Benchmade 550 Pardue Griptilian

Dexter Ewing · Apr 25, 2001

According to a Benchmade rep, the Pre-Production models of Mel Pardue's model 550 Griptilian have just begun shipping out to brick-and-mortar dealers.

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kutch133 · Apr 25, 2001

Any pics?

Dexter Ewing · Apr 26, 2001

They've got one en route for me to check out. Scans later!

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Proud member: AKTI, NCCKG, NCKK, and SCAK

Living life on the edge

Dexter Ewing · Apr 26, 2001

The 550S Griptilian. 3.5" 440C stainless blade. Axis Lock inside of molded Zytel-like scales which are heavily textured for a sure grip and contoured for comfort.

The knife closed. Clip carries tip up and can be switched to the opposite side of the handle

The prototype and pre-production runs of the 550 will sport the Griptilian logo. Regular production models won't.

Overall this is a very nice lightweight piece. Tipping the scales at 3.25 ounces, it carries very well. Opens FAST! The oval hole is easy to get at and the Axis Lock is snot-on-a-doorknob smooth

MSRP? $95. Shipping out to Benchmade brick and mortar dealers now.

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Proud member: AKTI, NCCKG, NCKK, and SCAK

Living life on the edge

Dr. Evil · Apr 26, 2001

Going after the Endura market, eh?

Codeman · Apr 27, 2001

Is the opening as smooth as the BM 940's? The blade almost looks like it was taken off of a Spyderco Wegner.

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sw3253 · Apr 30, 2001

I just went out to my local military surplus store -- browsing the knife display -- when lo and behold, I came across a pre-production Griptillian. Of course, I had to play with it. I'm ususally not too fond of knives with Zytel handles, but this knife was smoooooth. I didn't buy it, because I'm not looking to buy a new knife just yet, but I can say that it was very well made, very smooth, the thumb notch works well,the Axis lock rocks and the price isn't bad. Good job Benchmade!

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UW Mitch · May 1, 2001

Codeman,

I just held my Spyderco Wegner up to the monitor...almost an exact match except for part of the spine and the oval hole...

~Mitch

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Jason Burns · May 2, 2001

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by sw3253:
I just went out to my local military surplus store -- browsing the knife display -- when lo and behold, I came across a pre-production Griptillian. Of course, I had to play with it. I'm ususally not too fond of knives with Zytel handles, but this knife was smoooooth. I didn't buy it, because I'm not looking to buy a new knife just yet, but I can say that it was very well made, very smooth, the thumb notch works well,the Axis lock rocks and the price isn't bad. Good job Benchmade!

</font>

What was the price on the pre-pro model??

sw3253 · May 3, 2001

Jason,
The price on the pre-production model that I saw was $80. After handling other knives with Zytel handles, I can honestly say (IMHO)that this one was worth the price.

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Jason Burns · May 3, 2001

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by sw3253:
Jason,
The price on the pre-production model that I saw was $80. After handling other knives with Zytel handles, I can honestly say (IMHO)that this one was worth the price.

</font>

Thanks! I actually found one at a gun store today! It was a prepro combo edge with the logo on the blade. It was 69.95! The knife IS as tight as a bank vault! It is "thicker" than I expected but it feels great in the hand. I'm gonna wait for the plain edge though!