Benchmade Griptilian

Geode

Geode

Joined
May 12, 2001
Messages
2,947
I have enjoyed reading the many informative reviews posted in the forum. Take this review as comments from a total rookie who likes knives. To the moderator: feel free to move my comments to the general discussion, if they are too naive.

So, I've been carrying the Griptilian in plain edge for a week or better. The knife is a lot of fun and grows on you quickly. The handle is pretty thick - about 5/8", and feels very secure, even with in a larger hand size. The texturing on the handle is present on every surface. The size of the handle makes using the knife non-fatiguing over extended periods of cutting. The clip is relatively short, contributing to the overall comfort of the handle. Surprisingly, the knife clips on smoothly in spite of the knobby surface of the handle.

Steel liners inside the handle are plenty stout, giving the knife a solid feel. Lockup is tight (aren't all Axis knives?)

The action is VERY smooth. Maybe my imagination, but deploying the blade feels smoother than with the 710.

Blade is a great shape for utility, not too pointy and meant to cut. Haven't had to sharpen it yet, so the jury is out on durability of edge and ease of sharpening. The blade came out to the box very sharp, but with a couple of rough spots on the tip (easily remedied).

Balance is excellent, with the center being just about where the blade pivot is.

Overall conclusion - excellent value for the money. May not be and EDC for everyone, given the chunkiness of the handle. Given the price point, I am very happy.

 
Geode wrote:

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">he action is VERY smooth. Maybe my imagination, but deploying the blade feels smoother than with the 710.</font>
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Welcome to the forums and thanks for the honest review. Well, your imagination isn't playing tricks on you - the Griptilian IS smoother than the 710. Since producing the 710 (the first Benchmade to be shod with the Axis Lock in case you were not aware), they have tweaked the action on each new Axis Lock model they released after that. They have the action perfect now!

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Proud member: AKTI, NCCKG, NCKK, and SCAK

NC Knife Knuts @ Table 18-B at the Blade Show

Living life on the edge
 
Hey! Welcome to the forums. Great review. I just ordered one of these today and look forward to recieving it. That was one of the most productive first posts I've ever seen by the way, so don't wory about it getting moved. My first post was something like "which knife should I buy to cut stuff?" :-) But seriously, I like subjective observations about the feel of the action, and similar stuff in a review, I really don't need to know how many cut it will make in 1 inch cardboard before getting dull...


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William Callahan

"I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without
hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd
never expect it."
-Jack Handey

I'm one of those wierdos who likes Zytel.
 
Excellent review! You are starting off on the right foot. You sound like an old pro. My first 1000 posts weren't that good.

I have had my Griptilian for only a day, but so far I agree with everything you said.

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Dennis Bible

....Almost here, The Leading Edge....
http://www.theleadingedgeonline.com
 
I was attracted to the Griptilian because of the price and also because I've been missing an axis lock in my pocket since I gave my 705 to my Mom.

I picked up the partially serrated version and have been very happy with it so far. The blade is definitely meant for abuse and yesterday I put it through some paces, hacking through trim molding, scraping paint and other nasty chores. The blade really pops out and closes with authority so I would conclude that Dexter is right about the tuning of the axis lock on this model.

I liked the oval thumbhole conceptually but haven't found that it makes much difference in practice to a regular spydiehole. It looks great though!

One thing that I didn't like was the plastic feel of the molded handles. It is very comfortable when in a using position and really feels like an extension of your hand. But when manipulating the knife to open it or when sliding it back in your pocket I find I'm really aware of that plastic handle and it feels and sounds slippery despite the heavily textured grips.

Overall, a great knife for the money and I would heartily recommend it.


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Peter Atwood

email: fountainman@hotmail.com
 
I just received my first half serrated Griptilian and right out of the box, I said, "Wow!" Very impressive, and extremely smooth. I must say that the oval hole is very easy to use and works perfectly fine. The clip is positioned right where I like it for easy draw. I've always preferred tip up carry and I'm glad to see that the Axis lock allows for safe carry. The edge on mine is very, very sharp and the handle is very comfortable. I have large hands and I like handles that are a little wider than most. From my experience with 440C, I've found it to be a great steel for knives, so I don't really object to Benchmade's decision to offer a different steel other than the standard ATS-34 or 154CM. Kudos to the folks at Benchmade!!!

Peace and may the Force be with you.
El Cid

left_character.jpg




[This message has been edited by el cid (edited 05-28-2001).]
 
I have had mine for about three weeks now and am very pleased. I used it HARD to help build a boy scout project out of timbers. I cut rope and wood HEAVILY and pried and twisted with the tip pretty hard. The edge holding has been great and I have stabbed and gouged to make sockets in the logs. The lock is still flawless and the knife has developed NO play. IMHO it is a great user that you don't have to hesitate with in hard use. I am pleased to get a knife this tough for 60 clams!
 
