Benchmade 551

S

Seanski

Joined
Nov 20, 2007
Messages
548
Guys/gals,

this is such a busy forum. I tried to look for my previous post on your thoughts on which Benchmade knife best represented what their knives are all about and received many responses all of which I appreciated hearing about.
I couldn't find that post it's been buried.

I finally got to handle a real life Benchmade knife in the flesh yesterday. Believe it or not up here in Canada they are one of the few companies we just haven't had access to up until now. Our knife shop in Vancouver bought the whole Benchmade lineup so the showcase is full!
I think my first purchase will be the 551. I quite like the look and function of it.

Thanks again,
Sean
 
Got a 551, and I love it. The axis lock is great, and is fun to flick open. It is my first BM, and will not be the last. Mine is in 154 CM that I find more than adequate.
 
Great choice. I have a mini grip (anything over 3 inch blade length can be considered a dangerous weapon here) and love it.
 
I'm guessing you paid a visit to Warriors and Wonders? I went last week and all the benchmade knives feel really good. I'm aching for a Benchmade 950 Rift right now....
 
The 950 is awesome. It is by far my favorite knife out of all that I have seen or own. I have 3 each with a different handle material. You won't be sorry.
 
I have a 551 just after i got my 615 (min rukus) so i've come used to the rukus axis lock.
The 551 is smoother than the 615 and overall i like the 551 more.

Just 1 thing annoys me, the 615 is a lot quieter than the 551 wich has a cheapy sounding noise wen flicked open.

But to cut it short, you can't go wrong with the grip, lots of people have it and lots of people love it.
 
The Grip is a little thick for my licking, maybe look at the slimmer 710.

Also, any House of Knives location in Canada has been stocking Benchmade knives for years, as have the Knifery and Cutting Edge stores in Calgary and Regina. Jay's place isn't the first to get Benchamde, in fact it's more like the last. Bout time, though :)
 
Jay's store is great though, everything feels more personal and friendly. Not knocking any house of knives guys here...

I like supporting the local guy too :D
 
I am a traditional slippie guy who wanted a one handed quick deploy knife with a pocket clip, (won't get that with a stockman with bone handles), so I bought the griptilian. I am very happy with the blade steel, and the action, and ease of deployment. I think the scale material has a cheap look, and feel to it. The weight is just fine. I may one day elect to find someone to mod it with a different scale material. I will buy more BM's.
 
My first BM was my 551 - in 440C - some 6 yr back. It wouldn't cut butter without heat, right out of the box, while my Bucks, Kershaws, and Spyderco's came as razors. Very aggravating for someone with a collection of sharpening stones who couldn't sharpen a double bevel. Great construction, however. I bought it in a local shop - and should have checked it.

I tried BM folders again this past spring - they must have a new sharpener - or QC guy - they are all sharp now (I have since acquired a 610, 630, 635BK, 710, and 760BK!). A Spydie 'Sharpmaker' brought the 551 back to life - finally. Great pocket knife (I don't like the clips...). My 710, although heavier/longer bladed, seems less bulky - and gets more EDC duties. The 551's grip is sharply stippled - you won't let go easily - may fuzz the pants pockets, too. It can't measure up in that regard to the old sandpaper sided Kershaw Blurs, of course. The 710 rides easily in my back pocket, while the 551 seems to bulge more. Operationally, my 551 has a slicker AXIS lock - no doubt eased by many more uses. The 710 is sharper - and a great user, which it should be - it lists for 65% more!

It'll be a great no-apologies 'starter' BM - just check it for sharpness - and accept the fact that there will be more...

Stainz

PS I was not totally inept at sharpening - my wood turning chisels, etc, and carvers were kept razor sharp, easy as they have single bevels. When my double bevels got dull, they went in a drawer - and a new one took their place. Then I got the Sharpmaker - and emptied that drawer!
 
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