I spy Benchmade 551-1, 556-1 Grey G10 CPM-20CV

Jesse B. · Nov 25, 2015

Sorry. That was embarrassing and added nothing.

338375 · Nov 25, 2015

RevDevil said:
You do realize that CPM-20CV, CTS-204P, and BU-M390 is all just about the exact same thing right? HOw can it less preferred when it's the same thing? Not like anyone can really tell the difference between the 3 in a blind test.

Yep... Kinda splitting hairs

Jesse B. said:
From my Id:
Aesthetically, and based on the image(s) thus far, this iteration is monstrously ugly. Stop with the fucking BLUE already: navy blue, baby blue, whatever in God's Holy name blue this is supposed to be... just stop it. Stop. No more blue. Blue symbolizes poison, and the sea. I'm allergic to poison, and I can't swim. Grey is a complimentary, neutral color... use it to offset black or white, but not blue -- because blue is the hue of the Devil's playground.
Quite simply, this is the ugliest Griptilian I have ever seen--again, based on the images so far.

Wow... Seriously ?

RevDevil · Nov 25, 2015

Cool it with the language.

P_Meticulous · Nov 25, 2015

RevDevil said:
You do realize that CPM-20CV, CTS-204P, and BU-M390 is all just about the exact same thing right? HOw can it less preferred when it's the same thing?

I do realize they have very similar element compositions, however, they are not exactly the same. BU M390 has more Si content compared to CPM-20CV. They are also made using two different PM processes. Edge goes to BU M390 in toughness (more so because of their PM process). Hence, why I prefer M390 lol, hell even KW acknowledges that in their product description:

The 551-1 are made with Premium CPM-20CV stainless steel. CPM-20CV is virtually identical in chemical composition to the current M390 but is made in the United States. It offers better edge retention but not quite as tough as M390.

RevDevil said:
Not like anyone can really tell the difference between the 3 in a blind test.

Im pretty sure no human man could tell the difference between any modern steel in a blind cutting test

I obviously appreciate the science behind how things are made more than you do.. I guess well chalk it up to that

Elite_KG · Nov 26, 2015

Jesse B. said:
From my Id:
Aesthetically, and based on the image(s) thus far, this iteration is monstrously ugly. Stop with the fucking BLUE already: navy blue, baby blue, whatever in God's Holy name blue this is supposed to be... just stop it. Stop. No more blue. Blue symbolizes poison, and the sea. I'm allergic to poison, and I can't swim. Grey is a complimentary, neutral color... use it to offset black or white, but not blue -- because blue is the hue of the Devil's playground.
Quite simply, this is the ugliest Griptilian I have ever seen--again, based on the images so far.

Functionally--and particularly with the larger model 551--G10 (or micarta) has been something almost everyone has been asking for in a production model. Hollow plastic handles tend to make people uncomfortable, so bravo for recognizing and responding to the most common complaint about the Griptilians. The only thing missing at this point are more attractive color options--which I'm sure are within the means of Benchmade production..

I really like blue so keep it coming Benchmade!
Blue and grey are probably my two favorite colors. Awesome combination. Can't please everyone, but I'm sure glad it pleases me!!!!

This and the new black and blue 940 would be a killer duo. Hopefully the 940 is around in a few months so I can pick one up.

Krazy Cash · Nov 26, 2015

Glad to see a few strokes of innovation coming from the BM lineup.

Just might have to pick one of these up!

whp · Nov 26, 2015

Good work, Benchmade! If it was only 20.00 cheaper it would take off like a rocket with the knife people.

whp · Nov 26, 2015

I still prefer the Ritter Grip with m390 at 140.00, but for the plastic phobes, this knife with g10 will have some appeal.

dubya3 · Nov 26, 2015

RevDevil said:
You do realize that CPM-20CV, CTS-204P, and BU-M390 is all just about the exact same thing right? HOw can it less preferred when it's the same thing? Not like anyone can really tell the difference between the 3 in a blind test.

That's what I was wondering, why the fuss over a nearly identical steel with the only difference being it keeps the cost down using the American version.

P_Meticulous · Nov 26, 2015

dubya3 said:
That's what I was wondering, why the fuss over a nearly identical steel with the only difference being it keeps the cost down using the American version.

You obviously missed my response above.

A) They are very close in composition (Exception in Si content), but their powder metallurgy processes (how they are made) are different.

B) Not sure how the price would go down, especially with Benchmade. The only reason companies like Survive and Benchmade are using -20CV, is because they can say their product is now 100% US made.

BUs PM process is much more refined:
[video]https://youtu.be/LlNQdU0DkUA[/video]

dubya3 · Nov 26, 2015

P_Meticulous said:
You obviously missed my response above.

