benchmade north fork vs bugoutshallow wicker basket
Basically, if you click on a product link on this site and buy that product we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. As such you don't have to worry about that. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Simply apply pressure to the thumb stud and boom, the blade flips into place almost effortlessly. Well, many of their knives have another feature called the Benchmade Nitrous. As a finishing touch the pocket clip is identical. Its astonishingly functional for a knife this size, and it comes hair-splitting sharp out of the box. Despite preferring folding knives when it comes to Benchmade, I sure do appreciate their fixed blades. How to Choose the Best Benchmade Knife for All Purposes? I have not tried the North Fork yet. Check out the Barrage that went on a diet here at this link. These are among the safest and most reliable locking mechanisms found in folding knives on the market thus far. Blade Style: TantoBlade Composition: CPM-3VHandle Composition: GrivoryBlade Length: 3.38Total Length: 8.07Total Weight: 2.05 ounces. Three screws on each side hold the handle together, and a hex bolt acts as the blade pivot. Not only do I enjoy supporting hard-working people in the US, I think there is a notable difference in customer service, quality assurance, and overall attention to detail. BUT. it may be knocked off the throne by my mini crooked river. No ads. Like you said, hunters and frequent users may have a different take on it. The Grivory handles ensure the knife stays close to that ultra-light 2oz mark while still ensuring that the deadly Tanto blade is well supported when utilized. For more information about us or joining the team, check out the About Us tab. Free shipping for many products! This is one knife that even a Marine wouldnt stand much chance against. My Review: Do I need to explain how Tactical a knife thats called the Tactical Triage is? Benchmade Barrage Knife 583SBK - Part Serrated Black Tanto - Black Valox - AXIS Assist - USA Made $198.00 MODIFIED Benchmade Bugout 535 + AWT Anodized Cobalt Blue Aluminum Scales $229.99 MODIFIED Benchmade Bugout 535BK Knife + AWT Archon Custom Anodized Scales $259.99 MODIFIED Benchmade Bugout 535 Knife + AWT Archon Custom Anodized Scales $249.99 Some recommended products may use affiliate links. The Tanto is specifically designed to be extremely lethal as its point is among the strongest of all blade shapes, giving it superior penetration and stabbing capabilities while also hosting a sharp and straight belly for slashing. Benchmade calls this a hunting knife and yeah, I could understand that, but really, I think this is more of just a flat out awesome design thats refreshing and unique to the usable and functional fixed blade industry. Be sure to check out the latest pricing here. I do have to say that the North Fork has really caught my eye. With the purchase of a Benchmade knife, you have the option to mail in your knife when it gets dull or requires maintenance and Benchmade will have it back to you in less than two weeks looking and performing as if it was brand new. Its really as versatile as a 3.75 fixed blade can be without gimmicks or excess functionalities that youll likely never use anyways. Its small, but extremely well made, and packs in a lot of performance for a tool this size. Unlike cheap friction held blades, this one actually does hold in place quite well and despite having an amazing grip on the blade, its very easy to deploy. Theyre generally stronger, because theres more metal at the spine, and you can push on the back of the blade if more force is needed. [Answered]. Larger knives are better in bigger than average hands and for bigger than average tasks, but the size of the North Fork is just right for most people in most applications. Ever since Benchmade set out to craft the best and most tactical knives in 1988, the company has never disappointed its clients for it has been manufacturing high quality knives each year.Benchmade North Fork 1503 is a relatively new entrant into the market, but the tactical folding knife is already winning the hearts of many folding knives users. This knife is made to deploy when you really need it most, as opposed to being abused on the daily, so it makes sense why they swapped out S30V for 3V instead. Click, Skip to the beginning of the images gallery. However, if you dont want the hassle of opening a knife, no matter how smooth the action is, you can go for a sheathed fixed blade knife. I think the name probably sums up why its in the EDC category but lets explore what makes this one of the most popular reverse-tanto blades on the market today. That exceptionally high hardness level allows this blade to retain its edge even when highly abused for an extremely long time, making this blade very low maintenance and ready to go when you need it most. Even when soaking wet, you never feel like youll lose grip and the lock is so strong you could support the weight of an average man on it all day without worry. My Review: The Grizzly Ridge is essentially the same knife as the Grizzly Creek but with an arguably better handle. Great in case of an emergency, although you hope to never use it. Quality is just one of the many factors, another one is LifeSharp. That spring is always under tension so be extra careful with the button! CPM-20CV is not a steel Benchmade is known to use but this particular steel offers incredible corrosion resistance while still being close in hardness to the other ultra-premium steels. