Benchmade Griptilian: 550 or 551?

Starfish

Starfish

Joined
Jun 14, 2001
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I know there are a lot of Griptilian fans here, so tell me - which do you prefer? The modified sheepsfoot 550, or the drop-point 551?

Inquiring minds want to know :)

Matthew
 
I think that they are both about the same, but I prefer the drop point and I much prefer the thumb studs to the oval hole.
 
BM550 - modified sheepsfoot. It has proved to be very a versatile blade shape for general use and doesn't seem to be too frightening to most people. Its bang-for-the-buck factor is impressive.
 
I'm torn, because I prefer the thumb hole, but like the drop point blade a little bit better. I have the 550 however, and I really do like it, so either way, you can't go wrong.
 
Originally posted by WrayH
BM550 - modified sheepsfoot. It has proved to be very a versatile blade shape for general use and doesn't seem to be too frightening to most people. Its bang-for-the-buck factor is impressive.
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BM550 - modified sheepsfoot, partially serrated with thumbhole is my choice. Nice blade, great handle. Folks don't know what to make of it, blade is good size, yet sheepsfoot is not as intimidating, yet that thumbhole and serrations form a reptilian look to the blade that says it means business.
 
Thanks for the replies so far.

I would have to agree that the sheepsfoot has a safer appearance. Does it give up too much in penetrating capability? One thing that I frequently use my knives for is to open the lid of cardboard food containers (think macaroni and cheese). Having a point that can slide in to position the knife for the cut is handy for that task. And, of course, opening envelopes, plastic wrap, etc. are other examples I can think of where a true sheepsfoot would not be the optimal tool.

So - is the modified sheepsfoot pointy enough for everyday tasks? And are there advantages to the modified sheepsfoot style that outweigh the disadvantage of a less efficient tip?

Thanks,

Matthew
 
I was going through the same line of questions before I bought mine and finally went with the 551(od). As much as I like the sheepsfoot bladed 550, the thumb stud was just plain easier to open for me.
 
I just got the 556 (Mini version of the 551). I think the studs are better then the Oval hole. I've handled the larger versions, but I'm not buying "larger" folders right now. Plus I don't like the Modified Sheepsfoot blade, Modified Drop point is better (well the look of it to me anyways).
 
Interesting - I just looked at the Benchmade web page for the specs on the 550 and 551. The 551 is listed as 3.75 oz, while the 550 is 3.25 oz. However, the listed weights for the 555 and 556 are the same.

Is the 551 a half-ounce heavier than the 550? Does the amount of metal that fills the hole on the 550 weigh that much? :)

Thanks,

Matthew
 
It's probably a typo. Wish I could answer your box opening question from experience, but I'm a 551 owner. The point looks suitable enough for cardboard and other light cutting media. Just use another knife when dressing deer or skinning bears to go with your mac & cheese.
 
Originally posted by thombrogan
It's probably a typo.
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I agree. My print copy of the Benchmade 2003 Catalog presents both the 550 and 551 as a single entry and lists the single 3.25oz weight which indicates to me that it applies to each model individually.

I think that you would be well served by either the drop point or the modified sheepsfoot blade style. I have experienced no problems using the 550 for the sort of tasks that you mentioned but can see that the more acute point of the 551's drop point blade might have been more appropriate and efficient for some of them. However, the 550 performed well enough that I never felt the need to use anything else. I carry and use it often. It just seems to lend itself to carry and use around the house, shopping, running errands and for any task that turns up in the course of the day.

Either is a great general-use tool. The Griptilian just seems to go well with jeans, the glove box in the car or truck and the tool box. Also, as a relatively inexpensive hard use knife I use it for things that I might not want tackle with one of my more expensive knives. I think that I would be just as happy and satisfied with the 551 as I am with the 550.

At the price you can't go wrong with either of them.
 
My EDC is the 555 with no serations. I love this little knife....

555.jpg


http://www.benchmade.com/detail.asp?model=555

-Its just the right size for me, big enough to do most everything you would with a pocket knife. But it still fits in my front pocket and doesnt' get in the way. If I am wearing nice slacks or a tux it goes behind my belt, offset to the right of my back. The black flat clip is small enough noone ever notices it.

-The tip is really strong in sheepsfoot. It isn't the sharpest by design, but it is very durable.

-I wasn't very sure about the 'plastic' handles when I bought it, but I have grown to like the overall light weight and healthy traction on the sides.

-I handled both the stud and hole opener versions and went with the hole. I couldn't always open the stud with gloves on. Plus I feel better opening the hole left handed.

-If you are a lefty it is also very cool. The clip already has holes and the Axis lock is the same for both sides.

-It does like to get dirty, but nothing a little lube and an airhose can't fix. Sometimes the lock feels a little gritty, but it always locks...so far :)

-It came really damn sharp. The edge holds well. I took it down a little to 20 degrees on the lanskey with a arkansas stone. Ever since I have always just stropped it once a week lightly to keep up on the edge. I was able to get one little nic in the blade towards the tip, but it is almost out now...

Great knife. It is also a good price. If it gets stolen or has to be sacrificed for something really stupid at work I can replace it without having to sell an organ. I already have a spare at home and am picking up another. I really love this little knife.
 
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! on the fence on what griptilian to get. its killin me!! its going to be used as general edc and occationally lopping off small fexible tree/plant limbs (wood) i decided on thumb hole but i can go either way if im convinced. really want the sand color handle and a coated blade to reduce corrision. LET ME KNOW!
 
I've got both, but the modified sheepfoot with thumbhole is what works best for me. It's my usual EDC.
 
Seven year old thread, but still relevant.

I much prefer the flat sabre grind, drop point, thumb stud opening 551 and 552 models. I sold my 555, 555HG and 550HG.
 
Steven Andrews said:
Seven year old thread, but still relevant.

I much prefer the flat sabre grind, drop point, thumb stud opening 551 and 552 models. I sold my 555, 555HG and 550HG.
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Even after all these years the question still comes up, I am pondering over this exact question - unable to visit a shop and having to order over the web..... It also shows how long this knife has been in production which indicates that it is a very well thought out design and well accepted in the market. Being plagued by arthritis I need to have a knife with a larger (thicker / wider) handle without too much weight and it needs to be opened easily.
At this moment I am leaning towards the 550HG since I also can use the hole for two handed opening plus the higher ramp by the hole helps a bit with preventing the thumb slipping forward.
 
I'd get the Ritter Grip before they're gone, it's the best blade of the three. If forced to choose between the two, I'd say sheepfoot on the Mini, drop point on the full size.
 
Of all the knives I've owned the 551 black/satin is still my go to knife.

I love the 550 and 552 also though
 
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