My first EDC. Benchmade Presidio 520 or Griptilian 551 ???

A

alexhadj1

Joined
Jan 4, 2013
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Hello guys,

After a long search for purchasing my first folding knife i end up in Benchmade(due to materials and designs) and more specific in two models: the Presidio 520 and Griptilian 551. I am stucked now on which one to choose. I like both knives' design a lot. The weight is not an issue neither the price, i dont mind paying more for Presidio if i know i'll get also a great or even a better knife(than Grip). Can you please help me with your opinion on which one you consider a better folding knife and the reason for that?

Best regards,

Alex
 
Do yourself a major favor:

Browse around knife seller's website until you can locate the 2013 shot show limited edition Griptilian. You'll pay about $50-$60 more, but get a Griptilian that is (arguably) the best variant of the Griptilian to date (CPM-M4 [with a better heat treat]/G10). For the same price as the Presidio, you will get a limited edition grip made of outstanding materials (which looks absolutely amazing).

Out of the two knives you listed, I prefer the Griptilian. The Grip molds to the hand, carries, and slices better than the Presidio.
 
I would google Doug Ritter and go to his site. He has a collaboration deal with Benchmade. You can order a Ritter Grip or Mini-grip. He takes the standard Grip and replaces the blade with a better steel, better shape, and stonewashes it so it won't show scratches. Only costs 20-30 more. He has some in stock.
 
Oakengroves said:
Do yourself a major favor:

Browse around knife seller's website until you can locate the 2013 shot show limited edition Griptilian. You'll pay about $50-$60 more, but get a Griptilian that is (arguably) the best variant of the Griptilian to date (CPM-M4 [with a better heat treat]/G10). For the same price as the Presidio, you will get a limited edition grip made of outstanding materials (which looks absolutely amazing).

Out of the two knives you listed, I prefer the Griptilian. The Grip molds to the hand, carries, and slices better than the Presidio.
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Is this the one you mean? http://www.benchmade.com/products/551-101
 
Locutus D'Borg said:
I would google Doug Ritter and go to his site. He has a collaboration deal with Benchmade. You can order a Ritter Grip or Mini-grip. He takes the standard Grip and replaces the blade with a better steel, better shape, and stonewashes it so it won't show scratches. Only costs 20-30 more. He has some in stock.
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Ritter Grip is another great variant of the Grip, definitely something to consider. Usually, I'd second the Ritter Grip (blade shape slices slightly better), but the 2013 shot show Griptilian version is just too good to pass up!
 
The 520 is my favorite knife so if the weight doesn't bother you I'd go with the Presidio. From my experience cutting performance between the two is pretty much the same. The 520 is much more burly than the Grip. The handle is far more substantial and the blade stock is a little thicker. It also rides a little lower in the pocket and for me personally has a slightly more comfortable handle. It is known to be a pocket shredder though so keep that in mind.
The Grip is still very good but alot of people don't like the "cheap" or "hollow" feeling of the plastic handles. I don't mind it, it keeps it really light. Have you looked at the Doug Ritter version? It has a higher thinner grind and and uses S30V steel so it is a better slicer than the standard Grip.
 
alexhadj1 said:
That seems a good deal ! But how do i have to treat the M4 (a non stainless steel) in order not to rust :confused:
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There are several ways. You will need to treat almost any knife you spend over $100 in the same ways if you want to protect your investment. The easiest way is to purchase a Tuff-Cloth ($5 to $10) and rub a thin layer of oil across the blade. I also suggest Rusty's Rags Ultimate Knifecare Kit (or any good oil, including BM's Blue Oil and a chamois).

I own several blades in CPM-M4 and live in a very rainy state. With the occasional touch up (Tuff-Cloth or Benchmade Blue Oil), I have never had problems with rusting. People only experience rusting with CPM-M4 if they do some pretty extreme stuff (leaving it submersed in water for extended periods of time; sticking it in the ground; not wiping acidic juices off the blade, etc).
 
Oakengroves said:
There are several ways. You will need to treat almost any knife you spend over $100 in the same ways if you want to protect your investment. The easiest way is to purchase a Tuff-Cloth ($5 to $10) and rub a thin layer of oil across the blade. I also suggest Rusty's Rags Ultimate Knifecare Kit (or any good oil, including BM's Blue Oil and a chamois).

