Bought a new Benchmade?

redhawk44p

redhawk44p

Joined
Jan 10, 2004
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I just bought the Benchmade 151 Griptilian Fixed blade from NGK. What are your thoughts on this blade pro or con? Thanks
bm_151fbg.jpg

Benchmade 151 Griptilian Fixed blade. Plain Edge Satin finish. Blade Length: 4.16" Blade Thickness: 0.119" Blade Material: 154CM Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC Blade Style: Modified Drop-Point Weight: 4.6oz. Overall Length: 8.72" Closed Length: 8.72" Sheath Material: MOLLE Compatable; Low Profile Ballistic Nylon; Molded Kydex® Thermoplastic Insert $62.50
 
I got one a few months ago. For one reason or another it has not been used much. I like every thing about it just haven't had the chance to use it as often as I would like. It was bought with camping/woods walking in mind.
 
I bought mine for kayaking. I thought it would be good for food prep and when we get out on shore and check the woods out. I also wanted to try 154cm steel. Is it good steel?
 
The sheath that comes with it doesn't suit the knife to me. A different sheath or kydex sheath could better :confused:
 
I really like mine 154cm is good steel I find d-2 and vg-10 easier to sharpen but that not a fault of the steel. I have used my fixed grip a few times outdoors and im very confident in it.
 
I think that the design and blade steel is good enough that they should have used better handle material and increased the price to cover it. I think it is a great for a small camp knife.
 
I like this knife. I've been hemming and hawing between the ritter grip folder/fixed, and the regular bm 551 folder/fixed.
 
It's the exact same size and shape as the 551? If so, it's an excellent idea. Couple of comments though, since you asked.

1) have you guys noticed that the fixed blade is significantly more expensive than the folding model at some dealers (not at NGK)? That's ridiculous since the fixed blade is made from three parts, while the folder has the pivot pin, Axis lock, etc.

2) That would be a great-looking knife with some natural materials. Since the Griptilian 550 and 551 range from $65 - $70 (NGK prices), Benchmade should be able to sell a cocobolo fixed blade for the same price. I need a break from all of the black plastic.

Best Wishes,
-Bob
 
I am a woodworker. Those handles may very well get replaced. I want a knife that can take some rough use but will not cause too much grief if I drop it in the river. If it is as good as my folding Griptilians I will be pleased for sure.
 
Looks pretty nice to me. Mel Pardue makes some gorgeous designs and the Griptillian series is a great example.

I know you generally do it anyways, but make sure to regrind the edge as smooth and shiny as you can to reduce the amount of places water may creep in while you're kayaking. Get out a strop loaded with boron carbide and put a CD with James Brown's "Say It Loud" on continuous loop for about an hour and you should be all set.
 
Looks like a good piece , dont care much for the sheath , lots of guys around here can rectify that - for kyaking - preferably kydex . Normark is very good .

Chris
 
thombrogan said:
I know you generally do it anyways, but make sure to regrind the edge as smooth and shiny as you can to reduce the amount of places water may creep in while you're kayaking. Get out a strop loaded with boron carbide and put a CD with James Brown's "Say It Loud" on continuous loop for about an hour and you should be all set.
Click to expand...

Yes Sir, that will be my first move.
I look forward to trying the 154CM. It will be here tomorrow.
 
Bob W said:
It's the exact same size and shape as the 551? If so, it's an excellent idea. Couple of comments though, since you asked.

1) have you guys noticed that the fixed blade is significantly more expensive than the folding model at some dealers (not at NGK)? That's ridiculous since the fixed blade is made from three parts, while the folder has the pivot pin, Axis lock, etc.


Best Wishes,
-Bob
Click to expand...

Not sure; but maybe because the fixed blade has a full tang and thus you're paying for more steel - the 154CM is not cheap.

Plus the sheath.


In contrast, the folder's Axis lock, pivot pin etc. manufacturing are all mechanized - so the "labor" cost is relatively low. And those parts (omega springs etc.) are relatively low cost to the manufacturer as well.

So perhaps the manufacturer is seeing actual higher costs overall for the fixed blade version.
 
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