New Pocketknife

[allaroundhunter]

Hey everyone,

I typically stick around the firearm section of the site, but I was hoping to get some help over here.

I am in the market for a new pocket knife, around 3.5" blade, with an assisted opening feature. I saw a Benchmade Mini-Griptilian and liked it, but I was wondering what other suggestions y'all might have? Budget is under $125, so that should give me some good options, right?

Thanks for the help!
-AAH


ETA: Does anyone have any experience with either the full-size or mini griptilian?

 

[akheron]

Kershaw Blur is right in that range, bit cheaper too. Pretty sure they come in several steel choices nowadays too.

 

[Valkman]

I'm a big Benchmade fan and especially a Griptilian fan - just bought one last week. Look at the whole Benchmade line as they are some fine knives.

 

[BCCL]

I've got a "few" Griptiians and love them, to me they are just about the perfect modern everyday carry folder.

However, they are not assisted opening like you mentioned you want. (They open darn near as fast though).

Kershaw has several models that are well under your budget with AO in them, I've got a "Clash" and it's a very solid knife.

 

[heeler]

I bought a Griptillian a few months ago and concur with what the other guys have said.
A really nice,well made knife that comes hair shaving sharp from the factory.
Glad I bought mine.
Although it is a bit larger than I actually thought it would be,but by your wants,probably a good choice.

 

[JAshley73]

Forget about assisted-openers. You cannot go wrong with a Benchmade Griptillian. They are inexpensive, light, and feel great in the hand. The more time you spend with an AXIS-locking knife, the more you will love it. I can open my AXIS-folder as quick as any assisted opener, AND close it far quicker than any assisted opener, with much less danger of folding the blade up on your fingers. (One reason I hate liner-locking knives is that your thumb gets uncomfortably close to the blades edge.)

I'm also a huge Benchmade nut, (have been carrying one for about 4-5 years now) so other reccomendations would be their 710, 705, or if you go the used route, look for an 812 (AFCK) or 610/615. I personally carry a (now discontinued) 615 Mini-Ruckus, and while it was expensive, it was worth every penny and then some. If you can find one of these on eBay, you will not be dissapointed.

If you insist on an assisted opener, the Kershaw Leek is a slim assisted-opener, but still has a 3" blade. Not a bad knife there...

 

[allaroundhunter]

Thanks for everyone's help.

I was looking on Benchmade's website, and I like the fact that I can customize a Griptilian to my liking, however, it has brought me to another question

Up until now, I have always used a knife with a thumb stud for opening, and the Griptilian is also offered with a "thumb hole" opening. Aesthetics aside, has anyone used both? If so, do you prefer one over the other?


Again, thanks for the help!
-AAH

 

[JAshley73]

I personally prefer the thumb stud opener. This one's personal though - if you can try each first, do so.

 

[Spec ops Grunt]

I like thumb holes.

I'm a Spyderco guy though

 

[Valkman]

My Griptilian came with a thumbstud - they have 'em both ways. With the AXIS lock you won't use it anyway. Flick!

 

[pikid89]

Check out the spyderco delica, endura, or the made in the USA Manix2...all excellent knives under 100$ on amazon with a prime account
The manix2 ffg is on my short list

 

[thefamcnaj]

I love my griptillian. Its daily carried, and looks like its been through the ringer now but its still a fine blade, once sharpened up nicely.
I've also carried the Kershaw balck out assisted opening folder it its realy comfortable and rubbed, it runs in the 70 to 80 dollar range. The checkered polymer handle is really comfortable while using the knife, and it hold an edge very well and comes razor sharp out of the box.
Also I'd like to throw out the spyderco Delica. Its lite weight and caries well, and will shave your face out of the box. All of the above mentioned knives can be had for under 125$.
These were the three that came to mind for me as I've been carring them the most, and have been well pleased with both.

In the 125 range you have a lot of fine choices.

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Been carrying a Benchmade Mini Griptilian for a more than 2 years now.I think I spent $55 on it then. Love it, fast open and the axis lock can't be beat.

Just got a Benchmade Mini Barrage a couple weeks ago. The handle is just slightly beefier than the Mini Grip and so is the blade but it is still under 3". It is assisted opening and also has the axis lock. $97 off ebay. Both are equally fast to open, both are great knives, both can be sharpened to hair popping level and are seriousy sharp out of the box.

Spyderco and Kershaw are fine knives but I also believe you can't go wrong with Benchmade.

 

[Armored farmer]

I carry a Kershaw 'Needs Work' for EDC. A unique and useful blade design with instant opening with only a flick of the finger. You can get three with your budget.