Actually it's the 550sod combo-edge olive drab Griptilian.
Why olive drab?
Because it was a much welcomed break from the sea of black handled "tactical" knives found in every knife store.
The olive drab really gives the knife a military flavor and would look right at home on a Soldier's or Marine's uniform.
The diamond checkering and handle design reminds me somewhat of a pistol grip.
At first glance the handle looks rather large and thick, however it's only about 3/16" thicker than my Spyderco FRN Endura, and it's 1/4" shorter than the Endura.
The handle is comfortable and fills the hand in a nice way. It is also easy to carry in the pocket of my jeans, although it might be a tad thick for IWB carry.
The texturing on the handle afford an excellent grip without being too abrasive.
Although the knife looks heavy it is actually only 3.25oz. This is because the Noryl GTX slabs (similar to FRN) have ribs inside instead of being solid. While the ribbed slabs are very strong and rigid themselves, there are also dual steel liners filling about 3/4 of the handle. It is similar to the setup used in the Benchmade 720, 721, and 722 knives. The handle has only the slightest hint of flex.
I really like the blade-shape. Benchmade and Mel Pardue (the designer) call it a "modified sheepsfoot". I have used the same blade-shape on my 555 Mini-Griptilian and have been very pleased with its performance.
It has plenty of belly and a VERY strong tip and it is flat ground too. It's a very good design for all-around utility, and I'm certain that it would work just fine for self defense if need be.
The blade-steel is 440C hardened to 58-60HRC which is slightly harder that AUS-8 and just below ATS-34 and 154CM. I've used 440C in the past and it holds an edge very well and is not too hard to sharpen either.
The oval thumb-hole, while not quite as good as Spyderco's round hole, is large and easy to use, even when wearing leather work gloves.
The entire blade is about 1/2" shorter than the Endura's but the cutting edge is only 1/8" less than the Endura's.
There's not much I can say about the Axis-lock that has'nt been said before: it's very strong, very reliable, and very easy to use (for lefties as well as righties).
Benchmade uses metal washers instead of nylon ones so it's built for durability.
The clip is the standard Benchmade type, which is one of the best designed clips around (IMHO). It can be switched form right to left but allows tip-up carry only. The clip is secured to the handle with three screws. The screws are mated to metal receivers implanted in the Noryl GTX slabs.
My overall impression of the 550 Griptilian is that it's a tough, well thought-out and well made, and very capable work knife.
The fine blade-steel, the very strong handle design, the Axis-lock, and the very affordable price all make the 550 a real winner and very hard to beat.
This might just be THE BEST production work knife for the money.
I'll have to see how it performs in the long run.
Good luck,
Allen.
Why olive drab?
Because it was a much welcomed break from the sea of black handled "tactical" knives found in every knife store.
The olive drab really gives the knife a military flavor and would look right at home on a Soldier's or Marine's uniform.
The diamond checkering and handle design reminds me somewhat of a pistol grip.
At first glance the handle looks rather large and thick, however it's only about 3/16" thicker than my Spyderco FRN Endura, and it's 1/4" shorter than the Endura.
The handle is comfortable and fills the hand in a nice way. It is also easy to carry in the pocket of my jeans, although it might be a tad thick for IWB carry.
The texturing on the handle afford an excellent grip without being too abrasive.
Although the knife looks heavy it is actually only 3.25oz. This is because the Noryl GTX slabs (similar to FRN) have ribs inside instead of being solid. While the ribbed slabs are very strong and rigid themselves, there are also dual steel liners filling about 3/4 of the handle. It is similar to the setup used in the Benchmade 720, 721, and 722 knives. The handle has only the slightest hint of flex.
I really like the blade-shape. Benchmade and Mel Pardue (the designer) call it a "modified sheepsfoot". I have used the same blade-shape on my 555 Mini-Griptilian and have been very pleased with its performance.
It has plenty of belly and a VERY strong tip and it is flat ground too. It's a very good design for all-around utility, and I'm certain that it would work just fine for self defense if need be.
The blade-steel is 440C hardened to 58-60HRC which is slightly harder that AUS-8 and just below ATS-34 and 154CM. I've used 440C in the past and it holds an edge very well and is not too hard to sharpen either.
The oval thumb-hole, while not quite as good as Spyderco's round hole, is large and easy to use, even when wearing leather work gloves.
The entire blade is about 1/2" shorter than the Endura's but the cutting edge is only 1/8" less than the Endura's.
There's not much I can say about the Axis-lock that has'nt been said before: it's very strong, very reliable, and very easy to use (for lefties as well as righties).
Benchmade uses metal washers instead of nylon ones so it's built for durability.
The clip is the standard Benchmade type, which is one of the best designed clips around (IMHO). It can be switched form right to left but allows tip-up carry only. The clip is secured to the handle with three screws. The screws are mated to metal receivers implanted in the Noryl GTX slabs.
My overall impression of the 550 Griptilian is that it's a tough, well thought-out and well made, and very capable work knife.
The fine blade-steel, the very strong handle design, the Axis-lock, and the very affordable price all make the 550 a real winner and very hard to beat.
This might just be THE BEST production work knife for the money.
I'll have to see how it performs in the long run.
Good luck,
Allen.