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-3VHandle Composition: Diamond Textured Rubber SantopreneBlade Length: 3.75Total Length: 8.25Total Weight: 4.51 ounces. CPM-S30V, a Benchmade favorite stainless steel to use in their premium blades, is more than strong enough to slide right through bones and will hold an edge for many outdoor adventures. For Sale: Custom & Semi Production Knives (Dealer), KnifeMaker's Market: Knives & More for Sale, Wanted: Knifemaker / Craftsman / Related Services, Busse / Swamprat / Scrapyard Knives For Sale, For Sale: Traditionals, Slipjoints, "Old Timey", International (Non-US) For Sale & Trade Forums. This is the knife made for the outdoorsman who wants that classic outdoor knife appeal combined with industry-leading versatility and durability. It feels a lot like super high-quality Balisongs with how it flips effortlessly and the sound it makes. Pick a Tanto tip, but remember its not good for prying. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay informed! Grivory is basically a super hard plastic that Benchmade used for this knife due to its lightness without sacrificing rigidity. It encompasses everything we like to see in an EDC including a versatile drop-point, the super-strong AXIS locking mechanism, a good pocket weight to size ratio, a strong and tight clip, and an overall high-quality build design that should suit you through a variety of different tasks. Its essential for hunters wanting to dress their harvest. My Review: The Foray is a get the job done well rounded little pocket knife that I think anyone could get some seriously good usage and value out of. Whatever outdoor activity youre planning, the first item on your kit list should always be a knife. (89.58g) Features You May Also Like Mini Crooked River Family As low as $300.00 The blade shape is specifically designed to cause a lot of damage in one fell swoop. The hardness gives the blade incredible rigidity and strength but requires a little love and care to keep in tip-top shape. Benchmade Knives Custom Handle Scales Custom Bugout Scales Custom Bugout Scales These custom scales fit any version of the 535 Bugout from Benchmade. But the way it was added is different. Boasting an excellent combination of handy features that suits everyday use, North Fork-1503 has proved to be a very reliable all-round knife. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. The razor-sharp, partially serrated blade is 3.6 inches, perfect for daily utility work. I know carrying a knife this expensive is a bit risky and a little scary but if you gather up the courage to pocket this bad boy, youll be itching to deploy it just for the beautiful mechanical sound it makes and how good it feels to use. Something I think youll notice right out of the box is how strong and sturdy the knife feels while appearing elegant and sleek. If youre a knife enthusiast like many of us here at Marine Approved, you likely already appreciate Benchmades outstanding craftsmanship and customer service. North Fork 1503 comes with Benchmades AXIS lock, which is fully ambidextrous and extremely strong. Absence of a reliable sheath makes it unsafe to carry around, Buffalo Horn 6.5 Custom Handmade Damascus Folding Pocket Knife Review, Kershaw Clash Black Serrated-1605CKTST Review, MTech USA Ballistic MT-A705 Folding Knife Review, 15 Must-Have Items For Your Hunting Backpack, TAC-Force Spring Assisted Opening EMT EMS Orange Rescue Folding Pocket Knife Review, Schrade SCHF36 10.4 Inch Stainless Steel Fixed Blade Knife Review. If you already have a solid EDC and youre looking for something with a little flair and flavor, feast your eyes upon one of the gnarliest blades Benchmade has designed to date. Features AXIS lock folding mechanism Drop-point, CPM-S30V premium stainless-steel blade (58-60HRC) Blue Grivory handles with anodized aluminum barrel spacers The Benchmade Freek (actually known as the 'Super Freek') is the Bugout's big brother and delivers all of the same components but just makes them bigger. Benchmade Contego 810 10. In torture tests, it outperforms any knife who dares to compete and in comfort, the textured G10 handles are perfect for medium to large size hands. If breaking folding knives is a concern of yours, look to Benchmade! Material on GearLab is copyrighted. I'm going to revisit this and will update the post with our findings (and your concerns). Something that really sets the Axis mechanisms apart from the rest is how strong they are. However, some users did complain that the axis locking mechanism on this model wasnt as good as expected, though a little tinkering usually takes care of that. No matter what our readers want to learn and do, our team is here to help them accomplish those goals. Like the Editors Choice Mini Barrage, the North Fork knife is smaller than "full size". The North Fork 15031-1 is a manual knife that can be opened and closed single-handedly. Traditional hunting knives have been a lot larger, but short blades like this are becoming a lot more popular. As a bonus, the sheath also has a space to hold a Ferro rod, which will definitely help when youre out camping. Were glad you dig this post! In his free time, he enjoys hunting, hiking, running, shooting guns, and reviewing gear. Yeah, we put it in the camping section because thats what I actually use it for most, but this is an all-around EDC badass. Whether your hike takes you across town or to the top of Kilimanjaro, we can help find you the best gear for your money. I saw you listed those two knives above as alternatives, but just wanted to see what you may think again given my specific concerns. You have an outdated webbrowser. North Fork. The second thing you might notice is the saw teeth on the back of the blade. The Benchmade North Fork is a handsome folding knife designed for hunting, but it has all the right features to make for a great everyday carry blade as well. The pocket clip is secure and can be switched from one side to the other, depending on your hand preference. Before we jump into discussing the beautiful pieces of sharp and pointy steel offered by one of our favorite companies, you need to know the pros and cons of each blade shape as well as the steel they are made of. I personally prefer the thumb hole over the harsher thumb stud. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-M4Handle Composition: G10Blade Length: 3.6Total Length: 8.46Total Weight: 4.3 Ounces. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. This is the last self defense knife on this list, but we have an entire guide dedicated to self defense knives here if youre interested. The grind leaves a stiffening spine to about three-quarters of an inch from the point, and there are two grooved sections to give better purchase for your thumb just in front of the pivot, and at the front end of the spine. In 1988, Benchmade rolled out a revolutionary locking mechanism dubbed the Benchmade Axis Lock. The Tanto blades make these appear quite aggressive but in my experience, these knives perform quite well as a daily use blade and can endure quite some abuse. The purpose The Benchmade Bugout was originally designed as a lightweight pocket knife for hikers and others who prefer ultra-light knives. Due to the straight edge, it will be easier for you when you do need to sharpen the Barrage. Despite being expensive, many people flock to buy Benchmade knives. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Textured G10Blade Length: 3.7Total Length: 8.6Total Weight: 5.81 ounces. I have both but usually find myself carrying the Griptilian 551. Its hard to explain, but this knife is pretty darn cool for the right person. Flipping this open with one hand quickly becomes second nature and is, in my opinion, more satisfying than even some of the best assisted-opening knives. North Fork 1503 comes with Benchmade's AXIS lock, which is fully ambidextrous and extremely strong. If you make a purchase after clicking on a link I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Consisting of CPM-S30V steel probably makes this one of the toughest and strongest little mini-tools you could possibly carry. My Review: The Benchmade Fact reminds me of a classy limousine in the knife world. The manual axis lock can also be released one-handedly. But what are the other differences between the two? My Review: This knife is hard to use, not because its not versatile or strong but because its so dang beautiful! While Benchmade still offers knives with regular manual locking mechanisms, theyre rare and usually found on their lower-tier offerings. The Axis Lock by Benchmade consists of a spring-loaded bar that can move back and forth in its designated slot that is between both liners typically high-quality steel liners. Though the blade itself is short, the cutting edge is quite long, so its going to be useful in a lot of situations. r/Knife_Swap. For this reason, even though the price seems exorbitant, I consider that buying Benchmade is actually a money-saving move. My Review: This knife isnt for everybody, thats for sure, however, if youre an avid hunter who would rather expend energy on the actual hunt itself as opposed to getting to your stomping grounds, this may be an alternative worth considering. