Spyderco Delica 4 vs. Benchmade Mini Griptilian

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grennings23

Joined
Jan 19, 2017
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Hello all,

I am in the market for a new knife and I have pretty much narrowed it to these two. I love the axis lock on the benchmade as well as the design and I know that it is a great knife. My only hesitations are the fact that I have large hands and the price. I also looked at the delica and while I'm not a huge fan of the lockback, its not a complete turn off for me (just seems like less flipping fun than the benchmade). Anyways, if any of you want to weigh in on my decision, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
 
i have medium hands and the mini grip feels too small for me. the delica handle feels great though, feels more substantial and the delica is actually a bigger/longer knife overall. even though the delica doesnt have an axis lock to flip open and close, it feels really great to open and close and hear the backlock snap into place. has a very high quality feel to it. i would definitly recommend the delica over the mini grip. i would also recommend looking at the spyderco native 5 lightweight. its a similar size to the delica but has an even more hand filling handle. i actually prefer the native 5 over all 3, with the delica coming in 2nd.
 
If you have large hands definitely go with the delica. I have large hands and I can get a comfortable grip with the delica. The mini grip feels about a half inch too small. The mini grip does have a way better fidget factor however in the end when I'm holding it and using it I want a knife that feels good.
 
The delica will cut better, the griptilain is more robust,
the delica is slimmer in pocket, the griptilian has a more ergonomic locking system.

I bought them both :D
 
If you've got large hands I'd say you've got to go with the Delica if you want decent ergonomics. I love the mini grip, but I've got medium hands and like the other poster above, it feels a little small for me. Three finger grip at best and nowhere to choke up. The Delica, on the other hand, feels just about perfect. I love both knives, but I cant recommend a mini grip for anyone with larger hands. It's just too small.

If you want something more in line with the Delica, but with an axis lock, look at the 531. I just got one and love it. The ergos aren't as good as the Delica, but I think it's a lot better looking.

benchmade-531bk-pardue-axis-drop-point-154cm-black-gray-large.jpg
 
If you have large hands and u dont have restrictions on blade length i would with large griptilian price diff is very little.

I would definitelly go with Benchmade imo. One of the joys owning a folder is playing with it. Lockbacks are not as fun as an axis lock for sure.
 
Here's a little size comparison. They both appear to be about the same overall length, but the delica does have a longer handle and also shorter blade. I'm just judging from this pic, haven't looked at the specs. I have medium hands and the mini grip works fine for me, but I generally prefer a 940 or ZT 450. I don't care much for the back lock on the delica, but with the ffg blade, it is a mean slicer.

SAM_1336.jpg~original
 
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If I'm going to get a small benchmade, it's going to be the sequel all the way. A bit more money so. I'm going to go with the delica in this instance.
 
Hab both. I now have three delicas and no mini grips if that tells you anything. Delica will cut way better and be much thinner in pocket. Also the price difference is pretty nice too. Lockback actually isn't that bad to play with either. Very satisfying authoritative opening and closing. Those little axis springs don't command the same respect imho. But the mini grip is very popular for good reason.
 
I have been trying to convince myself that I needed to purchase a Mini-Grip for years. It's just too small for me to operate comfortably. The blade is too short, as well. I'm a huge fan of the Large Grip, and have 3 variations.
The Delica is also pretty small, but it is easier to use due to it's larger handle, and Spydee-hole.
 
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Give lock backs a try and see if you like them. The Delica is a great one to try. Might be the most versatile, moderately priced knife ever, IMO. I have thought about a min grip 555 for years, but I'm happy with my Delica. Have had a SS one since the 90's and just picked up a new FRN 4.
 
Complete toss-up for me. Both rank among the very top of my favorites from each respective manufacturer. If you have large hands, though, the Mini-Grip may not be a good fit for you. The handle length on the Delica is significantly longer, although you do get about a quarter inch more cutting edge with the Mini-Grip. The ergos of the Delica's handles do fit me a bit better, but the trade-off is that it also takes up more pocket space. The Delica also gives you a tip-down carry option, whereas the Mini-Grip is tip-up only. I do like the Axis lock a lot better, but as far as lockbacks go, Spyderco has tuned theirs perfectly.

If you do opt for a Mini-Grip, see if the Ritter one is still available. I like that blade profile more. If you get a Delica, I'd suggest one of the FFG ones.

Some old comparison shots I took...

Delica_MiniGrip_Leek_open_800x360.jpg


Delica_MiniGrip_Leek_closed_800x515.jpg


Delica_MiniGrip_Leek_pocket_800x311.jpg
 
I much prefer the Benchmade if you want anything other than a knife that sits in your pocket and is only pulled out when you need to cut something.

If you are worried about the size, check out some of the HK knives with AXIS lock. Great knives and similar price to the grips.
 
A mini grip was my only knife for a long time many moons ago and it served me well. I recommended one to a friend about a year ago and his is still going strong. I'd take the Delica though.
 
I currently own 5 spydercos and a single griptillian. Ive carried the griptillian 4 days since ive got it in november since i've had to send it twice for repairs... Never had to send any of my spydercos though...
 
kaozer said:
I currently own 5 spydercos and a single griptillian. Ive carried the griptillian 4 days since ive got it in november since i've had to send it twice for repairs... Never had to send any of my spydercos though...
Click to expand...

Ditto. I have had the same experience. That's why I own Spydies now. They do have excellent customer service but its unfortunate you need to use it so much.
 
I own both. I would buy a Griptilian, but I wouldn't buy the Mini-Grip again. The Delica is my favorite knife, however. :)

If you have big hands and no blade-length restrictions, you might find a FFG Endura may fit the bill.
 
luke86 said:
Ditto. I have had the same experience. That's why I own Spydies now. They do have excellent customer service but its unfortunate you need to use it so much.
Click to expand...

I think the most insulting part about it is that i had to send it again because when i received it back from the first time i had sent it for repairs is that it was worse than when i shipped it.
 
One of my highest knife buying priorities is Made in USA. Having said that, the Delica is the better knife. Also the Spyderco Native 5 lightweight is the better of the three and is still cheaper than the Grip AND made in the USA. [emoji41]


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