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Post: Benchmade / Ritter Mini Grip Review (Topic#796632)

SgtMike88Ret
Super Moderator

Loc: NY / PA Borderlands, USA
Reg: 11-30-99

06-03-07 06:19.20 - Post#1243202

Right after Practice What You Preach, I received a Benchmade / Doug Ritter Mini-Griptilian, Model Mini-RSK Mk1™. The Mini-Grip has been my constant companion since and I thought I'd share my thoughts and impressions of it here...

There's something to be said for carrying a knife which was conceived by someone with an outdoor survival mindset and background. "It works." Add in the following components and you have one great knife for either everyday carry in an urban environment or hard use in the field...

1. Griptilian handle & mechanical design by Mel Pardue,
2. AXIS Lock design by Bill McHenry and Jason Williams,
3. Blade Design by Doug Ritter of Equipped to Survive and KnifeRights.org, and;
4. A great knifemaker like Benchmade to put it all together.

Here's the tech specs on the Mini-Grip Mini-RSK Mk1™:

Blade Material: CPM S30V hardened to 58-60 HRC

Blade Length: 2.88 in. (7.32 cm)

Blade Thickness: 0.100 in. (2.54 mm)

Blade Shape: Wide-Chord Drop Point

Blade Grind: High Flat grind with 30º inclusive edge, 6.9º bevel

Blade Edge: Plain Edge

Blade Finish: Stonewashed or also available with Black BT2 (Xylan fluorocarbon based)

Closed Length: 3.87 in. (9.82 cm)

Open Length: 6.74 in. (17.12 cm)

Handle Thickness: 0.51 in. (1.30 cm) max

Weight: 2.68 oz. (76 g)

Handle Material: Glass-filled Noryl GTX

Liners: 410 Stainless Steel

Pivot Washers: Phosphor Bronze

Pocket Clip: Ambidextrous Reversible Removeable Stainless Steel

Lock Mechanism: Ambidextrous AXIS Lock

Opener: Ambidextrous Dual Thumb Studs

That all adds up to a knife that's easily pocketable, extremely reliable, extremely durable, comfortable to carry and to use, highly rust resistant, and easy to maintain. It throws in an awesome blade shape for general purpose uses that takes and holds an awesome edge.

I've used mine for weeks now, inclusive to use during the Memorial Day weekend at Marty and Aggie Simon's encampment at the Wilderness Learning Center. I've used the Mini-Grip at work for cutting boxes, tape, and cable ties. I've used it at home for almost every routine chore, inclusive to preparing cardboard and plastic recycleables for pickup. I've also used it at camp for cutting 550 cord, boxes, food prep, and any other knife chore I could find...

While I'm at it here, I can truly say the Mini-RSK Mk1™ cuts very easily and cleanly. Special thanks to Akabu for assisting me with testing by patching me up after just barely touching the blade to my left index finger.

Through all of the use the Mini has seen thus far, it has not needed a complete resharpening. Routine stropping of the blade after every or every other use has kept the blade nearly light-sabre sharp. There has been absolutely no evidence of any edge chipping, and accidentally striking the blade on my polymer cutting board several times didn't even cause an edge rollover. The S30V steel seems to be hardened sufficiently to allow for awesome edge retention without being brittle. I'll try to remember to report back on ease of resharpening when it becomes necessary.

Let me say that I am thoroughly enamored with the Mini-RSK Mk1™. Whether for woods walking or trudging a city street, it's a great companion and addition to my everyday carry equipment loadout...

For what it's worth, this one is so good, I have another on order. I am not going to allow Care to swindle this one from me by batting her eyes - she's getting her own.

Need more info on this one? Check out www.equipped.org or go to www.aeromedix.com to order...

M

"By failing to prepare, you're preparing to fail." B. Franklin

We're Back! http://sgtmikessurvivalti ps.blogspo...

GossmanKnives
Master Member KnifeNut!

Loc: God's country, Maryland
Reg: 12-29-04

Re: Benchmade / Ritter Mini Grip Review
06-03-07 06:29.13 - Post#1243205
In response to SgtMike88Ret

As usual, great reveiw. That is a well thought out folder. Love the blade shape.
Scott

www.gossmanknives.com
Wilderness Tools
Sharp hardware for big timber

A2 and O1. Kick ass tool steel

Free_Trapper
Master Member KnifeNut!

