I've been looking to replace my current edc knife, a CRKT Crawford/Kasper, with a mini RSK, but now that I have the cash saved up to do so, I've found the mini Griptilian online for about $70 shipped vs $115 shipped for the RSK from aeromedix.com

Is the RSK worth the extra $45? I am poor right now and need to be convinced that the features are worth it.

Hello.

The original Benchmade Mini-Griptilian's blade is made of 154CM stainless steel.
The RSK Mini-Griptilian's blade is made of S30V steel.

The S30V is more expensive than the 154CM (due to its higher quality) and this is the reason for the difference between both prices.

Best regards
JmCaz

That said - once you get into the 154cm/SV30 steel range, the differences start to become incremental, not drastic

I'll say that I like a bit more "point" on my knives than the Ritter Grip has - so the regular mini grip is more MY style - I think that is more of a matter of taste

Now Regular blade shape minigrip in S30V - YUM!

I just wish I could find a way to "sample" both RSK's and both Griptilians. <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Hi,
I have a mini Grip and like it a lot. I have not had the pleasure of having a mini RSK. Both are great. I dont think you could go wrong with either. If dollars are super tight, do the grip and later get an RSK. You will like the axis lock!

I have two mini grips ... Doug's version and the Cabela's version in D2 steel.
For EDC, I more frequently choose the Cabela's, as I find a knife with a fine point handy for some tasks.
I don't think you'd be displeased with a regular mini, Doug's or Cabela's. They're all good knives.

In my experience the Benchmade S30v is about as stain resistant as the 154cm and it holds an edge significantly better. That is just one advantage to the Ritter mini over other mini Grips.

The other advantage, (and the bigger advantage) IMO is in the actual design of the blade.

The high, flat grind and deep, wide drop point is an unbeatable design. I out shines other knives particularly when working with wood. It is what has me constantly going back to my RSKs (I have both the large and the small) for EDC both on and off the pavement and leaving my other knives (including some real quality knives like my CRK sebenza that is also S30v) in the drawer.

So, I guess my answer is that IMHO the Ritter (large or small) is well worth the extra $$ you pay as compared to the other Grips from BM.

Personally, I much perfer the looks and function of the blade shape of the RSK over the normal Grip. The S30V is icing on the cake.

-john