Benchmade 551H20 Griptilian. PICTURES!

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bladeboss

Joined
Mar 6, 2012
Messages
3,530
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I purchased this Griptilian about 3 weeks ago, and have carried it every day, except maybe 2 or 3 days.
It is also my first Benchmade, and i have to say that I am pleased.
Now for some specs.:
HANDLES:Valox
BLADE LENGTH:3.40" inches
BLADE MATERIAL:X15 TN high-corrosion resistant steel. (I believe it is French)
BLADE HARDNESS:58-60 HRC
CLOSED:4.62" inches
OPENED:8.07" inches
Size comparison:
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First impressions on this knife were pretty good. I loved how ALOT of information was printed right on the blade. The steel type, logo, model number, patent numbers, and best of all, U.S.A.!. Yes, this knife is made in the USA. I believe all Benchmades are now, and personally, I think it's awesome. :D
But, i digress.
The knife isn't small, but it is also not scary-looking. Nothing screams "TACTICAL!!!!" on this knife. The size in-no-way hinders EDC or public use.
The scales feel somewhat plastic-like, but the knife has heft. Not like bulkiness, heavy burden, but heft that indicates solid construction. The knife doesn't feel cheap, just the scales.
LOTS IF JIMPING (gimping?) EVERYWHERE! This knife truly is a GRIPtilian for sure!:D It's very comfortable.
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The blade is also nicely thick.
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The steel is designed for salt water, but i can't tell you much about rusting. I dont like getting my knives wet anyways, so i dont have much experience there. It holds an edge nicely though.
Sabre-grind cuts nicely. Even steak. :)
The tip is sharp, but doesnt seem delicate.
It also has the split-arrow type pocket clip, not the flat style clip that reads Benchmade.
The clip is strong, but wont rip up your pocket or get stuck. It is also stonewashed.
Rides pretty low. Not much sticks out.
Now, for some cons. The "pros" outweigh them though. :D
The pivot screw likes to turn itself loose with use, and created play. 5.5 turns of Teflon tape fixed that right up though.
The blade centering itn't perfect. Touches the other side sometimes when opening with the thumb stud. Not badly, but it is noticeable.
As you can see, the cons are minor issues.
Overall, this knife is a hit. I highly suggest checking it out in person and feeling the scales for yourselves first instead of listening to the nay-sayers. They really aren't that bad. Yeah, plastic-like, but not bendy or light like gas-station knives. A different kind of "plasticy" if that makes sense. Not worth switching them out like many people do.
Yes, i would recommend it to anyone.
9/10
 
I really like the look and feel my H20. I was a little disappointed in the blade centering also. It does not rub, but it is pretty flush to one side.
 
Have you tried to fix it? There are a few basic ways to do this without going to too much trouble.
 
I have just untightened and tightened several different ways that were demonstrated on youtube.
 
After tightening the pivot to make sure that isn't the issue, I've done this a few times & it's always worked: Get a firm grip on the handle & bend the blade toward the side that it's off-center towards when closed. Use light pressure at first, holding it for several seconds & closing it often to check on your progress. Gradually increase the pressure until it starts working, but check often so you don't over-shoot the mark. It does'nt take that long. Be careful with your grip for obvious reasons.
 
I've got the same Grip too and it rubs the handle a lot. Was just about to return it, but decided against it in the end, I just couldn't be bothered with the hassle. I tried to fix it, but to no avail.

I use the Grip as my fishing knife (sea-water fishing) and no rust so far. I'll do a full review when I've had it for a couple of months. So far it has performed admirably both as a edc knife and as a fishing knife.
 
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