Benchmade Griptilian

[cistercian]

As we speak, I am fondling and flipping a Benchmade 551SBK that I bought probably eight years ago, carried for a year or two, then tossed in a junk drawer after finding a thinner knife that fit my needs better. I always thought it was a little fat for pocket carry, so I put it away and figured I'd use it for a knife around the house.

Today, I dug it out and took it to a local shop to get tuned up and sharpened, and it has found it's way back into my rotation for a weekend fishing and outdoors knife which can take a bit of a beating instead of my other knifes. While I no longer like partially serrated blades, it did a great job back when I used it as an EDC and I've breathed new life into it again. Overall, a well built, solid lockup knife that uses the beloved AXIS lock. And I agree; prices on these knives are just ridiculous and I've since moved on and favor other brands for the same price. Don't beat yourself up over this purchase, and use it as a learning point to figure out if you like serrations or not.

Fashions change.At one time Spyderco sold more serrated edges than plain..which is when I first bought some Endura's for a sweet price...in plain edge.
It just depends on what you are going to use the knife for...and for those who won't really use it much...what you like!

IE:If you think it is cool looking...it is enough!And if you find another style of blade will work better...let's face it...you are going to get it!

It isn't that hard.Giving in to peer pressure is weak...only you know know what you actually need and want.No need to justify it to others.


But if you are good at rhetoric it can be fun doing so!

The knife by which I judge all others for example has a,shall we say, controversial history.A SMF Luftwaffe gravity knife.Early production, very used, walnut scales...absolutely freaking EPIC. To me.

Others would object for various reasons.But to me it rules in a total and complete way...and there is nothing wrong with that.




One day at college on heritage day there was a display of various items from different staff members.One of the Items was a SS dagger that was something his dad had in WW2.It was the best made knife I have ever handled.It had emeralds inset for part of it.Evil? I still struggle with that.It was so incredibly made...how could anyone evil build something so well?

An incredible blade...but believe me...saying such a thing opens one to judgement.

It is just how things are.

 

[SURVIVAL&WEAPONS]

If you chose it you must have liked it so be happy with your new grip. I have a combo 551 and afta i got past wanting every knife in combo edge, i wish i would have gotten a plain edge 551; just for the thought of having to sharpen the serrations. I dont have a real decent serration sharpening method (tapered diamond rod). Just look at it this way, YOU will be usimg your grip NOT EVERYONE ELSE. Again if you're happy, then you're all good. enjoy your grip:thumbup:!

 

[John_0917]

The main issue I have with combo edge blades is that they end up leaving too little of each variety to be useful for the task at hand. My solution is to go with plain edge in most cases, and fully serrated when appropriate, such as in the Salt (H1) Spydercos where serrated vastly outperforms plain edge.