Guess I'll put in my two cents. I've had my plain blade Griptilian for a week now and am very happy with it. It's a little bigger than I envisioned - overall it's the same length as my Ares and about 1/8 inch thicker. While the blade of the Ares will fall free when you pull back on the lock, the Griptilian won't. You definitely have to start the blade with you thumb to open it and I find the oval hole to be as comfortable as the round hole. If I flick the blade open hard, the lock really takes a grip on the blade shoulder and requires quite a strong effort to unlock.
The best thing about the knife was it's sharpness. This is probably the sharpest knife out of the box I've ever had and so far it has retained it's edge better than any knife I've ever owned. To be perfectly frank, most of the time my knives are used for nothing more strenuous than envelope and box opening but this seems to dull them very quickly - at least when it comes to the old arm hair shaving test.
wink.gif
The Griptilian doesn't seem to have dulled an iota so far. I'm very impressed with the 440C steel as a result. If you want a good utility blade witha great lock and excellent sharpness and retention at a modest price, you can't go wrong with a Griptilian.

[This message has been edited by 45Shooter (edited 05-25-2001).]

[This message has been edited by 45Shooter (edited 05-25-2001).]
 
I'm growing more and more fond of this knife. Not only is it very comfortable in my hand but with a bit of use and a little oil based paint(whoops!) the slickness issue that was bothering me before has disappeared.

Initially I thought the overall look was rather ugly but I've changed my mind. It's sort of like a plain faced girl who grows prettier as you get to know her until you decide that she's actually much prettier than most beauty queens. I'm not sure I'd go that far with the Griptilian unless you think lizards are cute...
wink.gif


Anyhow, this is one great user and I plan beat on mine with no reservations.

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Peter Atwood

email: fountainman@hotmail.com
 
I've had mine for a few days now. I love it, and I like the axis lock, very smooth. The one thing I hate is the name :-) I keep calling it the grip-zilla, for some reason, maybe I should stick to the model number. I like the oval hole too. Not quite as much as a round one, but it's pretty good.



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William Callahan

"I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without
hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd
never expect it."
-Jack Handey

I'm one of those wierdos who likes Zytel.
 
I bought one a month ago and love it. I carry it more than any other knife I own. It sees the most use too. It hasn't needed any sharpening yet, but I did run it over the Spyderco files once just to get a scary sharp edge on it. Benchmade has produced a real winner in the Griptilian. I feel that everyone should give this one a try. It's gonna be one of those long talked about knives around here. I have a feeling.

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Lanning L Kann,SSgt,USAF
89th Security Forces Sq
ToyLumina.jpg


[This message has been edited by USAFSP (edited 05-27-2001).]
 
** Well the real deal is Benchmade sent me 0307/1000 .I did not realise how big a Knife it is.I have it-you name it .In Fact i recived a Dalton Scalper at the same time from Triple Aught.and I will tell ya ,that 550 is so nice , it really is a nice Knife ( the new Dalton was getting a little upset at this point)the point is for the Money you Can't ever beat it ... but I love My Dalton's to and the Scalper is a nother Story.

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that was a great review. Now about the price point. if im not imagining, that knife goes for around 100 bucks? maybe 90 or so... either way, i think that might be the only thing thats not quite right with the knife. Well made, but when i look at it i see a 440c blade and zytel handles. Most other knives with those specs run about 50 or 60. Is the axis lock really that expensive to produce that it consists of almost half the price? or maybe because its still a somewhat new lock? anyone with thoughts?

 
The Gripzillion goes for between 50 and 60. That's why it's such a great thing: Axis lock at that price!
 
Minor discovery - try taking the clip off. The handle is extremely comfortable if you can live without the clip - maybe use a sheath.

I rounded the ends of those ridges on the butt end of the knife and it is now even more comfortable.

About the price - check Knife Outlet, Bayou Lafourche, or Knife Center. You will not be spending all that much to get one.

 
Geode,

Nice review and I like the looks of it, but I think most of us were hoping for an AFCK style knike with the Axis lock.

Maybe next time.
smile.gif


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Rick Gray - Left Handers Unite
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by metacarpels:
that was a great review. Now about the price point. if im not imagining, that knife goes for around 100 bucks? maybe 90 or so... either way, i think that might be the only thing thats not quite right with the knife. Well made, but when i look at it i see a 440c blade and zytel handles. Most other knives with those specs run about 50 or 60. Is the axis lock really that expensive to produce that it consists of almost half the price? or maybe because its still a somewhat new lock? anyone with thoughts?

</font>
Click to expand...

There's nothign wrong with 440C.
Lots of custom makers use 440C in their $200 + knives.
I personally can't wait to get my hands on a Griptilian.
440C will take an edge just as sharp if not sharper than ats-34. It won't hold it quite as long, but you get better corrosion resistance for the lack of edgeholding.

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~Fumbler
the crazied knife weilding Sarah McLachlan fan =)
 
Am thinking this may be my first BM. I'm with callahwj though on the name. It sounds like some toy advertized in a SpyderMan comic. My failing memory may be wrong, but isn't there some lizard-like thing etched on the blade or something like that? Seems to me that BM is looking for a kiddie market. Can't help but wonder about their marketing types. Oh well.

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Asi es la vida

Bugs
 
Well, after carrying this knife for several weeks I have come to the conclusion that the blade shape is not as useful as I first thought. I have used the knife hard and many times have used the point to scrape the inside corners of wood trim and such. I find that the hump at the tip keeps getting in the way and not allowing as deep a penetration. So I ground it off. MUCH better and now the blade is really utilitarian. It resembles the 720 much more now.

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Peter Atwood

email: fountainman@hotmail.com
 
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