Which Benchmade for an edc - Griptilian? Thoughts on where to purchase?

PKFan said:
While I like the Mini-Grip, the rough texture on the scales is tough on pants fabric. I can't see EDC without it tearing the snot out of my pocket. That is, of course, assuming carrying it clipped in the pocket. I prefer my Leek which is thinner and smoother.
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Run some fine grit emory cloth under the clip where it comes in contact with the handle. Do it lightly and test it after every few strokes. This will only take material off the handle where the clip touches it. Works great for me.
 
Don't forget about the 707 for a classed up mini griptilian style. It has an awesome deep grind like a ritter.
 
coop1957 said:
Run some fine grit emory cloth under the clip where it comes in contact with the handle. Do it lightly and test it after every few strokes. This will only take material off the handle where the clip touches it. Works great for me.
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I might have to try that, once I get over the idea of irreversibly altering my new toy. I need to remember -- it's just a tool, it's just a tool...
 
scotchleaf said:
I am attracted to the the Mel Pardue designed Griptilian 552 and the ordinary Griptilian 551 for an EDC. I am looking for advice on:

  1. Which blade shape to buy (I don't want a tanto), and;
  2. the advantages of the steels used,
    552 is S30V
    551 is 154CM or Coated D2
  3. which blade color/coating to obtain (I like the look of steel colored, non-coated blades but I'm open to your thoughts)
  4. the other differences between the 551 and the 552
Also, what about the other sub $100 Benchmade knives, like the Pika, Pika II, Eisen, Nitrus Stryker? Any of them better as an edc than a Griptilian?

Finally, I'm kind of limited to buying on ebay because I don't use a credit card: any sellers to avoid (fakes?) Any got a good reputation?

Thanks everyone for your help.
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1) I have a mini-Grip 556 (this is the 3" version of the 551) and find the blade shape most useful. YMMV

2) I think you will be happy with any of those choices. 154CM probably has the lowest edge retention of those three, but you can sharpen it easily without diamond hones. For the other steels, diamond hones would be recommended.

3) I much prefer non-coated blades, especially on a user. All coatings get scratched with blade usage. No matter how cool they look when new, when all scratched up they look tacky. YMMV.

4) no comment


Other sub $100 blades: I have a mini-pika II and a Monochrome in addition to the Mini-grip and several Spydercos. Of them all the Monochrome with its N690 blade steel gets the most pocket time. The edge retention is on the order of 154CM. It has a really high grind that makes it a good slicer. It's pretty easy to put a wicked-sharp edge on it. It's a really solid framelock (or Monolock as BM calls it.)

The Mini-Grip 556 makes a great EDC and I think the mini-pika II is a good knife for the price. But I sure do like that Monochrome.
 
Hi guys,

I too have the Griptilian 556. Plain edge is fantastic and it's really an amazing little folder !:cool:
Since this 556 will be my EDC, I'm thinking of taking avantage of the beast: Doug Ritter orange RSK Mk1 (the Griptilian 552) but I think it only has partial liners...and it sounds hollow. :mad:, no big deal but...it sounds (a bit) like a plastic toy IMHO. :grumpy:
I'm really interested in the larger blade but this hollow handle makes me nervous. Maybe a good option would be to change the scales ? Any thoughts ?

Otherwise, I could also stick to the Mini Doug Ritter (Griptilian 558)...:confused:

Thank you guys for your helpful feedback and input.

Bruce
 
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