Battle of the Griptillians

I prefer the model with the hole to the model with the studs. A hole seems to give me better control when opening. I've nicked my thumb a few times when it slid off a stud and I wasn't paying attention when trying to regain the stud to finish opening. Never had that happen with a Spyderco or other knife with a hole.

That being said, the only Griptilian I've ever owned was the one with studs. I wasn't crazy about the balance due to the lightweight handle so I stopped carrying it years ago. Seems that's the main gripe about the Griptilian--the handle. Maybe Benchmade should consider a second, standard factory upgraded Griptilian line with full liners. But you can't argue with the success of the standard model as is.
 
I prefer the thumb stud to the hole but I like the blade shape of the Ritter over the standard 556 blade.

AWT scales on my Ritter Mini.

6ecb95f4f7c6b2a97b6a8599717605e5.jpg
 
Here are my two large Griptilians, a 551SBK and a 550HG. I ended up preferring the blade shape of the 551 over the 550 so when I sent in my 551 for a new blade, I went ahead and sent in the 550HG for a 551 blade too.

NrxElyr.jpg


Here they are now, with my mini-griptilian.

ksR5Xwc.jpg
 
I really like my Ritter mini-Grip for it's M390 steel and blade shape. I like the thumb studs and am used to them on my other Benchmades. Mine wears some Applied Weapon Tech aluminum scales. I got dark burned bronze as a blemished item from their site for about $50

Photo%20Sep%2015%2C%203%2009%2005%20PM.jpg


Photo%20Sep%2015%2C%203%2009%2015%20PM.jpg
 


Sorry for this photo but is is the only photo of all three in one shot. While I have all three I never carry the Tanto blade but carry the other two more than any other knife I own. Of the two I do carry I the Hole blade more than the stud. Can not give you a definitive answer as to why but It has become my go to knife when I am working around the house and , before I retired, it was with me everyday I went to work. We all have our personal tastes but I will reach past the others in this photo's and the few I have added since to grab the Grip. For the money, size, shape, it is a hard to beat knife. Just my .02.
Frank.
 
I have three versions as follows. Can't say which is best as each of them are different.
1) 551-1502, S30V MDP Satin Blade.
2) 550 - BK, 154CM Sheeps Foot Black blade.
3) 556 - 154CM MDP Satin Blade.

Advantage of the hole compared with thumbstuds is that the blade won't catch anything. With thumbstud blade, can't really use the full length due to the protusions. Furthermore with thumb studs, certain sharpening systems may not be suitable as the choil is very near to the handles thus difficult the sharpen the heel of the blade.
The sheeps foot blade have a nice curve on the blade and very suited for food prep.
I am assuming that the standard handles are black in colour. I have a desert tan version (556), but it sheds after some usage usually around the corners. And it is black underneath. The black handles seems to hold up very well though.
Satin hardware is preferable, especially the axis lock. I have a black version but will wear upon usage. Satin ones no issue.
The 556 is ideal if u need a <3" blade. Its slim and very edc-able.
 
Last edited:
jec88 said:
I like the looks of that one. Is the sand colored scales wearing off and black underneath? Didn't know they would wear like that, looks good.

I have a 555 mini with 154 cm with the half serrated black coated blade and olive drab scales. I got it for Christmas last year and it has gotten carried most days along with another knife. If I pick up another, I'd probably not get the partially serrated, but it does come in handy. It's almost like having 2 blades in one where I can use the serrated for opening stuff and saving the plain edge part for finer cuts. I like the black coating and like how it wears off with use.
Guys, this is probably Benchmade heresy, but the only other bm I have is a 940 I picked up and I honestly carry the mini over the 940 because (I know I'm the minority), but I actually prefer the frn! Just has to do with carrying a Bucklite for years and it's good stuff. Add liners to frn and it's even better.
I might ask for another for Christmas, maybe a Cabelas or I might try to warm up to my 940 again, because my 11 year old son is really wanting my mini...........but I'm really becoming a believer in benchmade.
Click to expand...

I didn't know they'd wear like that either, but when they started, it really made me dig the look of the knife. The Sand color started wearing off about 2 years ago and since then it's just gotten worse. But I really like the contrast it delivers, and you don't see too many Griptilians wear like that :thumbup:
 
I prefer the thumb studs to the hole on my Griptilians. I agree with other posters that the hole gives more control while opening, but I'm not looking for that extra control when using my Griptilians. I prefer the thumb flick my Griptilians and that is easier for me with the studs. I do like the thumb hold for opening on Spyderco's lockbacks where I keep control of the blade the entire arc of opening.
 
I had a tough time deciding which tyoe of steel I wanted for this knife. But since I preferred the coated blade, the blade will be the 154cm Steel (Non-Coated nets you the N680 Steel).

One thing I liked about ordering straight from the Benchmade Manufacturer website was the ability to customize (you can even engrave letters, patterns, and pictures on the blade and/or the handle).

Has anyone opted for the N680 steel? I would appericiate if anyone can compare the 154cm and the N680 (since I dont own a N680 steel blade... I think.)?
 
I am a spyderco junkie but I have been wanting to try one of these 550HG for along time now but everytime I get ready to get one spyderco puts out something I cant live without. However I went to pick up a lower at my LGS and they have a case of bench made grips at 85$-95 and. They appeared to be all black blade models with tan handles and a few black handles with some being tanto blades. I may go back and just get one for 85$, but which one is the question.

Nice pics in here guys.
 
IMG_20111_zpsculijovy.jpg
IMG_20101_zpsgmowtcof.jpg


These scales are from KSF. Not sure who is manufacturing them, but they are nice. Great swell in the middle, and very comfy with no hot spots. Not terribly grippy, but hand-filling, and solid as a rock.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top