Benchmade 550 Griptilian-First impressions

USAFSP

USAFSP

Joined
Jul 2, 2000
Messages
2,357
I just recieved my pre-production Pardue 550 Griptilian yesterday. At first I though it looked kind of cheap, till I held it and worked the action. It is as of now, the smoothest BM knife I have had to date. The plastic handles are nice, and have good texturing on both sides. The pocket clip is reversable. The nice part about the reversable clip is, the screws go into the stainless liners. I like the fact that I don't have to worry about stripping the screw holes. The clip is also reversable, making this knife ambidextrous. Nice feature because I am a lefty. The blade is about 3 1/2" and has an oval shaped hole almost like the holes on the new AFCK. The blade is made out of 440C, and has a slight stonewashed apperence. I've seen Benchmade use this finish quite extensively lately on thier newer models. I personally like this steel. I wish more makers would use it. It has good edge holding capablities and rust resistance, and I feel is a much better choice than AUS-6 or GIN-1. The blade is almost a cross between a spear point and a sheeps foot. It's great for all around use. The knife comes complete with the Axis lock feature. I love that. Benchmade seemed to keep the same type of Axis lock liner it uses on the 720. The best part of all this jabbering I just did, is the knife is inexpensive. It's well under $100!! I feel that Benchmade is going to do very well with this knife. Today, I cut apart 10 boxes at work, and the knife performed flawlessly! I can't wait to use it for other chores. This is definatley a great user.
 
I just got to play around with a pre production combo edge at a gun store today! It was a great knife for 69.99! It was VERY solid and comfortable. I am looking forward to getting one in plainedge!
 
I got the combo edged one. I couldn't wait for a plain one, it was to cool. I hope they make one in the new BC-1 coating.
 
I'd appreciate a comparison to a Spyderco Endura as well - where is the balance point?

My Endura balances quite nicely around my index finger without being blade heavy. I tried a Boker Gemini (liner lock with plastic handles) and the thing was too blade heavy (the weight of the plastic handles and slim single liner couldn't counteract the weight of the blade)... I suspect that the 550 is also blade heavy unless the liners go all the way thru the length of the knife?

Thanks,
Daniel.
 
It's been a little more than a week since I have been carrying the 550. I have used it for everything. Cutting everything from boxes to bananas. I love this knife. I thought I would put it away in favor for my new 735, but I can't put it down. I have had the Spyderco Endura. I think the 550 is superior to it. The 440C blade is just awesome. The axis lock and action are as smooth as can be. I couldn't be happier. As far as when it will be released, I don't know. The shop I work at got 5 of em' in last week. I guess that means they are available. Looking for a dealer is well worth it. You won't be sorry.
 
Just got mine today! 197/1000 First Production. It is plain edge and SLICK! What a great knife! It really fits well in my hand and the action is SMOOTH and SOLID! Zero blade play! Roger at Bayou LaFourche shot me this one out so I assume the brick-n-mortar stores have them now. I got it because of 440Cs reputation for rust resistance (and I'll need that in the tropics) I am really looking forward to putting this through its paces.
 
As soon as I heard about this knife, I knew I had to have one. I'm going to wait until I can handle it, but I love the idea BM is once again using different stainless steels, such as 440C and Gin-1, as an alternative.

I also like the looks of this knife. There is a very slight resemblance in the photos to the very old Spyderco Terzuola sheepsfoot model, though to me the 550 looks more like a modified drop point.
Jim
 
How does edge holding appear to be in relation to other steels?

Are the steel liners the same thickness as the other axis locks? If so it should be plenty strong even with the zytel overlays.

This looks like it might be an excellent duty knife. Should be tough and dependable, but not so expensive that I wont want to really use it.

------------------
Dennis Bible

....Almost here, The Leading Edge....
http://www.theleadingedgeonline.com
 
Got my first production run Griptilian today. Mine is plain edge. Here are my first impressions.

This is one of the smoothest opening folders I have seen. I am amazed at just how smooth it is. The oval hole works, but I strongly prefer the round hole. I understand that Benchmade made a business decision to not use the round hole so as not to pay Spyderco royalties. This is a viable business decision. The round hole works better but we cant have everything we want
wink.gif
. Lockup is excellent. There is no blade play in any direction. The grip is very ergonomic. It really fills the hand and the texture on the grip seems to hold onto your hand. I don't know how comfortable they will be under periods of extended use. Time will tell. The blade is shaving sharp. Something I expect from Spyderco, but not necessarily Benchmade. Hopefully they have improved their sharpening skills. I plan on carrying the Griptilian on duty for awhile as it seems to fill my duty-knife requirements:

1. A locking system that is reliable and strong.

2. ergonomic

3. A steel that is serviceable

4. Easily replaceable (inexpensive enough that I won't cry if I break or use it)

Initially I believe that the Griptilian offers a lot of value.

------------------
Dennis Bible

....Almost here, The Leading Edge....
http://www.theleadingedgeonline.com

[This message has been edited by shootist16 (edited 05-17-2001).]
 
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