I received my Benchmade Griptilian on 5/10/12, and have carried it every day since. With 33 days in the pocket, I'd have to say I still feel great about my purchase. But, to start off this review, I'd like to say that I'm not going to be doing a review like you see everywhere else. You guys all know the specs of this knife, and if not there's a good 2,000 webpages you can visit that will let you know. I've got a pet-peeve when someone posts a "review" of something, only to list the information that's readily available on the Manufacturer's website. I will, instead, be giving you a practical review that consists of my opinions and usage thus far of the knife. Now, on to the review!!!
First Impression:
When I first got the knife it came in the traditional Benchmade packaging. It was light, the lockup was solid, but the handles DID feel cheap. But more so than feel, they SOUNDED cheap. When you flick the handles they give the thwacking noise of plastic. This was a turn off, but I wasn't about to give up on it - after all, I did see someone jumping on the knife without it breaking
. Fit and finish were great, but my biggest complaint would be what I assume are mold marks that I plan to sand down.
This seems like something that could easily be avoided, though I've heard of a few others mentioning it online, so I doubt it's just me. The grip as you probably know is pretty grippy. After flipping the knife around for a couple hours my thumb was a little sore because of it. Deployment was fast, but I loosened the pivot screw a tad bit (T8 Torx screw for the pivot, while the body and clip screws are T5) and made it faster. This does introduce side-to-side blade play VERY quickly.
Usage and Performance:
The knife came shaving-sharp which is apparently rare with BM (though I haven't had the problem). Still, I thought the angle on the edge was a bit too high so I brought it down a couple degrees. I've mostly cut small things like paper, tape, packages, etc. however the Griptilian has handled everything I've used it for. The first big task was shaving down a 2x4 about half an inch to use as a wedge. It went through knots with no problems, and was still shaving-sharp afterwards. I also used the Grip for trimming bushes and other plants. While mowing the lawn if branches were hanging too low I'd give em a quick hit with the BM and all was well. The 154cm has proven to be great at holding it's edge. In the 33 days I've owned this knife, I've sharpened it twice (once to lower the angle, and once for quick maintenance that it didn't really need). This blade has also handled zip-ties and "banding" (similar to zip-tipes except for it's thinner, wider, and stronger plastic) with total ease.
So, how does it feel after a month?
Well, I'm still carrying it. It hasn't left me, but I've learned a bit more about the knife. One gripe I have with the finish is the paint used on the clip and screws, but even moreso on the non-screw side of the pivot. It feels like super-cheap non-coated paint, and it has rubbed off a fair amount. Remember though, that this knife sits in the same pocket as my keys and other stuff...
Pivot Screw:
Pocket Clip Wear:
Rear of Pivot screw - Super cheap
Other than the few places that paint has left it, there are no other signs of wear thus far. The only other con I have with this knife is that it seems to hold dirt. This could be my fault for using gun oil to lubricate it at first though
. I have sprayed WD-40 into the pivot a couple times to clean out all the gunk, but it builds up and makes the opening feel sandy. I clean this knife off after every use so I guess it's just pocket lint and whatnot, but it's still irritating how easily it gets in there. Cleaning it is easy though. Like I said the WD-40 loosens things up, and a Q-Tip can fit inside the body and in all the nooks and crannies of the knife.
Summing it up:
I love the Benchmade Gripitilian. I feel it may be overpriced for what the handle is made out of, but the blade shape and material makes it up. I bought this knife because I wanted a folder that could handle itself if I needed it for something, and I've grown to trust the Griptilian to deliver. I would definitely recommend this knife to anyone who's interested in it. This was my first >$50 knife, and I don't regret it at all. Also, this if the first knife I've ever used that really is completely ambidextrous. I'm a lefty and having a knife on my left side is really nice! Another plus for us southpaws
Thanks for reading guys! I hope I remember to update this again in a couple of months, but it's very possible I'll forget
First Impression:
When I first got the knife it came in the traditional Benchmade packaging. It was light, the lockup was solid, but the handles DID feel cheap. But more so than feel, they SOUNDED cheap. When you flick the handles they give the thwacking noise of plastic. This was a turn off, but I wasn't about to give up on it - after all, I did see someone jumping on the knife without it breaking
. Fit and finish were great, but my biggest complaint would be what I assume are mold marks that I plan to sand down.
This seems like something that could easily be avoided, though I've heard of a few others mentioning it online, so I doubt it's just me. The grip as you probably know is pretty grippy. After flipping the knife around for a couple hours my thumb was a little sore because of it. Deployment was fast, but I loosened the pivot screw a tad bit (T8 Torx screw for the pivot, while the body and clip screws are T5) and made it faster. This does introduce side-to-side blade play VERY quickly.
Usage and Performance:
The knife came shaving-sharp which is apparently rare with BM (though I haven't had the problem). Still, I thought the angle on the edge was a bit too high so I brought it down a couple degrees. I've mostly cut small things like paper, tape, packages, etc. however the Griptilian has handled everything I've used it for. The first big task was shaving down a 2x4 about half an inch to use as a wedge. It went through knots with no problems, and was still shaving-sharp afterwards. I also used the Grip for trimming bushes and other plants. While mowing the lawn if branches were hanging too low I'd give em a quick hit with the BM and all was well. The 154cm has proven to be great at holding it's edge. In the 33 days I've owned this knife, I've sharpened it twice (once to lower the angle, and once for quick maintenance that it didn't really need). This blade has also handled zip-ties and "banding" (similar to zip-tipes except for it's thinner, wider, and stronger plastic) with total ease.
So, how does it feel after a month?
Well, I'm still carrying it
. It hasn't left me, but I've learned a bit more about the knife. One gripe I have with the finish is the paint used on the clip and screws, but even moreso on the non-screw side of the pivot. It feels like super-cheap non-coated paint, and it has rubbed off a fair amount. Remember though, that this knife sits in the same pocket as my keys and other stuff...Pivot Screw:
Pocket Clip Wear:
Rear of Pivot screw - Super cheap
Other than the few places that paint has left it, there are no other signs of wear thus far. The only other con I have with this knife is that it seems to hold dirt. This could be my fault for using gun oil to lubricate it at first though
. I have sprayed WD-40 into the pivot a couple times to clean out all the gunk, but it builds up and makes the opening feel sandy. I clean this knife off after every use so I guess it's just pocket lint and whatnot, but it's still irritating how easily it gets in there. Cleaning it is easy though. Like I said the WD-40 loosens things up, and a Q-Tip can fit inside the body and in all the nooks and crannies of the knife. Summing it up:
I love the Benchmade Gripitilian. I feel it may be overpriced for what the handle is made out of, but the blade shape and material makes it up. I bought this knife because I wanted a folder that could handle itself if I needed it for something, and I've grown to trust the Griptilian to deliver. I would definitely recommend this knife to anyone who's interested in it. This was my first >$50 knife, and I don't regret it at all. Also, this if the first knife I've ever used that really is completely ambidextrous. I'm a lefty and having a knife on my left side is really nice! Another plus for us southpaws
Thanks for reading guys! I hope I remember to update this again in a couple of months, but it's very possible I'll forget
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