Convince me that a BM Griptilian is still a good buy

Everyone complains about broken Omega springs. I, as of yet, have never had a spring break OR meet anyone who has.
Personally, I can't help but feel that BM spring breakage is blown all out of proportion.
 
I have a Ritter Mini-Grip which I purchased lightly used a number of years ago in s30v steel. Handy little knife-nothing fancy but it has never disappointed me. The axis locking mechanism has always provided a solid lock-up and it is easy to deploy. i think that the Ritter blade shape makes for a good all around use knife. i don't know whether i would be willing to pay full price for it but it was worth the price that I paid.
 
I have maybe 6 axis lock knives, 3 of which are grips or mini grips. No broken omega springs, even though I sort of wish one would break so I would have a reason to figure out how to make a replacement.
 
I picked up a 555-1 at a local show the same week they first shipped out. The centering, grinds, action, and lockup were all perfect. I got it at a price that was too good to pass up, and the 20CV is awesome. Both springs broke within 6 months of owning it. Made some new ones out of memory wire because I didn't want to send it in and it's been fine ever since.

So many people have had no issues with the omega springs that I think it really just comes down to whether or not you happen to get one that is bad. I have no doubt that BM would have taken care of it had I sent it in.
 
I think the Benchmade it totally worth buying. I have not been able to carry my spyderco, zt and kershaw knives since getting my 940-1. I was strongly considering the mini grip in 20cv but decided to go with the valet instead. I still find myself thinking about buying the the grip but i don't know if it would be able to displace my 940-1. I prefer the look of the grip, but the versatility and carry convenience of the 940 is undeniable. I have had axis lock break on me. But it was only one spring and never both, so the knife would still lock open. despite the axis lock breaking, i would still buy the knife again. In fact, i bought my valet while i was waiting for my 940 to return from service. Between the 940 and the valet, i cannot seem to get myself to carry any of my other knives. I really like the valet for office carry or when going places where smaller knives may be preferable for social reasons.
 
In this picture you'll see my old man's 556 I got him that he's carried about 5 years now and my newly acquired Knifeworks Exclusive 551-1702. I've owned several Grips including the -1 series. @craytab is spot on in his comments about the "haters" there's a few that come out of the wood work to pounce on a Benchmade thread.

Omega Springs are solid - if they weren't the company wouldn't be in business as they've built their foundation on that lock.

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Dorkus Buttwhistle said:
I have maybe 6 axis lock knives, 3 of which are grips or mini grips. No broken omega springs, even though I sort of wish one would break so I would have a reason to figure out how to make a replacement.
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Should be pretty simple. I'd think you'd just need to mic the gauge of the Omega spring and buy a spool of music wire in the right thickness. Should then be able to form the curves with a Jewelers mandrel and pliers.

That's what I'm planning to do if/when I break one.
 
bluemetalchurch said:
In this picture you'll see my old man's 556 I got him that he's carried about 5 years now and my newly acquired Knifeworks Exclusive 551-1702...
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I really like my KW 551. It's just different enough from the regular 551 to be a great carry for me. The micarta handle is just a touch slimmer and smoother than the Noryl handle. That makes it ride in my pocket a little more comfortably than the regular 551. And M390 is now my fav SS for daily use.
 
I like my Grips! I have 6 full sized and 7 mini's, which are mostly custom knives (scales, etc) put together as matching knife sets for both my son, daughter, dad and fiancé to celebrate their/our recent life events together (one knife for them, a matching knife for me). Grips comprise the majority of my Benchmade folding knives except for two Crooked Rivers. I really love this knife and I can't wait for the Mini Crooked River which is about the same length as than the full sized -1 Grips and about $15 more MSRP. I imagine that since both knives have roughly the same blade length (~3.4") but different blade shape/materials, it may end up cannibalizing sales from the full sized Grip as the Crook River is head and shoulders above in fit and finish.... My BM collection is still smaller than my Spyderco collection (~80 folding knifes, mostly collectables) but they tend to find equal pocket time for EDC.

Actually checking BladeHQ, the pricing is only about $8.50 between the two knives... If the mini Crooked River has the same F&F as the larger one than it is basically a no brainer, unless you have an aversion to the clip point design and slightly different blade materials.
 
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I wonder how many of these omega spring have actually "broken"? I am willing to beat a great deal it is very very few. I have owned a number of axis locks and had many friends and family that own them and I have never ever seen or heard of one breaking. And the QC complaint... if you don't like something about the knife send it back for another one to the dealer or to BM... easy.
 
My most recent grip is a cableas exclusive d2 grip. Some people do not love the scales, I like them better than the original... how they look and how they feel. It came out of the box crazy sharp with very even grinds. Its centered and smooth as can be. Very happy with it. And I like the d2 and black hardware. I know its a bit overpriced for plastic scales and d2 but I have no regrets.
 
