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6/13/2015 8:16:09 PM EDT
So I am thinking about getting a new EDC knife and I was looking for thoughts on a Benchmade D2 Griptilian.  Also I have heard that you can contact Benchmade for military members to get better pricing?  Is there anything In the same price range that you guys would recommend over the Griptilian?  Thank you all for your help.
6/13/2015 9:27:17 PM EDT
[#1]
If you make an account on their site you can get setup for mil pricing, which is a good deal. After having both I think the PM2 is a better knife even if they arent in the same price range.
6/13/2015 9:55:09 PM EDT
[#2]
Love my griptilian but do yourself a favor and avoid the tanto style blades. They are super at piercing zombie skulls but not so much at cutting or slicing things before the ZA begins.


6/13/2015 10:00:01 PM EDT
[#3]
SOG Flash2
6/13/2015 10:10:18 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:
If you make an account on their site you can get setup for mil pricing, which is a good deal. After having both I think the PM2 is a better knife even if they arent in the same price range.
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The manix 2 is slightly less expensive than the PM2, and still better than the Benchmade IMO.
6/13/2015 10:49:16 PM EDT
[#5]
Spyderco tenacious.
Spyderco endura if less poor.
6/13/2015 11:15:18 PM EDT
[#6]
grip in m390

6/14/2015 6:22:00 AM EDT
[#7]
Griptillian is a fine knife for what you pay. Just sign up with your .mil email address on their site and shop away.
6/14/2015 10:45:24 AM EDT
[#8]
So, I am fairly new to nicer blades and I was curious why it seems everyone is leaning more towards Spyderco over Benchmade?  Also are there any of the lesser known companies that have a solid EDC type knife that I just dont know about?  Once again, thank you all for the help.
6/14/2015 1:23:23 PM EDT
[#9]
A Benchmade Griptilian is a great EDC knife, so many options available for you to customize to your liking and top shelf customer service. Spyderco's are nice knives, but most of them are made in china, but I will say the ones made in the US are much nicer and more expensive. With your military discount, I think it is a no brainer to go with Benchmade, but you might be better off using the discount on a more expensive model, like an 810 Contego. The Ritter Griptilian is a great upgraded version of the Classic Benchmade Griptilian, but you cannot buy one on Benchmades website so I don't think your discount would apply. Use your discount and go with Benchmade, besides being a solidly built knife made in the USA, with their Life Sharp program, you can send your knives in to Benchmade and have them cleaned, sharpened and repaired if need be, at no cost to you aside from the shipping of the knives to Benchmade.
6/14/2015 1:48:42 PM EDT
[#10]
like maybe 5 models from spyderco are made in china... the good stuff is either made in golden, CO (most notably the manix, pm2, and military), Seiki city Japan (endura, delica etc) or Taiwan (the Taiwan stuff is top notch btw). I think grip and the manix or pm2 are pretty similar in regards to quality. They will both do what they are designed to do really well, i prefer the manix and pm2 slightly due to handle shapes and g10 grips but i still carry my benchmades too from time to time.
6/14/2015 2:25:10 PM EDT
[#11]
Good blade, good EDC
6/14/2015 4:59:48 PM EDT
[#12]
I have a few griptilians that I have been very hard on and they never let me down! I nought a spyderco pm2 because everyone says how good they are. Yes it's a great knife but just seamed to fragile. I sold it and bought another benchmade.  I don't know why it felt fragile maybe the thinner blade? I just prefer benchmades.
6/14/2015 7:29:46 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Quoted:
like maybe 5 models from spyderco are made in china... the good stuff is either made in golden, CO (most notably the manix, pm2, and military), Seiki city Japan (endura, delica etc) or Taiwan (the Taiwan stuff is top notch btw). I think grip and the manix or pm2 are pretty similar in regards to quality. They will both do what they are designed to do really well, i prefer the manix and pm2 slightly due to handle shapes and g10 grips but i still carry my benchmades too from time to time.
View Quote


The manix 2 and PM2 are easily some of the best value in knives on the market for what you get for the price. They are that good in terms of quality and feel and design.

