BM551 or 530?

D

davisac

Joined
Feb 28, 2008
Messages
88
Is the 530 mainly a light use knife where the 551 is heavy or will they both do either? And any other differences? I like the look of the 530 but not sure if its durable enough and all. thanks
 
If you will be using the knife for its intended purpose, it will be plenty durable. I can't see breaking either knife in day to day use unless you tried to pry something with it. I have owned both knives and I like them both, but I prefer the 551. YMMV. Get both, one for dress and one for work.
 
Actually both knives are strong. I'd go with the 551 for heavier work and the larger blade, but the 530's the same steel and for 1.8 ounces is very slim so fits just about anywhere. I've solved this problem by buying both!
 
The 530 is a little too thin and straight for me.

I also find the 551's thumb and Axis studs much easier to operate.
 
Both are good knives. The only objection I had to the 530 I had was the way the thumb studs were made. They flared out on the ends and the would catch on the top inside of my jeans pockets. Sometimes the blade would start opening while I was pulling the 530 from my pocket. I did like the light weight of it though. Made for a good knife to carry when wearing dress type pants. It was a great slicer.
 
ok lets say i cant buy both (lol). the majority say 551 I guess. so thats whatd youd pick for EDC if only one?
 
Get both. Because of some posts here I got a 530 and love it. I was a bit turned off by the dagger style blade but it is a real slicer and is so light and thin and carries well. I EDC when wearing sweats and sweat shorts and can't tell I am carrying a knife. It carries great IWB. I like the mini Grip, too. Hard to beat the Axis lock.
RKH
 
If I had to pick only one for edc, for the rest of my life, I would chose the 551. I think it has a more practical blade shape and it may hold up better in the long run. Plus the handle is more comfortable for extended use. I still say buy both.
 
Well I think im leaning towards the 530 just bc of the size and all that. im looking at getting that and a spyderco harpy. so maybe later on down the road ill get a 551 if i like the 530 (which from what your saying i will and will want to get both lol). thanks for the opinions everyone
 
I have one (530), and for what it is, I like it. At under 2 ounces (1.8 to be exact) it's a great knife for suit wear. I like the 154CM steel, but I wouldn't consider it a work knife, nor would I use it for any hard duty.
 
My 530 carries better than my 556, even though the mini grip is smaller. However, I feel a lot better about heavy use on the 556, mainly because it was cheaper.
 
The 530 is more of a dress knife and the 551 is more of a work knife. Both are nice knives, but I think the 530 is a whole lot better looking and it is more comfortable in the pocket because it is slimmer. I have a hard time believing anyone will have a problem with the 530 for pure cutting (no prying or any of that nonsense). But if you're a little more abusive on knives you'll want the 551.
 
RKH said:
Get both. Because of some posts here I got a 530 and love it. I was a bit turned off by the dagger style blade but it is a real slicer and is so light and thin and carries well. I EDC when wearing sweats and sweat shorts and can't tell I am carrying a knife. It carries great IWB. I like the mini Grip, too. Hard to beat the Axis lock.
RKH
Click to expand...

I've demoed a 530 before, and it felt kind of cheap. I mean, I could tell that it was well built, but the plastic-ish (not sure of the material) handle + the light weight made it feel kind of like a toy.

Would you agree with me if I said that the 530 isn't a hard-work knife the way a Griptilian would be considered?
 
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