Compact EDC Clash: Benchmade Mini-Bugout vs Mini-Griptilian | KnifeCenter Reviews

Squaring off are two compact folders ideal for lightweight EDC duty. Check them out here: kcoti.com/3gIUK0t
Benchmade has a couple of hits on their hands with the Griptilian and the Bugout. So for both, they made new, perfectly-pocketable, Mini versions. The Mini-Griptilian boasts all the variety of its full-size brethren, while the new Mini-Bugout shrinks the Bugout’s winning formula and shrinks it down until it fits into an Altoids tin.
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[@bullybar4078]

This guy is my favorite knife reviewer. All useful information, minimal knife gymnastics, and no douchery. Even watched his turkey carving video. Great hire KC… this man’s a gem.

[@ahmadhazwan1621]

💯

[@gz4789]

Own a formerly white mini-bugout...Did a Black Rid Dye on scales, and now it is all blacked out. Been my EDC for about 2 months now. Love this little guy. Very lightweight and easy on the pocket carry due to small size, but can handle most daily projects.

[@fhui1608]

I own both mini grip and mini bugout, i love both knifes, perfect size for EDC. Nonetheless i felt the mini grip feels more comfortable to handle, although not as light weight as the mini bug out, but still in a zone of comfortable weight and feels more firm in hand.

[@aplainbagel6619]

Got the mini grip as a Christmas gift from my best friend and it’s one of my favorite knives I’ve ever owned. Its in the tanto style blade

[@SamuelGlory]

I use the mini griptillian as my everyday EDC. I love it, no complaints

[@chipparrish6647]

Your everyday every day carry?

[@blizzbee]

Yes yes I I guess guess..

[@HidingFromJessica]

This exactly the video I need right now to help with my decision. To probably buy both......

[@eje1079]

And that would be the correct decision to make.

[@averyavenue]

I bought the Mini Bugout as my first Benchmade, then got the Mini Griptilian a few weeks later. For me, when I unboxed them, the MG immediately felt like I got my money's worth due to the weight & the exceptional ergonomics, while the featherlight design of the MB had me really questioning the higher price tag. When you hold the MG, you know it's not going anywhere, and your sweaty hand ain't slipping off this thing (i.e. GRIPtilian). The thinner MB has smooth edges which don't feel quite as secure under stress. Overall, I think the mini grip is as close to perfection as it can get for my tastes, and I also think it makes for an awesome gift idea. HOWEVER, with that being said, I actually carry the mini bugout every day because of the 1.5oz weight that disappears into my 5th pocket (and because the traffic-cone orange colorway will look much better if a cop ever randomly searches me). Just get both. They're great.

[@mihaidragnea9785]

Same exact story. It is worth adding that the mini bugout doesn't feel cheap or flimsy by any stretch of the imagination and even if it only has partial liners, it has very minimal flex that won't be noticeable when gripping the knife normally.

[@ikeschrager9903]

I added black micarta scales and purple titanium hardware to my regular sized bug out total game changer it already felt great but the slightly added weight and I was able to make the action so much smoother

[@E_G_E51]

I owned a mini grip a long time ago and gave it way because I thought it was too small. Fast forward to just over a month ago I was gifted a mini Bugout and absolutely love it. I guess my tastes have changed.

[@grizzlycountry1030]

I had the same complaint. I think the mini bugout scale design allows you to get more hand on the scales where the mini griptilian scale design keeps your hand further back which left my pinky finger hanging off. I wear large gloves.

[@dubon6372]

I cut my finger pretty bad with the mini bugout, I needed surgery because it went all the way to my tendon and cut it. The scales are way to thin to get a good grip to make a cut, I am always trying to adjust my grip to make sure the knife won't shift position in my hand. The mini grip is way better, I have both and the best way I can explain the mini bugout it is like trying to use a very slim swiss army knife like the Cadet while cutting with it. I recommend it as a backup blade for a backpacking trip but not for actual work, that thing is not safe! I am 38 y/o and been using blades since I was 7 in south America, the mini bugout is beautiful but something like a spyderco dragonfly is more efficient because the grip is superior.

