Benchmade Griptilian Authenticity

riz_aaroni

riz_aaroni

Joined
Feb 7, 2007
Messages
1,929
Hello. I picked up a benchmade griptilian in boston this past week. I got it at a shop called On the Edge. Seemed like a legit place in a legit place, but had a question. There isn't any printing on the right side of the blade when holding the tip to the right and edge down. The other side just says Benchmade USA with the butterfly and 551. Box seems to have the typical stuff in it. Just trying to make sure I am not losing my mind, or if I am I guess.

Smooth opening, sharp, light, but seems tough too. Got it black handle, satin blade, and PE.

Thanks a bunch,
Aaron C.
 
Could be a factory "oops" knife. The right side should have the blade steel and Mel Pardue and some patent numbers though.
 
Didn't even notice that in the store. Think it is worth mentioning to benchmade? May call them for the hell of it, see how the phone service is. Hmm, who knows.

Edit: This knife opens very fast when you just flick the thumbstud with your finger. Seems legit, just an older copy of it maybe. And VERY sharp too. Only true complain is paying MSRP, but that is the what happens when you are impatient and handle the knife in person lol. I really like this knife.
 
Last edited:
I'm from Boston, that place is pretty legit, but you probably over paid at that shop.
 
I"m with Smash. The store is legit, but you paid way to much. I'm not sure where you're from, but if you travel into R.I., there is a place called Cove Cutlery. That guy does pretty well on price and customer service.

mike
 
Last edited:
That is definitely not a knock-off (if it is, it's still a keeper because the F&F is fantastic). The details are too correct to be a knock-off. It looks like you got a blade that didn't go through the laser engraver on one side. It's missing the Mel Pardue symbol and the steel designation (154CM or 440C if it's older). Great buy, I have a 551D2 in my pocket right now. Griptilians are fantastic knives, I have a hard time picking between my 551 and 550 each morning, let alone the other knives in my drawer.
 
Yeah, really like the knife. The Wilkins handles look pretty awesome for the griplitians too. Not cheap, but add to the fun. The blade is a joy to open and close, real smooth, Real damn sharp too.

Does MDP mean anything to anyone? My box says 551 Griptilian MDP.
 
Ah. Random, but do you happen to know of any guides for disassembling the knife or know whether that is a task best left for pros?
 
It voids the warranty to open any Benchmade knife. You are only allowed to adjust the pivot, pocket clip, or tighten any loose screws basically and have to send it in for anything else.
 
Well, to some extent, what would be the big deal really? I'd probably get some beat up or cheaper used grip to do it to. IDK, my only fear with this knife is the springs breaking and if I could buy them from BM, I wouldn't really mind the work involved. I see your point though.
 
riz_aaroni said:
Well, to some extent, what would be the big deal really? I'd probably get some beat up or cheaper used grip to do it to. IDK, my only fear with this knife is the springs breaking and if I could buy them from BM, I wouldn't really mind the work involved. I see your point though.
Click to expand...

While it will violate the warranty, it's not that hard to disassemble and reassemble a Griptilian.

All you need is a T6 and T10 torx drivers, and the hardest part during reassembly is lining up the pivot with the washers and blade to get it through them.

The trick is to try to line them up, while pulling back slightly on the AXIS lock, to relieve the spring pressure against the blade.

That really helps!!!
 
riz_aaroni said:
. . . my only fear with this knife is the springs breaking and if I could buy them from BM, I wouldn't really mind the work involved . . .
Click to expand...

Nice looking blade. The Grips are my favorite knives, hands down. I wouldn't worry too much about breaking an Omega spring. It has happened, but the chances are pretty slim. The Axis lock is still one of the most dependable lock-ups out there. I would use and enjoy this knife and not fret over it. Great choice:thumbup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top