Benchmade 551 Grip Steel???

S

savageman

Joined
May 27, 2005
Messages
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I am going to buy a 551 plain edge Grip in the next few days. I see that they come in two types of steel. The older version which is 440C and a new version for 2006 which is 154CM. Which of these two steels is the better choice?? I havn't worked with either of them. Thanks
 
Benchmade's 440C is a fine steel, but the 154CM is considered an "upgrade". Both have advantages and disadvantages, and you really can't do wrong with either.
 
I give a vote for 154CM. But, I have issues with 440C (but primarily, it is just too much of a pain to sharpen sometimes).
 
With all the acclaim and noise about 154CM over the past few years,
and it is an excellent steel,
I prefer the edge I get on 440C.

At the risk of being drawn and quartered here on BF, I'd recommend the 440C version. I've had Benchmades in both steels and like the 440C better.

But that's my opinion.
 
have you considerd the ritter gripper a wide flat blade much like the large sebbie and its s30v as well i have 2 one ive been using for the last 18months and one im saving incase i loose it i realy like this knife
 
I bought one in D2 from Cabaleas. Really like it. My son has a 440C bladed version and it's a very fine knife also. You can't go wrong no matter which one you choose.
Bob
 
I'll throw in for the 154CM, but honestly, I don't think you can go wrong in your choice here.

My favorite Grip is the Ritter M2, and my next choice would be the Cabela's D2, then the Ritter in S30 (I really like the shape of the Ritter blade!), and the regular in 154.

But 440C has been around for a long time, and thousands of knives have been used for years, made of 440C, without problem. In the end, the steel choice has more to do with heat treat by the maker, and Benchmade knows 440C as well as anyone.

Which one do you like better?
 
Yes, I guess I should have mentioned as others have, the Cabela's version in D2 and the Ritters in M2 and S30V.

The three steels are very different from each other, and with the different blade shape to the Ritter you have a lot of different choices!

(BTW, I eventually sold all my 154CM Benchmades and the ones I have now are all in 440C or D2.)
 
I just bought a griptillian 551 in 154cm plain edge. I think it should serve my purposes well enough!! Thanks
 
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