[@johannesalbrecht2503]

Thank you for this, this made it easier for me to pick up the dragonfly instead.

[@wigglywrigglydoo]

I also think that the mini Bugout doesn't need to get any smaller

[@JD-wu3li]

No matter how skillful a person is with a tool accidents happen.

[@Lugh444]

​@@JD-wu3li Yeah that's true, about this time last year I was cleaning out some grit in my Mini Griptillian with a cotton swab when I pushed a little hard and the stick snapped right in half. Finger went right into the blade, cut right down to the bone. Naturally this happened at 4AM and I wanted to go to a walk in emergency clinic instead of the hospital, after 4 hours of hard pressure on the cut when I went in and took the pressure off it bled like a fountain still 😂 Took a number of stitches. That said, I think the Mini Griptillian is a much safer knife than the Mini Bug out..at least for me. I'm missing half my thumb and a half a couple fingers and I can use the Mini Grip just fine but the Mini Bugout is a little scary. Plus the light weight feels strange, the blade is heavier than the handle so the balance is a little off.

[@kinglerxstbtpc]

I can't see either being a bad choice. Both have great blade profiles, I can't decide. I'm gonna have to get both!

[@safarigoo]

I've been carrying a mini grip daily since at least 2006. Favorite knife ever, so I never really bothered trying anything else. Gonna get a bugout mini to try

[@ponchowizard5182]

Ordered the mini-grip sheepsfoot cpm model from you guys last month. It was my first Benchmade and I absolutely love it.

[@missbehavin8673]

I ordered that exact Mini Bugout last night. Thanks for this vid. It helped assure me that I made a good choice.

[@jciarkowski3109]

Honestly I'd probably have to go for the griptilian because of the sheepsfoot and all the other options, I do want to get a bugout at some point though.

[@OGRD187]

The older mini grip with 154 sheep’s foot has been my guy for a while. Excellent daily tool. However, just got the mini bugout for dad’s day. So light. The white/black is so hot. Not as smooth yet but I’m in love so far.

[@JB54379]

I love the mini-Griptilian but once I got the mini-Bugout, I ended up selling my mini-Griptilian. The mini-Griptilian is a great knife but for me personally the mini-Bugout just sliced way better, felt better, functioned better and was just the overall better of the 2 knives in question here.

[@Bonjour-World]

I am a skinny, clumsy old fart. Before I retired, I worked in an office setting many times in dress clothes but daddy taught me to always carry a bit of paper, a writing instrument and a knife. Years ago I decided on a "Gerber EAB Pocket Knife" model 22-41830N. I note that they advertise this model as a EDC knife as well. Advantages are it is thin, lightweight, corrosion resistant, solid lock and I always seem to have a good cutting edge/sharp point on it. It is also not very expensive. I can open it one handed but closing usually requires two hands (did I mention that I am clumsy).

[@balazstoth8029]

Does the little finger fit properly on the handle? Not comfortable with the Mini Griptilian?

[@atl3630]

I went with the mini bugout. Love the small size and weight. It really does disappear in your pocket.

[@donsmith3038]

I have three mini griptilians, but now that they are discontinued (for the most part) the mini bug out looks like an even easier knife to carry. Thank you.

[@mrc2205]

I have both. And I love both.

[@EmperorProtects4848]

thanks a lot for this video! this is just what I was looking for. for my office edc I would prefer the bugout due to being lighter, slimmer and slicier. that said, I don't have one but I love the mini grip for all around utilty.

[@dmsasser]

I just got a Doug Ritter mini-RSK. It’s basically the Mini-Grip (or, I think, vice versa), but available in 20CV. Honestly, though, I think I like the shape/weight of the mini-bugout better. I’ll have to get one to try it out. If they had one in 20CV or related steel, I would have definitely gone for that one.

