555 Question

T

TXR

Joined
Dec 26, 2017
Messages
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Great information in this forum, guys. Thanks to all of you for your input. I've been lurking for a few weeks and you guys have helped me figure out exactly what I'm looking for, but I have a question that some of you might be able to answer.

I'm upgrading my knife budget a little bit from the Kershaws that I normally EDC, and I'm looking for my first Benchmade. I'm pretty sure that a Mini Grip in a plain edge sheepsfoot is exactly what I need. However, I really like the looks of the oval thumb hole better.

I've checked some of the smaller brick and mortar stores to see if I could luck into some new old stock oval holes, but I guess they've been discontinued for too long. But, I can't find out exactly how long they've been out of production.

If it's been too long for any chance of finding a new one in a small store that doesn't move much volume, I'll just give up and go with the round hole. Similarly, if the ovals have any collector value, I'm not interested. I'm planning for this to be an EDC/user, so I wouldn't want to deprive a collector of having a new one.

Can anybody remember exactly when they switched over to the round hole? Should I just give up on finding a new one and settle for the round hole?
 
Can't help you with pretty much any of your questions, but I'd advise you check the exchange on this site occasionally if you're dead set on the older style. I've seen them pop up often enough here.

Another thing I'd take into consideration is their new G10/20CV models(you can also find these on the exchange for unbelievably good prices!). The jump from 154cm to 20CV is huge. I don't mind their stock scales, but I'd pick 20CV over 154 any day.
 
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It's been a long time. I haven't seen any new ones for a few years now. Last one I saw was at Franklin's in Athens, GA. You could give 'em a call and ask, but I wouldn't hold my breath. I'd recommend the new 555-1 like McFeeli does. It's a round hole, but it works very well as an opener... better than the oval did in my hands.
 
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Thanks for the input, everyone. You guys have convinced me that I'm spinning my wheels looking for a NOS oval hole, so I'll probably just go ahead and pull the trigger on a round hole.

As to the upgrade, I'm one of those that just can't see the value in that for my situation. I work outside and this will be an EDC user for me, and admittedly, some of my 'use' would be considered 'abuse' by some of you blade purists.

Additionally, the price of the 555-1 gets me into 940 territory, so that would create an additional decision-making dilemma for me (because I kinda want one of those, anyway). I think I'll just start out with the 154 in the 555 Mini and see how well I like the axis platform before I invest any more.

Thanks again, guys. A lot of lurkers like me never register to say thanks, but are helped tremendously by being able to read all of your input. This site is a goldmine of information for blade enthusiasts and users/abusers, as well. Nicely done.
 
Yeah the oval hole will be hard to find and has been discontinued for a long time. Welcome to the forum TXR!
 
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