Help decide between 2 knives

[angry_platypus]

So I'm looking at getting another knife to replace my SWAT as a personal-protection knife (I know, I know, I should have something better, but a knife is the best I can do being 17 and in New Jersey) and I've been looking at 'better' knives and managed to narrow it down to 2. The Benchmade Griptillian (http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1547) and the Kershaw Blur (http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=4186). I have a Kershaw Scallion right now and I really like the assisted opening, but I've heard very good things about Benchmade so I'm having some trouble deciding. If you were in my place, which one would you buy and why? Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[TheeBadOne]

You're in luck. Brownie tested the Griptillian on his Folders web site.

Folders-R-Us.org

 

[David]

The Griptailian is my everyday knife -- I think it's great for a general use knife!

 

[Phantom Warrior]

BENCHMADE!!!

It's late, so I'll keep this shorter than my usual "Buy a Benchmade!" posts. Short version, I think you would be very well served by the Benchmade. They have an excellent reputation. I personally own 4 or 5, plus my old (and first) one that I gave to my brother. He's still using it and getting lots of use out of it. I have no complaints about any of my Benchmades. They are very dependable, with rock solid actions, and very sharp. Plus Benchmade will resharpen their knives for life. All you have to do is pay the few dollars to ship it to them. They'll even pay the shipping back to you. I sent in a knife that had gotten wrecked trying to cut the steel belt off a tire (don't ask). It was dull as a butter knife and the tip was blunted off. They sent it back sharp enough to shave with, no questions asked, no fees charged.

In all fairness, Kershaw has a fairly good reputation as well. If that feels better to you go ahead and buy it. But I think the Benchmade would be the better choice.

 

[Neal Bloom]

I have both and I prefer the Benchmade. I really like the axis lock, it seems very strong. While I like the assisted opening of the Kershaw the Benchmade is now my favorite. If you can, go to a brick and mortar store to handle them and see which one you prefer. I took my son to a store and he got to hande the Kershaw and the Benchmade and he decided on a mini-griptilian.

 

[JShirley]

Griptillians are great.

John

 

[George Hill]

Looks like I am the voice of dissent.
The Griptilian is a good knife. Sure. It is.
But the KO Blur is a GREAT knife. The Speed-Safe opening mechanism is awesome. I carry my KO Boa and have not found a knife that has retired it yet. The KO Boa is just awesome... The KO Blur is less than 1/2 the price of a Boa, and I really dont see any shortcomings in it. Good grip, fast semi-auto opening, nice blade shape...

If I was buying - I'd get the KO Blur in a blur.

 

[45R]

I concur on the Grippy. Great Knives!

 

[Ol' Badger]

I like'em booth man.

But if it was down to nut cut'n I say the Grip is your best bet. Sorry George, have to disagree with ya.

 

[Joe Talmadge]

If these knives are even remotely evenly matched, I think you'd have to have your head examined if you pick a liner lock over an axis lock. Axis lock has too much reliability advantage over a liner lock to not pick it, unless there are other overwhelming advantages somewhere else.

Joe

 

[Snowdog]

I agree, the Benchmade Stryker was made by the gods...

Oh, sorry.

If only that had been one of your options.

 

[angry_platypus]

Well, thanks for all the advice and whatnot, I *had* decided to go with the Griptilian, but according to my parents, "2 knives is enough, you don't need another." They just don't get it I guess, oh well, perhaps in a few months, at least then I'll know what I want. Again, thanks for all your help.