I have had the modified sheepsfoot griptilian for over a year. Didn't get much pocket time until I replaced the scales with thinner ones. Now it calls to me regularly. I love that sheepsfoot blade!
 
dalefuller said:
I really like my KW 551. It's just different enough from the regular 551 to be a great carry for me. The micarta handle is just a touch slimmer and smoother than the Noryl handle. That makes it ride in my pocket a little more comfortably than the regular 551. And M390 is now my fav SS for daily use.
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It's a great knife. If the -1 series didn't have the blue liners I would have never have gotten this one (I don't mind the gray). But this one is a standout. I wish they would use more micarta and yes, M390 is a beautiful thing.
 
8-Fingers said:
I like my Grips! I have 6 full sized and 7 mini's, which are mostly custom knives (scales, etc) put together as matching knife sets for both my son, daughter, dad and fiancé to celebrate their/our recent life events together (one knife for them, a matching knife for me). Grips comprise the majority of my Benchmade folding knives except for two Crooked Rivers. I really love this knife and I can't wait for the Mini Crooked River which is about the same length as than the full sized -1 Grips and about $15 more MSRP. I imagine that since both knives have roughly the same blade length (~3.4") but different blade shape/materials, it may end up cannibalizing sales from the full sized Grip as the Crook River is head and shoulders above in fit and finish.... My BM collection is still smaller than my Spyderco collection (~80 folding knifes, mostly collectables) but they tend to find equal pocket time for EDC.

Actually checking BladeHQ, the pricing is only about $8.50 between the two knives... If the mini Crooked River has the same F&F as the larger one than it is basically a no brainer, unless you have an aversion to the clip point design and slightly different blade materials.
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20cv is considered an upgrade to S30v so for many users they may still opt for the -1 series.

I agree though that the Crooked River is a hell of a knife. Probably my favorite Benchmade design. S30v is no slouch; I dig it.
 
afultz075 said:
Should be pretty simple. I'd think you'd just need to mic the gauge of the Omega spring and buy a spool of music wire in the right thickness. Should then be able to form the curves with a Jewelers mandrel and pliers.

That's what I'm planning to do if/when I break one.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I might try it some day just because.
 
bluemetalchurch said:
20cv is considered an upgrade to S30v so for many users they may still opt for the -1 series.

I agree though that the Crooked River is a hell of a knife. Probably my favorite Benchmade design. S30v is no slouch; I dig it.
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I agree with you about the steel choice being an upgrade, but with the Mini Crooked River at just 3.3 oz (that's about the same weight as the Noryl GTX Griptillian, and way less than the 4.17 oz of the G10 -1 series) the coupling of a S30v steel choice is a good trade-off. Plus the Mini Crooked River has full stainless liners verses the partial liners of the Griptilian series!
 
You can't go wrong with a Griptilian. I have 5--a Ritter, small/large pair in M390; a 550/555 pair in 154CM; and a 551SBK in 154--all in aftermarket grips as I really dislike the stock Noryl handles. I bought my wife a 550-1 with the gray G10s and she absolutely loves it. I would strongly suggest one of the -1s or dealer exclusives for the better scales.

On the other hand, 20CV, M390, and other "super-steels" are great, but 154CM is durable, corrosion resistant, has decent edge-retention, and is easily sharpenable. It's a fine steel and BMKs with it are a great economical choice. You can buy a Noryl handle Grip in 154CM and there are not-too-expensive scale upgrades if you like the knife and want to embellish.

As far as F&F or QC issues from Benchmade, I have owned about 30 BMKs and still have a couple dozen ranging from 90's classics to more current models and have never had any substantive issues with any. I do feel Benchmades require a bit of tuning and love to get them just right (blade play, centering), but have never not be able to get one adjusted to my liking. I do think BMK went through a period where their edges, grinds, and centering were a bit shaky, but anything I've gotten new in the last year or so has been excellent. I've never broken an Omega Spring and have used and played with my AXIS knives extensively. (Hot tip--always draw back on both sides on the AXIS bar simultaneously.)

I agree with @craytab and dalefuller dalefuller that Benchmade threads always seem to draw out the dog-piling haters who just can't wait to roll out their litany of "Benchmade sucks" complaints. Benchmade seems to still maintain a solid market-share despite the wailing.
 
I've owned 5 benchmades, never had any issues with the springs breaking... and I fidget with my knives excessively. However, I did sell my Benchmade 551-1 because the griptilian isn't very grippy anymore. They polished the G10 scales so they provide no grip, same gripe I had with the 940-2. But, if you don't mind that... over an amazing knife.
 
I like Benchmade knives, and enjoy playing with the Axis Lock. However, I have never completely trusted the omega springs, because they are more prone to break than other locking mechanisms. Keep in mind that it has two jobs, it locks the blade open and holds it closed. So in the unlikely event that both springs break on you, the knife will be a danger to carry and a pain to use.
To be fair, some folks claim to have gotten a decade of use before having to send their knife in for a spring replacement. Some folks claim to have experienced spring breakage in a very short period of time.
Different things can shorten spring life such as use, defective springs, cold temperatures, etc. Personally, I have more confidence in non-spring loaded locking mechanisms.
Bottom line is, the Griptillian is a good knife, but the Axis Lock is really a roll of the dice. Is it still a good value? Probably, but there are other options in the same price range that will last a lifetime without having to be sent in for repair. Yes Benchmade has decent customer service, but I prefer not having to use the service at all because of a knife issue.
 
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