551-1702 Knifeworks Exclusive

I'd be tempted to purchase if they made a mini version. I already have a custom full size grip that I bought last year and I'm too happy with it to consider replacing it.
 
madcap_magician said:
I actually like this because it basically fixes my two issues with regular Grips... Blade and handle material.
Click to expand...
I have one on the way. 169 on sale.

I think it will be my favorite. The blue/grey G10 cpm20v I have cost more...but is
a bit too bling. I actually like black! I will post again with my impressions.
 
cistercian said:
I have one on the way. 169 on sale.

I think it will be my favorite. The blue/grey G10 cpm20v I have cost more...but is
a bit too bling. I actually like black! I will post again with my impressions.
Click to expand...

I liked the gray but didn't care for the blue liners. I like black too!

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I just grabbed one at the $169 price, too. I may prefer the DLT exclusive with its altered scales in CF and bronze standoffs, but at almost $65 less it's hard to beat this one for value. I do really like Micarta anyway.

BMCGear BMCGear , is that a Parkerized clip on yours? I thought they came with the painted black versions. I'll have to send for the black oxide if mine comes otherwise.

Edit: Looking back at my Page 1 post here, it seems I've come full-circle on this knife. I think that 550-1 that I bought for my wife has really grown on me and the uncoated, unserrated blade style on this knife is one I don't have among my several Grips.
 
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I'm thinking seriously about this one. I like everything about it, my only reason for holding out is the hope that Knifeworks or someone else might offer a dealer exclusive on an upgraded mini Crooked River with similar materials. But that might not happen for years or ever.
 
Here's the new guy, which I'm warming to more and more. I was prepared to be a bit underwhelmed when it came, as it looks just like a normal Grip except for its open back construction. The Micarta is nice, but has little texture beyond the Griptilian dimpling. The whole knife is very plain--all black and silver.

I tweaked the action just a taste to let it free drop closed with no wrist and have spent a lot of time handling and breaking it in since yesterday. I'm feeling the warmth of the Micarta now, it's wicked solid, and sounds great opening and closing. That little bit of AXIS lockstick with some new BMKs is gone now too.

I really like the understated appearance now and the contrast between the black of the scales and screws with the blade, jimping , and AXIS is sweet. The simple stainless standoffs have a deep matte appearance and set off nicely against the Micarta.

I tied up a simple black lanyard with a matte ti barrel bead to keep the theme, but this fierce coastal storm has cost us our power and I can't get a pic of that now. Here's a few shots from earlier today.

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Edit: forgot to mention that the F&F is spot on--centering, grinds, and the M390 blade bevels are symmetrical and wicked BMK toothy sharp!
 
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I like mine...I love the way the micarta feels. My blade is not centered
and I tried my usual technique to no effect. It is fine and in no danger of hitting
the scales...so no worries. Action was ridiculously too tight on arrival.
Adjustment fixed that...perfect now. The lock sticks when opened hard...I hope that improves over time.
All grinds are good, wicked toothy sharp edge.
It is now my favorite grip...it is not flashy, has my favorite steel, and micarta
rocks. Not perfect as delivered...QA seems iffy.

But a solid working knife. I will report much later on how it holds up over time.
Knifeworks choose the materials well...good on them!
 
cistercian said:
I like mine...I love the way the micarta feels. My blade is not centered
and I tried my usual technique to no effect. It is fine and in no danger of hitting
the scales...so no worries. Action was ridiculously too tight on arrival.
Adjustment fixed that...perfect now. The lock sticks when opened hard...I hope that improves over time.
All grinds are good, wicked toothy sharp edge.
It is now my favorite grip...it is not flashy, has my favorite steel, and micarta
rocks. Not perfect as delivered...QA seems iffy.

But a solid working knife. I will report much later on how it holds up over time.
Knifeworks choose the materials well...good on them!
Click to expand...
Grips can be tougher to re-center due to the nested liners . I have a hard time with copy/paste on my phone (power's out), but try this link to see if my technique or Jimmy's help.

Edit: Link seems to work sporadically, so I'll fix it when we get power back. In the meantime, go to the Benchmade Forum and look for Centering a Benchmade Blade.
 
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