My first knife- BM 551

S

StandOnGuard

Joined
Feb 17, 2006
Messages
32
Folks,

I just recently purchased my first name-brand knife (other than a SAK I've owned for ages). It is a Benchmade 551 Griptilian, tan handle, black blade, combo edge. Must be an older version, as it is 440C rather than 154CM. I got it for a great deal, but I'm a little disappointed. Hope I won't take too much flak for this, but it seems to be not all that solid, and the Axis lock doesn't feel very secure. Mind you, the factory edge is sharp as heck!
 
Maybe the axis doesn' feel "secure" for you but, from my experience and having read lot's of comments about it in this forum, I'll say is one of the best locking systems out there (my favorite by now indeed).

The Griptilian can feel a little cheap because of the texture of the handle but don't get it wrong, It'll take all you want to give it.

Congrats! You got a great knife :)
 
I just purchased the exact model (440C and all), and I love it. I do wonder a little about how far the axis goes behind the blade, but I feel secure because of everyone else's experience with it
 
You could try tightening the pivot pin a bit. My very first impression of a Benchmade Axis lock was that it was cheap and flimsy. Several months later, I tried another one (an Ares model) and it wasn't cheap or flimsy... I don't know if my perception changed or my first experience had been a lemon, or what. All things considered, though, I'm happy with the Axis lock. More experience and broadened horizons will help you gain more understanding on your likes and dislikes of varying locking systems, StandOnGuard. Welcome to the Wonderful World of Knives :)
 
So, why does the axis lock feel unsecure?

Does the bar move easily in the open and/or closed position? Blade play?

Just wonderin', as it may not be seated correctly. Sometimes they need a bit of break-in (so I've read here, though I've not had the experience).
 
The Axis lock is not the most secure-feeling lock, but it is fairly secure. I think it is a bit overrated when called "the best lock", but it is very good.

If your Axis lock feels insecure, try tightening the pivot as mentioned above, and if the problem remains, try handling another Axis lock knife. Yours may be defecting in how the Axis bar meets the tang.
 
I'll admit after first owning both a 710 and an Ares, I too was a little disappointed in the "feel" of the Grip. Not to mention that it also seems to be "blade heavy" when opened.
But I bought it for under $60.00 so I put things in perspective and realized that the blade alone is worth the price paid. Plus as an overall package it's not a bad knife. However the lock on mine in no way feels insecure, so I would do as the others recommend and make sure the lock is working properly.
 
Congrats on your new knife!

I don't think you should get any flak for owning the 551--it is a very nice knife.
In fact, the 550 and 551 are probably, for the money paid, the best knives in production.

The Griptilians might feel a little cheap due to that hollow sound of the handles, but don't be fooled, they are extremely tough knives.

The Axis-lock is simple amazing!
IMO, it is one of the strongest locks in production.
 
I've had Benchmade Griptilians (556, 550, 551, 552) for the last 2 years and I only have the 550 Griptilian left. It's probably the best knife I've had under $100.

I'm not sure either what you mean by not secure but the Griptilians are as strong as an ox.

What is making you feel unsecure?

Congratulations on a kick butt knife. :)
 
I suppose it's just the way the lock doesn't make as loud a click as the one on my cheaper Pakistani lockback. But from the looks of it, and the many fans on board, maybe I have nothing to worry about.
 
The click you hear from the lockback is because it needs a strong leaf type spring to keep it in place. The Axis lock just needs to move a small bar about a 16th of and inch and to keep it in place. Only 2 small, light weight circular springs are needed for this. The pressure points on an Axis lock compared to a lockback are completly different. I like that the Axis lock doesn't "snap". It's more covert that way, if needed.

However, if you have doubts, take it to a local Benchmade dealer for an inspection or send it to Benchmade. They have great service.

You have chosen a very nice knife, wheather as a first knife for as your 20th. My only recommendation would have been to buy the one with the Doug Ritter blade. It cost more but to me, it is well worth it. I have over 70 very nice knives in my collection and the Ritter Griptilian is my EDC (every day carry) about 75% of the time. But yours will do fine and I'm sure you will enjoy it. You can't go wrong with a Benchmade, that's for sure.
 
Yeah, I was thinking about a Ritter, but just couldn't justify it's cost for my usage, which is EDC, nothing special. The blade shape on that Ritter though looks extremely useful.
 
One of my first forays into the "good knife" market as well.

One thing I've found with the Ritters...the liners don't go all the way down the handle, so the knife is blade-heavy in the hand, and feels "hollow."

Fantastic knife for the money regardless.
 
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