I would recommend either over any Benchmade. I do like Benchmade, I have several. I just think spyderco does it better.
6/14/2015 8:48:08 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote History
Quoted:
So, I am fairly new to nicer blades and I was curious why it seems everyone is leaning more towards Spyderco over Benchmade?  Also are there any of the lesser known companies that have a solid EDC type knife that I just dont know about?  Once again, thank you all for the help.
View Quote

You can't beat a Spyderco when it comes to a price/quality ratio.
6/14/2015 9:19:46 PM EDT
[#15]
I know people that are all for spyderco because they are tacticool and work overly efficient at slicing open their Raman noodles and McDonalds apple pies.  I have to admit I have a delica and a PM2.  I like the way both feel but the delica is cheap made and I haven't used the PM2 much.  I felt like the blade tip on the PM2 would break with much pressure, I know that's highly unlikely though.

I purchased a Griptilian and really like it, I now have 7.  Models 550 and 551.  My most regular carried knife is the 550HG.  I have skinned deer, squirrels, unknown number of fish all with it.  The hollow grind type blade on it is perfect for cleaning game.  I still haven't sharpened it but I'm careful with it and don't get it into bone when I'm cleaning animals.  I've carried it very regularly for 4 years now.  I've tried using the Spyderco delica for cleaning fish and I don't care for it.  The best example I can make is you can chop a tree down with an axe or you can use a splitting maul.  The axe will work better for chopping, the splitting maul will work best for splitting the logs.  Many spydercos have been designed with some form of tactical use.  Benchmade Griptilians have been designed for working application.
6/16/2015 1:49:47 AM EDT
[#16]
I have both benchmades and spydercos. Spydercos always seemed really lightweight and if the thumb hole is your thing then those cant be beat. But I personally have been edc a grip for about 5 years now. I broke the tip once (my fault) and sent it to benchmade and they replaced it for a fee. I can't speak for spydercos customer service but benchmade took care of me. I will say i fancy that pm2 in camo.
6/16/2015 11:13:06 AM EDT
[#17]
I love the blade on my griptilian but the handle is way too thick but somehow manages to feel really fragile. I wish I had gotten the mini instead but I probably won't be buying any more benchmades
6/16/2015 11:43:22 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote History
Quoted:
I love the blade on my griptilian but the handle is way too thick but somehow manages to feel really fragile. I wish I had gotten the mini instead but I probably won't be buying any more benchmades
View Quote


I prefer the feel of the mini also.   Check out the volli.

I found the same "cheap" feeling with the plastic grips on the griptillion also.  The steel is pretty darn good though, and that is where BM spent their money on their entry level knife.

I had a BM torrent.  Pretty, best steel I had ever owned (same as the "normal" griptillion), but hated the liner lock.

Now I have a 710-1401.  It is a little long, but the m390 steel is awesome.
6/17/2015 12:20:09 AM EDT
[#19]
Love my Griptilian, but the scales suck.  Easily replaceable though!

6/18/2015 7:45:50 PM EDT
[#20]
I like my Mini Griptilian a lot.

6/19/2015 4:19:47 PM EDT
[#21]
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Love my Griptilian, but the scales suck.  Easily replaceable though!

<a href="http://s40.photobucket.com/user/mclark202/media/9532B6A4-26AC-4B20-8CE5-40C2FE36AE6B_zpshg2hxuux.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/mclark202/9532B6A4-26AC-4B20-8CE5-40C2FE36AE6B_zpshg2hxuux.jpg</a>
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Yes, Griptilians with custom scales are where it's at:
6/19/2015 4:48:00 PM EDT
[#22]
it looks like those scales help narrow it up a bit?  i love my mini-grip, but i prefer to carry a thinner knife.
6/19/2015 5:27:59 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote History
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it looks like those scales help narrow it up a bit?  i love my mini-grip, but i prefer to carry a thinner knife.
View Quote

Not sure if your question is directed at me or mclark202, but I can't say the custom scales on my Griptilian are thinner than the factory originals.  I have the originals in my desk drawer here, so I took a picture of them side by side.  I think my custom scales are maybe even a little thicker.  I would also like some thinner ones, but these micarta ones aren't they...
6/19/2015 5:37:09 PM EDT
[#24]
ah, in the angle of your previous pic they look a little thinner.  thanks for the comparison.
6/21/2015 4:49:29 PM EDT
[#25]
Love my REI special edition S30V Griptilian with custom G10 grips. Feels great in the hand and the green aluminum spacers are kinda cool.





