Benchmade 551 H2O vs spyderco pacific salt

I was pondering the same two knives about a month ago and decided to go with the Pacific Salt, here's what I found in my reading:

551 H2O:
- Stronger lock (IMO easier to use)
- Better edge holding (in PE)
- Handle isn't as brightly colored (Orange vs Yellow)
- Handle is shorter, but fatter which for me is more ergonomic to use but not as comfortable in pocket
- Has 420J2 liners and more metal in general (more to rust)
- X15tn or N680 is very stainless, but still a rust resistant steel not rust proof

Pacific Salt:
- Better edge retention in SE
- Rust Proof Steel
- Linerless
- Ti pocket clip
- 420J2 back lock

Overall the Pacific Salt is more rust resistant/proof both blade steel and hardware, the Benchmade will have better edge retention in PE, but the Pacific Salt will have better edge retention in SE, you get a longer blade with the Salt, if I were set on only getting a PE blade I'd probably go with Benchmade and make sure to rinse my knife out at the end of the day with freshwater or no worry about it if use was in rivers/lakes. If its meant primarily for ocean I'd go SE Pacific Salt.

 

Research and see if there's any real-world use reports on the H2O yet. I exposed my one H1 blade to blood, salt & vinegar on various occasions. Just wiped it off and didn't worry aout it. Not a speck on it as of yet.

 

Necro thread bump.

 

Why?

 

Because I currently own both and wanted some feedback on them.

 

Well, OP ended up being a big fan of the Salt series as an avid fisherman and has collaborated with Spyderco on a fixed blade.

 

Yeah the OP's story took an interesting arc. I bet a lot of folks would like to have the same thing happen; ask a question, don't get an answer so you find out for yourself and wind up getting your knife made as a production piece.

 

Salt is better for fishing and activities in/near water.
Griptillian is better as overall EDC. IMO.
I also own both.

This needs some elaboration.

 

Benchmade has a lot more internals to get mucked up and the h1 steel is no slouch,Spyderco for the win...just my necro response

 

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco-WaterWay-Fixed-Blade-Knife--78714



And before that I think he had a lot of input on the Fish Hunter.

 

Danke elaborated further and shared OP's YouTube channel.

 

This needs elaboration. Thanks.

 

If you currently own both, why not form your own opinions? I guarantee the feedback will be conclusive (to you).

 

Sure did. After my post.

I find that the thinner blade and overall build of the Salt is better for gutting and prep of fish.

While the Griptillian is a much more all round good EDC. The handle and blade shape... It's a Griptillian with a very stainless steel. It's popular for a reason.

 

I’ve had an H20 since 2014. My only complaint is edge retention with the steel.

 

This is definitely true. It's pretty easy to sharpen it though.

 

Excellently put.

 

This is hilarious, Lance!