BM Mini-Griptillian

J-man_the_jet

J-man_the_jet

Joined
Jan 24, 2003
Messages
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I know this probably a million things have been asked about this knife. I'm going to get a 556 w/ thumbstud (drop-point blade). I was thinking of getting a combo-edge blade but it doesn't look like it's worth it (work wise) rather then just a plain edge. Any opinions or first hand experience?
 
Too small of a blade for serrations. Get the 556 PE and never look back, it's the best utility EDC going.
Great choice!!!!!!!
 
Btw, I'd really like to see BM do a Limited run of Mini grips with s30v or VG-10 and CF, Titanium, or even G10 handles, and oh yeah, a double hollow grind...that would be sweet as honey!
 
Although it is a small knife, I don't think that serrations hinder the performance of the knife. On a REALLY small knife such as the Spyderco Pegasus, then serrations really hang up on materials.
Matt
 
I have a combo-edge Mini-Griptilian, and it's what I would recommend. The knife has a great feel in the hand, first of all. A good weight (not too heavy or too light), a good solidity, and most of all a good shape. The combo-edge is more like 60P/40S, so there is plenty of plain edge for most purposes, and the serrations can be handy (especially if you're like me and don't want to mess up the perfect razor edge you put on the plain section on everyday chores).

I think you'd be missing something if you got this knife without the serrations.

But then, I think you're missing something by getting it with a :barf: thumbstud instead of the elegant-looking oval hole. The combination of blade shape, choil serrations, blade serrations and that hole makes the Mini-Griptilian a really cool looking knife.

Enjoy. :)
 
I recently bought a plain edged 555 modified sheepsfoot. Get the plain edge - or one day you'll regret it!
The oval hole does not work as well as a round one. I find that my thumb tends to slip off just as the blade approaches the open position.
 
I recently bought a plain edged 555 modified sheepsfoot. Get the plain edge - or one day you'll regret it!
The oval hole does not work as well as a round one. I find that my thumb tends to slip off just as the blade approaches the open position.
 
Originally posted by Steven Andrews
Get the plain edge - or one day you'll regret it!
The oval hole does not work as well as a round one. I find that my thumb tends to slip off just as the blade approaches the open position.
Click to expand...

No way, oval hole works fine for me, but I have the full-sized version....and the partial serration adds more of a bite. Chomp!
 
I have a 551 plain edge and, frankly, I pay more attention to the point, belly, and edge near the belly when sharpening. That suggests that if you were like me, you'd be 5'10" and named "Thom" and that serrating the bottom 40% won't hinder your plain-edge needs with the mini-Grip, but you'll have serrations at your service should you need them. Go for the 556s!
 
I like my 555 but my thumb does slip off the oval hole every now and then.
I would also like the blade to be thinner.

Mine's a plain-edged but I don't think combo edges are without their merits.

Allen.
 
Thom, you were pretty close but far off height wise!

Everyone, I like the Drop point blade more then the modified Sheepsfoot. I don't know which one to get Plain egde or combo-edge... I still am leaning toward plain edge, but the combo-edge would be good for more aggressive cutting. But seeing the pictures I can't see the serrations would be worth it.
 
AllenC, just wondering, why would you like the blade to be thinner? My 555 cuts as well as my 771, and I was just thinking the other day that I wish the 771 had a thicker blade.
 
Originally posted by allenC
I like my 555 but my thumb does slip off the oval hole every now and then.
I would also like the blade to be thinner.

Mine's a plain-edged but I don't think combo edges are without their merits.

Allen.
Click to expand...

I'm quite happy with my 555 oval-hole, and while I don't think that I ever have problems with my thumb slipping off, I wouldn't really know because I generally open the knife by holding the Axis lock open and giving it a flick. With refined technique, you can open the knife this way and manage to do it in near-silence.
 
Alonzo,
I think thin-blade knives generally cut better than thick-blade knives, and generally a shorter blade does'nt need to be as thick as a longer blade. Since the 555 is a small knife, it's not likely to see alot of prying and torque.
Not to mention that a thick tip does'nt lend itself to fine delicate work as well as a thinner point (like on the Kershaw Scallion for example).

Peacefuljeffrey,
Yeah, I don't have trouble if I flick it open, but I guess I'm so used to Spyderco knives (my usual EDCs) that my hand is trained to use the thumbhole automatically.


Allen.
 
really about plain or (partially) serrated.....

Here's a recent thread that asks this question:

Plain Edge Or Serrated!?

I don't have the Mini-Griptillian but really like the Axis-lock system owning the first Axis-lock as soon as it was generally (commerically) available.

I think I would prefer the hole opening rather than the thumb-stud - but I do note one person has posted that the oval-hole was not as effective as the thumb-stud for his use.
 
I just picked up an OD mini grip w/plain edge and thumbstud. The only problem with serrations is that they are tough to re-sharpen once dull. A scary sharp plain edge can cut as well as serrations for most materials.
 
Originally posted by knifedaddy84
Is this bad for the Axis lock?
Click to expand...

I don't believe the flicking the blade open with the Axis lock is bad for the lock, or the knife in general.

For one thing, I have carefully looked at what takes place as this is done. The blade swings until the tang comes into contact with the cylindrical peg that forms the strong support for the handle (it runs crosswise to the handle). It is this peg and the sliding Axis lock lever that pin the blade in place. The lever rides up the tang toward the blade, and since the tang is slightly slanted, a pinching effect takes place.

I don't open the knife very forcefully, having been refining the technique for making an arc with my lower arm as the blade swings open. This sort of "matches the speed" between the blade and my arm, cushioning the final impact of blade tang on peg. Sometimes I do it loud, sometimes I do it moderate, and sometimes I can not really even hear the blade lock open -- but sure enough, I look and see that it is.

I have not detected ANY looseness in the blade of my Benchmade 555. They did a really nice job designing this knife.
 
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