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Lightly Textured G10Blade Length: 4.4Total Length: 9.15Total Weight: 7.72 ounces. It's plenty sturdy IMO and the tiny pocket clip is fantastic. They would find the Mini Griptilian more comfortable and compact. On the other hand, serrated knives stay sharp for longer but are notoriously tough to re-sharpen. Types of Rifles Every Shooter Should Know About, Rifle Vs. For the g10 handles. Blade Style: Modified Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Ultra Ergo Slotted and Textured G10Blade Length: 3.45Total Length: 8.03Total Weight: 4.24 ounces. Blade Style: Reverse-TantoBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Smooth Anodized 6061-T6 AluminumBlade Length: 3.40Total Length: 7.87Total Weight: 2.90 ounces. These blades are insanely hard, much harder than what Benchmade usually uses such as CPM-S30V, 154CM, M390, etc. North Fork-1503 is exceptionally well-designed. Straight edges are great for versatile utility work. Moreover, while some might scorn the Spydie hole, its a good replacement for the thumb stud. My Review: The Turret has been a Marine Approved favorite since it came out and thats due to the fact that this knife is an absolute monster no matter how you use it. The lock ensures the knife opens and closes single-handedly. By the way, Nimravus is the genus name of a long-extinct ancient saber-toothed cat that was known for its massive and ultra deadly dagger-shaped teeth, certainly a big cat youd only want to encounter if you had the knife inspired by its most lethal attributes. Because often I need to use my EDC for piercing or prying, and this sturdy, capable tip means I can do that without worrying about the tip snapping off. The Griptilian doesnt exactly exude fashion or style but what it does do is get the job done. The 440HC steel is not like the typical premium hard to sharpen steels that Benchmade usually uses and can be sharpened relatively easily in a short amount of time. Its satin-finished drop point blade uses S30V steel and features two jimped sections one by the thumb grip and one closer to the tip for ultimate blade control. That has now morphed into a love for studying and researching different aspects of knives. Okay, fine, I will, but only because I really enjoy saying the word triage. The differences are namely quite clear. Benchmade 535 Bugout drop-point fine-edge knife was designed with modern outdoor adventurers in mind, incorporating lightweight, robust materials in an extremely slim, yet ergonomic package. :) We will start with the fact that there are different editions of the Bailout and the Bugout. That S30V steel is exactly the kind of metal Id want in an outdoor bushcrafting knife and with how solid and well balanced this knife is, its worth the 7.72 ounces of additional weight to ensure this goes in the loadout. The Bugout is a really great knife, but pocket jewelry it ain't. The Benchmade Bugout is pure 100% utilitarian practicality, and there wasn't any room to pack on the flash. Larger knives (to a point) are easier to use. Benchmade uses CPM S30V stainless steel that's known for its sharpness and ability to shed corrosives without enduring . However, Id suggest you stay cautious about prying, as that may snap the tip. This design reduces how many different parts are used, raises the overall durability of the knife, removes the need for liners and allows for far less hardware and mounting points, and makes for an overall exceptional ergonomic experience. Evaluate whether the Benchmade North Fork-1503 you intend to get is engineered for high-quality.For instance, check whether the knife has a CPM-S30V stainless steel blade and a balanced handle among other key features associated with high quality. The Barrage is also available in either a partially serrated blade or a full plain edge and overall, the Barrage feels a lot like many of the other 3.6 EDC related pocket knives and it comes equipped with the Benchmade AXIS-ASSIST mechanism, meaning its perfect for quick one-handed operation. We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Whether you are planning to go hiking, camping, or a backpacking trip, the Benchmade Bugout 535 7.46-Inch Folding Knife is a great knife for EDC purposes. A: One of the many advantages of getting a Benchmade knife is its warranty. The Bugout is a supremely good design and easy choice only if weight and ease of carry is of primary concern. I will mention that the handle may sometimes catch on your pockets if its a real tight fit, due to the ergonomic pistol grip style design, however, I still recommend this as a solid EDC as I believe most people wont have an issue with deploying the knife and since its so light, especially the carbon fiber version, its super comfortable and easy to carry. This Scandinavian inspired Puukko knife is a small, light, and nifty tool despite being fixed and needing a sheath. Unlocking is achieved by two studs running in slots cut through the handle, one on each side. Shipping costs depend on order