A) They are very close in composition (Exception in Si content), but their powder metallurgy processes (how they are made) are different.

B) Not sure how the price would go down, especially with Benchmade. The only reason companies like Survive and Benchmade are using -20CV, is because they can say their product is now 100% US made.

BUs PM process is much more refined:
[video]https://youtu.be/LlNQdU0DkUA[/video]

Yup already know they aren't exactly the same steels. I'm agreeing with RD in his statement there's no way you'd be able to differentiate the three in a blind test. Even knowing you had one of each you still wouldn't tell them apart. I don't understand why you prefer M390 over the American steels if performance is 99% the same and all things equal, a Griptilian with 204P or 20CV should be cheaper than one with M390. In the end I don't care what you prefer or why you do, everyone has their opinion and it's great we all have a steel/knife to fit our specific needs. I'm glad the new 551 is using a Crucible version of M390.

338375 · Nov 26, 2015

P_Meticulous said:
B) Not sure how the price would go down, especially with Benchmade. The only reason companies like Survive and Benchmade are using -20CV, is because they can say their product is now 100% US made.

I don't know if that is why BM chose to use that particular steel, but there certainly isn't anything wrong with a company being able to say
their products are 100% U.S made... Personally I like the idea. How many companies can say that ? Not many.

Tacticaltater · Nov 26, 2015

Wow that griptilian is freaking awesome. I'm going to get one asap. The griptilian is already one of my favorite knives now with the g10 and 20cv upgrade and not to mention the color combo, it's going to be a no brainier. Take my money.

338375 · Nov 26, 2015

Tacticaltater said:
Wow that griptilian is freaking awesome. I'm going to get one asap. The griptilian is already one of my favorite knives now with the g10 and 20cv upgrade and not to mention the color combo, it's going to be a no brainier. Take my money.

That's the spirit

jazub · Nov 26, 2015

Perhaps I am not looking hard enough, but I am failing to recognize any bad news in any part of this release. Griptilian steel upgrade. Griptilian handle upgrade. Modest price increase. Not to mention the general "husshhhhh" that will befall the Griptilian handle-hater-naysayers on the forum...

Ahhhhh, the sweet, sweet sound of silence.

Dudes, this is cool, right?? If you say "no", then you hate puppies, bbq, and free beer. :grumpy:

338375 · Nov 26, 2015

jazub said:
Perhaps I am not looking hard enough, but I am failing to recognize any bad news in any part of this release. Griptilian steel upgrade. Griptilian handle upgrade. Modest price increase. Not to mention the general "husshhhhh" that will befall the Griptilian handle-hater-naysayers on the forum...

Ahhhhh, the sweet, sweet sound of silence.

Dudes, this is cool, right?? If you say "no", then you hate puppies, bbq, and free beer. :grumpy:

I only see good things with this knife... Yes, it will silence the "crappy scale crowd", but they will find something else to complain about

RevDevil · Nov 26, 2015

The price on this on is what I consider reasonable. You get an American made knife, strong, reliable, ambidextrous lock, solid warranty, g10 scales (2 toned), 20CV steel, on a super popular knife platform for under $200? Yes, that is the way to go. I applaud Benchmade on this one, and. I've been critical in the past.

NG VI · Nov 26, 2015

I'm still unhappy over MAP policy, but this Grip is sex on ice.

Does anyone know if the sheepsfoot-thumbhole blade will be saber ground like the D2 and S30V versions vs hollow ground like the default 154CM?

bld522 · Nov 26, 2015

P_Meticulous said:
I do realize they have very similar element compositions, however, they are not exactly the same. BU M390 has more Si content compared to CPM-20CV. They are also made using two different PM processes. Edge goes to BU M390 in toughness (more so because of their PM process). Hence, why I prefer M390 lol, hell even KW acknowledges that in their product description: . . .

What are you planning to do with your Mini-Grip that toughness (impact resistance) would be more important to you than edge retention? You do realize we're talking about a knife that weighs maybe 3 ounces and has a blade length of less than 3 inches, right?

P_Meticulous · Nov 26, 2015

bld522 said:
What are you planning to do with your Mini-Grip that toughness (impact resistance) would be more important to you than edge retention? You do realize we're talking about a knife that weighs maybe 3 ounces and has a blade length of less than 3 inches, right?

lol At the moment, I'm not planning on owning any current grip offering.. I'm plenty satisfied with the M390 on my 810-1401's and prefer larger folders.

I just want them to keep using M390, I believe BU's end product is more refined, even if it's impossible to notice with our senses..