Nick Shabazz I have the same issue. The look on their face is always hilarious when I'm speaking with customers and a little glob flies out and lands somewhere.
I have a full size Griptillian with the AWT scales and I couldn't be happier. I always wanted one but hated the scales. Now it's a class act of a knife.
I had a full sized Griptilian for aboit ten years and never liked it or carried it. The scales felt cheap, bulky, and plasticy. Then I discovered the AWT scales and now it’s one of my favorites.
Great review! The clip is from an eBayer called blue4you2010 and did not come with the scales. Benchmade did send me clips from the Contego but I felt that they are too long for the "mini" knife. I do switch the clip here and there because of it has the butterfly and it has less of a hot spot in-hand.
Right hand tip up carry is a beautiful thing for most people . However,what's ugly are the extra holes on the show side of a custom scale, that you'll never use .
If you buy your scales from a custom maker like deathofallthings or spketch on instagram , you can specify left or right hand tip up carry and the show side will be pristine . For what AWT charges , you can do better . My 940/943 CF scales fro deathofallthings cost 100.00 .
I purchased the blue honeycomb pattern scales for my Doug Ritter mini-grip and they are stellar. The inner screw length "issue" has been addressed as well as the tactile grip. These aren't inexpensive, but are a great value. Really couldn't be happier with the results.
Nick I have a great question, nobody talks about this issue, if it is a issue. for example look at the axis bar on your valet when it's locked open look at the room to wear forward not much ,griptillian models alot of room.the room for wear in is different on every model. once the axis bar wears in to the tang of the blade will that cause up down play.
+Harold Cottrell The Valet's got maybe 1/8" forward, although it's hard to tell without close looking. But you're right, that's pretty variable. I'm not as concerned about wear-in on M390 given the wear resistance of the steel, but you're right that it's yet another inconsistency in manufacture.
I find myself wanting this knife. Although with the Grey G-10 and steel of the newer Griptillians I don't know if I will try to put this one together for me.
Awesome review. That blade play seems a little odd my mini grip doesn't wiggle at all and it's still butter smooth. The lock on my own grip grabs hard and I'm still trying to break it in 3 months later. I'm not sure if the knife in the video is faulty or mine is just to tight still.
I’ve never really had side to side play in my Benchmade’s but I don’t really have to have my blade swinging freely like that...that’s how I prefer them anyway...
What was that beautiful knife you flashed in there with what looked like cooper scales a pm2 . plus do you no where I can get some custom scales for a manix 2
+Bill Ruber That was a PM2 in Copper Scales from Ripp's Garage Tech. Review pending! And you can get some Manix scales from the same guy, below: rippsgaragetech.com/collections/spyderco/products/spyderco-manix-2-copper-scales You might also consider Knockwood Blades: www.etsy.com/shop/KnockWoodBlades/search?search_query=manix&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search
+DavidMN Yep, the "slab sided" style is definitely Sebenzish. Although note that the Sebenza has a bit more contouring around the side of it for ergos.
Hey, Nick. As always, love the reviews. ...which means, of course, I have to give you some grief. Never handled a Doug Ritter mini-grip. After watching this, I'll definitely seek it out. But the pink Benchmade 556 is one of my favorite knives in my collection. It fits my hand, it's a joy to use and the pink coloration of the FRN is enough to give me some joy, too. The blade shape has a sexier look to it for me. Hear you loud and clear on the merits of the Ritter model and I agree. I can't wait for the day where I can be enough of a knife snob to say "G10 really isn't that big of a deal. Give me some titanium!" It's the little things that drive us forward.
I really get people who complain about the full size grips scales but the mini's scales are pretty friggin solid for not being g10. To me that is being nitpickey.
Makwa Claw I got my old man the blue mini grip. I got the full size one. The mini grip is defiantly the better feeling knife! Feels super solid and is perfect size. The full size does feel a little bit more cheap but I have no complaints. Still super lightweight and does the job well.
Thanks a lot Nick I would to have those scales on my Manix 2 .At work I must carry subdued boring tactical folders. Off duty I think Iam going up my game a bit put a personality in my gear
Just got the AWT scales for my mini grips and comparing to the cheap Benchmade scale it is by far a quality scales and well worth the money for it. Another note on the plastic scales from Benchmade that it is not just feel cheap, IT IS CHEAP.
Yeah I got the aircraft aluminum AWT scales for $45. One of the best upgrades on the griptillian. Way better than titanium they feel just as nice but way lighter.
I won a gold series mini-grip in a raffle and absolutely love it. The standard Griptilian scales are just bad. Sidenote: I just ordered some custom scales for my Large-Grip. I couldn't resist after seeing these: www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1268797-Custom-Benchmade-Scales?p=15816534#post15816534 It's the last photo (CF and with Ironwood Burl inlay and backspacer) quoted in that BF thread. They're pricey and it'll be a month before I have them in hand but I hope they feel at least half as good as they look in the photo.
Concerning the "play" that you noted. The manufacturer of these AWT scales addresses how to avoid that in their installation video found here: th-cam.com/video/N6L3EQ_5Gfw/w-d-xo.html
I didn't know all axis lock knife have some degree of blade play......... I was thinking about buying Ritter grip but maybe I should look for other knife...