I own several blades in CPM-M4 and live in a very rainy state. With the occasional touch up (Tuff-Cloth or Benchmade Blue Oil), I have never had problems with rusting. People only experience rusting with CPM-M4 if they do some pretty extreme stuff (leaving it submersed in water for extended periods of time; sticking it in the ground; not wiping acidic juices off the blade, etc).
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In case of rusting is there a way of removing it without a permanent damage on the blade?
 
alexhadj1 said:
In case of rusting is there a way of removing it without a permanent damage on the blade?
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Yep. Several ways. I've never had bad rusting on a knife but have scraped rust off and used the old method of a little blade cleaning oil and lemon juice.

If all else fails, Benchmade will fix it for you. I've had to send in a few blades with various issues (not rusting) and they've always sent them back in top-shape.
 
Regards M4 rusting bear in mind that BM coats all their M4 blades, so at least blade face rust is not an issue. The edge however can easily rust. I've removed the coating on a BM M4 blade-- it discolors quickly if left wet, but is certainly doable naked if reasonable care is taken.

I carry both 520s and Grips. The handle of the 520 is a bit fuller rear underside, and I prefer that handle for both comfort and leverage in hard use. Short of hard use tho i love them both.
 
ryxlyx said:
Regards M4 rusting bear in mind that BM coats all their M4 blades, so at least blade face rust is not an issue. The edge however can easily rust. I've removed the coating on a BM M4 blade-- it discolors quickly if left wet, but is certainly doable naked if reasonable care is taken.

I carry both 520s and Grips. The handle of the 520 is a bit fuller rear underside, and I prefer that handle for both comfort and leverage in hard use. Short of hard use tho i love them both.
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Between M4 and 154CM steel which one you prefer for every day-all around use ? Because i have also the temptation to wait and purchase the 2013 Shot Show Griptilian....
 
Oakengroves said:
Yep. Several ways. I've never had bad rusting on a knife but have scraped rust off and used the old method of a little blade cleaning oil and lemon juice.

If all else fails, Benchmade will fix it for you. I've had to send in a few blades with various issues (not rusting) and they've always sent them back in top-shape.
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Thanks for the info , very helpful i'll keep that in mind !
 
i would say the 520 is the far superior knife. in my opinion the only thing the full size grip had going for it was the price. it used to be about $65 and now it is about $100. if you dont mind the bulk the 520 is an awesome choice. i have the auto version ( benchmade 5000) and it is a good go to pocket knife. it will take a beating with no problem's. for somebody getting their first edc i would far recommend 154cm over M4. it is easy to sharpen and is stainless. those are two huge pro's for a persons first edc. i like m4 steel a lot but it does take upkeep and can be hard to sharpen if you dont have good equipment.
 
My first choice would be the SHOT show Grip with M4, but if that's not available or you'd prefer something else I'd recommend taking a look at the Bone Collector. It's based on the Presidio but has either Walnut or G10 scales. The blade is D2 and has an opening hole instead of thumb studs.
 
Do you have in mind an other Benchmade knife which carries also 154CM blade and aluminum handles and is better than the Presidio 520 ?
 
The 940/943 have aluminum handles with S30V steel. Still stainless, holds an edge a little better than 154CM and isn't too hard to sharpen. These are the same length as the Presidio but much more slim. They ride a little more comfortably in the pocket but they won't take the same abuse as the 520 IMO due to the long thin blade. I used to have a 943 but I still have a 520. The 525 Mini Presidio is the little brother of the 520 and is a nice EDC if you like something a little smaller.
There aren't really very many aluminum handled knives around anymore. it seems it is a material that is used mostly for autos. The Kershaw Blur is a nice aluminum handled knife. Assisted opening, liner lock and I think 154CM. About the same size as the 520.
I would still just go with a regular 520 Presidio though. If I could only have one knife it would be a 520.
 
alexhadj1 said:
Do you have in mind an other Benchmade knife which carries also 154CM blade and aluminum handles and is better than the Presidio 520 ?
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The 520 to me has shelf space all its own-- people gripe about shredding, hate the chalkiness etc, but to me it's about the perfect hard-use knife, avail in both 154CM and M4 (sec'y mkt for M4). It's a comfy fit for leverage and the grip is superb, gloves or bare.

I don't get too bent out of shape regards steel choices. To me M4 can't be beat but I'm perfectly happy w/ 154CM too-- they're equally useful when sharpened, M4 just holds the edge longer is all. While I've always preferred tool steels I've come to appreciate the maintenance-free aspect of stainlesses as well. Were I to be using a knife all day I of course would want the edgeholding of M4, but for occasional (NORMAL in other words) use, any steel serves.

Grips are great, but for sustained use just aren't as comfy, for me anyway.
 
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