Benchmade Griptilian / Mini Grip: Still Essential?

Dknight16

Dknight16

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Mar 25, 2013
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When I first started hanging out here, a very large percentage of the membership seemed to believe the Griptilian or Mini Griptilian were essential to everyone’s collection. The Spyderco Delica too. While the Delica still seems to be on that list, the Grip seems to have faded badly. What happened?
 
I have not really warmed up to the mini-grip, although I still enjoy using it on occasion.

However, the standard Griptillian in 154cm is a staple in my EDC rotation. It’s a great work knife, with a hand-filling handle, which I like for comfort. I also like the toughness offered by the 154cm. I can’t speak on the newer s30v models, but I imagine they are fine.

I still believe it’s a staple EDC for the 100 dollar range.
 
I think it depends on who you ask. Maybe the Griptillian isn't as much of a "collectors" knife anymore, but it is still one of the best "working" knives out there.

Then again, I own more Griptillians (3) than I do Spydercos (1).
 
Still a staple imo. Buck 110, Spyderco pm2 or Manix 2, Benchmade Grip. Even compared to the Hogue Ritter I think the Grip holds its own. Similar, but different, and both are very capable. And honestly I find myself grabbing my Grip more than my Ritter most days, but that Ritter handle is so nice. But I love the sheepsfoot blade...

I still need to track down a hollow ground sheepsfoot Griptilian in 154cm. I need one in my collection!
 
I don't have a Bugout, or a Ritter (price).
I have 3 Grips, and one mini. I would definitely still recommend a Grip, especially the large. The mini is too mini, for me.
 
I still have my mini and I feel everyone should have a grip or mini grip in their collection. I don’t carry my mini that often lately but probably should. I also have a custom neck kydex sheath which works great with the mini.
 
What was considered a good tool 10 years ago is still a good tool today. Society is drawn to what's new, often to the exclusion of what's been working well for years/decades.

After holding a 551-1 at a dealer for a few seconds, I knew I'd be getting a Grip. I now have two customs, and one is in my pocket right now.
 
I think there is internal competition as well as more entries in the general niche.
I say that about the Delica as well, but people do choose their favorites.
The design holds up but the knife world is full of capable choices in every usage category.
 
Silent H said:
...Then again, I own more Griptillians (3) than I do Spydercos (1).
Click to expand...

Two Spyderco knives and four full size Griptilians for me.

The Griptilian is still popular but, look how many great quality knives are competing with it.
 
I think it still has a place as a modern classic. That said, I carry my Bugouts more than my mini Grips these days though.

Discontinuing the Ritter collaboration and changing the hollow grind to a flat sabre on the sheep foot models wasn’t my favorite decision as those were my preferred blades on Griptillians large and small.
 
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