6/22/2015 6:26:23 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote History
Quoted:
Love my REI special edition S30V Griptilian with custom G10 grips. Feels great in the hand and the green aluminum spacers are kinda cool.

<a href="http://s18.photobucket.com/user/FP2000H/media/Blades/DSCN5444_zpsjyoxjb7t.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b127/FP2000H/Blades/DSCN5444_zpsjyoxjb7t.jpg</a>

<a href="http://s18.photobucket.com/user/FP2000H/media/Blades/DSCN5446_zps5zaw9rf2.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b127/FP2000H/Blades/DSCN5446_zps5zaw9rf2.jpg</a>

<a href="http://s18.photobucket.com/user/FP2000H/media/Blades/DSCN5447_zpsrk2rwzm6.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b127/FP2000H/Blades/DSCN5447_zpsrk2rwzm6.jpg</a>
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Very nice!
6/22/2015 11:52:12 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote History
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Very nice!
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Love my REI special edition S30V Griptilian with custom G10 grips. Feels great in the hand and the green aluminum spacers are kinda cool.

<a href="http://s18.photobucket.com/user/FP2000H/media/Blades/DSCN5444_zpsjyoxjb7t.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b127/FP2000H/Blades/DSCN5444_zpsjyoxjb7t.jpg</a>

<a href="http://s18.photobucket.com/user/FP2000H/media/Blades/DSCN5446_zps5zaw9rf2.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b127/FP2000H/Blades/DSCN5446_zps5zaw9rf2.jpg</a>

<a href="http://s18.photobucket.com/user/FP2000H/media/Blades/DSCN5447_zpsrk2rwzm6.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b127/FP2000H/Blades/DSCN5447_zpsrk2rwzm6.jpg</a>



Very nice!


Normally, I'd feel a little silly ordering anything labeled "exclusive" let alone from a place like REI, but I like Benchmade. Plus, it was 20% off any new item and I had a gift card so I figured why the hell not. It was a chance to own a Griptilian a little different from the rest of the herd.

The Doug Ritters look cool, too. I like that M390 steel.
6/23/2015 3:54:42 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote History
Quoted:


Normally, I'd feel a little silly ordering anything labeled "exclusive" let alone from a place like REI, but I like Benchmade. Plus, it was 20% off any new item and I had a gift card so I figured why the hell not. It was a chance to own a Griptilian a little different from the rest of the herd.

The Doug Ritters look cool, too. I like that M390 steel.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Love my REI special edition S30V Griptilian with custom G10 grips. Feels great in the hand and the green aluminum spacers are kinda cool.

<a href="http://s18.photobucket.com/user/FP2000H/media/Blades/DSCN5444_zpsjyoxjb7t.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b127/FP2000H/Blades/DSCN5444_zpsjyoxjb7t.jpg</a>

<a href="http://s18.photobucket.com/user/FP2000H/media/Blades/DSCN5446_zps5zaw9rf2.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b127/FP2000H/Blades/DSCN5446_zps5zaw9rf2.jpg</a>

<a href="http://s18.photobucket.com/user/FP2000H/media/Blades/DSCN5447_zpsrk2rwzm6.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b127/FP2000H/Blades/DSCN5447_zpsrk2rwzm6.jpg</a>



Very nice!


Normally, I'd feel a little silly ordering anything labeled "exclusive" let alone from a place like REI, but I like Benchmade. Plus, it was 20% off any new item and I had a gift card so I figured why the hell not. It was a chance to own a Griptilian a little different from the rest of the herd.

The Doug Ritters look cool, too. I like that M390 steel.



20% off. Good score.

I have a first production North Fork that has similar colors.

6/23/2015 4:08:20 PM EDT
[#29]
I have a mini and a regular both with the OD green scales and black blade.  Love the axis lock.  I see some other folders that look nice sometimes, but the axis lock has ruined me.  I can't imagine owning a liner lock now.
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