BM 555HG or BM 556 Mini Grip?

kawr

kawr

Joined
Jun 22, 2010
Messages
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I've decided I need to add an axis lock folder to my edc and I cant seem to make up my mind between the 555 and 556. At first this seemed like an easy choice to me with the 555 clearly being better with my beloved hole opening system but I noticed the wierd blade shape on it. What in the world is a sheepsfoot blade shape? It sounds wierd, looks wierd and doesnt seem very functional. Almost seems like a combination of a wharncliffe and drop point style which is just silly. Would like some input on how this style of blade has worked out for other people in the edc/utility role and which model you guys would recommend. Thanks.
 
Sheepshoof is basicly wharncliffe blade with less curve. Its very useful for precise cutting and is quite common in traditional patterns. Especially stockmen knives. I don't have experience of modified sheepshoof that has, but I've heard its quite useful and has very strong tiop. However I think by bladeshape 556 has better general utility blade shape... though modified sheepshoof is not bad what I hear.
 
The HG blades on Griptilians are slicing fools. Don't let the profile scare you off, it's very utilitarian.

It "might" have an increased risk of breaking along the thinner part of the edge if you try to pry with it over the 556, but if you use it for cutting like it's intended you shouldn't have a problem.

Can't rally go wrong here, it comes down more to thumb stud vs thumb hole and which you prefer.
 
The 555HG has a modified sheepsfoot. A true sheepsfoot is basically blunt. I guess you could consider it a wharncliffe with a belly. I haven't found any drawbacks using mine in an EDC role. It does have a tip but it's really thin so it's not the best to use for poking holes in hard things. It's a great slicer though. The hollow grind makes for a nice thin edge.

If you're going to use it for cutting paper, packaging or other stuff like that it should work great. If on the other hand you will be using it on alot of wood or other hard or possibly destructive work you might want to consider the 556. You can find them real cheap though so maybe just get a 555 and see what you think. I did and i like it.
 
I had the same dilemma for a compact EDC and went with the 555HG via Amazon, couldnt be happier and plan to buy a full size to go along with it. Also got a pink one (555HG-PNK) for my gf. I prefer the hole to the thumb stud and liked the blade shape better. To give you an idea of my usage patterns Im in the Navy so pretty much anything goes.
 
I just bought the 555HG in blue. Wow. I went with it because of the thumb hole and the fact that I'd read it's a great slicer. There have been a number of guys choose one and swear by it over the other. To me, that means both are great. I just wanted the hollow grind. Plus, it reminded me of my long-sold D'Allara (gotta get another one of those one day.)

However, you wouldn't believe how thin the grind is. It's amazingly thin. l <<Maybe about like that.

My first thought was, "I'm so glad that I got the 555HG." And my second thought was, "I have to get a full-sized orange in saber grind."

So, for cutting...HG. For hard use...556.
 
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