I need help with a choice /What is the difference besides the obivious

S

sithsvi

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May 25, 2014
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I'm going to get a Benchmade Mini Griptilian as a gift for someone dear to me but I can't decide between the 555BKHG model (one with the thumb hole) or the 556BK (stud)
benchmade-griptilian-mini-555bkhg.jpg
benchmade-556bk-mini-griptilian-mdp.jpg


Has anyone had these two?
Pros and cons of it? etc.
 
The one with the stud looks a lot better. Not sure of the tech differences though.
 
I have several of each. The difference is in the blade shape/grind. The HG is a hollow grind, the BK is a flat grind.
 
I've had both a 550 and 551 (the full-size versions of the Grips). I traded the 550 away some time back though. They're both good knives, but I just preferred the 551. There are only 3 differences I can think of:

- Thumb stud vs. Thumb hole
- Drop point vs. Sheepsfoot
- Flat grind vs. Hollow grind

Functionally, there's not going to be any significant difference. It's just personal preference over the details.
 
I much prefer the studded version. The other one's also cool if you really prefer that blade design. Really takes the lateral strength down, but probably a better slicer. Is your friend a knife nut? If not, definitely go with the stud- a really classic profile and a bit sturdier tip and blade.

Hole vs. stud doesn't matter for opening because everybody knows you just pull back on the Axis lock and flip it open. Make sure you show your friend that and it will be instant love!
 
I'm the opposite. Absolutely love the sheepsfoot for my tasks and no stud to get in the way when doing a little food prep if I have to. The 551 blade feels a little beefier, but I think the 550 just slices better, and for what I do it's perfect. I keep one on me daily just dropped in my pocket as a secondary knife that I don't mind beating on.
 
I play with the 556 at my job (sporting goods store). I belive due to the smaller size the opening hole would be harder to use. Ive always be a thumbstud person, so it may just be that. But like i said to me i think thumb studs is the way and, save the opening hole for the full size.
 
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I prefer a thumb hole. More convenient than a stud ; which you will find is not the easiest thing to operate with wet hands with a wet environment. When l go yachting ; l.always use my Spyderco Harpy ( my EDC) Even with wet.hands its very easy to open because of the large hole. Thumb studs are more.slippery. of course the decision is up to you
 
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