Bm 555

gajinoz

gajinoz

Joined
Sep 2, 2003
Messages
11,650
OK guys, I've just ordered a BM 555 mini grip from NGK. The main reason is that I don't yet have any BM knives, especially with the Axis lock, and I figured this would be a good start.

Have I done good?
 
The 555 is a decent knife. The only drawback, for me at least, is the oval hole opener. It's quite small, and Benchmade chamfers the hole, making it difficult to open the knife using the hole opener. I was only able to reliably open the knife by flicking it open (disengaging the Axis Lock).

Other than that, it's a nice, inexpensive way to be introduced to Benchmade quality!

- Matthew
 
Starfish is right on the money!

I had the same problem with my 550 and 555.
So I bought a 551 and a 556 and could'nt happier--the studs work so much better than the oval.

Allen.
 
I spent quite some time trying to decide between the 555 (hole) and 556 (stud) but I finally decided on the 555 because, generally, I prefer holes to studs and I want the sheepsfoot blade.

I'll let you know what I think of it when it arrives in a week or two.
 
gajinoz said:
The main reason is that I don't yet have any BM knives, especially with the Axis lock, and I figured this would be a good start.

Have I done good?
Click to expand...
About bloody time. The Axis lock is great. Just yesterday, I couldn't work out which to buy, the Ritter mini grip or the regular size - so as usual, to avoid any uneccesary stress, I bought both.
 
Stockman said:
About bloody time. The Axis lock is great. Just yesterday, I couldn't work out which to buy, the Ritter mini grip or the regular size - so as usual, to avoid any uneccesary stress, I bought both.
Click to expand...
You bloody sandgropers are all mad and you have too much money!
 
Haha.

I think I would take thumbstuds over holes (never had a holed axis folder) on Axis locks. Axis locks just beg for flicks. :D
 
I have the 556 and 558, and have tried the 555, and I don't have problems opening either style - stud or hole. It's hard to tell until you get it into your hands to see if your hand/fingers work well with the thumb hole. But that's true of any thumb hole. Some work for me, some don't.
 
I went with the 555 because I liked the blade shape. I was worried about the oval hole opener, but for me it's turned out to be fine. I have absolutely no problem opening the knife each and every time, and I have average sized hands.

The 555 was my first BM too. I've now got a couple of others, but still love the first one.

I'd say you did great.

Jack
 
Starfish said:
The 555 is a decent knife. The only drawback, for me at least, is the oval hole opener. It's quite small, and Benchmade chamfers the hole, making it difficult to open the knife using the hole opener. I was only able to reliably open the knife by flicking it open (disengaging the Axis Lock).

Other than that, it's a nice, inexpensive way to be introduced to Benchmade quality!

- Matthew
Click to expand...

Get the 555HG which has a larger round hole not the smaller oval hole.
 
Ummmmmmm... I've had the knife now for nearly 3 years. Have a look at the date of the original post.

:)
 
gajinoz said:
Ummmmmmm... I've had the knife now for nearly 3 years. Have a look at the date of the original post.

:)
Click to expand...


I think someone drug up some old posts today involving the Benchmade 555. I'm just adding some current info. for those who might be considering that particular model. For 2008 I would have to say the Benchmade 707 is my favorite followed by the mini-grip 556.

Give us an update on how well your 555 is holding up after three years.
 
Be cautiuous there are vendors out there mostly on ebay that advertise the 555HG but the pic is actually a 555. I think it was early 2007 that BM discontinued.
older 555 has oval thumb hole and 440 steel
newer 555 has round thumb hole and cm154 steel
Both nice but different.
 
allenC said:
Starfish is right on the money!

I had the same problem with my 550 and 555.
So I bought a 551 and a 556 and could'nt happier--the studs work so much better than the oval.

Allen.
Click to expand...

i fully agree !:D
i got the 550 that i gave to a friend, and i keep the 551, 556, mini doug ritter and straight Griptilian...
I prefer my mini doug ritter, even if some could consider a bit expensive for only the blade difference.:)
 
Bimmer1 said:
Give us an update on how well your 555 is holding up after three years.
Click to expand...

I've been very impressed with the knife, one of my better purchases in fact.

It rotates with my Spyderco Calypso Jnr in ZDP189 as my "office" EDC and gets used around home as well. Never had any problems with it at all, holds an edge well and easy to keep shaving sharp. It gets used for just about any small cutting tasks you might think of, from peeling and slicing fruit to cutting boxes, a bit of whittling and other stuff. It's even been used to trim up some leather on the horse gear.

I would recommend it without hesitation to anyone looking for a small utility folder. Not only that, it's completely ambidextrous, being left handed it's one of the reasons I looked at it in the first place.

Frankly, I don't see how a different steel could have made it any better.

I don't know what the new versions are like but if they're anywhere near as good I'd say definitely get yourself one.
 
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