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Which Griptilian for carrying in the woods?

D

DiverDn

Joined
Jan 13, 2007
Messages
180
In a couple different threads on "which folder for edc" the Benchmade Griptilian was highly recommended.

I would use it for edc, camping and hunting.

Which model would work best, ie: blade shape and size?

What are the pros and cons of the blade and the axis lock?

Thanks
John
 
I'd think the grip with the hole because of easier opening. Anything above southern whitetail, I'd get a the bigger grip.
 
I carry an OD green griptilian 551 daily. I seriously cannot find a negative point to express. The axis lock is an awesome design feature that has yet to not perform flawlessly. I use mine for anything from opening boxes to striking a ferro rod. My other EDC's are a RAT Izula and a Spyderco stainless steel Endura(also excellent choices). I myself am just now learning about different blade steels and their uses, makeup, and rankings, but my Griptilian has D2 and has more than impressed me with edge retention and ability to get shaving sharp. I would recommend just finding the size of the Griptilian that fits you and give it a chance... you wont be disappointed.
 
At least you won't lose this one if you drop it.

DSCI0468.jpg
 
The Mini Grip has a blade length of 2.91" whereas the full size Griptillian has a blade length of 3.45". I know they come in either 154cm which is a great stainless steel, and D2 which is a non-stainless tool steel. The D2 holds an excellent edge, I have been carrying the Grip in D2 for over a year now and I am impressed with it. D2 is not a good choice to pry with as it will snap (so I am told), but to use as general field knife for game or wood work you will like its edge holding ability. Cabela's has the D2 version and I believe it's the only place to get it. As to which size is really personal preferance but I like the bigger one, you can't go wrong either way.
 
Great responses.

I was wondering what the difference btw D2 and 154 were.

Thanks for the comments on the axis, I was wondering how strong it is.

I like blaze orange. I have an Auroa in orange and it is easy to spot when you drop it in the brush.

I am good on the fixed blade right now. I have a couple of Bark Rivers and a Fallkniven F1.

I am aware of the "controversy" on batoning with any knife.

But, do I dare ask if anyone has batoned with their Griptilian?
 
I don't baton with folders, but do with my fixed blades so I can't help you there. I do agree with FortyTwoBlades on the fixed blade thing. I always have a folder but for hunting, fishing, etc... I will add one or more fixed blades. Not only is the fixed blade stronger, but easier to clean. D2 has 154cm beat in edge holding in my opinnion, although 154 is not bad by any means. And while D2 is not a stainless steel, it doesn't stain easily at all...I have had no issues with it.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
I'd say the fixed griptillian. :D
Click to expand...

It's not a bad recommendation. Here is a lightweight combo I sometimes employ for day hikes or overnighters. As I lose the relentless battle with time and gravity, weight becomes a more important factor in tool consideration.

Plenty of functionality and redundancy at low weight. If backpacking and using a hip belt, the fixed is in or on the pack and the folders are in pockets.

Weights:

Fixed - 4.6 oz
Mini - 2.56 oz
Skeletool - 5 oz
Total 12.16 oz

SANY0014-3.jpg


By the way Forty, I lived in kennebunnport for 6 months - ate more seafood than you can shake a clam at :) The pursuit for the perfect fish and chips ended there, next to the beach - haddock :)
 
I have baton'd my Griptilian thru MANY a pieces of wood. Mesquite mostly (live in TX), and I use a piece of wood about as big around as a hammer or axe handle to do the slappin'. I have the D2 version and have chipped the blade doing this, but small enough that I can work them out on a ceramic rod. Always pay close attention to the grain of the wood, cut with it, and you should be fine.
 
DiverDn said:
Great responses.

I like blaze orange. I have an Auroa in orange and it is easy to spot when you drop it in the brush.
Click to expand...

Wow, the orange grippy would be a nice complement to your orange Aurora in both form and function, IMO :thumbup:

Post some pics of your selections when you get the chance. :)
 
brians said:
Wow, the orange grippy would be a nice complement to your orange Aurora in both form and function, IMO :thumbup:

Post some pics of your selections when you get the chance. :)
Click to expand...

Here is a picture of my current group of fixed blades. I had some pictures of me in the woods using the BRKT's and Falkniven, but can't find them for some reason.

Oops, sorry I don't think I have the ability to post a picture.
 
DiverDn said:
Here is a picture of my current group of fixed blades. I had some pictures of me in the woods using the BRKT's and Falkniven, but can't find them for some reason.

Oops, sorry I don't think I have the ability to post a picture.
Click to expand...

Post them on photobucket (or other online host) and then copy the image code tag/url into the post.
 
Woah, no one mentioned the Ritter grip? It gets my vote. I love s30v, but it's the blade shape that I really like. I've had zero problems with it. I've batoned with it a lot, with no blade issues, though I did disengage the lock once (I know I know).

I also have the grip with the big thumb hole, and it is great too. I like the versatility of the hole. Though, these have such smooth action withthe axis lock, I don't need a hole or studs.

I just wish it had full liners and some G10 scales.
 
peripatew said:
Woah, no one mentioned the Ritter grip? It gets my vote. I love s30v, but it's the blade shape that I really like. I've had zero problems with it. I've batoned with it a lot, with no blade issues, though I did disengage the lock once (I know I know).

I also have the grip with the big thumb hole, and it is great too. I like the versatility of the hole. Though, these have such smooth action withthe axis lock, I don't need a hole or studs.

I just wish it had full liners and some G10 scales.
Click to expand...

I was also shocked that I had to scroll this far down in the W&SS section before seeing the 552 Ritter Grip mentioned :eek:

That would have been my first choice. S30V steel, excellent blade shape and handle size, etc....Worth every penny more than the regular 551 version.
 
I've also got the grip with the opening hole (550 HG IIRC). I really like the more sheepsfoot blade that this version has and I also really like the opening hole, and the hollow grind makes it a wicked slicer and easy to sharpen back up. I don't baton my folders either, so I can't really help on that end, but I really do love my Grip. I bent the pocket clip though, so I need to get that fixed before I can use it, as the gap is now to wide to grab onto anything really.
 
I carry my regular black 154Cm Griptilian when I go out but if I was buying new I would go with a Ritter and/or a mini.
 
brians said:
By the way Forty, I lived in kennebunnport for 6 months - ate more seafood than you can shake a clam at :) The pursuit for the perfect fish and chips ended there, next to the beach - haddock :)
Click to expand...

My aunt lives in Kennebunkport. Can't beat Maine haddock for sure! :)
 
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