Wow! Talk about smooth!

C

cosine

Joined
Dec 13, 2005
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706
A little background here: I'm looking for a new, inexpensive, fairly large folder, and based on objective :p analysis gained from knowledge here decided to narrow my choices down to the Endura or Griptilian. I went out tonight to take a look at those two knife in person.

I handled the Endure first. Very nice knife, lightweight, opened cleanly, felt good in the hand, all around quite nice.

Next I handled the Griptilian. Again, very nice knife, a little heavier and thicker but not bad, felt good in the hand, and in this case opened so smoothly it was an absolute joy to keep closing it and reopening it. After the first time I opened it, I almost bought it right then and there. :D

I didn't though, because the Endura I handled was one of the models without the liners. I want to take a look at one with liners before I make a final decision.

I tell you though, I was so impressed with the smoothness of the Griptilian that something else would have to be really, really darn good to supersede my want for the Grip.


That said, which knife should I get? :D


(Just kidding. :p)
 
Actually ... I prefer the Endura. I have 2 linerless Endura Waves.

Nothing wrong with the Griptilian. I just don't care for the axis lock. What most people see as smooth, I perceive as loose, and I don't have the same confidence in it as I do in a lockback.
 
I would have to say go with personal preference on this one. Both knives are a great deal. I bought a Grip 550 for my Dad and loved the feel of it. I have the Endura 4 Wave myself and have been quite pleased. I think that the Grip probably provides a better grip (imagine that), but the Endura has a slimmer profile. Just go with the one which you like the look and feel of best, and you should not be disappointed, they are both solid knives. :thumbup:
 
I am going to go with the one that feels best and I like the best. I intended to do so. The smileys were to indicate humor at such a dumb question with such an obvious answer. :D

I was just shocked when I opened the Griptilian. It was looser than the Endura, and felt really smooth. The Endura was smooth, but just a bit stiffer. I may go with the Endura because it is a bit slimmer, which would carry much better for me, and because it opened just a little bit stiffer I think I'd have more confidence in it staying closed.

But darn, the Griptilian sure was fun to play with. :D
 
Speaking from experience, The Endura will smooth out with use, I cant speak for the Grip But it is high on my List for new Knives.
 
Don't have an Endura yet so I can't comment on it. Do plan on getting one soon though, looks like a nice knife and has good reviews. The Grip is a great knife, mine was my edc for about three years. Smooth when new and just gets smoother with use. I never had to worry about it not staying closed in pocket. Its a little bulkier than some but you get used to it really quick..
 
Out of all my knives the Benchmade AXIS locks are bar far the smoothest. If you adjust the pivot properly and take time to clean and give them a high quality lubrication (such as Militec-1) they get even smoother. I trust the AXIS lock over any other lock I have (liner, frame, lock back). I've had lock backs fail on me from pocket lint and almost got a blade closed on me because I didn't notice it didn't lock up securly. I've been carrying an AXIS lock knife almost every day for 6 years and I haven't had 1 problem with it.

I don't own any of the grips though, well, I guess the Doug Ritter Grip has a Grip handle. I beleive the handle on the grip will be beefier (fatter) than the Endura, so that maybe a consideration. You want something that carries comfortably. I never really had any issues with the Dough Ritter Grip, but I prefer my 710 or ARES which are more stream lined, and at the same time have strong handles with the full dual steel liners and G-10. :) Might want to check into a Benchmade 710 if you can swing the extra money.
 
The 710 is the only axis lock I've kept. It has a big blade and I like the handle. It is flat, like an Endura.

Be careful carrying an axis lock in jurisdictions (like NYC) that are getting stupid witt their definition of "gravity knife". When you pull back the axis bar and jerk your wrist, the blade will flick out.
 
I've handled all manners of locks from all kinds of companies, including the vaulted Sebenza, and the axis locks (and variants) are easily the smoothest of them all.

I thought my minigrips were super smooth too until I bought my 960 (which, as you recall, also has an axis lock). Maybe the washers are better or something, but it beat the heck out of my minigrips in smoothness. Maybe a gold class benchmade would kick it up a notch.

The Endura is a great knife, but for me, there'd be no competition. I don't really get into the lower end of Spyderco....Spyderco to me starts at 100 and up.
 
If you had fun with the Griptilian then I would suggest you get it, otherwise you’ll just sit there thinking of how much you want one before you go out and get one. Better yet get the 710. You won’t be disappointed. Besides, chances are you’ll end up getting higher end knives eventually. Why not start now?
 
"Just spend a little more..." :D

I still haven't seen the old adage "Get 'em both"! yet... :D

I might have to get the 710, but I'll want to handle it first to see how I really like it. The store I was at last night didn't have one, I know of a different outdoors store that should have one I'll have to go visit.
 
I have an Endura 2 and it is by far one of my faveorite EDC's, being all stainless it has some more heft to it and the action is very smooth, and it keeps one heck of an edge too.
 
I have both.Actually my Grip is the Ritter Grip in M2 but I personally prefer the Griptilian over the Endura.I have the waved version of the Endura with liners.That is a fun knife.The axis lock is very stong and smooth.It does flick very nicely.My suggestion is gettum both!;)
 
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