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- Apr 20, 2001
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Blackwater USA in a joint venture with Michael's Of Oregon, formed Blackwater Gear in 2005, to provide military and security equipment. They contracted with Benchmade to make this version of the Benchmade Griptilian with a 154CM blade that blends features from the 551 modified drop point and 550 modified sheepsfoot series Griptilians.
Here is a comparison shot of the blades of the 3 models, with the BWGF5 in the middle. Nice mating of the two styles.
551SBK
BWGF5
550 (now discontinued)
The only markings on the blade are the Blackwater Logo, but the pocket clip is the same one that is used on other Benchmade folders, so it has the Benchmade name on it.
Initial impressions are good, it's basically a Griptilian, so fit and finish are up to Benchmade's usual high standards, so no surprises there. The factory edge is extremely sharp, close if not equal to my Ritter RSK-1, although I wish they would offer this one in a plain edge. The blade has Benchmade's BK coating.
I like this knife, they do run about $25-35 higher than a regular Griptilian, which I realize part of that is the Blackwater brand on it, not sure if that will get many folks to spend the extra cash. I bought it partly because I like Griptilians and wanted to collect available variations. Although with the discontinuation of the oval thumb hole 550 knives, if these stay in production, the would be an alternative for folks that want the oval thumb hole, once the supply of 550's dries up.
Here is a comparison shot of the blades of the 3 models, with the BWGF5 in the middle. Nice mating of the two styles.
551SBK
BWGF5
550 (now discontinued)
The only markings on the blade are the Blackwater Logo, but the pocket clip is the same one that is used on other Benchmade folders, so it has the Benchmade name on it.
Initial impressions are good, it's basically a Griptilian, so fit and finish are up to Benchmade's usual high standards, so no surprises there. The factory edge is extremely sharp, close if not equal to my Ritter RSK-1, although I wish they would offer this one in a plain edge. The blade has Benchmade's BK coating.
I like this knife, they do run about $25-35 higher than a regular Griptilian, which I realize part of that is the Blackwater brand on it, not sure if that will get many folks to spend the extra cash. I bought it partly because I like Griptilians and wanted to collect available variations. Although with the discontinuation of the oval thumb hole 550 knives, if these stay in production, the would be an alternative for folks that want the oval thumb hole, once the supply of 550's dries up.