The Benchmade Doug Ritter Griptilian: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

[@johnyricco1220]

I used a Doug Ritter for 12 years, the big grip is one of the best things about it. When you have to do a lot of cutting chores until your hands hurt, the thickness allows more control and less fatigue. It’s not the prettiest handle but very secure and comfortable and it was unoticible riding in my pocket. It’s not pocket jewlery but when I need to do work I always end up reaching for this one.

[@ColdSpyderBuck]

I got a custom S30V white Griptilian from one of the stores BM supplies to. When I received it, it was with awful F&F, everything was loose. I sent it to Benchmade and they told me it had some faulty parts. They fixed it up and it's now pretty solid. I now consider it one of my most dependable EDC folders.

[@andysteele4056]

Carrying a full size grip' feels like you're walking around with a corndog in your pocket.

[@Reallytallsocks]

Andy Steele Hey, listen, I love corndogs.

[@andyrichardson6188]

Concerning that you have experience carrying corndogs in your pocket.

[@MrCholoPants3415]

I don't understand the people who say shit like this. I wear pretty fucking skinny chino pants on nearly a daily basis, and this full size knife is barely noticeable. I have small hands, and the mini-grip is way too puny in my opinion, I just don't like the size of the mini at all. The only negative about the full size grip is that it's a little thick, but it still carries fine even in gym shorts...

[@Fogcity1979]

Andy Steele , Hilarious 😂.

[@oscarmedina1597]

A corndog in my pocket may balance out the other big bulge in my pants.

[@DavidV4444]

So true Nick! 3 of my 5 Griptilians exhibit centering issues! I have sent 2 to be fixed and the upgraded g-10 Griptilian I returned for credit towards another Sebenza. I love the Axis lock but QA is nonexistent!

[@Alex-oy6wb]

Great video. How did the ritter hold up 5 years later

[@shaunfarrier9060]

Just purchased a full-sized Ritter Grip, as I wanted to snag one before they're gone for good. It's slated to be my 'beater' knife.........

[@jamesn.phares6749]

Personally, I like the Griptilian handles, but I certainly understand your criticism. You might like the Pardue sheepsfoot blade version; 154CM is still a good steel and the Spyderco-like thumb hole eliminates your problems with the thumb studs. I switch between a full-size Griptilian and a mini-Grip occasionally, but they've been my EDC choice for a lot of years.

[@ScottieG59]

I have heard other complain about the cheap plastic feel of the Benchmade Griptilian, which is supposed to feel less cheap on the Mini Griptilian. Benchmade has various options that improves the experience, but the value is not there. The properly outfitted Griptilian costs more than better alternatives.

[@KnifeCursed]

I’ve got a 551-1 as a work knife to replace my old Benchmade Apparition. It’s well centered, pretty smooth, very comfortable, and feels solid. I do agree with the thumb stud catching on stuff. That’s happened a few times. You should review that model.

[@ctaber2011]

I got the G10 one, pretty nice knife.

[@austingollaher7621]

You've got to review the 551-1

[@spikekrossa]

You going to review the Spyderco Para 3 ?

[@NickShabazz]

Absolutely.

[@angusvanhalen2886]

Finally got the Grip review! Sweet! As an Grip AND PM2 owner, I gotta say I prefer my Griptilian. Just a smoother, beefier workhorse. Love them both, but MUCH prefer axis over compression. Not to mention I've found Benchmades warranty superior. Having said that, my fav edc is a Benchmade mini onslaught. To each his own

[@heatherknight3060]

tngabe- I love my mini grip, too. The axis lock is the best. I am not good at sharpening, so the life sharp warranty makes a huge difference to me, and justifies the higher price point.

[@angusvanhalen2886]

Heather Knight Im in the same boat. kershaw/Zero Tolerance also have awesome customer service, free knife sharpening. But ya the mini grip is awesome. Is yours G10 scales or FRN? or after market? I like the awt scales, but that's another $75!

[@heatherknight3060]

+tngabe I designed a custom mini grip online at Benchmade.com. It was $165 shipped, and worth every penny because I love it and it's mine and it is a perfect edc knife for a chef.

[@heatherknight3060]

tngabe frn

[@heatherknight3060]

tngabe how do I post a pic of my mini grip here?

[@MrGeerbear]

Nick- Thanks for this review. I want the M390 version. I hate the scales too. The definition of Fisher Price. I replaced the scales (Marsilero out of Russia) on my first Grippy and love it. I've been lucky with the Benchmades (Knifeworks exclusives) this year until the Barrage I received that was off center. I will be deassisting it and hopefully get it centered. Happy New Year to Nick, his fiance and all of his subs.

