I carry a CRKT M16-13Z or SOG AEGIS. Both are about 3 1/2" and are lightweight, carry deep in the pocket (good clips) and open fast. The SOG is an assisted opening knife and the CRKT is a very fast and well balanced flipper. Some people think that the CRKT is an assisted opener. It's that easy.
I'd recommend both of these knives if you want something over 3".
As for the Benchmade Griptilian, I want one. I have the mini and it is a great knife. I've bought them for family members and friends have bought them after checking out mine. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this blade and I suspect that the full size will be every bit as good as the Mini Griptilian.
Soooo......pros and cons.
The CRKT opens fast and locks up TIGHT. Absolutely great locking mechanism on this knife. It's not too heavy but it still fills the hand very well and the jimping on the back of the blade helps give you a sure purchase on the knife. The steel is mediocre (AUS 4) but it holds an edge decently and sharpens up easily. You can get it shaving sharp without a lot of work. All I use are stones for sharpening.
I bought this knife in a blister pack after checking out a display model. Unfortunately my knife had a very uneven grind. It's rediculaus how different the grind angles are on the two sides of the blade. The AUS 4 steel will rust if you don't take a little care with it. You don't have to go crazy with it but you do need to remember that it will rust without some care now and then. The handle is kind of slick and I wish they had roughed up the zytel (?) a bit. It's ok in normal use but if I planned on using it a lot when sweaty or wet I might pick another knife. This isn't my best or most expensive knife but it's my favorite and usually what I carry.
The SOG opens very fast, is lightweight and very sharp. It almost carries too deep in the pocket if you want to get it out in a hurry. It's got a great lock, has jimping on the back of the blade and this knife has a great feel and texture. I can't see myself having any gripping issues with this knife.
The tip looks like it could be kind of delicate but should be ok if you use the knife as a knife and not as a screwdriver or prybar. There is some wiggle in the blade when it's deployed. Tightening the torx screw helps but slows down the deployment. It's not enough for me to consider it a deal breaker. This knife also has a safety if that's your thing. I got the titanium nitride (?) coated blade so rust isn't a worry.
I'd recommend both of these knives if you want something over 3".
As for the Benchmade Griptilian, I want one. I have the mini and it is a great knife. I've bought them for family members and friends have bought them after checking out mine. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this blade and I suspect that the full size will be every bit as good as the Mini Griptilian.
Soooo......pros and cons.
The CRKT opens fast and locks up TIGHT. Absolutely great locking mechanism on this knife. It's not too heavy but it still fills the hand very well and the jimping on the back of the blade helps give you a sure purchase on the knife. The steel is mediocre (AUS 4) but it holds an edge decently and sharpens up easily. You can get it shaving sharp without a lot of work. All I use are stones for sharpening.
I bought this knife in a blister pack after checking out a display model. Unfortunately my knife had a very uneven grind. It's rediculaus how different the grind angles are on the two sides of the blade. The AUS 4 steel will rust if you don't take a little care with it. You don't have to go crazy with it but you do need to remember that it will rust without some care now and then. The handle is kind of slick and I wish they had roughed up the zytel (?) a bit. It's ok in normal use but if I planned on using it a lot when sweaty or wet I might pick another knife. This isn't my best or most expensive knife but it's my favorite and usually what I carry.
The SOG opens very fast, is lightweight and very sharp. It almost carries too deep in the pocket if you want to get it out in a hurry. It's got a great lock, has jimping on the back of the blade and this knife has a great feel and texture. I can't see myself having any gripping issues with this knife.
The tip looks like it could be kind of delicate but should be ok if you use the knife as a knife and not as a screwdriver or prybar. There is some wiggle in the blade when it's deployed. Tightening the torx screw helps but slows down the deployment. It's not enough for me to consider it a deal breaker. This knife also has a safety if that's your thing. I got the titanium nitride (?) coated blade so rust isn't a worry.
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