Benchmade 551 "Griptillian"; Opinion(s)

A

Allen E. Treat

Banned
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Oct 4, 2001
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Here's (yet!) another purchase I'll be making on the 1st ; I would have opted for the 550 model but think I have enough "holes" with my
27 Spydies. What's the verdict?

AET
 
I have never been a great fan of "holes," but the 550 was a great choice for me. The hole in the 550 lends itself to ease of use.
 
Ive had one for little over a year, its a good cutter!! but can be a little bulky for everday carry. I find its a good hiking, camping knife. (mines a 550).
 
I had one. Really liked the blade shape better than the 550. I ended up giving it to someone at work and going back to the 550. I have a strong preferance to holes for opening a blade. Not to mention I had the thumbstuds catch on my pocket and partially open the blade while I was pulling the knife out.
 
best thing about them are the fullness in the handles and the price, makes a great working knife with plenty of grip and at their price you dont sweat using it.
 
The 551 is the knife I carry most often, although it is my designated "tactical" folder, so it sees no actual use. I chose this knife for this purpose because the handle fits my hand perfectly - it has a very full and well-rounded grip that will work in almost any grip style. Also, I have a lot of confidence in the Axis lock design. Because the grip doesn't have any pronounced cutouts or other features, it should probably work for most people, regardless of their hand size. [I should note that I removed the pocket clip.]

rev_jch thinks the knife is a little bulky, but it definitely is not heavy for a knife this size. I wear a suit or coat-and-tie most days and this knife doesn't bother me at all in my front pants pocket. I've heard only good things about BM's 440C from forumites who seem to know about such things, so I have no doubt that this knife would be a good using knife, and, as NGK points out, this knife is a good value, considering the practical design and Axis lock.

miguel
 
Griptilian 551 is my every day carry with urban jeans for pretty long time now. It sees plenty of daily use and I can say only good things about its performance. The size is just right for working piece, good grip, good blade shape, excellent value. Usually I like to list also minuses trying to be objective but in this case I don’t know what could I propose to improve.

In comparison with 550, I have both models. Although I definitely like opening hole over stud I carry 551 because of better working for me blade shape. There is nothing wrong with 551’s opening stud, the blade is wide enough and opens enough smoothly to do not cause my thumb sliding onto the edge at the end of opening movement. This sometimes occurs with narrow, stud equipped blades but here this point is OK.
 
grip_02.jpg
 
I recently got the 555 mini, and I am extremely pleased with it. Despite the handle material, the contruction is quite sturdy, with a nice fit and finish. The design has very nice lines, both open and closed.

I also discovered an added bonus of the hole opening: the blade is easliy flipped open with the index finger-- put your finger in the hole, then point! Add a minute wrist motion, and the blade is locked with the grip right where you want it super quick :eek: :eek:
Try it-- you'll like it.

I do think the stud on the 551/556 is set too far from the handle in the closed position; it can catch on your pocket.

Cheers!
 
Guys, the dealer at the Sports Authority showed me the 556 mini
and I like it BETTER ( it's also $30 less than the 551 ) although
I wish it had the combo edge :( But I'll live with it! By my very nature I like smaller blades ( no legal hassles & easier to conceal;))
noteworthy is my "fellow traveller" the Spyderco C29SBK "Cricket"
( and me having almost 50 knives in my collection ;))


AET
 
Great knife for the money(awesome bang for the buck). I have both the minis and the regular sizes and have no complaints. With the axis lock, I don't use the stud or hole to open them, I just pull back the lock and give it a very light flick and the knife is open instantly. Same with closing. I like the shape of the non hole version better (clip point). Josh
 
I've used a 551 for several months now. It's a tank. Holds an edge. Comfortale grip. Axis lock. Thumb stud. How can you go wrong?
 
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