Benchmade Griptilian: thumbstud or oval whole?

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rogue_spear

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Oct 17, 2000
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Benchmade Griptilian: thumbstud or oval whole?

Modified Sheepsfoot or Drop Point?

Black or OD Green handle?

Black BT2 or satin finish?

I'm planning to buy a large size, not mini.

I would like to hear your suggestions.
 
Benchmade Griptilian: thumbstud, drop point, black handle, satin finish.....
if it were me.......

Larry S.
 
I'm not even sure how we can answer this question for you. 2 of them are extremely subjective, and one depends on your intened use. I'd get a thumb stud one, but I'm the kind of person that wants a thumb stud on his Spyderco. The only one I can answer is satin finish over the BT2, because I've heard that Benchmade's BT2 coating isn't terribly durable. Plus, it takes a lot of neglect to make 440C rust. So unless you're getting a D2 model from whomever it is that offers them, satin would be my choice.

And sheepsfoot plain edge, but again, that's subjective.
 
I own the Doug Ritter Griptilian with s30v stonewashed blade, and thumstuds. The 551BTD2 Griptillian with black handle, black drop point blade, thumbstuds, and D2 steel. I also had a BM550BTOD Griptilian with OD handle, black blade, oval hole, and 440c steel. I always buy plain edge. The BM black coating is very durable. I am left handed, so the Benchmade Axis lock and reversible clip are a plus.

They are all great knives. You will not be disappointed with any Griptilian Model. Visit a local store to handle the oval hole vs thumbstud, and then buy online. I get most of my knives from http://www.newgraham.com

If you ever get tired of your purchase, you could always trade it on this site, or sell it on eBay.
 
I have gone thru this same situation before... and here is my conclusions;

either one is great. I at first did not like the oval hole opener because of how it is for me to open a spyderco with round hole opened. but then I actually got to hold and use the oval hole opener BM, and since it is AXIS lock, and not lock back... the blade literally flies open. not tough at all like a spydie.

all that said, I am still very partial to the thumb stud models, because of blade shape. I have more use for a sharp point tip, then I do the rounded blunt tip with the oval hole model.

either way you are good with a purchase of one of these great knives. and AXIS is the best thing about them... IMO

if it were me, 551 w/ satin, plain edge and thumbstuds :)

good luck!
 
OD
Oval hole
satin
With the axis lock the hole works great.You really don't need any thing to open it so the hole does not get in the way at all.
The OD is a true GI OD,looks great.
 
I'm accustomed to my Spydercos, so the oval hole feels a _tiny_ bit unnatural, but it's certainly no step down from the thumb stud. I'm a big fan of the sheepsfoot blade, so that'd probably tip the balance for _me_. It's very "wieldy"--reminds me of a Japanese kitchen knife. Every time I hold it sideways, my wrist starts pivoting. It makes me wanna chop veggies :D
 
I have a pair of Grips; A 556 Mini, and a 551 full-sized. They both have dual thumb-studs and the "modified drop-point" blade. Those are the ones to get.
 
I personally don't like thumb studs, because they catch on my pants pocket, as well as prevent you from using that last 1/8" of blade near the handle.

I own the full sized grip 440c with the thumb hole (bought before the premium steel models were available) and a mini-grip D2 and have removed the thumb stud. I would have prefered no coating and both to have either the hole or just plain blade, no opener as I just pull back on the axis lock & flip the blade open or closed.

Here are 2 exclusive sites (thumb stud only) where you can get the grip with better steel than the basic 440c.
D2 - (http://www.cabelas.com/) Item:XE-516108 - Price: $79.99

or
CPM s30V - (http://www.aeromedix.com/index.php?_siteid=aeromedix&action=sku&sku=bmrsk) - Price: $104.95
 
I have the thumb stud version, black, plain blade. Don't care for holes in knife blades. Just a personal preference. Buy both and decide for yourself. Send back the one you don't like for a refund. Knifecenter.com will give a full refund if sent back in new condition within 30 days.
 
rogue_spear said:
Benchmade Griptilian: thumbstud or oval whole?

Modified Sheepsfoot or Drop Point?

Black or OD Green handle?

Black BT2 or satin finish?

I'm planning to buy a large size, not mini.

I would like to hear your suggestions.
Click to expand...
Doug Ritter's RSK Mk1™ Folding Knife
by Benchmade™
http://www.equipped.com/rsk_mk1.htm

GREAT blade!!!
Got my Limited Editionhttp://http://www.aeromedix.com/index.php?_siteid=aeromedix&action=sku&sku=bmrsk01&_sessid=c973b37798d773146581adf486b3476d and I love it.....
Only problem is that now I want a NON-Limited Edition to carry:D
 
I have a large and small with the hole and OD handle(550OD, 555OD). Ever since a thumbstud knife opened as I took it out of my pocket I have stayed away from them. My first one hander was a spyderco so I find the hole easier to open anyway.
 
I like both styles (550 and 555 or 551 and 556), but overall, I prefer the thumbstuds/drop-point.

Quite often by thumb slips off the oval hole without opening the blade.

The stud works everytime.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
I love the hole. (You engage it with the pad of your thumb, not the tip of your finger, as some have tried). I got the OD because black is just getting boring. I also got the satin (stonewash) with a plain-edge blade because I hate combos. Good luck.
 
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