The Benchmade Mini-Griptillian folder is a fantastic knife. The quality can't be beat. It's a Benchmade and in my opinion, Benchmade folders are the the equivalent of a KaBar fixed blade knife. They are each at the top of their class.

This knife fits great in the hand, though perhaps a bit on the small size (and I don't have very large hands at all). It fits perfect in your pants pocket, certainly not too large or bulky.

The blade comes super sharp from the factory and keeps a fantastic edge thanks to the D2 steel.

This is the perfect every day carry, but you'll need something a little larger for a camping or survival knife. For a folder though, it's the best out there.

Benchmade knives combine distinctive artisan quality of a custom blade with laser precision to create spacing tolerances as low as .0005", less than 1/16th the thickness of a human hair.

The patented AXIS™ mechanism in the Mini-Griptillian locks the blade in place with incomparable smoothness and unsurpassed stability. Omega-style springs on both sides of the handle secure the locking bar to prevent accidental closing.

The D2 Tool steel blade is hardened to 57-60 Rockwell holds a razor-like edge and is treated with a BK1® coating to prevent rust and corrosion.

And for a solid grip in wet or dry conditions alike, the palm-contoured handle has a swelled base and molded texture for slip resistance. An ambidextrous thumb stud facilitates fast, one-handed opening. It also has a reversible steel carry clip.

Blade length: 2.91".
Closed length: 3.87".
Weight: 2.91 ounces.
Available: Plain, Semi-serrated (not shown).
Colors: Black, Olive.

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If it's in your pack, but you don't know how to use it...it's useless. So, always test your skills as a form of preparation...Don't wait until your life depends on it. That's a lesson you don't want to learn the hard way.

Nice folder. How much does it retail for?

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Here's a link where you can buy one:

http://www.itactical.com/KNIVES/Benchmade/Mini+Griptilian

Retails from $65 - $85 depending on the blade...The D2 steel is the higher end blade and thus a bit more costly...but worth it IMO...

_________________
If it's in your pack, but you don't know how to use it...it's useless. So, always test your skills as a form of preparation...Don't wait until your life depends on it. That's a lesson you don't want to learn the hard way.

What does a "normal" knife have as far as a Rockwell hardness rating, out of curiosity? I've always wondered that.

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Somewhere around 55 or so:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockwell_scale

I just got my Benchamde Mini-Griptillian (as an early Christmas present) and I'm loving it!

I think mine came from Cabelas. They're selling the D2 steel version now for $89.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat602941-cat602943&id=0022073516109a&navCount=2&podId=0022073&parentId=&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=9IS&rid=&parentType=&indexId=cat602943&hasJS=true

IMO that's one of the best mid sized folders around. If you get one, be sure to get the D2 blade as it's a significant upgrade worth having. I love these knives so much that I'v given them as gifts to two of my buddies.

Just to update everyone I've carried my Benchmade Mini-Grip every day since I got it. I've used it for many different tasks and it has held up great. I think I found a knife that will last a lifetime.