My full size Grip has no blade play at all, maybe I'm lucky, maybe nick is unlucky, but I can't argue it's still not consistent. But I have to add, my grip was put together absolutely perfectly, I even had almost a mirror edge on it when I got it.
Sara Chen Just bought a mini Ritter and some cf scakes for it. I polished the washers and used some niceclube and my blade drops freely but has no side to side play. Its not side to side play that axis is "known" for, its up and down since thats how the lock us designed. Maybe im lucky but none of my axis locks had up and down play.
i wanted the awt scales but knowing that it exposes the screws makes it a deal breaker. exposed screws is so damn ugly. even if its "hidden" its ugly fit and finish.
I love how at 3:24 you spit a little on the blade and then promptly used your pinky to remove it without skipping a beat. God I love your reviews.
+BlueRedGooGoo I have a bit of a problem with that on occasion, yes.
Nick Shabazz I have the same issue. The look on their face is always hilarious when I'm speaking with customers and a little glob flies out and lands somewhere.
I have a full size Griptillian with the AWT scales and I couldn't be happier. I always wanted one but hated the scales. Now it's a class act of a knife.
How did you do the swap?
I had a full sized Griptilian for aboit ten years and never liked it or carried it. The scales felt cheap, bulky, and plasticy. Then I discovered the AWT scales and now it’s one of my favorites.
Great review! The clip is from an eBayer called blue4you2010 and did not come with the scales. Benchmade did send me clips from the Contego but I felt that they are too long for the "mini" knife. I do switch the clip here and there because of it has the butterfly and it has less of a hot spot in-hand.
+Ian Medina Oh, huh. Thanks for letting me know, I'll update the review text :)
Right hand tip up carry is a beautiful thing for most people . However,what's ugly are the extra holes on the show side of a custom scale, that you'll never use .
kerryrwac Unless you're left handed, like me, and greatly appreciate the left handed option on a knife designed to be ambidextrous.
If you buy your scales from a custom maker like deathofallthings or spketch on instagram , you can specify left or right hand tip up carry and the show side will be pristine . For what AWT charges , you can do better . My 940/943 CF scales fro deathofallthings cost 100.00 .
Nice review. This is how a review should be done. To the point, and not a lot of filler. Thank you
I purchased the blue honeycomb pattern scales for my Doug Ritter mini-grip and they are stellar. The inner screw length "issue" has been addressed as well as the tactile grip. These aren't inexpensive, but are a great value. Really couldn't be happier with the results.
You Sir have a very entertaining channel...much appreciated
I just got my scales for my full size grip and the screws aren't in the blade path. maybe they seen this and addressed it
The g10 mini grip also comes with a better steel for the price its not just the scales. You get cpm-20cv instead of 154cm.
Nick I have a great question, nobody talks about this issue, if it is a issue. for example look at the axis bar on your valet when it's locked open look at the room to wear forward not much ,griptillian models alot of room.the room for wear in is different on every model. once the axis bar wears in to the tang of the blade will that cause up down play.
+Harold Cottrell The Valet's got maybe 1/8" forward, although it's hard to tell without close looking. But you're right, that's pretty variable. I'm not as concerned about wear-in on M390 given the wear resistance of the steel, but you're right that it's yet another inconsistency in manufacture.
+Nick Shabazz thank you, that's one thing I look for when purchasing a benchmade.
Good call! I'm not buying that many axis locks these days, but I'll make sure to mention that in my next video on them. :)
Those scales are awesome. wish I could still get this exact variant.
There’s a Cabelas exclusive of this with full metal liners (not even skeletonized) and d2 steel. The blade is coated with dlc on all of them however
I don’t think the price on mini grips is bad at all 120 at Cabelas for full steel liners d2 axis lock and Mel Purdue design is worth it to me
The full size is 120 and the mini is 100
I find myself wanting this knife. Although with the Grey G-10 and steel of the newer Griptillians I don't know if I will try to put this one together for me.
Awesome review. That blade play seems a little odd my mini grip doesn't wiggle at all and it's still butter smooth. The lock on my own grip grabs hard and I'm still trying to break it in 3 months later. I'm not sure if the knife in the video is faulty or mine is just to tight still.
I have axix lock crooked river mini and I have absolutely no blade play and still can swing close and open my knife
Wonder if they fit on the new hogue
I’ve never really had side to side play in my Benchmade’s but I don’t really have to have my blade swinging freely like that...that’s how I prefer them anyway...
DTOM-EDC You have it, you just don't think the minute amount is that significant, or you're not wiggling hard enough.
@@C7eeN That or he has to pry the blade out, one of the two.
What is the height when folded and weight?
Can you do a review on the Mucasta Katana please?
Thank you, Jason
My bad on the spelling , I like high gloss , my Manx2 has plenty hand retention I love that knife.