amount and shipping destination. The fidget factor and aftermarket options bumped up the score a little bit, but this knife isn't trying to be a looker. The Ridges handle is accented with hunters orange so that if you ever lose your grip and drop it, you wont lose sight of it in the brush. However, the winning point that makes this knife the best Benchmade knife for everyday use is the exceptional handle. All these attributes are difficult to balance and tune. These are the fastest and least requiring effort to open and use a spring to flip the knife out immediately. It would need to be a fixed blade, and be more of a Survival knife type. The knifes drop-point utility blade is made from s30v steel, which is as sharp as you can get nowadays, and a lot of great Benchmade knives make use of this material. Usually, locking mechanisms are good for around 50 to 100lbs of pressure but Benchmade, of course, took things many steps further and now their absolute minimum lock strength on any AXIS equipped knife is 200lbs, with most of their knives exceeding that. Large belt knives are bulky and heavy; they can also be uncomfortable to wear after a days hiking with the sheath chafing on your leg its tempting to take it off and stick it in your pack and they also arent easy to carry discreetly. A: The Benchmade Knife Company is behind Benchmade knives. #knives #north-fork #benchmade #product-overview #north-fork-axis #benchmade-north-fork-who-designed #best-benchmade-north-fork-knife #customizing-north-fork-benchmade #benchmade-north-fork-wood-edc see all. There is no AXIS lock or AXIS assisted opening but instead, the blade is held in place via friction from the frame. Both models use a full stainless steel liner to protect against wear, and if the blade does loosen at all you can tighten it back up with the bolt. The main drive behind its design was to produce a tool with the performance for dressing out a deer in a small package. Benchmade 560BK-1 - Freek 560-1, EDC Folding Knife, Drop-Point Blade, Manual Open, Axis Locking Mechanism, Made in USA, Coated, Straight, Gray/Black. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: G10Blade Length: 3.48Total Length: 8.33Total Weight: 5.28 ounces. In fact, it could be a knife even outside my list! The knifes drop-point blade is ideal for the avid hunter. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. If you think that 7.25 total length would be tough to conceal or a bit overkill, you can check out the Benchmade Mini SOCP here. My final thoughts are this: This knife is not worth the money if youre looking for a tough and durable do-it-all EDC knife. My Review: The Benchmade Bugout is a classic and has been around for quite some time. No matter how hard youre going with the knife, it wont slip even if your hand is wet with water, sweat, or blood. Weve already reviewed many Benchmade knives in other guides, including our favorite EDC knives here, camping knives here, and fixed blade knives here, but we have yet to truly focus on Benchmade alone. Its lightweight and might feel flimsy at first. Some of our team have accomplished amazing feats like climbing 6000 feet to the top of mountains, others have explored every dirt trail they could find and we even have some people that have backpacked solo on various continents. If youre looking for a boot knife or MOLLE compatible self-defense or combat weapon, this is the package for you. For the Bugout the lanyard hole is a part of the scales. Id say a mix of covertness, lethality, and fast deployment make for a pretty solid tactical platform, wouldnt you? Youll find that the Griptilian can do every single one of them. Of course, this thing has virtually 0 self-defense properties and it wouldnt ever be a knife Id rely on for camping or survival but it is easy to carry on a keychain so that you always have a tiny suite of tools on hand at all times. It is ideal for skinning and for making precision cuts. Benchmade North Fork 1503 is excellent for campers, hikers and hunters. This is one of the best customer care programs any knife company in the market has to offer right now. Another big factor here is that CPM-20CV is slightly easier to sharpen than other premium steels like S30V or M390 which makes this knife a bit easier to maintain for those of you that are new to the premium knife world. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Its more durable and weather-resistant than a regular wooden handle, and it also provides great grip and adds to the visual appeal of the knife as a whole. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2PCS Handle Patch G10 Micarta Blade Scales Fit For Benchmade North Fork Knife at the best online prices at eBay! I'm do not hunt regularly or work in an industry which requires knife work, etc. With a high quality CPMS30V stainless steel blade, the folding knife is exceptionally well-balanced. As a last tidbit here, when you grab yourself the Nimravus you also get a very well made MOLLE compatible sheath. Although designed for hunting this is also an excellent general-purpose blade. The folding knife isnt just built for hunting, but also suitable for other uses as well.This Benchmade North Fork 1503 review explains everything about this versatile, tactical knife. Its grippy and made of Valox, and though that gives this knife a sort of cheap feeling, it actually keeps the weight of the knife down. This Benchmade EDC is made of CPM-s30v American steel, which is quite impressive in a foldable pocket knife. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S90VHandle Composition: Full-Tang handleless with Micro Carbon ScalesBlade Length: 3.08Total Length: 7.38Total Weight: 1.67 ounces. The thinner spine near the tip on the reverse-tanto allows for quicker and more nimble cutting through tight spaces and thus makes this knife extremely versatile for precise tasks like carpentry, woodwork, etc. Yeah, I didnt miss the 3 or 4 for that 1, it really does weigh less than 2 ounces. My Review: The North Fork is sold as a folding hunting knife and although it certainly fits the bill, I also think many people can benefit from the overall versatility and toughness this knife provides in an EDC role. The surgically sharp blade comes perfectly centered. Absolutely! Keep in mind that a higher HRC also means a more brittle knife, and its going to be a nightmare to sharpen. Any outdoor memories you plan to make should include this knife and hey, perhaps those memories can be passed down through generations alongside the knife, as itll probably outlast your trekking legs. When it comes to the handles ergonomics, this knife beats all the rest. The curvature of the blade makes it rather difficult to sharpen those ultra-hard super steels and thus, I think 154CM was the right call here. The Top 3 Best Two-Person Tents for Couples (or Close Friends). Glass breaker, rescue hook, lanyard hole, drop-point with three different serrated or fine edge options, super light but durable G10 resin-soaked fiberglass body, and the ever so loved AXIS locking mechanism. Benchmade introduced their first military knife back in 2002 and they introduced the knife with their AXIS Automatic lock tech they have patented under their name. This will give you more flexibility but lower edge retention. That drop-point is insanely strong due to S90Vs top tier tensile strength and hardness. Before buying the knife, check for design to ensure you are getting a well-balanced knife as intended by Benchmade.Otherwise, you might actually purchase a folding knife with a terrible design if you forget to check whether the Benchmade North Fork-1503 you are investing in is well-designed. Its most noticeable trait is the Dymondwood scales. Im a huge fan of small slender blades because they tend to lack the tensile strength required for a rugged lifestyle. Build Your Ultimate Bugout for National Knife Day 2023. The satin-finished 6061-T6 aluminum handle is also something Im quite fond of. There are a few factors to look at there. Alright, its not that bad. However, its also very functional when you use this as your daily carry knife. The North Fork from Benchmade is a classy, functional piece of equipment eclipsed by the Mini Barrage only in that the MB has assisted opening functionality. Make sure these handles are well-textured, and youre all set. A note to my readers: These knives are designed to kill people. Its quite rare in a folded knife, youd notice. Step 4 Materials:Finally, consider materials. Some people are quite partial to G10 handles, while some prefer the lightness of glass-filled nylon or Santoprene. They are, however, easy to sharpen in the field, even with limited means. The blade provides impressive edge qualities and excellent rust/ collusion resistance capabilities.It has a well-balanced and ergonomic wooden handle, designed for more resistance to harsh outdoor conditions. They look about as tactically cool as you can make a knife and the fixed blade variant of the original OTF is solid. Good luck! All Axis locks are ambidextrous and most of them are easily used with one-handed operation. No self-respecting sailor will ever be without a knife to help with rigging repairs or clearing damaged gear. If youre worried about nicks and dings showing up, a plain or brushed finish would be good for you. I REALLY appreciate all the thoughts and opinions. This thing almost looks like a throwing knife and to be honest, when you first hold it, thats probably what your first impression would be. I don't like the flimsy scales. Benchmade is largely more expensive than a lot of other comparable knife options because of the incredible quality and unbeatable technologies theyve implemented into their knives. Some of the reasons I personally prefer the Bugout over the Mini Grip include the longer blade length at 3.25 vs 2.91, the blade shape lending itself better for slicing, the weight reduction, and the awesome short carry clip.