New G10 Griptilian or 940 Osborne

mjpgolf1

mjpgolf1

Joined
Feb 4, 2016
Messages
476
So I'm stuck here trying to decide which to order. My collection currently consists of the following:
-550 HG Full sized Griptilian
-555 HG mini Griptilian
-Spyderco Para 2
-Spyderco Delica 4
-Spyderco Dragonfly 2
-Spyderco Tenacious
-Spyderco Persistance
-Kershaw Scallion
-Kershaw Cryo
-CRKT M16 3"
-Boker Tactical
-Victorinox Cadet Alox
-CRKT Minimalist "neck knife"
-Boker Magnum "neck knife"

I absolutely love the look and feel of the G10 Griptilian compared to the regular one. It just doesn't have that hollow clunk and plastic feel of the original, even though I still love the original Griptilian. The 940 however is kind of a staple in the Benchmade community so the allure is definitely there for me. Price for the two is about $4 difference on Amazon so I'm really torn here and would love some input from some of you that maybe own both and can chime in. Also looking at my current collection which would you think would be the best addition at this point. I'm also all ears if anyone has any other suggestions of other models that may be a good option at this point. My price range is under $200 so I'm open for other options. Thanks guys and gals.
 
For collecting, the 940. If getting a 940, you should go 940-1.

For a mini-grip enthusiast, the 556-1.
 
Its a tough call choosing between the two (556-1 and 940). I recently decided to get the 556-1 as I had experience with the mini-grips and they are a fantastic knife all around. I wanted a slimmer version in G-10, flow through design and upgraded steel. I wasn't disappointed with the 556-1 either, the Gray/Blue G-10 is nicely contoured and the blue spacers really add to the design.

At the same time as looking at the 556-1, I handled the 940 and was surprised at how long the blade was, and how light and super smooth the axis lock was. The green aluminum scales and purple ti backspacer weren't my favourite but the construction and S30V steel made it a hard choice. I choose the 556-1.

After a few weeks of using the 556-1 I appreciated what a great knife it is.....but....I went back and took another look at the 940. This time comparing the 940 to the 940-1. Everything about the 940-1 hit the right buttons for me. I'm not a huge fan of CF, and was surprised at how strong (no flex in the scales at all) and light weight it was. The lock-up was solid, and the fit/finish was beautiful. I couldn't resist the super light weight and S90V and it feels great in my hand and was incredibly sharp out of the box.

Now that I have both I carry the 940-1 more. Absolutely no regrets with the 556-1 but the 940-1 wins out.

I would recommend looking at the three models side by side if you can (556-1, 940 and 940-1). One of them will appeal to you more.

Good luck with choosing! Cheers!
 
^^^ Good post.....I'll muddy the waters a bit more and add the 943 as well!!
Joe
 
I had a 940-1 and it's a nice knife but....
Just picked up a 551-1 and absolutely love it !
Very solid feeling in hand and one of the most comfortable knives in hand I've ever owned .
Darn sexy to 😎 Topped with outstanding blade steel .
My votes for the 551-1 having owned both but with that being said its just my opinion so it really depends on your taste and needs or wants .



 
Held the 940 again today and to be honest I'm just not bonding with the knife. I know it's one of the most popular benchmades and I'm really trying to love it but something just isn't clicking with it for me. I think the 550-1 HG G10 Griptilian is in my future. I love the full size grip but hate the clunky cheap feel of it, so hopefully the G10 model is a bit more solid feeling.
 
The G10 Griptilian seems great. But why did they make the G10 look like the regular Griptilian's plastic handle? That checkering just doesn't do it for me.
 
I had a 940 and it was great in terms of being slim and light in the pocket. I just got a 550-1 today and love it. I would recommend the G10 grip for a user.
 
mjpgolf1 said:
Held the 940 again today and to be honest I'm just not bonding with the knife. I know it's one of the most popular benchmades and I'm really trying to love it but something just isn't clicking with it for me. I think the 550-1 HG G10 Griptilian is in my future. I love the full size grip but hate the clunky cheap feel of it, so hopefully the G10 model is a bit more solid feeling.
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They feel very solid it's like a different knife .
 
TheFactor said:
I had a 940-1 and it's a nice knife but....
Just picked up a 551-1 and absolutely love it !
Very solid feeling in hand and one of the most comfortable knives in hand I've ever owned .
Darn sexy to 😎 Topped with outstanding blade steel .
My votes for the 551-1 having owned both but with that being said its just my opinion so it really depends on your taste and needs or wants .



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oh sweet they are done with the first round production knives. I think it might be time for me to get one. I didn't want one with the markings on the blade.
 
Acadian said:
oh sweet they are done with the first round production knives. I think it might be time for me to get one. I didn't want one with the markings on the blade.
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Yes Sir ![emoji1303]
I think you'll be very happy and I like mine so much I want another .
Might get a mini but have a feeling it'll be another 551-1
 
TheFactor said:
Yes Sir ![emoji1303]
I think you'll be very happy and I like mine so much I want another .
Might get a mini but have a feeling it'll be another 551-1
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I'm thinking a 550-1 or 550BK-1. I prefer the looks of the black blade but Benchmade's coating simply isn't durable :\
 
Acadian said:
I'm thinking a 550-1 or 550BK-1. I prefer the looks of the black blade but Benchmade's coating simply isn't durable :\
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Yeah I agree I'd go stonewash .
I do like the blade shape of the 550-1 to .
I'm glad you mentioned it 😎
 
37a173c7d8de739066e16fe220dac9bc.jpg


I Cary this every day and use the snot out of it. Holds an edge great. And when I say use I mean it, not just opening mail. Another one to maybe look at would be a manix 2. I have a couple pm2s but to me idk, I think the blade shape just feels better on the manix
 
jrhoyt84 said:
37a173c7d8de739066e16fe220dac9bc.jpg


I Cary this every day and use the snot out of it. Holds an edge great. And when I say use I mean it, not just opening mail. Another one to maybe look at would be a manix 2. I have a couple pm2s but to me idk, I think the blade shape just feels better on the manix
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Yeah and I noticed my 551-1 cuts like a laser ! Glad to hear it holds a edge like it should . I was hoping it would [emoji1303]
 
One thing I'm not looking forward to though is sharpening it .
I'll try to maintain its edge "if" and when it starts needing some love I'll just hit it with some green and black compound to see how it responds on the leather strop.
Other wise I pull out the heavy artillery lol and put it on the edge pro .
 
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TheFactor said:
One thing I'm not looking forward to though is sharpening it .
I'll try to maintain its edge "if" and when it starts needing some love I'll just hit it with some green and black compound to see how it responds on the leather strop.
Other wise I pull out the heaven artillery lol and put it on the edge pro .
Click to expand...

let us know how it goes. diamond compound/spray on a hard strop might render give you better results?
 
Acadian said:
let us know how it goes. diamond compound/spray on a hard strop might render give you better results?
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Great idea !Your probably right and with much less time on the strop .
Might pick some up and give it a try if the black and green is a no go .
 
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