BM Fixed Blade Griptilian

R

Rich357

Joined
May 7, 2003
Messages
1,303
Here are some pictures of the Benchmade fixed blade Griptilian. It's a surprisingly sturdy knife.

Blade length: 4.16"
Blade thickness: 0.119"
Blade steel: 154CM

knivesbmgripfixed003rho3.jpg


knivesbmgripfixed001roz9.jpg


knivesbmgripfixedrxf5.jpg

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Rich
 
It would be next on my list of affordable fixed blades, if not for 2 things: it has this annoying raised tang, and a lousy sheath.
 
The raised tang isn't all that noticable to my hand. I don't see a problem with the sheath. Have you handled one of these knives? What about the sheath do you think is so lousy?
 
Yes, that's why I got such a good deal on it. :)

I wanted to see how much metal was under the scales.
 
Yes, I've handled one several times. Each time, I really wanted to like it, but to me, the raised tang is noticeable, especially with some hard use (whittling hardwoods, for example). And the sheath is not to my liking; it just feels bulky, and I don't like the retention strap riding high like that. The plastic felt loose, both in the sheath, and in regards to how securely it held the knife. But this was a knife that had been used for a while, so that may have had something to do with it. IMO, this knife just cries out for an aftermarket kydex sheath. Other than those 2 issues, I actually like it quite a bit. It is sharp out of the box, holds an edge well, the weight isn't too bad, balance is good, and it is a nice size for an all-around knife.
 
Thanks for the reply, raindog101.

I don't find any loose plactic on this sheath. The strap holds the handle well. I guess if you were really uneasy you could put a second strap closer the the guard. This sheath is less bulky than virtually any of my many Kydex sheaths. Certainly the belt loop is much less bulky than the quick remove clips on most of my Kydex sheaths.

It may not be perfect, but few things are. It's a very useable knife and sheath, IMHO.
 
raindog101 said:
It would be next on my list of affordable fixed blades, if not for 2 things: it has this annoying raised tang, and a lousy sheath.
Click to expand...

I don't like the raised tang and the guard neither.
If not I bought this knife in a heartbeat.
Thats why I have two outbounders ;)

In general I dont like straps.
Last I bought a very nice Fallkniven WM1 in the new zytel sheat and it had the totaly unneccesary strap:confused:
 
I really like my 151 as well. The raised tang has never given me any problems and I've beat on it pretty good. The sheath while not the greatest does it's job and rides comfortably and actually quite flat. Here's a quick pic of mine...

Benchmade_151_c.jpg


What I'm really waiting on is the new USA made Rant to be released. Love 440C for an all around outdoor knife. I'm glad they got rid of that BILT system and went full tang.

10502.jpg
 
The fixed Rittergrip's sheath has the lower strap you describe.

RSK3_insheath_R_sm.jpg


While I find it works well, one of the problems with it is that the blade runs along the strap while inserting the knife into the sheath. Everytime that happens I tend to worry that I'll eventually slice off the strap. So far I haven't seen any evidence of cutting or wear on the strap, but it is a concern of mine.

Of course the fixed Rittergrip doesn't have the raised tang on the sides either.

Fixed Rittergrip info: http://www.equipped.org/rsk_mk3.htm
 
You done good Rich! I love the BM Grip fixed blade. THe "rasied" tang (more like "lowered" scales) don;t bother me, but I can see some issues with hard use as RainDog pointed out.

I do not like straps that go around the handle for the exact reason KenK said..... the edge will run along the strap with each unsheathing. Not to mention the possibility of hitting the metal fastener on occasion. When (not IF) I get one, I'll make a leather sheath where the knife fits snug and doesn;t need a strap. And maybe I'll ask Normark for a Kydex as a backup.

Also, as you travel along in life with that Grip, you might find you like it enough for another one. That would be the perfect time to consider Doug Ritter's Griptilian. G10 scales that are NOT lowered, wider blade chord, and S30V steel ( in my opinion, that's only a slight improvement over BM's 154CM). One more thing you get with Doug's knife, double the price plus $20. That's ok in my book. ((( :D )))
 
Thanks, stretch! The Ritter Griptilian with G10 scales sounds like a winner.

Gmarthur, that 10502 Rant looks good. Something like the Fallkniven S1.

Neo, isn't the WM1 for girls? :)

Rich
 
IMHO, the fixed grip would be a great candidate for custom handle work. Epoxied, pinned, micarta slabs that are ground flush with the tang.
I might have to try it!
 
No complaints about my fixed Grip. I've beat it to hell. Molle sheath is versatile for belt or pack.

Brian
 
I have a a 151 Fixed Blade grip. for about a year. It's a good strudy knife for camping and hunting. Raised tang has caused no problems and sheath has held up well. Holds and edge and easy to sharpen. Good steel. No complaints. It is replacing my Buck 105 which I have used for about 40 years.
 
jdowell, that's what I did, except I used Walnut burl. It's so pretty now I hate to use it.
 
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