Recommendation? Alternative to Benchmade 550-1?

Smaug

Smaug

Joined
Jun 30, 2003
Messages
1,797
I'm having a hankering for this knife. It seems to have everything just perfect for me:
  • Opening hole is preferred to a stud; better for through-slicing
  • Nice action
  • Nice steel
  • Nice looks
  • Nice ergos
  • Medium thickness blade stock
  • Made in USA
On the other hand, the rational part of me is thinking $190 is a LOT. I would be just as happy with the normal Griptilian with aftermarket scales. (stock are too abrasive to the pocket, even if they are grippy)

I have a lot of Spydercos, and they're nice, but I prefer the Axis Lock to the Compression Lock, and I don't like their super thick blade stock on their higher end models.

Maybe a higher-end, US-made Kershaw?

Or a higher-end Boker?

What else is out there closer to $100 that might scratch the itch?
 
I'd check out the Hogue Ritter on knifeworks. Has thumb studs unfortunately and is about $150 but in my opinion it's a much better Griptilian at a way better price if that's the knife you're eyeing.
 
Man... if you had any interest in a smaller knife, the 555-1 was just discontinued. Can find them for a very nice price at participating dealers. Better hurry though if that appeals to you... some popular retailers are already out of stock.
 
Deinos said:
Man... if you had any interest in a smaller knife, the 555-1 was just discontinued. Can find them for a very nice price at participating dealers. Better hurry though if that appeals to you... some popular retailers are already out of stock.
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I don't remember the Model #, but I have the same one with the black FRN handle and 154CM blade. I can't justify having two of the same or upgrading just for the blade steel or handle.
 
I recommend Hogue Ritter as well, which is about $30 cheaper than the Benchmade counterpart with basically the same materials. However, in my experience one is not necessarily having better quality than the other, definitely not much better.
 
Well, given your specifications why not take a look at the Spyderco Manix 2? The blade stock is the same or slightly thinner than my 20CV fullsize Griptillian, it sports a thumbhole opening, runs on the caged ball bearing lock which is as close as you get to an Axis lock without being a direct copy (and yes i know the patent is expired now) and the clincher: it currently is street priced around 120$ for the S30v G-10 version.

It is made in the Golden Colorado factory USA, S30V is no slouch in cutting according to some very good testers like Larrin on this site which has it competing with previously thought of "superior" steels like 20CV, and the price sits well behind the Benchmade equivalent at nearly 190$. It is probably one of the last remaining "good value" spyderco models after repeated price hikes.
 
c7m2p3 said:
Well, given your specifications why not take a look at the Spyderco Manix 2? The blade stock is the same or slightly thinner than my 20CV fullsize Griptillian, it sports a thumbhole opening, runs on the caged ball bearing lock which is as close as you get to an Axis lock without being a direct copy (and yes i know the patent is expired now) and the clincher: it currently is street priced around 120$ for the S30v G-10 version.

It is made in the Golden Colorado factory USA, S30V is no slouch in cutting according to some very good testers like Larrin on this site which has it competing with previously thought of "superior" steels like 20CV, and the price sits well behind the Benchmade equivalent at nearly 190$. It is probably one of the last remaining "good value" spyderco models after repeated price hikes.
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I've got one in BD1; love it. Only thing is that it's pretty wide in the pocket, so it doesn't get carried as much as I'd like.
 
Smaug said:
I've got one in BD1; love it. Only thing is that it's pretty wide in the pocket, so it doesn't get carried as much as I'd like.
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Got it, so looking for something a bit smaller. A para 3 is a bit less tall in the pocket but obviously running a different lock with the compression lock and the blade stock is a bit on the thick size given the blade overall length. If you are not opposed to lock backs you could look at the FRN Chapparal from spyderco. I believe it is made in taiwan but runs very nice CTS XHP steel, is much smaller in pocket, and utilizes a thumb hole.

Outside of Benchmade and Spyderco lineups it is pretty hard to find production blades running a true thumb hole, there are plenty using ovals or other designs to get around the spydie patent there. How much are you willing to spend and how wedded are you to thumb hole/lock type?
 
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