Benchmade finally releases the G-10 Griptilian

elkins45

elkins45

Joined
Jun 17, 2006
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...only they decided to call it the Bone Collector instead.

This thing is essentially a G-10 Grip with full liners. It really feels like the Wilkins Grip but with full liners. It's a thick, heavy one! The apparent size difference in the photo is a trick of perspective- they are essentially the same size.

Those of you who have lusted after the Wilkins Grips can now just buy a 15020 and get the knife for free!

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The 15020 is not quite a G-10 Grip. Much of the 15020's design is carried over from the BM520 Presidio with changes to the blade style and scales. The similarities in appearance are likely due to the fact that the same guy designed the Grip and 520. The use of a round-hole opener also makes the 550 Grip and 15020 look similar.
The 15020 is an awesome knife. Definitely one of the best large EDC's BM makes.
 
I don't like thumbholes or hollowgrinding :(

I wonder how hard it would be to swap the blade with one from a 551
 
John E Woven said:
I don't like thumbholes or hollowgrinding :(

I wonder how hard it would be to swap the blade with one from a 551
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I'll hardly own a knife without a thumbhole. I guess that's why they make both kinds. I have no strong opinion on hollow grinding, though if Bob Loveless thinks it's the way to make a knife then who am I to argue?

I would be very surprised if the lock geometries are exactly the same...although that would be a smart idea on Benchmade's part because it would simplify their overall production design somewhat.
 
I like thumbholes more then studs as it's more streamlined. Everything just flows smoother with the hole instead of the stud.
 
You can put a Persidio blade in a Bone Collector.

I love the handle and D2 steel in the Bone Collectors, not a Michael Waddell fan... Or a fan of the thumbhole. If it had a stud I bet I could live with it...
 
displacedtexan said:
You can put a Persidio blade in a Bone Collector.

I love the handle and D2 steel in the Bone Collectors, not a Michael Waddell fan... Or a fan of the thumbhole. If it had a stud I bet I could live with it...
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I'd never heard of Michael Waddell before this knife, and i HATE the name and the stupid logo with the skull hidden in it--is he collecting human bones? I just don't get it. If I keep it I'm going to take the Scotchbrite belt to it and make the idiotic logo and name disappear.
 
The Bone Collector is exceptionally stout and smooth. Mine came with an even, 40-degree, not-so-sharp edge, which I reprofiled to 30 degrees with a mirrored edge. The D2 steel takes a beautiful edge. The handle fills your hand. It reminds me more of a Rift than a Grip, but they are close. The sculpted G10 scales are more solid and feel better than the Wilkins' scales, which I love.

The blade has a high (saber) flat grind. The spine is thicker than the Ritter Grip. The point seems quite a bit stronger, while still functioning as a point.

I can't find anything about this knife that I'd change. Each feature contributes to the knife's total function. It's very, very good.
 
elkins45 said:
I'd never heard of Michael Waddell before this knife, and i HATE the name and the stupid logo with the skull hidden in it--is he collecting human bones? I just don't get it. If I keep it I'm going to take the Scotchbrite belt to it and make the idiotic logo and name disappear.
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He's a professional hunter. I've seen his show. Wasn't that impressed. Plus, you can't eat antlers:D
 
elkins45 said:
I have no strong opinion on hollow grinding, though if Bob Loveless thinks it's the way to make a knife then who am I to argue?
.
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It's not really the hollow ground part as much as the weird semi reverse tanto bladeshape. it doesn't do anything for me.
 
The Bone Collector is flat ground. I agree its a hell of a value. I own it, a bunch of regular grips and a wilkins ritter and I will say that it has all the functionality of the wilkins for a lot less money. It doesn't have quite the fit and finish of Wilkins grips but its not too far behind.
 
It is flat ground, and it is a drop point. The D2 steel is 60-62. It's a little heavy at 5.6 oz, but it is also solid and the contoured G10 scales are thick.

It's just slightly larger than the full-size Ritter Grip, but thicker and heavier in almost every regard.
 
I am still waiting for mine. +- 5weeks away. Damn I want this knife.

For those that have not heard, there are a few people that have swopped the Presidio blade with that of the Bone Collector handle. One with the presidio handle and 15020 blade. HCross forum linking is usually not recommended so just google Presidio/Bone Collector Hybrid & Wilkins Grip.

The 550HG is one of my favorite knives ever, so I am bound to love the 15020.
 
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