Which Benchmade Griptilian

S

Smudge

Joined
Dec 26, 2005
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I am a police officer and need a knife to use mostly as a last resort weapon for self defense weapon. After much research I have decided on a BM Griptilian in color black with D2 steel. Which one is best - combo edge or plain edge? Thanks
 
While I prefer plain edge, the combo may be more versatile for you as you don't know ahead of time what cutting situation you will have.

Scott
 
I guess if you need to cut seatbelts, combo edge. But I highly suggest the 550 with the opening hole. I'll never go back to studs :cool:
 
Since you may need to cut seat belts and who knows what other tough stuff I would suggest the Combo edge. If you are planning to carry it somewhere other than clipped to your pocket (like maybe clipped under your pant waistline or duty belt) make sure that the studs won't catch and open the blade as you withdraw it unless that's what you want.
For most, the studs are easier to open than holes especially if you are wearing gloves but they can catch on stuff.

Adam
 
You don't need serrations to cut seat belts - a sharp plain edge will breeze through them.

In my experience plain edges are easier to keep scary sharp.
 
I'm just curious, is there a reason you can't carry or don't want to carry a fixed blade? It seems like that would be much more useful especially for self defense, I could be wrong but that's what I thought.
 
BEW
Not to speak for Smudge, but most LE agencies do not permit open carry of a fixed blade knife. That may vary in more rural agencies, but in general, a folder is your only visible choice. A hidden neck knife etc. may not be visible, but may also be against regs.
 
Oh ok I figured that was probably the only reason for going with a folder, but it seems weird that LEO's can carry a firearm that isn't concealed but can't carry a knife with a fixed blade, but I guess that's just how it is.
 
Smudge:
Much as I like the Griptilian thumb hole openers, I'd say go with the 551 thumbstud version instead. Reason is that the blade shape and tip and spine relationship is different in the Griptilian hole openers than the stud openers. I have both versions, and I find I have more control when piercing something with the thumbstud version due to the blade shape. I think it is because the point is closer to the spine of the blade and the overall center of the knife (lengthwise).

TT2Toes
 
I'd go with the plain edged Griptilian because it is easier to sharpen, and on a blade of this length, you would only have like an inch and a half of each edge type. I like this knife. The D2 tool steel blade really holds an edge. Good luck with it.
 
OK since there have been quite a few grip. threads already I'll just ask the question in this one, don't mean to totally highjack the thread. but using a sharpmaker what angle do you use to sharpen a D2 grip(not sure if they have a different angle than the regular.
 
I've got the 551 D2 Griptilian and love it. The steel holds an edge well and it's a really nice fit in-hand.
 
I own the 551 Grip with the studs and a PE. My first choice would be the PE over the combo because their is nothing a serrated edge cant accomplish that a well maintained PE cant accomplish. When I first started getting into knives i used to like the combo edge because i thought they were more useful...as i learned more and more while continually using my knives i realized that to me PE is the best choice. Serrated edge may ahve a scary sharp edge when NIB but once you use it I have found that it is hard to get back to that same edge even with the sharpmaker.
 
I also prefer holes. The shape fits the thumb better, giving superior contact and control over the motion of the blade while the knife is in the first 120 degrees of motion. I think studs have the advantage in one handed closing, but that's usually not as big a deal to me as opening. However, thumb studs generally allow a sleeker folded profile. Some people have mentioned trouble sharpening close to the handle of the knife without removing the studs on certain knives, not sure if the griptilian has this problem. However, I wouldn't let this stand in the way of getting D2 steel.
 
Hi guys, as I said I really like the Benchmade Griptillion with a D2 blade. It is a great knife, and really holds an edge.

I've found another similar knife called the Doug Ritter RSK M1 (wow, what a mouthful) which is also made by Benchmade. It is the Benchmade model 558 with S30V steel blade, and can be ordered with a 3.44" blade, or a 2.88" blade, and the prices are $104.95, and $99.95 respectively. The website is http://www.equipped.com/rsk_mk1.htm. This looks like another great alternative to the D2 bladed knife. Both steels really hold an edge, but the S30V would be more maintenance free. What are your thuoghts (pros and cons) on each one of these knives as an EDC. Thank you.
 
Go with S30V, plus 10% sales from the Doug Ritter RSK M1 go to the web site. but no matter which knife you get you will be happy.
 
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