[@whitehatpowers]

Nick I always wanted to grab the G10 version so I could say I have tried a Benchmade. I also look at the G10 940. I have had tons of Spydercos, CRKs, FFKWs, Striders, CKF and somehow I always skipped over Benchmade all together. I don't know if I'll ever actually get one because of quality control.

[@Woahseph]

I need help on a new knife decision, should I get a base model pm2, or a zdp-189 delica?

[@NickShabazz]

+Andrew the CatBug Watch my best edc knife video. I talk about why you'd go which way

[@ViceCommando]

Get Para3, its out soon. Wait for that and Nick can probably confirm that later too. :) What I'm seeing its Delica with PM2 grip.

[@cosmikvratch]

I feel pretty sad that you are not in love with the griptilian... Mine rarely left my pocket (but for use) in the last 3 years. 550 HG... maybe part of the love I have for it comes from the fact it was a gift, and from all the adventures I lived with it on my side. Thanks for the review anyway. I will eventually get over the emotional disapointment from your unbelievable lack of perspicacity (this time). even though I may cry myself to sleep tonight.

[@GustavoHernandez1]

cosmikvratch Same with me when he reviewed the Skyline, my beloved Skyline

[@Lars1540]

Oh btw Nick, I noticed throughout watching quite a few of your review videos that whenever you talk about a knife's comfort in the hand, you always seem to default to gripping the knife with your thumb along the spine of the knife in what is called a "saber grip". And just my opinion, but I honestly don't really understand why knife companies design their knife handles in what seems like designs primarily intended for a saber grip... Personally, I probably honestly only ever use a saber grip maybe about 5% of the time. This is because a saber grip's history is mainly derived from sword combat, hence the name, and is a grip almost exclusively dedicated to piercing and stabbing applications. This grip is truly of little use in any other application, and having your thumb resting along the spine of the knife quickly stresses all the muscles in the forearm and will result in fatigue and cramping within a very short duration when used for hard "slicing" and "push cutting" motions. As I said, the saber grip's primary application is for stabbing. Conversely, when it comes to utilitarian tasks, grips like a "pinch grip" (used on chef knives) are more useful when cutting things on a flat surface, or when making lateral cuts that start on your strong side and end on the weak (right-to-left for right handed users, and left-to-right for left handed users). Second to the pinch grip, you have the "hammer grip" which is used for things like whittling, and any power cuts in which the knife is cutting away from the user. The hammer grip is the most powerful grip and is primarily used for any application where lots of material needs to be removed, or the medium being cut is very difficult to cut through. There are various other less common grips, but the pinch grip and hammer grip are the two primary grips that will get used 90% of the time, and speaking from experience, thin handled knives and skeletonized knives are comfortable to use in a pinch grip, they are miserable to handle in a hammer grip! Just saying.

[@valkyriesurvives5109]

Dan Schwemin Jr A saber grip gives better control during finer cuts. Just gives you a bit more control over the whole length of the blade, thats why many people tend to prefer it. It always depends on the person though, some hands just dont like certain grips

[@joshstarkey8883]

I always noticed most reviewers seem to do that too, and wondered if it was just me that doesn't really ever do that. Not only that, but the knives themselves seem to be designed for it, with the jimping. I wouldn't necessarily say it's only good for stabbing, I agree with the previous comment, it probably depends on the person. Personally though, usually I'm using something resembling a pinch grip, or my index finger is up on the spine, or a hammer grip, or the grip where the blade faces backwards.

[@jakecarvalho7238]

The g10 mini Griptilian with the sheepsfoot blade in CPM-20CV eliminates all of the problems you mentioned.

[@zakattk001]

@Stxn I've heard from a few guys their heat treatment is better than spyderco, all who own a few knives from each.

[@Frip36]

This guy is so funny, yet always on point.

[@mknight5159]

Bring back the Doug Ritter Griptilian.

[@angusvanhalen2886]

And I gotta say, I've bought 4 Benchmade knives, all in person, & all from Smoky Mountain Knife Works, & opened box after box of each model (Grip, Mini Grip, Mini Onslaught & Crooked River) and never saw one blade off center or an axis lock that want smooth. it also seems to me that Benchmade knives, maybe more than others, are meant to be hard used. or at least used. just my 2 sense. your mileage may vary. having said that my fav brand of knife is ZT. Benchmade Spyderco tie for 2

[@Wood_Slice]

In case ppl did not know the Doug Ritter grips are discontinued as of like a week ago. Get it while i can

[@csharpewalls]

I bought my Griptillian from Cabelas with D2 blade, swapped out the scales with aluminum Applied Weapons Technology ones heavy but a much better carry. But l carry my Ganzo's most of the time, hey they are $20