[@kendallstout3403]

I had both also, kept the grip and gave the bug out to my son

[@keystonedaytrip238]

I have both; actually 2 mini Bugouts, 1 full sized Bugout , 1 mini Grip. I prefer the mini Grip. It just feels more robust and serious. The Bugout almost feels like a toy.

[@stevelink3]

Thanks for your always excellent reviews, DCA! I'm considering either the Mini-Griptilian or the ProTech Malibu as a medium-duty EDC. WHich would you recommend in terms of overall build quality and blade sharpness/durability? Thank you sir!

[@grizzlycountry1030]

Sold my mini grip long ago, cause it felt too small, but the even smaller mini bugout doesn't feel that way. I think the mini bugout scale design allows you to get more hand on the scales where the mini griptilian scale design keeps your hand further back which left my pinky finger hanging off. I wear large gloves.

[@KniceKnafs]

Mini griptilian for me. In a way it can take much more of a beating design wise especially If its updated to s30v. Also mine had its scales swapped out into titanium cuscadi ones and is also a gift from a friend. That knife actually has a pretty neat story on how i lost and found it again.lol

[@eje1079]

Do tell!

[@Tiralful]

0:50 I tell my wife this but she doesn’t care.

[@Lugh444]

I have carried Mini Griptillian for years. I just got a Mini Bugout, and I think I prefer the Mini Grip. The ergonomics are so much better, it feels much safer to use. With the Mini Bugout I have to concentrate more on what I'm doing. I'm not a fan of how the pocketclip digs into my hand, it's not comfortable. Lastly, the handle is so light the balance feels odd, I like to know Im holding a knife. That said, the weight of the knife is mind blowing, it's so light. I think I will carry this if I'm wearing sweatpants or gym shorts or dress pants, situations where I may not carry a knife because it feels uncomfortable in my pocket, this is perfect. Both excellent knives, personally I like the Mini Grip more though.

[@tonyochoa7097]

I've got a mini doug ritter,a very nice peice

[@Heyjuststfu]

I bought a KnifeCenter Battlewash Bugout and never looked back. RealIy nice knife. I no longer have that lightweight folder itch.

[@guitarzarfun]

I'd replace my mini grip with a bugout if they'd put steel liners in the bugout. I love the mini grip, but that front part of the handle where it slopes down always annoyed me as i can only get 3 fingers on the grip. The bugout appears to have a straighter handle.

[@Orange-yp9bl]

Wich one will be better for self defense if needed ?

[@SovereignShooter]

The white looks so clean.

[@leithmurray736]

Own both, and in my opinion the mini bugout is the stand out

[@CytoplasmicGoo]

Which one would I rather carry... the mini presidio.

[@ddkiss65]

I'm going with the mini bug out! Thanks dude.

[@KungFuTweety1]

Can u do a video to Compare mini bugout to spyderco dragonfly?

[@jamesstraub4981]

Huge Bugout fan. Griptilians just have never been my thing. That being said, in the mini category I prefer the mini Freek. Great review though, thanks for the video.

[@jeffcon123]

Once Benchmade works their custom shop out with bugouts it will be super popular!

[@horseboyhunglow]

A bit late to the party, but I enjoy the heck out of this video.

[@avocadokingyt2830]

Slightly larger than average is Davids catch phrase but who doesn't love hearing it

[@puipaskorn1178]

Griptilian..look​ balance, beautyful​..

[@03_austindrake88]

As far as the battle of the Mini's, I like the Mini Griptilian better. I like how the handle gives more to grip on too and how the handle/scales are much stronger and it really feels like it. As far as the full size, I'd take the CF Elite Bugout over the full size Griptilian. (But only the CF Elite bcuz it's much more rigid)

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

Is the Benchmade website the best place to buy either one, considering both warranty and price ? Thanks

[@knifecenter]

Official Dealers (such as us) will have them at prices lower than direct from Benchmade and the warranty is exactly the same. You can order them here: kcoti.com/3gIUK0t

[@tctn615]

Any new color options coming for the mini bugout?

