Checked out a Benchmade today...

I like VG-10 steel but as mentioned above, Benchmade's 440C is a very good steel. In fact, I think it is a great steel, as they heat-treat it. I also like Benchmade's 154CM, but like their 440C better (feels a bit easier to maintain and perhaps a bit more "toughness"?). I own none of the Benchmades in S30V yet, but my Sebenza in S30V is an excellent blade steel.

I have heard some good things from other forumites about the Pika, but my preference regarding Zytel-handled lockback knives are the Endura/Delica. The Benchmade Griptilians, though, are a different class of knife than the Zytel lockbacks. They have steel liners, Axis lock and unbelievable smoothness of operation. Also are more solid-feeling during heavier cutting chores in my experience, but all are excellent knives.
Jim
 
Just thought I would post an update.

I had a chance to check out the griptilian. I was impressed. I had no idea how the axis lock worked from reading about it, but if any of you are still unsure it is quite an interesting opener. Simply pull the bar toward you and a quick wrist flick opens the knife very quickly and smoothly. It has a very positive snap sound and zero blade play when open. To close it, do the same thing - just the opposite motion. Bang, it is closed.

In fact, you don't EVER have to touch the blade with this knife if you don't wish to. Very cool.

I like the drop point better than the benchmade blade with the hole. I think it looks funky (the thumb hole version), but I'm sure it's very functional. Makes me think that the Ritter Grip is a good way to go for me.

As far as the handle goes, it was functional, but certainly nothing fancy. It was ergonomically great and of course, very gripy. I think I like knives with liners a bit better than without (I say "I think" because I'm still figuring out what I like). The handle material, g10 I think, is very light and would make a good hiking folder due to it's light weight, but I would love to see a liner in it anyhow. Just me...

EDIT: It would look like I simply missed the liner. I'm not sure how I could, but the knife is advertised as having a 410 liner. Perhaps the liner does not extend through the width of the entire handle - or perhaps I missed it. Also, the handle was not g10 on the knife I inspected, but rather some other substance called Noryl GTX. Felt plasticy, but light.
 
I just bought a 551 from New Graham. I just couldn't resist it any longer. 65.00 shipped seemed like the best deal I could find for a new one and I couldn't justify the price for the Ritter when my inexperience won't allow me to appreciate the steel difference. Besides, I don't want a knife that I feel bad about using.
 
Good choice :-D The 556 (smaller version of yours) was my first benchmade, and I still love it (almost) as much as my 943. It does have liners that extend 3/4ths of the way down the handle, but they don't completely fill the full width of the handle. This doesn't really matter that much, it stays solid very well.
 
VG10 is quite simply one of the best stainless steels in the world. It is superb!

N690 as used in Extrema Ratio for example is a European steel very similar in all respects to 440C ( traditionally an American steel)

It is not as good as VG10, period. However it is still a good steel. It is good news for collectors when companies see 440C grade steels as a 'budget' choice, when others use 440a or 420 grade steel... :mad:
 
The Pika appears to be an exceptional value but I haven't see one live yet. It seems very comparable to the Endura but for half the price. You get a slightly lower quality blade steel but I don't know of any other drawbacks. On the plus side, you get an adjustable pivot. Oh, the Endura's lock release is cut down to prevent an accidental release so that's another positive for the Endura.
 
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