551-1702 Knifeworks Exclusive

There seem to be really little talk about this knife.
* Edit just saw this was listed yesterday.

Regarding this model.
the 551-1702 is more expensive than the 551-1 with pretty much the same blade steel.
Does the Micarta really add that much? would love to see real pictures instead of the stock picture. Cause from the stock pictures it almost looks like a normal 551.

also the anodized barrels are a nice touch on the 551-1 that i kinda miss on this one.
I know they want to go with the classic look.
 
Last edited:
Kvnlau7 said:
There seem to be really little talk about this knife.
* Edit just saw this was listed yesterday.

Regarding this model.
the 551-1702 is more expensive than the 551-1 with pretty much the same blade steel.
Does the Micarta really add that much? would love to see real pictures instead of the stock picture. Cause from the stock pictures it almost looks like a normal 551.

also the anodized barrels are a nice touch on the 551-1 that i kinda miss on this one.
I know they want to go with the classic look.
Click to expand...

Yeah, it's hard to see in the picture but the paper micarta handles are just a little smoother looking than the G10. Same milling pattern as the 551-1 though.
 
I really like the idea of giving the people a cleaner more traditional yet higher end griptillian.
I just dont get why that "higher end cleaner" griptilian has to be more expensive than a 551-1.
Cause with the 551-1 i feel your getting significantly more value.
nicer liners barrels. Unique G10 color.

Then again I understand its a dealer exclusive so the price is higher because of expected higher demand , shorter run.
But I think in the interest of both the dealer and the costumer a exclusive should be striking , unique , bold.
Cause uniqueness in materials = value to alot of people. Even though that might not actually be the case.

I just dont see that value in the current griptilian. And i think many members here agree with me.
 
I like it a lot, but outside the realm of Grip collectors, I don't see the appeal compared to the gray G10 / 20CV ones for $50 less.

But it's close enough that if I really liked it, or I was a collector, I'd probably spring for it.
 
T.L.E. Sharp said:
Yay! Another black handled knife. Just what I was looking for.
Click to expand...
Ah... But you see, if you want to look a little different, you have to save money to do so (and who wants That?).

This knife is for those that want to look like that have a normal, everyday, run of the mill Grip, but have a little bit more in the blade (for near twice as much coin) compared to the "entry level" Grip.
 
Ritter Grip in same steel with better blade shape is still available for $56 less. I love Grips, but this one is priced too high.
 
Afaik, the Ritter is only available in limited stock since it has been discontinued.

Please don't quote me on this, as I haven't looked fit her into it beyond the initial posting on here.
 
Checking Knifeworks' website, this exclusive is only just over $15 more than the 551-1. So, not a HUGE jump in price compared to the two.
 
I can see myself weakening and ordering one of these. I just got a mini grip (555-1) and I really dig it.

It has great lockup and no blade play, should I be able to assume the same from this larger model?
 
Kiteman72 said:
I can see myself weakening and ordering one of these. I just got a mini grip (555-1) and I really dig it.

It has great lockup and no blade play, should I be able to assume the same from this larger model?
Click to expand...

Yep, same mechanism. Should be a little stronger overall.
 
I love my 556-1 so much that I was thinking of buying the full size Grip 551-1. However, they look so similar that this would be a better option, if only not black...
 
Can't understand why BM wouldn't choose to add a little flair to a LE.
Little ho hum.
 
The price isn't that much more for the 551-1701 than the 551-1--about 17 bucks. I liked that BM originally came out with the 555-1 to offer a Grip upgrade over what I find to be horrid stock handles, but the the gray G10 over blue didn't really appeal to me. I like the black Micarta, but aside from that difference, the -1701 looks very much the same in pics as a stock Noryl model, right down to the jimping at the butt that dug uncomfortably into my palm when my Grips still wore their original shoes.

My 5 Grips all wear aftermarket scales which makes the total cost per piece even higher. Large and small Ritters with Wilkins coarse G10s come out to about $280 and $250, but those knives are completely re-invented by the scale change. My black HG sheep foot blades, large and small in Igorded orange G10s come out in the same range as the -1701 and -1, but of course are "only" 154CM (actually a pretty damn good steel). Same goes for my 551SBK in Igorded green canvas Micarta. My Igordeds are shaped roughly like BM scales, but have a different look altogether and omit the bothersome (to me) jimping.

The other pricey alternative is the Benchmade "build your own" route. A rough equivalent to the KW exclusive (based on what's available at the custom shop) would have a 20CV blade in a black G10 handle. That costs out to $220 plus tax and shipping for a total cost of $249 delivered.

Given all that, both the 551-1701 and 551-1 seem to be economical upgrades for both scales and steel if you find them appealing. I'm happy with mine, though....

SCAWgUo.jpg
 
Last edited:
Good read. Thanks! My 551 came with olive AWT scales which really change the look and feel. I've always liked the KW Limited's, and how they (Roger and staff) stand behind what they sell.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top