[@ivanwilliams7679]

Yep had to go with the bench made in usa

[@13noman1]

While I find them both attractive (and I seem to have a mini bugout eternally on my wishlist), the law of diminishing returns applies. The Hogue (mini) Doug Ritter, the MinGrip, the Mini Bugout are all within a hair's breath of each other. I have two Minigrips (sheepsfoot on one, better steel/color on the 2d) but prefer the Mini Doug Ritter of them all which explains why I've still not pulled the trigger on the Mini Bugout.

[@rossauce12]

Is it me or does the mini bugout feel cheap as hell in the hand. The fact that there is no reinforcement just g10 handle for 170plis tax???

[@ferdinandludo8851]

Awesome review..thanks

[@Gillysaurxx]

I thought the mini bugout came in different colors? Did that change because of Covid or what?

[@knifecenter]

Only two, white and orange, have been released so far.

[@eje1079]

I own and love both of them!

[@RR9sf]

Which one is more sturdy and which one of them is good to keep in skinny jeans pocket?

[@eje1079]

@@RR9sf Both are made very well and you can tell when you hold them. If you want a skinny jeans knife, I'd say go with the Bugout mini.

[@bretkindsvatter3574]

WAY LATE but if anyone is watching, I have both and always go for the mini grip. The bugout is too damn light (if you want light get this). But I like having a bit of weight in my hands and thats 100% personal preference. Plus I have a griptillian also so I could just be biased. But the weight feels really nice compared to the lighter bugout counterpart.

[@talisikid1618]

I own several of each. EDC both. MiniGriptillian for 15 or so years. Neither has hot spots.

[@TheGamerGuy1981]

Own both, love the mini grip with soyder hole, prefer the bugout.

[@ahf5471]

Which is better to wear around my neck without being weighty or intrusive?

[@pattrass7692]

Why would you wear a folder around your neck? But obviously the answer to your question is the mini bug out as stated in the video it’s half the weight of the mini grip.

[@harrydrury4734]

I know EVERYBODY is all about the BUGOUT . as for me though , ... gimme GRIP ! .... TO ME , better ergonomics ! but , IWILL SAY ... I like the shape of the BUGOUT BLADE . SO , ... if I realy had to choose what my favorate BENCHMADE knife I would choose out of them all as an edc ? MINI B A R A G E !

[@jejohn1953]

I luv my mini grip!

[@philippal7985]

Quality comparison!

[@izayus11]

Mini grip sheepsfoot all the way. The bugout is for much lighter tasks. The ergonomics are much better on the minigrip and even though it is heavier, is actually better balanced. On the BO The tang pokes out of the handles when closed... I'm OK when an opinel does it, but a Knife that costs 10 times more is just bad. The only thing that is actually better on the bugout is the pocket clip.

[@WillEDC]

I put a bugout clip on my mini grip which fits better. Mini grip clip is way too big. Quality wise? Bugout is better. Mini grip is a bit rounded which may be comfortable? I dunno both these knives are too small. I think the regular bugout is better than both of these.

[@jeffreymliss]

I couldn't decide which to get, so I got both

[@knifecenter]

This is the way of the knife junkie

[@remb1500]

Mini grip all the way! Feels like a real tool

[@giovannid1457]

I don’t know how someone could think the regular bug out is too big.

[@davidcallan7844]

Good review!

[@ortizguard2816]

Griptillian! All day long!

[@jayn8392]

Mini grip for sure. Feels far more solid. The bugout feels like a cheap toy with crappy bendy scales. I know it will hold up just fine as an edc blade but I don't like that it FEELS cheap. My buying decision has come down to civivi elementum or a mini grip. I wish I could actually fiddle with an elementum but no store around here carries them.

[@Jack958]

By your own comment it sounds like you haven’t handled the bugout sooooooooo how do you know it feels cheap

[@MagicManxab]

Currently waiting for the mini bugout to drop in price so I can get my hands on one. They're way too overpriced right now.

