Exmasonite
Member
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2006
- Messages
- 561
So, picked up some new additions and figured i'd share the wealth. Still somewhat of a blade novice but i'll share what i've got:
CRKT Ultima 5
Benchmade Mini Griptilian Tanto Combo Edge
Not much to say about the Mini Grip that hasn't been said. Awesome little knife, my 1st Benchmade. Love the axis lock, sharp as a tack but remarkably light. My first "tip up" pocket clip. Kinda wished they offered both options but i'm sure i'll get used to it. Doesn't have any of those new fangled assisted opening per se but by pressing the axis lock and flicking the wrist, opens as fast as any other knife i've tried (never had an auto). Cons: None i can think of/find yet
Now, onto the ultima. It was a display piece i got shipped for $26.00 off ebay. The CRKT page is here
General Feel: The knife is very nice. Nice SOLID knife but not too heavy. As far as balance, it seems a little heavier on the handle side.
Blade: Very sharp out of the box. The veff serrations are very sharp and appear easy to sharpen if/when necessary. Cut the cardboard box apart like butter. No other real workout for it yet.
Grip: Different. Not sure I like the zytel scales/treads right now. Don't NOT like them but will take some getting used to. I would think they would allow good water/liquid drainage much like tire treads. There's a lanyard hole in the handle, too.
Tip: Has a metal pry tip. Seems a little thick for true "prying" but would make excellent glass breaker.
Sheath: I don't want to take a lot away from the knife but as a gear junkie, let me get into this a little. It's top notch, to the point of being over engineered. Very heavy duty. Double security straps seems a bit overkill but it looks like they are removable. The top belt loops have a snap on one side but disappointingly, are permanently stitched on the other preventing them from being completely removed. They have a strip of velcro on inside of loops which i'm not sure is for. Also has a removable drop leg strap (although it entails completely underdoing strap from buckle). Has an accessory pouch w/ plastic snap buckle. Pouch holds the mini griptilian or my Surefire E1E very well. With some cramming, i can get both in there at once. It does have PALS type webbing on back for attaching to packs, vests, etc. There is also a paracord strap that terminates in a fob. Nice to have some cord around but doesn't seem to serve any other purpose.
Here are a few more pics: 1 on my leg, the other 2 were my attempts to get it on my maxpedition jumbo. When on the strap, the top belt loots were a pain. I used the PALS webbing to attach to the top pouch of the jumbo but it was also cumbersome. In the future, i'd probably either keep on my belt/leg or stuff it in the main pouch of the jumbo.
So, overall very happy. Only complaint would be some issues with the ultima "super" sheath. I'm sure at times i'll appreciate the ruggedness while at others, i'll wish it were a little more basic.
CRKT Ultima 5
Benchmade Mini Griptilian Tanto Combo Edge
Not much to say about the Mini Grip that hasn't been said. Awesome little knife, my 1st Benchmade. Love the axis lock, sharp as a tack but remarkably light. My first "tip up" pocket clip. Kinda wished they offered both options but i'm sure i'll get used to it. Doesn't have any of those new fangled assisted opening per se but by pressing the axis lock and flicking the wrist, opens as fast as any other knife i've tried (never had an auto). Cons: None i can think of/find yet
Now, onto the ultima. It was a display piece i got shipped for $26.00 off ebay. The CRKT page is here
General Feel: The knife is very nice. Nice SOLID knife but not too heavy. As far as balance, it seems a little heavier on the handle side.
Blade: Very sharp out of the box. The veff serrations are very sharp and appear easy to sharpen if/when necessary. Cut the cardboard box apart like butter. No other real workout for it yet.
Grip: Different. Not sure I like the zytel scales/treads right now. Don't NOT like them but will take some getting used to. I would think they would allow good water/liquid drainage much like tire treads. There's a lanyard hole in the handle, too.
Tip: Has a metal pry tip. Seems a little thick for true "prying" but would make excellent glass breaker.
Sheath: I don't want to take a lot away from the knife but as a gear junkie, let me get into this a little. It's top notch, to the point of being over engineered. Very heavy duty. Double security straps seems a bit overkill but it looks like they are removable. The top belt loops have a snap on one side but disappointingly, are permanently stitched on the other preventing them from being completely removed. They have a strip of velcro on inside of loops which i'm not sure is for. Also has a removable drop leg strap (although it entails completely underdoing strap from buckle). Has an accessory pouch w/ plastic snap buckle. Pouch holds the mini griptilian or my Surefire E1E very well. With some cramming, i can get both in there at once. It does have PALS type webbing on back for attaching to packs, vests, etc. There is also a paracord strap that terminates in a fob. Nice to have some cord around but doesn't seem to serve any other purpose.
Here are a few more pics: 1 on my leg, the other 2 were my attempts to get it on my maxpedition jumbo. When on the strap, the top belt loots were a pain. I used the PALS webbing to attach to the top pouch of the jumbo but it was also cumbersome. In the future, i'd probably either keep on my belt/leg or stuff it in the main pouch of the jumbo.
So, overall very happy. Only complaint would be some issues with the ultima "super" sheath. I'm sure at times i'll appreciate the ruggedness while at others, i'll wish it were a little more basic.