Benchmade Knives

[huntingdan]

I was wondering how these knives were, and if you have a favorite model. I really prefer a drop point plate (personal preference), but like the tanto styles also. Anyways, to the point I am really looking at the Mini Griptilian models. None of the stores around here seem to carry the mini model, but I have been able to handle the bigger model. I was thinking of getting these for my groomsmen in my wedding coming up next year.

So let me know your experiences with Benchmade and/or if you have the mini grip specifically how you like it.

 

[TonyJ]

I have Benchmade griptilian 550hg among bunch of spydies, ti-lite, emerson bullnose. It is really versatile of it's blade and handle profile, no wonder why it's so popular.I like the locking system even that it's not the smoothest one to close. One thing which really frustrates me is a slippery handle. I understand that manufacturer wants to keep costs low and selling numbers high but if somebody knows a good tip how to make handle more sticky without ruining it I would like to hear it gladly. I am so used to those spydies round opening hole that it was main reason to choose hg model

 

[hig789]

Man you can't go wrong with a Benchmade. I carried a D2 nitrous Stryker for 5 years and it never failed me once. I also had a full size griptillian and it was a nice knife but I moved on because it wasn't as thin as I like. For the price of the mini you could also look at a Spyderco Delica 4. Both are very good knives and you can't go wrong with either.

 

[kbuzbee]

For the price of the mini you could also look at a Spyderco Delica 4. Both are very good knives and you can't go wrong with either.

True and for me, Spyderco does a better job on the heat treat of the steel AND I prefer the grip on the Delica over the Mini Grip. The only Mini Grip I have is the Ritter M4. Good knife but the M4 is no where near as good as my M4 Manix or Gayle Bradley. My guess is they ran it softer to make grinding easier, but that's just a guess.

It's a bit more but if I were doing Groomsmen gifts, I'd go for a Spyderco Balance. Way classier gift than either a Delica or a Mini Grip and very unique. You won't be killing any Zombies with it but it's a very functional tool for daily tasks.

Cheers,

Ken

 

[GrimmFu]

I was wondering how these knives were, and if you have a favorite model. I really prefer a drop point plate (personal preference), but like the tanto styles also. Anyways, to the point I am really looking at the Mini Griptilian models. None of the stores around here seem to carry the mini model, but I have been able to handle the bigger model. I was thinking of getting these for my groomsmen in my wedding coming up next year.

So let me know your experiences with Benchmade and/or if you have the mini grip specifically how you like it.

This has been my EDC for over a year, and I absolutely love it. The blade is as solid as the day I got it, with no shifting whatsoever. I picked up an love drab with black blade for me, and a pink handled one for SWMBO. She thought it was "cute" (which was my goal) and so actually keeps it with her at all times... Mission accomplished!

But yes, great handle, super grippy, awesome blade that arrived sharp and takes sharpening well, great design. Very high quality. Only caveat is that the black coating on my blade shows the wear of regular use, but I like it that way. Like a pair of broken in jeans. The blade itself is great.

This knife series will definitely treat you well, and your groomsmen will have a gift they will keep, use, and appreciate for years. Using the blade, you see on a regular basis why Benchmade has such a great reputation. It's a pleasure to use something so well designed and built.

Gf

 

[Dennis]

The Mini Grip is a great knife. The Spyderco Delica and the Benchmade Mini Grip are in the same ring of knives so consider both. I own both and each knife gets equal pocket time. I love the AXIS lock on the Benchmade though.

EDIT - Both knives are tip up - I was confusing it with another knife.

 

[KW Driver]

I've got a 9100 auto that's my EDC on the clock, and have had a couple of 940S models for off the clock EDC. both the axis' locking pin spring broke, or became unseated causing a failure to lock. both went back to the factory and came home fixed, tightened, and resharpened. no issues whatsoever with follow on service. so they get cudos from me there.

I carried Spyderco's back in the 90s, but prefer Benchmades.

I'm not a huge fan of the griptillians, they're too fat a handle for my liking. a knife would be a cool groomsman gift.

