Advanced Weapons Technologies Griptillian scales

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Feb 21, 2014
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I did a search on the forum and found a few posts with pics of AWT's products on a griptillian but no one really mentioned anything about if they like them or not. They are machined aluminum grips for various knives, I was looking at the complete package for a full size griptillian.

Anyone have any experience with the company and its products? If so how do you like them?

http://appliedweaponstech.com/products/benchmade-full-size-griptilian-grip-kit

Anyone know of other options for the scales on a griptillian? Only requirement is the scales must be able to withstand being in and around water.

Thanks everyone!
 
Anyone have any experience with the company and its products? If so how do you like them?
Anyone know of other options for the scales on a griptillian? Only requirement is the scales must be able to withstand being in and around water.

Very good product and service. Makes my Ritter GripT much better, imo!

Wilkins makes scales for the GripT, also.
 
I've done 4 sets of AWT scales on Griptilians.

I have an original OD set on a full size Grip...it's basically my beater Grip
I did a full size blue and a mini pink as wedding gifts to my nephew and his wife.
I did a mini Hive finish on a Ritter Mini Grip that's one of my favorite EDC knives.

Every AWT scale I've put on has been made well and fit perfectly. I really like the Hive pattern on my Mini. I'll try to post a picture later. The AWT scales really change the feel of the Grip, more so on the large than the small. You lose the rounded, palm filling effect of the stock scales and get a blockier feel that really locks into the hand...all without affecting the balance of the knife.

I highly recommend AWT. If you're not finicky about color tone or a scratch, you can get some great deals on a blemished set. They're even selling pre-assembled knives which would be awesome for me. I hate putting Grips together and usually have my wife help me...she has smaller hands and better eyes, lol.

I've never handled one but I know that Wilkins grips are well regarded. We have some incredibly skilled craftsmen here at BF offering custom scales in the Custom Shop.
 
IMG_2280.JPG IMG_2281.JPG IMG_2282.JPG IMG_2283.JPG IMG_2284.JPG AWT scales are awesome! The fit is literally perfect and the knife feels so much more substantial in hand!
BUT, don't forget all the amazing custom scale makers here!
I have had scales made by Steve Ketchen, Ryan....DOAT and Eric....Shepard CC. All do amazing work and you can choose whatever you'd like.
Few examples!!
Joe
 
Thanks Palone, do these folks have websites or screen names? I'll want to ask questions when the time comes.
 
I like mine. They are comfortable, well made, and really transform the Griptilian into a great knife. However, I prefer the Wilkins titanium scales only because I'm a a Ti junkie. The large is pretty darn hefty (about 6.5oz if I remember correctly) but the small is about perfect to me. If you can handle the extra weight and cost I recommend those. If not, the AWTs will likely not disappoint. Wilkins also does aluminum and G10 scales but I think the AWTs will cost less.

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The only thing I don't like about them is the screws for the backspacer thread right into the aluminum scale. I ruined my scale from stripping it out. I was extremely careful and still managed to do it, just something to be aware of if you purchase them
 
AWT is really nice scales, especially for the price. The Owner is a real nice guy and will work with you if you encounter issues.
I have the large set with the old screws ( the new screws are not favorable to me as the allen head is too small for the screw for any real torq), besides that they are probably best bang for your buck. I had set of the hives but did not like the way the screws sat so I was able ship back and have them counter sunk a little bit deeper for a flush fit.
Wilkins are great but costly. I have the small and sold off the large as it felt like I was carrying a 9mm pistol. It was a beautiful piece though. Just didn't like the bulk with the weight.
The other grip in lighting struck/strike carbon from Cuscadi.
Many options including already mentioned scale makers here. So pick your flavor.
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Why did this thread get moved? Its about AWT and they don't have their own forum. Being in the Benchmade forum limits the visibility as far as AWT goes.
 
The AWT grips are a serious upgrade from the factory grips, even if you get BM's G10. I loved mine, felt great, and the aluminum is rock solid. Seems like they may have changed screws since I bought and sold mine, but the original screws (steel) stripped the aluminum threads, so just be careful not to tighten too hard. If anyone strips the screws let me know, I have some that I used to fix it.
 
For reference, I did a little measuring...the large Wilkins Ti scales definitely turn the Griptilian into a beast. They are overkill for sure but make for a neat knife. I think maybe a thinner cross section would do them some good. Most people would likely be better served by G10 or aluminum in the Large. To me, the small Wilkins Ti with the Ritter blade seems about perfect though. I'm not calling it a "Sebenza (or other CRK) killer" but it competes with my small Sebenza and Inkosi for carry time. Like those knives, I do not use a pocket clip on that small Griptilian. It rides in a small nylon belt sheath with a titanium AAA flashlight. For a large Griptilian, I think the AWT scales would do best for most people if aluminum works for them.

  • Factory large Griptilian with partially serrated blade:
    • 3-3/4oz
    • Width = 0.6350" (average since it's difficult to get an exact measurement due to curvature and texture on scales)
    • Factory clip
  • Large Ritter Griptilian with Wilkins titanium scales:
    • 6-3/4oz
    • Width = 0.5675"
    • Aluminum backspacer
    • Custom Ti clip
  • Large Griptilian with AWT aluminum scales:
    • 4-3/4oz
    • Width = 0.5050"
    • Aluminum backspacer
    • No clip
  • Small Ritter Griptilian with Wilkins titanium scales:
    • 4oz
    • Width = 0.4360"
    • G10 backspacer
    • No clip
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This is my little titanium sheath for a Ti knife and Ti Lumintop AAA Tool flashlight. It's always on my belt and rotates among a few knives: SAK with custom Ti scales, CRK small Sebenza, CRK small Inkosi, small Ritter Griptilian with Wilkins Ti scales.

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