Question About H2O Griptillian...Production or CBM

[John_0917]

After having my D2 551 for a few months now and loving it, especially the Axis lock, I've started looking forward to the summer months and who that may influence my carry of it. I own a boat, which I keep on a lake here in TX (Ray Hubbard if anyone cares) and spend many weekends during the summer entertaining friends and family on it. As such, the EDC knife of the day gets plenty of use (food, fishing duties etc), and last summer I burned through several lesser quality knives (8Cr Kershaws and a Spyderco Tenacious) that paid quite a toll from rust, despite my efforts to keep them rinsed. The lake water is not really that high in salinity, but obviously enough so that I need to look into a specialty water knife for this year. Add to that the fact that I am going to be spending some time on a cruise in the Caribbean and also some time in south Florida (I have family there and visit several times a year). I love the D2 Griptillian, but that steel just isn't suited to being in and around water. I already own a Spyderco Tasman Salt in H1, which is great at resisting rust, but the blade shape isn't really suited to much of anything I need it for. Also, I'm not a fan of lockbacks, especially compared to Axis.

My questions are about the 551H2O and the customized Benchmade models that can be made with N680 blades.

Can the 551H2O be found in any other color than orange? Not a fan of the color at all.

Has anyone used one of the N680 Griptillians extensively in and around water? I'm wondering if the steel is as rust resistant as H1 and also about the steel internal components like the Axis bar and the liners and how they have fared?

I appreciate the info and guidance anyone can provide.

 

[billym]

So the only experience I have is with a few non-saltwater Benchmades that have worked well for me around fresh water (zero issues) and salt water.
I have had clipped to a vest or pocket fly fishing and general "river fun" with a 440C 555 Griptilian, a S30V mini Ritter and a 530 in 440C and all have had no issues from exposure to water. I always rinse and clean them, sometimes using dish soap which seems to helps them dry out faster, and dry them out as best as I can ASAP.
Rinsing is key but drying and lubing are more important IMO.
Over time send back your axis folders to BM for a life sharp service with a parts inspection/change and they will change any parts (omega springs) that may have some corrosion.
All three "water knives" I mentioned have never had any issues and I still have them.
That same 440C 530 is still my current trail running and disc golf EDC folder.

While the N680 blade may be made for water use, the springs and liners are not N680 and they are more vulnerable to rust than the actual blade. so even the D2 you have will work.
Ans anyway I have a buddy who has EDCd a D2 710 for over a decade and he is a big kayak salt water fisherman and I have seen that same 710 clipped to his PFD.......