Ritter Grip vs. 550bkhg (Sheepsfoot/Opening-Hole Grip)
Hello everyone,
I'm in the market to purchase a new Benchmade EDC and light-outdoor user. I have narrowed my choices down to the: (1) Ritter Grip; and (2) 550bkhg (Sheepsfoot/Opening-Hole Grip). I've reviewed several threads comparing a standard grip (drop point) and the Rittergrip. Unfortunately, there is very little information comparing the Rittergrip against the Sheepsfoot/Opening-Hole Grip.
Right now, I'm leaning toward the Sheepsfoot/Opening-Hole Grip because it is available in a black coating, costs less, is a little lighter, uses opening-hole deployment, and should perform similarly to the Ritter, considering its hollow grind. Comparatively, the advantages of the Ritter Grip are slightly better steel (s30v vs 154cm), a sharper tip for piercing, and slightly better slicing.
I own a 555bkhg (mini) and love the opening-hole deployment and slicing.
Any thoughts, commentary, or advice?
Thanks.
I'm in the market to purchase a new Benchmade EDC and light-outdoor user. I have narrowed my choices down to the: (1) Ritter Grip; and (2) 550bkhg (Sheepsfoot/Opening-Hole Grip). I've reviewed several threads comparing a standard grip (drop point) and the Rittergrip. Unfortunately, there is very little information comparing the Rittergrip against the Sheepsfoot/Opening-Hole Grip.
Right now, I'm leaning toward the Sheepsfoot/Opening-Hole Grip because it is available in a black coating, costs less, is a little lighter, uses opening-hole deployment, and should perform similarly to the Ritter, considering its hollow grind. Comparatively, the advantages of the Ritter Grip are slightly better steel (s30v vs 154cm), a sharper tip for piercing, and slightly better slicing.
I own a 555bkhg (mini) and love the opening-hole deployment and slicing.
Any thoughts, commentary, or advice?
Thanks.
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I own all three styles of Grip, Ritter, 550 and 551 and I have yet to notice any differance in cutting ability between the three or rather the two you mentioned.
All of them will serve you equaly well, as far as steel goes and as far as I am concerned it's an academic discussion, 154 is an excellent steel that stays sharp and is easy to sharpen, is it better than s30v? on paper statistics yes, if you are going to test them on cardboard boxes cutting the s30v will cut more cardboard boxes and will probably have a better edge remaining, so what? It's a waste of precious time and cardboard boxes but ask any of the hunters/campers here that have used the grip for years if they had any issues with the 154 Grip, and you will get all positive reviews.
Why is the Ritter grip considered better and commands a higher price? I don't know, I think it might have something to do with the blade shape, like me people just to like it more and aesthetics does factor in and just for the record my Ritter grip gets more pocket time than any other knife but my go to, work and yard knife is my well used 550bkhg.
I just got an orange 551 PE for $80, the Ritter grip is $129 with free US shipping at KW, if the 550 is what you think you need than get it, I have a suggestion, get all three and you can compare youself.0 -
Thanks for the response.
I have always wondered why people rave so much about the blade shape on the Ritter. It looks like a practical design, but I don't see it being dramatically better than the 550 HG (point and belly looks similar).
I agree about the steel. Sometimes it's fun to collect rare or exotic steels, but I barely notice a difference between CM154 and S30v on my other knives [there is even little practical difference between M390 and CPM-M4 in my experience].0 -
I do not have any thumb hole grips. I have both Ritters (mini and full) and the modified drop point, MDP, grips with thumb stud (mini and full). I love the thumb stud + axis lock. That being said if you like the thumb hole then go for it.
I can tell you the stonewashed Ritter blade is beautiful and not something you see every day (compared to satin and black coated). I like the Ritter over the MDP thumb stud because it is a better slicer and has a higher flat grind. The 550 is hollow ground so it should also be an efficient cutter.
So I think I didn't say anything that you didn't realize yourself. I you like one handed opening by flicking the blade out with your thumb I personally like the thumb stud better than the hole. But this is a personal choice.
I am a Ritter fan, like the blade shape, love the thumb stud/axis lock and like the high flat grind.
We need a 550 fan to chime in here to offer the perspective of the other side.0 -
The slight upgrade in steel and limited distrubution are the reasons the increased cost of the Ritter Grip. Not sure if there may be a royalty thrown in there too.
If you want, you can go to Benchmade.com and design your own Grip. You can get an S30V blade with the Modified Sheepsfoot blade with the hole opener with a coated blade... And you can choose the handle color. Avaliable options also include colors you can't get in regular production.0 -
Why not the 15020? D2, Sheepsfoot, g-10 handle and opening hole. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Skimo:
Why not the 15020? D2, Sheepsfoot, g-10 handle and opening hole.
Possibly weight? I have both the 15020-01(Bone Collector) and a custom 550 and while i prefer the G10 and the beefier blade of the Bone Collector, it's much heavier and is very thick. I definitely a difference when i EDC the Bone Collector.0
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