[@jacobmanalang8162]

i prefer a spyder hole and the slimmer scales on the endura/plus i dont wanna have to send my knife back in to make it right. ill buy a pm2 all day over the grip. i dont doubt itd s good knnife but it just isnt for me. the 940-2 is the one i think aside frin a 719 exclusive. i dont think youre getting anything over an endura aside from the axis lock so the pm2 remains the better buy for action and bladeshaoe. great knife though and itll do everything you need

[@ericm4658]

www.gearbest.com/pocket-knives-and-folding-knives/pp_267528.html PM2 profile with axis lock for 15 bucks.... Other than having to sharpen a bit more often, literally no downside. Probably have to buy a few to get one with perfect fit and finish though. I've had to replace washers on a couple of my cheap chinese knives In 2016 an axis lock is worth nothing...The Chinese can make them

[@Lars1540]

Awesome review Nick! Thanks buddy. =)

[@jackedwards3500]

I have the m390 version of this knife.

[@jwalz_5737]

D2 full liner grips a Cabelas. There pretty sweet

[@dubasciver3234]

You are a great reviewer!

[@fonedork]

This was truly a review of just holding the knife...

[@ryans3194]

My palm is 3 1/2 inches. Would the blade fit in my palm ? Just need to make sure before I get it , I’m 15 so gotta really make sure that I follow city ordinances and all that crap , thanks, Ohio’s laws are wack

[@desertrainfrog1691]

The mini grip definitely would. A full size grip, I can't say for sure but I believe so. I think the mini grip is a better buy, especially if laws are a concern. Best of luck. Make sure you've got something to sharpen S30V effectively.

[@joebaker5305]

So it’s nice?

[@KruzerOak]

Hogue is making the gen 2 of this knife, and it seems so much better.

[@Zelrick42]

I, for some silly reason, have 3 Griptilians. Two are older and have been perfect, one I bought in 2016 and had to send it back because they had surface ground the blade at an angle instead of parallel to the other side... Over all though, they are all good knives and some of the smoothest non bearing knives I've seen. But I wouldn't purchase another, there are better knives out there.

[@ogenmatic]

I think you're spot on here. I've had a grip & a mini for a few years & both ended up sitting in a drawer most of the time. Recently gave away the mini which got me thinking about re-gripping the grip (so to speak). Looked at AWT & Wilkins & am a bit underwhelmed by the lack of style & innovation - especially for the prices! Have you looked at the ones by 'deathofallthings' on Instagram? He's doing some amazing things with carbon fiber with wood inlays! I'd sure like to hear your take on them. Recently got a new 940-1 through KSF & was well pleased with the quality btw. Maybe Benchmade has begun some qc improvement. Now it's time for them to make the grip a thing of beauty that doesn't need a $100+ upgrade!

[@mickeypopa]

lol the US quarter made me chuckle 🤭

[@jwalz_5737]

The scales are frcp so not plastic there pretty durable

[@paulhughes3961]

Bought mine at blade show and what a piece crap. Major blade play and centering issues. I have sent it back to Benchmade 2 times and they still can't get it right. Your are right they don't have any quality control.

[@Ryomichi]

too bad you din't check the knife before purchasing at the blade show. or they dint let you to. idk.

[@BlackwoodBlades]

Unfortunately I read the tags ;)

[@grizzlycountry1030]

Is this your real voice????????

[@desertrainfrog1691]

Accents do exist

[@eatfugu]

He is MixedMollyWhoppery’s brother

[@ache4dalake]

Not a fan of Griptilian at all! Mini Grip?... luv it it is totally badass for a smaller blade. Mostly I like 3.5 - 4" blades, but not Griptilian.

[@Lars1540]

Nick I gotta go ahead and disagree with you on the whole handle thickness being a "bad" thing... More thickness to the grip = more comfort in the hand... So I do believe that there has to be some balance in this arena. Knives like the Delica are just too thin in my honest opinon... While the Delica may carry well in the pocket, it's incredibly uncomfortable in the hand. The quickest way to understand what I'm saying is to grip the knife in a hammer grip, and carve some wood. The extremely thin handle is going to quickly become painful in the hand. So I do believe there is such a thing as "too thin" when it comes to folding knife handle designs. YMMV of course. =)

[@baileysollenberger3589]

nice

[@ryanschweizer9686]

the griptilian is a knife for a non knife guy. its just the right amount if quality, usually, for a decent price

[@hooper4581]

Chubby in the pocket

[@jacobelder]

Would you sell this knife to me?

[@jacobelder]

Never mind, just remembered you said its your buddies... :(

[@FlameofUdun9]

I really hate the look of the pm2, just me.

[@chattifactory]

I got my grip for 80 bucks .....

[@paulhughes3961]

Yep, my fault. Never will happen again.

[@WK-cm4wo]

Imagine if NS knew anything about knives....I mean anything...

[@NickShabazz]

What a world that would be!