Anyone got a BM Griptilian Tanto?

OilMan

OilMan

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May 6, 2004
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Just wondering what your thoughts were on the Benchmade Tanto Grip? I've got two other Grips, a 551 I think and the black bladed, oval opening hole, modified sheepsfoot model. I really like Grips but wasn't sure on the Tanto. So, if anyone has used one what were your thoughts on it?

Here's a link to the model I'm talking about.
http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=553

TIA,

oil

edit: forgot a t
 
I have a BM Tanto Grip. It was my second knife I bought basically. I bought it to be my first AXIS, and I love the axis on it, but if I were doing it over I would not get the Tanto shape. I got it because it was different and neat-looking. But it's not very useful at all. I'll admit I'm not a very heavy knife user, I just use them for small every day tasks, but the blade shape just isn't that helpful. I haven't found anything that it can do better than one of my other knives with a different blade shape. I mean I can do everything with it, it's just not quite as quick and smooth. So unless you've got a specific reason you want the tanto, I wouldn't.

Like I said, if I were doing it again I would not get the tanto.
 
Thanks for your review Inquizator, I don't find the American tanto especially useful either, I just like tantos. Odd that my main go to knives are real pointy tantos or wharncliffs anymore. They seem to be just about the exact opposite in performance. Anywho. Anyone else have an opinion?

thanks,

oil
 
I have a partially serrated 553. I am kinda in the same boat as you, I just like tantos. The blade shape does come in very handy for certain tasks though. I stripped the paint off some very old moldings in my house, and found this knife worked great at getting the last bits of paint out of the hard to reach areas. Its a good whittler too. Very precise. Also, if you want to spend a few more bucks and can find one, check out the now discontinued all-metal 722. Its a little more compact than the 553 and uses 154cm steel.
 
OilMan said:
I just like tantos.

oil
Click to expand...

I'm in the same boat. I have the black blade Tanto grip in large and small sizes. The knives are great for hard work where slashing and penetration are paramount (think, yard work, clearing weeds, hacking at lmbs, etc.) As an edc, IMHO, they seem to be a bit awkward for use. After carrying mine for a few weeks, I've grown accustomed to, and can even appreciate, the blade shape. The tanto grip is great for those hard (some may use the word tactical here) jobs, but in house, I prefer the modified sheepsfoot blade. Hope this helps.
 
Just as a note, the tanto will be very thick due to the saber grind. You might not have considered this but the blade has reached its full width before you get a third or the way up from the edge. So it will start thick and get thicker with sharpening. Just expect this. It is actually a good thing for rough tasks.
 
Zerileous said:
You might not have considered this but the blade has reached its full width before you get a third or the way up from the edge.
Click to expand...

Looking at mine it's more like halfway up, but he does have a good point. Full thickness is indeed reached at only halfway up the blade from the edge.
 
Thanks for the replies guys. I think I'll end up with one but not immediately.

thanks again for your input,

oil
 
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