Help deciding between the benchmade 550 and the 551

L

LukeLikesKnives

Joined
Apr 25, 2014
Messages
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Ok just though I'd run it by you here's what I need and then you can tell me which one you like more and which one I should get for what I need ok first I need a good knife that's easy to sharpen (using the lansky deluxe) 2nd I need a good tip for taking staples out of wood and stuff 3rd I need a easy to deploy gloved or not gloved 4th I need one that holds a edge and I think that's all maybe acouple more little things but no need to throw them in if you can help at all it's highly appreciated 👍
 
either build your own S30V Grip on BMs website or you could just buy the REI limited edition green and black G10 S30V Griptillian in either serrated or non serrated flavors. Due to the incredibly tough G10 the knife is just far more solid overall than the plastic handled regular Grips and there is no more annoying plastic clack clack noises when opening and closing the knife. The REIs handle is also a tough thinner than the normal plastic and is just easier to carry overall. No more tearing out your pocket pulling a full size Grip out due to the aggressive plastic checkering patterns on the standard handle the REI stays more comfortably clipped in place and deploys far easier and faster.

I have 4 Grips 3 standards and REI. The REIs S30V blade has held its edge and its tip with not even a scratch over the 3 months Ive been using it and it is still just as sharp as the day I got it. So far this Grips S30V has been the best most solid and most edge retaining S30V I have ever used. BMs heat treat should be seen as a benchmark for other high end steel producers.

Oh and the REI is a 551. Go for it. This run is over for REI now they are just selling off whats left in stock. Rumors of a G10 REI mini Grip abound.....
 
I would suggest a 550 in S30V for the following reasons:

- The tip is strong due to it's design.
- The blade uses an opening hole so you avoid the thumbstuds interfearing with sharpening.
- The standard scales and hole are good with gloves.
- And lastly, it is plain and simply a damn good knife, IMO.
 
550! It's a better cutter. Thumb hole deployment is a no brainer. Then get scales from Keyman or deathofallthings on this forum!
 
Ive got both and also in 154 and S30v. Main advantage of the thumb hole of the 550 is that you can utilize the full length of the blade without snagging. If on the 551, the thumb studs to sometimes gets in the way while cutting. Even during stropping, 550 is easier to handle. As for the blade itself, i prefer 550 than 551 and in 154 steel. Easier to sharpen, does hold the edge for my applications.
 
The 550 and 551 are different grinds as well. The 550 is a hollow grind, and the 551 is a flat grind. In my experience both are great slicers, with the hollow grind being better for thinner materials and the flat grind working a little better for cutting through thicker stuff. Some say a hollow grind is better for skinning, for example.

Can't go wrong with either 154cm or s30v, in my opinion. This is a discussion of the two:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/884723-154CM-vs-S30V-vs-VG-10-in-the-real-world

I prefer the 550 in 154cm for an edc because it holds a good razor edge fairly long and is easy to resharpen, but also have the REI version that CelticCross mentioned above and it is an outstanding knife. Really can't go wrong with either, so ..... buy one of each :)
 
550 x1000

Like almost everyone else has said:
- Thumb hole is easy to use anyway you want
- Bladeshape is awesome and the tip is pretty strong
- Mine is 154cm and it has held up nicely and I get it to shave arm hair with my Lansky diamond set.
 
Ok thanks everyone looks like it will be the 550 would you recommend satin or coated does the coating on it hold up nice like better then the coating on a rat 1 or endura 4 pocket clip
 
Satin.
Once a coating is scratched. Its done for.
Unless you like that worn look.
 
It's all personal preference. I don't really like black blades to begin with, but some people do, and they even like the worn look.
 
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