[@johnpearson4899]

The griptilian would've, could've and should've been the knife to end all knives, as far as edc goes. One MAJOR problem: The mini griptilian's handle is about 5/16" too short and the griptilian is just too big. That's speaking in average hand size. You can't quite get enough grip on the mini to make it a great all around knife and the griptilian just has too much left over. If you own one of either size, do yourself an almost life changing favor and spend another $75 (Yeah, I know they're already way overpriced as it is but....). Buy a grip kit from Applied Weapons Technology and put on your knife. It literally makes it a whole new, and much better knife. They're mil-spec hardcoat anodized aircraft aluminum. No significant weight added but you will have a solid knife you won't want to put down.

[@GetIntoYourLife]

Both too small, I've had the full size griptilian twice, and it was perfect size

[@jaypowell0185]

Gotta go mini grip

[@ThimkAboutIt]

Got both; edc the mini Bugout almost 24/7 for the last year. Clips on everywhere. Don't edc mini Grip. Shop and compare.

[@petervu9773]

super mini FREEEK !! =]

[@blizzbee]

They look tiny in your hands. Look like SAK sized.

[@billybazilly]

Just started buying knives... OCD is going to cost me thousands... Make it stop!!!!!

[@TheNutzandBoltz]

Mini Grip feels small. Full size Bugout is just perfect.

[@stayvigilant7856]

Mini grip looks better and I own one ofcourse lol

[@mikequinn5613]

I want to get one- i have normal size, but want a backup lol

[@scootertribe]

I'll take a dragonfly 2 thanks

[@koga8100]

griptillian all the way, fills the hand better

[@emanuelebozza3249]

Mini Grip....4ever

[@rcmast3rtract0rking]

Wait, working in an office really shouldn’t require a blade larger than that mini grip haha, wtf you cutting in a office to need a bigger knife

[@croom332]

Neither! I carry a 583 Barrage ;)

[@jeremyb0793]

I have the full size Knife Center exclusive Bugout. It’s pretty small for EDC in my opinion

[@ScottSmith-lx5xb]

All the dinky 3". nothing length minis are crapola in my opinion. Never wanted Spiderco minis or blades with holes in them. The military 4" version is only knife they make that's worthy but for $260 ea I lmfao while ordering a Buck 110 folder for $50. The smallest edc I've purchased was a Benchmade AFO 2 auto. Quality automatic knives are best for one handed use which is sometimes very necessar.

[@puipaskorn1178]

Bugout​ no​ beautyful.. No​ balance., i​ like​ Griptilian​

[@sxc5rhcp]

I like my knives much the same way I do women....with more meat on the bone (heavier) and curvy that way the "action" is indeed way better; therefore, 10 times out of 10 I'm taking the Grip home baby. ; )

[@bullred21101]

Bugout

[@marshallartsncards4890]

Y u n the bunker

[@knifecenter]

Splitting time between the office and working form home

[@Blackflag.actual]

I wish benchmade would stop donating to anti 2a places

[@noahalan8353]

Please send me a Osborne

[@juliogomez124]

EARLY!!!!!

[@jgharts4949]

Neither!

[@knifeman1122]

The griptilian will always be better than the bugout, It's a way better design all around.....plus!!!! Its not flexible and feels like it will break like the bugout. I dont want to sound rude,but If light weight carry blades is your thing cause you dont like heavy knives... than your wife has a girlfriend lol

[@bryanroberts4885]

Facts

[@marshalbass7098]

Weight is rather irrelevant. It's the compact size that people like. A giant Kabar in the pocket when you go to dinner with your wife is not optimal. Think of a small handgun that you can easily conceal.

[@Meco411]

This might be the creepiest knife center video ever, it’s like it was done in the basement of his moms house

[@knifecenter]

Basement, yes, but I own my own house ;) -DCA

[@carsonsanderson9395]

Hmmm..lame

[@SeanJohnson-qm4pu]

Cool, more girls knives 👎🏼