Mini griptilian 555 fake or not?

[Justin Wood]

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Ok so looking at this knife to buy from a local antique market. I looked for all the tell signs that I know of that say it’s a fake… everything checked out, but I was surprised to see the blade steel 154cm not by the jumping on the blade. It is instead above the logo on the back side. This is a 555 mini griptilian. Anyone ever seen benchmade place the blade steel logo there on a griptilian?? I want to make sure it’s not a fake.

 

[shane45-1911]

Benchmade has placed their marks in several different places on the same knife model. I have a couple old 710's, 705's, 722's and a couple Skirmishes and the placement of the blade steel marking is different on all 4 models. (Yes, these are genuine BM knives ). I cannot speak to the 555 specifically as I have nothing to reference, but it wouldn't surprise me.

P.S. "jimping", not "jumping".

 

[Justin Wood]

Benchmade has placed their marks on several different places on the same knife model. I have a couple old 710's, 705's as well as 722's and the placement of the blade steel marking is different on both models. (Yes, these are genuine BM knives ). I cannot speak to the 555 specifically as I have nothing to reference, but it wouldn't surprise me.

P.S. "jimping", not "jumping".

Lol didn’t proof read before I posted

 

[KenHash]

Often a fake BMs can be identified by the box , bag and inside packing.

 

[amngwlvs]

I'd be interested to know the results of this. In searching I didn't see a single 555 with blade steel markings that match yours, they were all up by the jimping as you mentioned but I don't think anything else looks too suspicious. The pocket clip threw me at first but I'm now thinking it was just sanded down, likely after the painted got all chipped up from use.

 

[Justin Wood]

Right, the back of the pocket clip is actually still black like it would have been originally. I have an email out to Benchmade support… not sure they will answer, but will defiantly update the thread if/when they do.

I'd be interested to know the results of this. In searching I didn't see a single 555 with blade steel markings that match yours, they were all up by the jimping as you mentioned but I don't think anything else looks too suspicious. The pocket clip threw me at first but I'm now thinking it was just sanded down, likely after the painted got all chipped up from use.

 

[fishface5]

I found a pic of a yellow one with the same blade marking on a 2016 post on edcforums FWIW

 

[Justin Wood]

I found a pic of a yellow one with the same blade marking on a 2016 post on edcforums FWIW

Can I get a link to that post?

 

[fishface5]

Can I get a link to that post?

I put it on your profile but then found a better one from a dealer https://www.gpknives.com/benchmade-mini-griptilian-555bkhgsn-black-plain-edge.html

 

[Justin Wood]

Awesome! Thanks that really makes me feel better about my purchase lol. I will say that when I disassembled for cleaning (and it was DIRTY) the quality of the screws and such gave me the impression that there was no way it could be fake. Having taken apart cheap sub $30 knives and seeing the screws strip and/or a gross amount of thread locker, this one came apart like a dream in spite of what appeared to be years of grime.

 

[Justin Wood]

As promised, this is what Benchmade said to my email. So combined with the other picture of a griptilian for sale, I think I did good lol

Good morning Justin,



Thank you for reaching out to Benchmade. Over years of manufacturing lazermarking as been adjusted. There is not an exact reason or time frame we can provide for this though.

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Jaya Graver​ Consumer Specialist​

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