New G10 Griptilian in 20CV

Don M said:
The standard blades are hollow ground but I thought the custom shop blades are flat ground. That was why I asked, this being a special steel run.

Can anyone definitively confirm if the 20CV sheepsfoot blades are flat or hollow ground?
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The 20CV 555-1 is flat ground, just like the old 440c blades. Now the 154cm 555hg is a hollow grind. If you order a custom built 555/550 grip from Benchmade it will come with a flat grind as well or I might have been lucky as all mine were flat ground.
 
Bladester said:
Elite,

Very nice. Since the new blades are so nicely centered, I was afraid that making the switch to a Ritter blade might mess that up. But, yours looks fine.

--Larry
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They really dont just fall into the center. You can adjust them left to right in most cases of you know what to do and look for. I have been able to center or mostly center many of them.
 
Are the full size liners exactly the same as the originals? I notice it doesn't have the little spacer bar between the scales that the original has.
 
I got one with a bit of machine burn, where the blade meets the axis lock, and the opening hole has some welding marks or something stuck on. I know they drill the holes, but some melted steel got in there. Functionally its fantastic, and I couldn't be happier!
 
Just received from knives ship free

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Just got mine in today actually (551-1) satin blade.

First impressions
1. I like the blade steel
2. Fit and finish good like and I do like the blue accents
3. I am a little disappointed with the G10. Like the OP mentioned, I am used to the Spyderco G10 handle "feel" and these just feel off to me.
 
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i am very impressed with these knives according to online reviews.

and 20CV seems very very good with edge retention and corrosion resistance.

heard the axis lock on new benchmade grip 551-1 feels better than on older ones.
 
I ordered both the 550-1 and the 551-1....in coated blade. I love them....the G10 is grippy without being abrasive and the 20CV steel is stunning.......sharpest grip I've had outta the box yet. For reference, I've owned almost 20 of them and these are truly the best in my humble opinion. The 550 has worked into the pocket.....and doesn't seem to want to leave. It takes whatever I throw at her and just keeps going........awesome!!! I should probably add that the griptilian handle shape is one of my all-time favorites and the sheepsfoot blade of the 550 is one of the most usable blade-shapes I've ever run across. It isn't the ideal self-defense weapon, but it is utilitarian in all other respects. I'm not generally a deep-pocket clip person either.....this isn't bad. I still prefer the split arrow clip that comes with the gold class grip......it just resonates. Blade falls free and is perfectly centered and opens with ease. There is zero bladeplay when deployed.....it just works perfectly. Obviously the axis lock is great.......pretty much my favorite. The blue of the spacers is shinier than the liners......to me they stand out rather than detract. I always prefer a pass-through knife with spacers rather than a knife with a solid back-spacer.....easier to clean and inspect. I do think the blue liners/spacers work well with the grey G10 handles.....but I'm a former air force guy so obviously I like that!!

Hammer
 
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I have one, and I LOVE it. I love how the G-10 feels in my hand, and I agree that the 20CV blade is sharp.
 
Pretty spot on review, I dont mind the clip though. The G10 could be a little more textured, it is pretty smooth. Overall I really like this knife, great all around with top grade materials.

Here is mine:

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I ended up buying the 556-1 and trading a couple other knives for the 551-1. I like both very much....they will be permanent fixtures in my rotation and collection.
 
The 555-1 has become my favorite knife (Spyderco Native 5 LW is relegated to #2 for now, anyway). I like the texture on the G10 a lot. I think it's smoothness makes for a very comfortable carry and it offers all the traction I need on a blade this small, especially as the jimping really digs into your hand when you tighten your up on it. The smoother finish looks like it will cause less wear to the pocket as well. I think the deep carry clip is not as pretty as the split arrow, but I appreciate the way the knife completely disappears until it's needed. My example has an even, but slightly rough grind. It was so incredibly sharp out of the box that I have not wanted to smooth it out, though I've given it a couple of light touch ups on a Sharpmaker when it loses it's hair whittling edge. I guess the rough grind makes for a nice toothy edge with the 20CV, but it looks a little sloppy on close inspection. Also the blade on mine is slightly off center. Action is very smooth, but not quite drop smooth and the lock up is very solid. if anyone has some advice on how to adjust for better centering I'd be grateful. Meanwhile I'm enjoying this knife so much just as it is--I'll probably get another just because 2 is 1 as they say...
 
I've never been one to spend a great deal of money on knives throughout my life. Now that I'm making a little better money in my career and am really able to enjoy nicer things I upgraded my SOG Aegis Mini to a BM 556-1 last Friday. I think people are crazy that say spending that much money on a knife isn't worth it. Everything about my BM is leaps and bounds better than my old SOG.

Now I'm keeping an eye out for a 551-1.
 
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