 

[Mako72]

I have a Benchmade 970 that I have had for over 15yrs, best knife I have ever owned.



Jay

 

[Wid]

I'm new to the Benchmade, carrying Kershaw and Boker prior to the Benchmade. But I must say I really like the Griptilian 551 over the other two.

 

[Pat.G.Boisvert]

A knife is a very personal thing. What feels great in one person's hand may not work for someone else. Also consider the use. That being said, I have a couple Benchmade knives and have not failed me. I do however prefer my Japanese Spydercos (*they are now made in many locations). Lastly, if you are looking for a little and cost effective gem, check out the kershaw chive. Such a useful little thing! Cam assist opening, tip lock in closed position and small enough to be a pocket knife. (If you want a little bigger at almost the same price range the Kershaw scallion)

 

[Joe_Karp]

I've been into Benchmades for six years and have owned most of the folders in the catalog at one point or another. The Griptilian series = Benchmade in many circles; they get instant recognition and are probably BKC's hottest seller. I've never been able to get a full fingered grip on the mini 556, the pinkie just floats. I prefer the 907D2, 14210 and 585 for smaller 3" models...but again it's personal preference. For newbies I would suggest find a local cutlery store that carries a selection and go in and spend a little time trying them to see what you like or don't. Personally I prefer the 551, or even better, the Ritters. (Same handle scales better blades.)

 

[hig789]

Here's another idea and you arent going to find a better deal for the money on the market. Spyderco tenacious, it might say china on the blade but they are damn. Fine knives an I would put them up against some knives that cost twice as much. It's my favorite right now, but like was said above its all personal preference.

 

[Obiwan]

Spyderco tenacious....been looking to buy another knife. For that price it would seem worth trying out.

To OP, never had a benchmade I didn't love. Great knives.

 

[huntingdan]

Thanks I am still looking around. I personally carry a Kershaw Scallion everyday in SS. I love the little thing. I have looked at all of the knives mentioned, I just don't really have a place around here that carries them all. So I have to rely a lot on the internet. The stores that supposedly carry them around here never have the ones I'm looking for, go figure! After seeing a full size griptillian I don't think that knife is going to work with everyone. Some don't live in or have jobs where they would be able to get a way with carrying something that big (thickness) in their pocket.

Most of them will use it for light duty. Me and one other buddy are the only ones who hunt or do outdoors type activities. The others have other interests, which is fine. I will look at the Spyderco Tenacious all I ever see are great reviews on them, or perhaps a Scallion (I love the active assisted open, Ken Onion).

Main reason the mini grip was in contention was because I loved the look of it, even though, it probably wasn't practical for them. So since I found them for a great price I might just have to order me one and find something that better suits their needs.

 

[deruitem]

I dont recall the model but I carried a benchmade for years in the Corps. I loved it and it never failed me

 

[Groat]

I don't know just how great the price you found is, but have you seen that you can customize the Griptillian knives on Benchmade's website? You can customize everything from handle color(s) to blade type, steel and edge. You can even laser engrave names or pictures on the blade. It seems like most options are included at no extra cost.

$115 for the mini, less if you've got a military/LE account through them.

 

[huntingdan]

$66 for the mini grip.

 

[MrMurphy]

I've been carrying Spydercos daily since 1996, around the world and back everywhere.

Put it this way, the only other knives I've carried are Benchmades, a 530 (used deployed for the little stuff) and a Griptilian.

Fiance got the Mini Grip as her personal blade, and another will replace the Spyderco I carried deployed as my everyday piece.

 

[OldSchoolYoungin]

The Mini Griptilian is an exceptional little knife. It's about as much as you could ask for a knife of it's size. You might also want to check out the Nagara, which is one of the best looking folders in it's price range, IMO. I had one before they started labeling it a Harley Davidson model and regrettably sold it

I might just pick up another Griptilian thanks to this thread

 

[hig789]

Spyderco tenacious....been looking to buy another knife. For that price it would seem worth trying out.

To OP, never had a benchmade I didn't love. Great knives.

You will not be disappointed David. That's the bast value on the market. Let me know what you think of it when you get it.