BM mini griptilian vs ?

P

pmoney

Joined
Jul 9, 2004
Messages
33
Hi

I am a new member and I guess this is kind of like a introductory post as well as my first question. I own a gerber 400 multi sprot and I used to have a gerber 400 (2.4? inch) - I think they call it the gerber LST now. Anyways, I recently lost my gerber400 because the removable plastic pocket clip got loose and I guess it came off when I was hauling spar pulls.

So I started looking for a new knife and was impressed by Buck's line as well as that of benchmade. I nixed the buck cause it didn't have a belt clip and I have basically narrowed down my choice to a benchmade 556 comboedge.

My requirements were:
2-3 inch blade
made in usa
decent pocket clip
good all around blade
price <$50

The mini grip is pushing it a little on the price but I figure its worth it. Its about $60 from newgraham shipped.


Any other possible choices?
Comments on the benchmade?

I know that the 556 isnt exactly as good as a lot of the other knives you guys talk about but it would be a decent sized investment on my part and I just want to know I'm going to get my moneys worth.

Thanks in advance
 
C11BK.jpg


VG-10, less than $50, made in Golden, Co. Me, I'd get the Benchmade. But I'd look at the Delica before I made my decision.

Kref
 
Get the Benchmade 556. I have one (black handle, plain-edge), and I can say that it is a totally excellent knife, (and don't let anyone rank-down its' 440C steel as it's an excellent steel..At least the way Benchmade does it!).
 
I believe my VG-10 Delica is made in Japan, I have nothing against buying foreign though (notice I´m in Mexico).
 
Agreed, The bm556 is a "must-have" little knife.
Another knife that would fit the bill is a Spyderco Native s30v. They have nice big fat comfy handles and excellent steel, but overall I like the BM556 better.
I wouldn't pass over the made in Japan thing, the Made-in-Japan VG10 PE Delica is another one of my must-have knives.
 
i would also reccomend plain edge... combo edges just give you half a blade
 
I'd also recommend the 556, but a plain edge.
I also recommend a Spyderco Sharpmaker - to keep that Mini Grip scary sharp!
 
pmoney said:
Hi

I am a new member and I guess this is kind of like a introductory post as well as my first question.
Click to expand...

WELCOME TO BFC!!! :D

The 556 will be a great knife. I agree with the others that, with a small knife, going plainedge will probably make it much more usable.
 
KnifeKnewb said:
Just got my 556 plain-edge yesterday from New-Graham. Wonderful knife, highly recommend.
Click to expand...

Another vote for the 556 plain edge, I bought one about 4 months ago, with bright blue handles (this is my most sheeple friendly knife) and it's just an absolute piece of awesome machinery!
 
I got a yellow 556 Mini-Grip for Father's Day. It's a great knife and you absolutely can't go wrong with it. DO get the plain edge.

The only other U.S.-made choice in that price range that I'd look at is Spyderco's S30V Native, made in Golden, Colorado. The blade is 3 and 1/8", making it slightly over your size range.

I started a thread about a month ago about the Mini-Grip v. the S30V Native -- you might want to check it out:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=301206&highlight=mini-grip+native
 
Here's another vote for the excellent BM 556, I've had one since they came out and have more expensive BM models, but prefer the 556. The way BM does that 440C it ain't inferior at all, like glockman99 said...in fact I'd say it holds an edge better than most ATS-34 knives I've owned.
 
I got my mini-grip plain edge about a month ago. I love it. It's a great companion to the full size grip!
 
Don Luis said:
I believe my VG-10 Delica is made in Japan, I have nothing against buying foreign though (notice I´m in Mexico).
Click to expand...

in Golden. I stand corrected.

Kref
 
ok thanks for all the replies...I am quite impressed with the forums here, I'll make sure I stick around, even if I'm just lurking. :)

So I guess I'll look at the Spyderco Delica and Native, though I probably will still go with the 556.

Couple of questions-
1. Many people seem to be recommending the plain edge over the combo edge for the 556. Why is this? Is there an issue with the combo edge knives?
Personally I find the serrations are really handy with cutting rope, etc.

2. There seem to be one or two issues with the omega springs with the AXIS lock. If it does happen to fail, which I doubt, I assume that I can send it back to benchmade and they will fix it no charge. Is that right?

3. Is newgraham a good site to order from? I can get it from them for pretty much the best price anywhere + or - a few bucks.

4. The pocket clip is tip up (when folded), right?

and one last question 5. What is the advantage of the hole in the 555?

thanks
 
1. Many people seem to be recommending the plain edge over the combo edge for the 556. Why is this? Is there an issue with the combo edge knives?
Personally I find the serrations are really handy with cutting rope, etc.

On a small blade you are better off with full plain or full serrated. For most cutting shores it halves your usable blade size.

2. There seem to be one or two issues with the omega springs with the AXIS lock. If it does happen to fail, which I doubt, I assume that I can send it back to benchmade and they will fix it no charge. Is that right?

Exactly - one or two. I am looking at around 14 AXIS folders and none of them have ever even hitned at failing. But yes - Benchmade will fix.

3. Is newgraham a good site to order from? I can get it from them for pretty much the best price anywhere + or - a few bucks.

New graham is one of the best.

4. The pocket clip is tip up (when folded), right?

Yes - tip up carry

and one last question 5. What is the advantage of the hole in the 555?

with gloves on some find the hole easier to manipulate one handed. But I like the drop point blade on the 556 versus the sheepsfoot.
 
Don't let those omega springs bother ya. I have a 556 and after 2 years of constant flicking one spring broke. No biggy. When one breaks the lock functions perfectly ,it just makes a little rattle and you'll notice a little less tension when you open the knife, still locks up like a bank vault though. Its gives you a fair warning to send it in for new springs. Thats not a failure at all IMO, more like the oil light(idiot light) coming on in your car. They will fix it anyways.
 
A 550 is my newest BM and i found it to be a great knife in its class. Much blade for that handle (better relation than maybe the new 520). As compared to other good knifes it features partial steel liners. A thing i have a look at for added strength, even though i know, that opinions vary about this here.

So i expect the smaller version to be as great as the original.

I prefer holes over pins just because the knife is more comfortable to pul out and back into the pocket. But the pins are easier to reach. That´s what i think, comparing my 520 to my 806 or 550.
 
I tried the 555 and found the thumb hole too small to open easily. My thumb kept slipping over the hole without opening it. I got a 556 and it's a lot easier to open. I ordered the 556 and a Spyderco Delica at the same time from New Graham. Since I got them the Delica has been in my pocket every day and the 556 is sitting on my desk.

The 556 opened much smoother brand new than the Delica but the Delica is pretty smooth now after opening and closing it a lot. The Delica came with a sharper edge than the 556. The main reasons why I've been carrying the Delica are the grip and ease of opening. Even though the 556 opens smoother I can still open the Delica more easily. Also the Delica has a slightly larger grip; when I hold the 556 my pinky feels like it's about to fall off and I don't even have large hands.

As you can see tons of people love the 556 so I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you get, I just prefer Spydercos. You might also want to consider the Spyderco Calypso Jr.; it's the same size as the 556 and Delica but with a flat ground blade.
 
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