Benchmade Griptilian folder - Gunny Sack

The number one criteria for choosing a combat folder is that it can be operated with one hand. That means both opening and closing. At first everyone viewed the combat folder as a defensive tool or backup for the handgun and that's surely true, but the real-world use of a knife is much more mundane. I open lots of boxes.

With me now are two Benchmade knives that meet my needs in the best way. They are a Mel Pardue design known as "Griptilian" and "Mini-Griptilian." The difference is in size; they have 3.5" and 3" blades respectively.

My one-hand requirement is a little more tough than you might think. Many folders can be opened with one hand, but require using your other hand to release the lock mechanism for closing. Benchmade's axis lock is easily released with thumb and forefinger with a nudge on the back side of the blade on a convenient surface-- usually my leg-- to close.

There are any number of variations in the way you open the knife, but the one that works best for me is a simple hole in the blade. When you have something like a stud or disk on the blade, my fat fingers don't catch them too well, but the ball of my thumb finds the hole automatically. Benchmade's is a long oval that is quite handy.

The handle is made of Noryl GTX a, "highly engineered plastic" with 30 percent glass fiber and is checkered and grooved in the right places for a firm, safe grip. The pocket clip is easily reversible.

So not only is this a true one-hander , it's ambidextrous as well. As an aside, although I'm left handed, the knife is in my right pocket. That leaves my gun hand free-- just in case.

For more information contact Benchmade Knife Co., 300 Beavercreek reek Rd., Dept. AH, Oregon City, OR 97045; phone: (800) 800-7427; website: www.benchmade.com.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Publishers' Development Corporation
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group