Which knife do you prefer for EDC?

G

GhOsT1321

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May 5, 2009
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If you had to choose between a Benchmade 556 Mini-Griptilian ($60, 154CM steel) or a Spyderco Delica 4 ($50, VG-10) for EDC, which would you choose and why?
 
Tough choice... I have a D4 and I love it absolutely. It has been my EDC for a week over a year now :D

I'm looking at getting a BM 555 or 556 someday soon. I think both are very good. It was between those two when I was first making the decision, and if I were to go back and do it again, it would still be a tough, flip-of-a-coin choice haha :o
 
I am a hardcore Spyderholic, but I have never warmed to the Delica. I would prefer VG-10 over 154CM, but the Mini-Grip has great ergonomics and the Axis lock. All told, I would get the Grip. (In fact, I got six standard Grips.) ;)
 
I tried a number of knives for EDC purposes until I eventually discovered the mix that suits me. My suggestion would be to try out your choices and see which one feels most comfortable and useful for what YOU usually do each day. What might suit me might not suit you.

This is how my EDC needs eventually sorted themselves out.

During the week at work I rotate between a Spyderco Calypso Jnr ZDP189 and a BM Mini Grip. I'll use one for a few weeks then switch to the other when the mood strikes me. They are both excellent small knives.

On the weekend it will be the Sebenza for much of the time but I'll usually take the SnG with me if I plan to be working around the property.
 
MiniGrip. What feels comfortable for someone else may not work for you. Almost everyone loves the Grips but not me. Too light and therefore feels cheap to me and the handles aren't comfortable for me. I hope you've handled both these knives because you'll be the one buying and using them.
 
I have had both for several years now. The 555 in 154 and the PE D4 in VG10. Really like both a great deal. I find myself carrying the D4 more than the Mini Grip. I like the larger handle of the D4. Also my D4 has a Full Flat Grind by Tom Krein.
 
I've tried both for EDC for extended periods. Personally, I'd go with the D4 every time. The mini-Grip doesn't fit my hand; the handle's too short for me to get a good grip. I also like VG10 just slightly more than 154CM, although 154CM is one of my fav folder steels. And I prefer backlocks to AXIS locks.

But all of that's just me talkin' from my experiences. If possible, you should handle both of them and see which one you like. Both are very capable performers that will give you excellent EDC service. I don't think there's much difference in the quality of the knives. It's likely gonna come down to your personal preference.
 
Delica. Better steel, better handle, and a better value for the money.

The Grip's nice, but I never liked the handle, particularly the thickness. The D4 is noticably thinner and carries IWB a lot better. It also has a 4 way clip, and my preferred carry method is tip down.
 
D4, but I have no experience with the MiniGrip. A Delica was my first locking folder. Possibly if I had got a MiniGrip instead, or something else, I would would have felt the same way about that, but because the Delica has been such a good performer, I don't feel the need to look elsewhere.
 
I will rotate 3 through edc. A Super 7, a CS Caledonian(my prefered edc), and a Ontario RAT1 satin finish. I have a few dozen to choose from but these get carried the most. keepem sharp
 
Delica by a small margin.
The Mini-Grip is great but I tend to go for the Spydercos
Plus, the Delica is of a slim profile.
 
I've never handled the 556 but I have a 551 so I'd assume the same excellent Benchmade quality. The axis lock is rock solid.

The only drawback for me is the thickness compared to a Delica or Endura. Another issue for both the 556 and Delica might be shear size or lack of it if you have large hands. I have the Benchmade 525 Mini-Presidio which is about the same size as the 556. I'm 5'6" and the Mini-Presidio and Delica are a good fit. If you have larger hands it could be a challenge and you might be better off with a larger Griptilan model.
 
Both choices are good, but I prefer the Delica because it is thinner and less obstrusive in the pocket. Its very flat, and to me has a better look and feel - but that is very subjective. If you want to convince yourself to go with the mini-grip, it opens like butter and feels better in the hand due to its rounded, fuller shape. But I am more of a Delica user. JMO.
 
Let me throw a monkey wrench in...

Take a look at the Manix 2 by Spyderco....

154CM steel (like the Grip), caged ball bearing lock (just as smooth opening as a grip with no Omega springs to break) and G-10 handles (as opposed to "plastic" handles) - all for about $15-20 more than the Grip.

Out of the 2 you listed, I'd say it's a toss-up though. You'd really have to handle both to decide for yourself. They both have their pros and cons.
 
JBE said:
Let me throw a monkey wrench in...

Take a look at the Manix 2 by Spyderco....

154CM steel (like the Grip), caged ball bearing lock (just as smooth opening as a grip with no Omega springs to break) and G-10 handles (as opposed to "plastic" handles) - all for about $15-20 more than the Grip.

Out of the 2 you listed, I'd say it's a toss-up though. You'd really have to handle both to decide for yourself. They both have their pros and cons.
Click to expand...

A very good point JBE. :thumbup:

The Manix almost sounds like it was created as an alternative to the grip.... interesting.
 
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