Loc: Plainfield, IN--USA
Reg: 03-21-05

Re: Benchmade / Ritter Mini Grip Review
06-03-07 06:34.27 - Post#1243207
In response to SgtMike88Ret

I've been carrying my mini-Griptilian and I love it--it's basically the same knife with a different blade. I've been looking for an excuse to go out and buy one of Doug's blades and this review may be it...

It's the years AND the miles!

Terrill Hoffman
Master Member KnifeNut!

Loc: Marion, NC
Reg: 11-30-99

Re: Benchmade / Ritter Mini Grip Review
06-03-07 06:52.21 - Post#1243211
In response to Free_Trapper

I've been carrying the full size model for months and couldn't be happier. It is becoming the model by which I judge all other folders. The Ritter folder with the Ritter fixed blade makes a great combo.

Terrill Hoffman Photography
www.terrillhoffman.com

Growing old is mandatory; Growing up is optional.

2xTap
Master Member KnifeNut!
2xTap

Loc: N.W. Indiana
Reg: 06-30-05

Re: Benchmade / Ritter Mini Grip Review
06-03-07 07:43.13 - Post#1243228
In response to Terrill Hoffman

Excellent review Mike, as always very informative and great pics! Only recently did I recieve my first Griptilian, last week actually......

.....regular fullsize with the 154CM MDP blade. They are excellent folders and I was contemplating getting the Full Size RSK Mk1™ as I really like Ritter's blade shape on these.

After reading your review now I really want one!

2xTap

"Knives and Flashlights are like Guns....you can never have too many!"

tstetz
The Puukko Prophet
tstetz

Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
Reg: 10-14-04

Re: Benchmade / Ritter Mini Grip Review
06-03-07 07:58.01 - Post#1243235
In response to 2xTap

Good stuff, as usual, Mike

What's your thoughts on the AXIS lock now? IIRC you previously mentioning have an AXIS lock fail due to sand or dirt in the action and shying away from it.

I've had two Mini Grips of different blade styles and really liked the overall design and construction. I found the Mini a bit smaller than I liked at the time though and had planned on picking up a full sized one at some point. Although now that I think about it, working in plainclothes the Mini would probably be just right!

There are some who call me... Tim.

www.woodsmonkey.com

SgtMike88Ret
Super Moderator

Loc: NY / PA Borderlands, USA
Reg: 11-30-99

Re: Benchmade / Ritter Mini Grip Review
06-03-07 08:06.01 - Post#1243238
In response to tstetz

Tim,

I'm actually wondering now if the former sample that I had a problem with might not have been an anomily. The Mini RSK works perfectly - so smoothly, in fact, that I tightened down the pivot screw a tad to stiffen opening resistance. It is still lightening quick and smooth as silk.

I like the Mini as I can clip it into the waistband of even the lightest of shorts and it's barely noticeable...

M

"By failing to prepare, you're preparing to fail." B. Franklin

We're Back! http://sgtmikessurvivalti ps.blogspo...

tstetz
The Puukko Prophet
tstetz

Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
Reg: 10-14-04

Re: Benchmade / Ritter Mini Grip Review
06-03-07 08:09.28 - Post#1243240
In response to SgtMike88Ret

Ugh. I dunno if that's the answer I wanted to hear or not

Excellent that it's a great working knife, but possibly bad for my wallet....

There are some who call me... Tim.

www.woodsmonkey.com

RobG
Master Member KnifeNut!

Loc: MD
Reg: 03-07-05

06-03-07 08:37.24 - Post#1243248
In response to tstetz

Must...continue...to...resist...temptation...

2xTap
Master Member KnifeNut!
2xTap

Loc: N.W. Indiana
Reg: 06-30-05

06-03-07 09:09.35 - Post#1243260
In response to RobG

RobG Said:

Must...continue...to...resist...temptation...

Benchmade's are like the Borg.......Resistance is FUTILE !!!

2xTap

"Knives and Flashlights are like Guns....you can never have too many!"

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