'd be easier, and more unique and cool, to buy a regular 940 and get custom scales for it. Your $160 Griptilian is unique, very cool, and IMO, a freaking bargain.

I was thinking getting of putting an aftermarket 940 with CF handles, but it just occurred to me that silver twill G10 (ala the 705-401 I once had) would be the bees' knees.
 
The mini grip is too small for me. I've debated selling my mini grip to purchase a ritter grip and put custom scales on it.
 
Beautiful scales. Do you need to buy them direct from the manufacturer or can you get them from any knife shops?
 
The only way I would even consider carrying another Grip is with scales like yours. Decent enough knife but the factory scales are absolutely terrible and cheap feeling.

Really Nice looking knife you have there ! :)

Tostig
 
wilkins and cuscadi grips make these knives into cadilacs. best money i've spent is a ritter grip with wilkins scales and a str clip. i will take that knife over anything else.
 
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