I'm looking for an upgrade from my daily carry folding knife. I keep coming back to the BM Mini Griptilian and the Mini Barrage: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Hunting/Knives-Tools/Folding-Knives%7C/pc/104791680/c/104740380/sc/104342580/Benchmadereg-AXIS174-Mini-Barragetrade-Knives/715527.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ffolding-knives%2Fbenchmade%2F_%2FN-1100159%2B1000002775%2FNe-1000002775%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104342580%3FWTz_l%3DUnknown%253Bcat104740380%26WTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU&WTz_l=Unknown%3Bcat104740380%3Bcat104342580

one is 'assisted' and the other isn't. I think the barrage is a little bigger too - I hope it's negligible, though.

I've seen lots of recs here for the griptilian, does anyone run with the barrage? is there a place in Houston that might have both in stock?

TIA

I have the regular size Griptilian and it's not uncomfortable to wear. I carry it every day. I've stuck it in the waistband of my workout shorts before with no issues. But then again, I am a former OLineman and not your average sized bear, so that info may come with a grain of salt.

Point is, the mini-versions are probably perfectly fine. for what you're asking.

I carry a mini grip when I'm dressed in business casual. Very comfortable and doesn't take up all the pocket space. Otherwise I carry an Adamas with a D2 blade. Big heavy sucker but really comes in handy around the lease. In Houston Top Brass military surplus usually has a good selection.

I carry a benchmade Stryker everyday.

^ the Stryker looked good - even thinner than Griptila - but it's about $40 more expensive than the barrage...


does anyone have a take on assisted vs. unassisted? that's the biggest question I have right now.

You don't really need the assisted with Benchmade. They fling open pretty easily with a flick of the wrist.

If you can find a ZT 770cf to hold, you should take a look, very EDC comfortable, and just fits the hand.

I too am a former OL so again ... Pretty big guy. I carry a Kershaw Blur which is decent size ... Coworker of mine carries a mini griptillian and loves it.

We are in business casual and neither of is have complaints about pocket space.

quote:

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^ the Stryker looked good - even thinner than Griptila - but it's about $40 more expensive than the barrage...


does anyone have a take on assisted vs. unassisted? that's the biggest question I have right now.

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I have a mini Grip for everyday carry.

It flips open easily with a flick of your wrist.

I carry a Mini Barrage every day but it is a bit thicker than a griptalian.

Love me some Benchmade. Friend of mine works for them so I get some "special deals" from time to time. Here are the 4 I have in my collection.


Top: Axis Folder Bone Collector w/Walnut Handle
Second: Mini-Auto Presidio. 6061 Alum Handle. Full Auto.
Third: Mini-Barrage with customized handle color (Sand)
Bottom: Impel. Push button auto

My favorites are the two full auto knives. I carry the Presidio when I'm wearing jeans. I love the weight of the knife and the solid feel of it. The sound/sensation when the blade deploys is sweet. I carry the Impel when I'm wearing slacks or dressier pants. It is extremely lightweight and compact and it is hardly noticeable even with thin slacks pockets. It too has a very smooth action that is impressive.
I just got the Barrage and while it isn't full auto it has the assist feature that springs the blade after you push up on the thumb stud. I chose it over the Griptillian because I liked the feel of the handle better, it felt a bit more ergonomic and comfy in my hand. In my opinion Benchmades are the best around, they all are well built made in the USA knives!

My daily carry is the Benchmade 940. I wasn't a fan of the color at first, but have grown to love it.
This is the one I have.

The selling point for me was the blade lock.

My EDC is a mini grip and I've worn it with every kind of outfit. So much so that I feel naked without it.

For me it's a perfect all-around knife that's small enough to fit in your front or back pocket. I personally wear mine in my back. You're probably not gonna skin a deer with it, but for 95% of the time you'll need a knife, it'll do the trick. My blade is a little sticky so it won't just flick open as easily anymore, but it's still pretty smooth. I'm probably looking to get that 940Osbourne next.

I picked mine up at REI, but believe it or not Dromgoole's off Kirby has a really nice/wide selection of Benchmade knives. They've also got some beautiful custom knives if you're looking to drop some serious coin.

+1 for the 555 mini-grip. Got mine from an OFS company two years ago and have carried it almost daily since then with every kind of outfit. Even had it in my tux pants a few weeks ago before the wife made me ditch it.

Flicks open easily, if you want it to, by adjusting the pivot screw. I keep mine clamped down fairly hard so it won't flick open as easy.

^ the 555 is probably the one I end up with.

Benchmade also has a lifetime sharpening service. Send it back, they'll sharpen and return it.

I've got the barrage and carry it daily. Love it and would recommend it to anyone.

I also have the mini Ambush (10210) which I use sometimes. It is a decent knife, but I much prefer the 940.

Mini Ambush

I've had a mini-grip that I carry every day and it gets abused. I sent it back to Benchmade for the first time a few months ago. It came back with new internals, clip and a brand new blade! Only thing original is the handle. Cost me shipping there. Took two and a half weeks from the time I put in in the mail to the time it was delivered back to me. After that, I told myself I'd be carrying Benchmade knives for as long as they keep making them.