Benchmade 551 compared to Kershaw Blur which do you prefer?

I prefer the Blur. Recurves aren't very hard for me to sharpen, and I love the solid feel of aluminum handles. I'm a big Ken Onion fan, so I may be biased.

The Blur's ergos are awesome for my hands, and the thumbstuds are probably my favorite of any knife. The steel choices, handle colors and blade shapes really give you plenty of options so you can find what works for you. On top of all that, you still get a made in USA product with awesome warranty for well under the cost of a Grip.

Also, have you ever tried a de-assisted Blur? Buttery smooth.
 
Do you own a Spyderco Endura 4 yet? Maybe worth looking into if not...though I'm sure you know all about them already. Love my Spyderco knife!
 
Tried a 551 a couple of times and while nice the plastic handles and thicker shape made it not for me. The blur has so many color options, handle material options, blade options, and steels along with the ability to de assist put it at the top for me. My favorite aspect is actually being able to easily franken blur to make the knife I really want. Ive actually been "harder" using a franken blur for work the past 2 years even though I could use one of my ZT's. Its the perfect size for my tasks along with being nice and thin in the pocket. Its cut cardboard, drywall, plastic 5 gallon buckets, zip ties, tin cans, cement bags, batted insulation, striping wire, notching wood, carving etc...
Its de assisted made up of a brown sg2 handle and a dlc green cf 14c28n blade. Ive never had it or any of my other blurs for that matter fold on my hand and I have never hesitated to "harder" use it. Its taken all ive thrown at it and still looks and performs great.

My vote is obviously blur but im sure 0551 would suit your needs just as well. Try both and form your own opinion is the best route in these type of situations.
 
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That's a tough one. I also have both and carry each of them regularly. I would give the edge to the Griptilian. I love the axis lock and no one beats the Benchmade warranty.
 
HOKIE_FAN said:
That's a tough one. I also have both and carry each of them regularly. I would give the edge to the Griptilian. I love the axis lock and no one beats the Benchmade warranty.
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I would beg to differ. Lifetime warranty, free parts, and $10 blade replacements.. Not saying Kershaw warranty is better, but I certainly doubt its worse.
 
celtic11 said:
I would beg to differ. Lifetime warranty, free parts, and $10 blade replacements.. Not saying Kershaw warranty is better, but I certainly doubt its worse.
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OK. 2 weeks ago I sent my 551 Griptilian (10 years old) with the older 440c blade to the Benchmade Lifesharp program just to have it sharpened. I got it back 10 days later with the spring, screws, clip replaced AND they put a brand new 154cm blade on it for me. Total charge was $0.
I did not know that Kershaw did $10 blade replacements. Tha's good to know.
 
HOKIE_FAN said:
OK. 2 weeks ago I sent my 551 Griptilian (10 years old) with the older 440c blade to the Benchmade Lifesharp program just to have it sharpened. I got it back 10 days later with the spring, screws, clip replaced AND they put a brand new 154cm blade on it for me. Total charge was $0.
I did not know that Kershaw did $10 blade replacements. Tha's good to know.
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That's awesome. I've only had to send two Kershaw knives in for warranty. A $30 Cryo and a $20 select fire. Both needed sharpened and new thumbs tubs. I received two brand new knives. I'm glad Benchmade took care of you. I stand by my statement that KAIs warranty is just as good.
 
Between the full size grip and the blur, I'd go with the blur. However, between the mini grip and the blur I would go with the mini grip 100%. The mini grip also happens to be my EDC. You just can't beat it's size and utility for EDC.
 
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