Benchmade Griptilian - which steel and finish?

S

Smudge

Joined
Dec 26, 2005
Messages
79
I am looking at the Benchmade Griptilian 551, color black with thumb stud and combo edge. It appears as though D2 is the best steel to get this knife in. Am I correct? The Benchmade site mentions that they no longer use BT2 as a finish and have gone to BK1 which is supposively better than BT2. So where can I find this Benchmade with D2 and BK1 as a finish? Cabellas has one in D2 steel, but with the BT2 finish. The Benchmade site sells the Griptilian with 440C steel and a BK1 finish. Or does any of this really matter this much and I should just go with what I can find for the cheapest as I am somewhat of a noobie to the knife world. Thanks much!
 
When a company says their new thing is better, it isn't always better in every way.

The BT2 finish will "wear" around edges more, while the BK1 finish is more prone to chipping.

It is my understanding that there are people the prefer one, and people that prefer the other. I would think that BK1 is better for blades and BT2 is better for clips, but it's not something that should make or break the deal.

The widely accepted best versions of the Griptilian are the Rittergrip in S30V and the D2 version from Cabellas.

The better steel is more important than a coating that wears in a different way, so get the D2 Cabellas version or the Rittergrip.

However, the Griptilian I plan on getting is the standard version (not the Rittergrip or Cabellas) with the black blade, thumb stud, and olive green handle. I like the look and the lower price and can do without the better steel. So maybe you shouldn't listen to me at all.

Edit: I screwed up some of my "facts" and spelling.
 
I have the D2 Version, from Cabela's, in both the Grip and Mini Grip. In my world, Steel Trumps Coating anyday. I would go with the D2 as either coating will show some wear over time.

Mine show very little wear other than the Mini Grip that I reprofiled with my Edge Pro and then polished it with 3000 and 8000 finishing tapes. It's a stunning 1/16th inch mirror against the black steel coating. Looks awesome and cuts like crazy.
 
I have a plain jane 550 Griptilian with 440C steel and a plain edge blade.

It's the best thing since sliced bread. Rock solid lockup, easy to sharpen and the 440C holds a nice razors edge. I prefer my knife over the D2 models because I don't like black blades. Plus for the price you can't beat it.

I also think the modified sheepsfoot is very friendly looking to people that are not "knife people".

I also like the oval opening hole. It's a nice change. :)

Don't let people talk you into some whiz-bang steel just 'cause it's new. 440C has been around a LONG time and is a great steel. Benchmade does an awesome heat treat on theirs too!
 
All grips are great knives but the Cabela's D2 grip is my favorite. If you are unsure about your sharpening skills I would stick with the 440C because it will take an edge easily. I never had a problem with BT coating but will admit the BK seems more scratch resistant. It's hard to go wrong with any griptilian model in my opinion.
 
I don't have a Benchmade (yet), but if their 440C is anything like the 440C Buck used to use, it would very good. I've been getting real tempted by the Griptilian and I don't know which steel I would choose yet. I just don't think you could go wrong with any of them.
Bob
 
So far, I'm very happy with my Ritter version- and no worries about a coating. I also prefer the blade shape on the Ritter, but that's me. Take a look around, get what you like.
 
I am in the same situation, but i also want to know what grind the cabellas version has. Is it hollow or flat ground? I want to reprofile the knife i get to convex, so hollow ground would be out. I am pretty sure the Ritter mini is flat ground, can someone let me know about the cabellas please?
 
The Cabela D2 models are hollow-ground blades, using the same grind found on the "Standard" Benchmade models. Benchmade has changed from 440C to 154CM on the Griptilian and MiniGriptilian models, however.

The Ritter versions of the Griptilian line have S30V in a different blade shape and have a high flat grind.
 
I believe that the standard and Cabela's Grips are sabre ground.

If they are hollow ground, how have they just released a new 550 and 555 HG (hollow ground) model?
 
Correct the 551 and 556 are saber ground the Ritter Grip is flat ground and the new 550 and 555 are hollow ground. Benchmade upgraded the steel to 154CM on their Grips The Ritter is s30v and the Cabale's is D2. All are good solid working knives.
 
Sorry if this is a silly question but what exactly is a sabre grind? I havent heard of that one before.
 
A saber grind is when the primary bevel doesn't go all the way to the back of the blade, leaving flat areas above the bevel. It is possible for a knife to have a hollow saber grind.
 
I personally prefer the Ritter Mini Grip; in either S30V or M2, if you can find it.
 
You guys are right on the sabre-grind on the blades. Sorry about that! I was relying on feel and not a straight-edge.
 
I say get a regular version first. (154CM) If you like it alot, than I would say venture off to the cabellas version in D2 and the Ritter grips S30V. I own the 556 in 154CM (Mini-grip) as well as a 558 in S30V (Ritter Mini-Grip). I ended up switching the handles from the 556 (OD green) with the black ones from the 558. So I have a Ritter Mini-Grip In OD green. :D

As far as performance wise, I haven't noticed a huge difference. Both get very sharp, the S30V does hold its edge a bit longer than the 154CM. Is the extra $40-$50 worth it for you? You be the judge.

To be honest with you, I believe you will love whatever route you go. If you are like the rest of us, you'll just end up buying more. Never hutrs to have different models of the same knife. You can place one in your car, desk, etc.
 
As far as performance wise, I haven't noticed a huge difference. Both get very sharp, the S30V does hold its edge a bit longer than the 154CM. Is the extra $40-$50 worth it for you? You be the judge.
Click to expand...

That's where I drew the line. I figured if I was going to spend that much, I may as well just get the 710 and get D2 steel and G10 handle, which is what I did.

I say stick with 154CM or D2 at the most, but I wouldn't pay over $100 for a Grip. It's supposed to be a great budget knife.
 
I am leaning towards the Cabellas D2, is it a flat sabre grind or a hollow one? Dont know why but the D2 appeals to me. Anybody else care to share their feelings on it?
 
I have the Ritter mini RSK in M2 but have not used it yet. I use the mini grip with the oval hole and I think it is 154CM steel. It is good as I prefer the hole over the stud.
 
i got one in 154cm and if you dont go rambo on it it serves its purpose like any high dollar wonder steel knifes:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top