Just want to trick it out a bit
What was that beautiful knife you flashed in there with what looked like cooper scales a pm2 .
plus do you no where I can get some custom scales for a manix 2
+Bill Ruber That was a PM2 in Copper Scales from Ripp's Garage Tech. Review pending! And you can get some Manix scales from the same guy, below:
rippsgaragetech.com/collections/spyderco/products/spyderco-manix-2-copper-scales
You might also consider Knockwood Blades:
www.etsy.com/shop/KnockWoodBlades/search?search_query=manix&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search
Reminds me of a Sebenza.
+DavidMN Yep, the "slab sided" style is definitely Sebenzish. Although note that the Sebenza has a bit more contouring around the side of it for ergos.
Nick Shabazz Definitely noticed that.
Hey, Nick. As always, love the reviews. ...which means, of course, I have to give you some grief.
Never handled a Doug Ritter mini-grip. After watching this, I'll definitely seek it out. But the pink Benchmade 556 is one of my favorite knives in my collection. It fits my hand, it's a joy to use and the pink coloration of the FRN is enough to give me some joy, too. The blade shape has a sexier look to it for me. Hear you loud and clear on the merits of the Ritter model and I agree.
I can't wait for the day where I can be enough of a knife snob to say "G10 really isn't that big of a deal. Give me some titanium!"
It's the little things that drive us forward.
The scales are like the sanrenmu 763 .but a little larger .
Why not mention Hogue. Rsk. I owe both ..Doug Ritter was a lose for benchmade..Great for Hogue..??
I love simplistic designs
I really get people who complain about the full size grips scales but the mini's scales are pretty friggin solid for not being g10. To me that is being nitpickey.
Makwa Claw I got my old man the blue mini grip. I got the full size one. The mini grip is defiantly the better feeling knife! Feels super solid and is perfect size. The full size does feel a little bit more cheap but I have no complaints. Still super lightweight and does the job well.
If the scales were patterned like the 940 .it would be nicer .
Thanks a lot Nick I would to have those scales on my Manix 2 .At work I must carry subdued boring tactical folders. Off duty I think Iam going up my game a bit put a personality in my gear
+Bill Ruber What's your work? And the one thing to remember is that the copper scales are *very* heavy. Review coming soon :)
+Nick Shabazz
Hi Nick Iam a Hospital Cop , I did consider the weight actually I would light some high gloss green macarta
Micarta's a wonderful thing, too. Very pretty, and very effective.
Just got the AWT scales for my mini grips and comparing to the cheap Benchmade scale it is by far a quality scales and well worth the money for it. Another note on the plastic scales from Benchmade that it is not just feel cheap, IT IS CHEAP.
Yeah I got the aircraft aluminum AWT scales for $45. One of the best upgrades on the griptillian. Way better than titanium they feel just as nice but way lighter.
It's to lower the priceeeeeeeee.
I won a gold series mini-grip in a raffle and absolutely love it. The standard Griptilian scales are just bad.
Sidenote: I just ordered some custom scales for my Large-Grip. I couldn't resist after seeing these: www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1268797-Custom-Benchmade-Scales?p=15816534#post15816534
It's the last photo (CF and with Ironwood Burl inlay and backspacer) quoted in that BF thread. They're pricey and it'll be a month before I have them in hand but I hope they feel at least half as good as they look in the photo.
+gwcgwc1 DeathOfAllThings did some custom scales for my first 940 and impressed the crap out of me. I hope you love his work too :)
Is youtube mad at you, everytime I try to watch one of your video I get the an error occurred-every video of yours that I have found.
The scales need to be half as thick .like code 4 thick!
these scales look identical to h&k 14715
idk what your talking about
my benchmade griptilian is super smooth with no blade play
Concerning the "play" that you noted. The manufacturer of these AWT scales addresses how to avoid that in their installation video found here:
th-cam.com/video/N6L3EQ_5Gfw/w-d-xo.html
Jh02 no side to side
I didn't know all axis lock knife have some degree of blade play......... I was thinking about buying Ritter grip but maybe I should look for other knife...
+Sara Chen They don't need to, but almost every axis lock made by Benchmade does. That's more a factor of Benchmade's tolerances than the design.
+Nick Shabazz :(
My full size Grip has no blade play at all, maybe I'm lucky, maybe nick is unlucky, but I can't argue it's still not consistent. But I have to add, my grip was put together absolutely perfectly, I even had almost a mirror edge on it when I got it.
Appreciating that you said 'almost', but my 940 has no blade play at all either up/down or side to side. The blade centering isn't perfect though.
Sara Chen Just bought a mini Ritter and some cf scakes for it. I polished the washers and used some niceclube and my blade drops freely but has no side to side play. Its not side to side play that axis is "known" for, its up and down since thats how the lock us designed. Maybe im lucky but none of my axis locks had up and down play.
$500 griptilian as of November 2017
i wanted the awt scales but knowing that it exposes the screws makes it a deal breaker. exposed screws is so damn ugly. even if its "hidden" its ugly fit and finish.
I hear it's been fixed. Buy away
Edit: I think they actually come with screws now? It says on the website I thought when I was reading it last night.
The scales make you run .The price is the deal breaker for me .
Yeah there's like $.25 of steel there .
MC Nick "lil bitch hands" Shabazz
F... benchmade. For the price they want,,, do some better sh...
What a jerk! 🤣