Griptillian or Delica

[bratch]

I am looking for a reasonably priced mid sized folder. These are the two that have caught my attention. I am hoping to get a chance to fondle them before I pick one but am not sure if I will be able to or not.

Can anyone give me a comparison of the two and pros and cons of each.

 

[bad LT]

I have and have carried both. My personal opinion is that the delica holds a better edge than the standard griptillian, but the griptillian's clip is less prone to snagging. I also prefer the locking mechanism on the griptillian to that of the delica.

For what it is worth, I carry the griptillian everyday, everywhere I am wearing pants.

 

[Greymoor]

The Delica is much slimmer if that matters to you. Both would make a fine EDC.

 

[akluvr]

I'm extremely partial to the Spyderco. The Delica has been a good carry knife for me, and now I'm carrying the Military. Gerber has never done anything for me since Fiskars bought them out. I believe they still make some decent fixed blades but their folders really don't appeal to me.

 

[bratch]

AKluvr

The Griptillian is a Benchmade knife model 550 I belive.

Thanks for the replies so far guys just what I'm looking for.

 

[powertoast]

The mini-Griptillian is more comparable to the Delica than is the Griptilian. I had both until I lost the mini-Grip. The mini-grip opens like butter (its really amazing - at least to my pea brain), but the Delica is no slouch. Note the the Grip and mini-Grip come in your choice of blade styles. Don't sweat it. Just pick one and you will like it; and both are reasonably priced. See here for example.

best regards

 

[bratch]

I got a couple of the knives out I already have and looked at the sizes and decided the Endura and Griptillian are the sizes I am looking for. I am wanting something with a grip around 4.5" and they are both close to this.

I half tempted to take the High Road and get both

 

[akluvr]

Sorry, I was thinking of a different model (maybe the Gerber Gator?). Now that I'm back on track from the mental flatuation, Benchmade makes some quality knives. The best thing you can do, if you have a local dealer that carries them, is to try them side by side. If it is not possible, try knife forums other than here for more info. Not to be slamming my Spideys, but one drawback to the Delica is the lock mechanism on the back of the grip. I have not experienced it, but there is a following that is of the mindset that if the SHTF and you go into mega grip, you stand a chance of releasing the lock on the blade. Very possible. Unknown if this will help you out but now that I have blasphemed Spyderco, I believe that I must go somewhere quiet and repent.

 

[agony]

I have both and used both extensively.

The delica was my only carry knife for years. It saw a lot of abuse, but served well. After about 10 years it finally started to give out...the blade play became too loose. That's when I got heavily into knives.

I replaced it after a lot of research with a Ritter MkI Griptilian, simply for the S30V steel and flat grind of the blade. Amazing slicer, and probably my favorite Griptilian. They make them in both regular and mini sizes. Also for 30 bucks less consider the D2 steel Griptilian offered exclusively by Cabelas. With that in mind, there is definitely nothing wrong with 440C steel in their standard Griptilians. Though I think comparing BM's 440C to Spyderco's VG10, the VG10 has a slight edge(no pun intended) in sharpening and edge holding.

 

[45R]

Either one will serve you well but I would buy the Benchmade over the Spyderco. I've owned both and I would have to say that the BM out performs the Spyderco in terms of abuse.

 

[JShirley]

...then again, if you just plan on cutting stuff instead of abuse, get the Spydie.

Either are good. The Spyderco, IIRC, is lighter and thinner.

John

 

[bratch]

I am surprised no one has advocating getting both

 

[CleverName]

On lockbacks and gripping so hard you release the lock - you can take a small half-moon cut out of the lock bar above the indent, like what Spydie does with the Civilian. It is much less likely to release this way. I have a knife that came with this cut, and I can't release it while gripping it short of putting the pad of my finger on the release.

EDIT: It's called the Boye relief.

 

[Plumber576]

Oh, griptilian ALL the way. No money gives you more value than the grippy. With its steel, lociking system, and price it is unstoippable. Trust me, go for the grippy.

 

[TMM]

i have the model 551 griptilian and it is excellent. the only thing i don't like is that the handle sounds (when you tap it) plasticy and crappy, even though it's fine. great knife. i peeled a kiwi with it just a little while ago.

~TMM

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I carried a Spyderco Delica for years until I misplaced it. I left it on a target frame at the range and found it about three months later, peeking out of the sand. I took it home and cleaned it up, sharpened it, and it's in great shape. I've posted pics of this knife here previously.

With the Delica MIA, I got a Benchmade Griptilian for Father's Day. I love it. It's a bigger knife than the Delica, but still not too big for pocket carry, which I do every day. I find the handle extremely comfortable and I love the Axis lock.

Either knife is a fine choice.

 

[Ned Ludd]

I have carried both knives. Either are good choices. A few things you may want to consider:
BM plusses--
The "axis" lock on the BM is generally considered stronger than the spine lock on the Delica.

The axis lock in maybe a bit safer to close with one hand since it can be done without putting your hand in from of the blade.

Delica plusses--
I have found the Delica easier to get really sharp.

The Delica is short enough that is is not regulated by some of the more stupid proscriptions of CA law regarding carrying locking knifes.

In any case, you will not make a mistake with either knife.

-NL

 

[45R]

JShirley
I had to cut through an industrial grade cardboard box filled with gun parts, I destroyed the Delica in 5 minutes and only made it through part of the box. After destorying the Spyderco I used my BM The Benchmade didnt let me down. It cuts just as well as it holds up to abuse.

45R

 

[50 Freak]

I don't know much about a Griptillian, but I can tell you about my personal experience with the Delica.

Had one for years, loved the light weight and sharp blade. I actually used it once to pry open my car door so I can stick a hanger down to unlock my door. Pretty darn tough if you ask me. Only weak point is the clip. Broke off of mine and haven't sent it back to Spyderco for repair. Will get to it in a year or two.

 

[CleverName]

I've heard several people say that the best Griptilian is the Aeromedix RSK one:
Full-size
Mini

 

[zahc]

I carry two delicas daily. I worked at a marina and used one daily for 3 years. Consequently I would reccomend them. I have a mini grip and it's a great knife....it's just not as optimum as the delica for carry and use. It is thicker and more complicated and I like the steel on the delica much better. It would not be an exageration to say my right handed delica has saved my life more than once.