The G-10 on the benchmade mini-grip (556-1) feels so nice...

C

Chapp

Joined
Mar 28, 2018
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190
I just received mine this morning and while I can't stand the axis-lock, the G-10 scales are a work of wonder.

I had a G-10 dragonfly and loved it, but it was a pain to clip it to my pants/jeans because it had the habit of "eating" it. The G-10 was too rough.

The G-10 on the 556-1 is perfect, I don't know what they did to it, but man if it feels great. It's soft and it just slide while you clip it to your pant. It's great. What is the process behind it ? Why the other G-10 knives are not like that ? Is there any downside to this kind of G-10 ? I'm not really knowledgable when it comes to G-10, I only have three or four knives that use it.
 
Chapp said:
Why the other G-10 knives are not like that ? Is there any downside to this kind of G-10 ? I'm not really knowledgable when it comes to G-10, I only have three or four knives that use it.
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Spyderco often uses peel-ply G10, the texture of which is created by peeling away an outer layer to expose a rougher, grippier surface; that's why your Dragonfly felt different. (Lots of other companies use peel-ply G10 as well.)

As long as the handle shape is conducive to maintaining a good grip, there's no downside to smooth G10 that I'm aware of: same material, same great properties, same durability, etc. I sometimes lightly smooth the G10 on my grippier knives (like Emersons) using an old pair of jeans, and they're still plenty grippy afterwards.
 
Interested. I strongly disliked the smoothness of the G-10 on my so much I sold my 551-1 & 940-2. They are great knives so glad it works for you.
 
Why others do not use this kind of g10? After you lose a knife due to the smooth g10, you will know why (well, maybe except Cold Steel whose g10 is too rough).
 
I find the G10 on my 551-1 to be the best I’ve owned. It’s not nearly as hard feeling as others in my collection. The raised section makes it nice and grippy. I prefer titanium scales at this price but overall the knife is beautifully built.
 
Loved the Mini Grip G10 but not the color configuration of it. If it would have been black or dark gray I would have jumped. Great hand feel. Feels a lot better than standard Mini Grips. I still may end up with one. I’ve been keeping my self from getting one. Much improved design and hand feel. They improved a legend. Best thing Benchmade has done in a while and the reviews and sales reflected it. Do something right and get great results. I wish they got it right more often. Lots of misses over the last handful of years and it’s a shame from such a good company
 
Case C. said:
Loved the Mini Grip G10 but not the color configuration of it. If it would have been black or dark gray I would have jumped. Great hand feel. Feels a lot better than standard Mini Grips. I still may end up with one. I’ve been keeping my self from getting one. Much improved design and hand feel. They improved a legend. Best thing Benchmade has done in a while and the reviews and sales reflected it. Do something right and get great results. I wish they got it right more often. Lots of misses over the last handful of years and it’s a shame from such a good company
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You can get a custom one on their website. Black G-10 and everything, it doesn't cost much more than the OG one.
 
Not the same scales as the gray and blue G10. Difference in geometry and feel. I wish the scales on the Benchmade Black customs were the same but they aren’t. They refined the gray and blue scales to a better ergo feel
 
I agree. I like the way Benchmade does their G10. I always have to sand down the G10 on my spydercos. I really dislike the textured G10!!
 
sharp_edge said:
Why others do not use this kind of g10? After you lose a knife due to the smooth g10, you will know why (well, maybe except Cold Steel whose g10 is too rough).
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When you say "lose" are you referring to losing it coming out of ones pocket inadvertently or losing it during use?
 
Case C. said:
Not the same scales as the gray and blue G10. Difference in geometry and feel. I wish the scales on the Benchmade Black customs were the same but they aren’t. They refined the gray and blue scales to a better ergo feel
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You sure about that ? That's a damn shame.
 
Chapp said:
I just received mine this morning and while I can't stand the axis-lock, the G-10 scales are a work of wonder.

I had a G-10 dragonfly and loved it, but it was a pain to clip it to my pants/jeans because it had the habit of "eating" it. The G-10 was too rough.

The G-10 on the 556-1 is perfect, I don't know what they did to it, but man if it feels great. It's soft and it just slide while you clip it to your pant. It's great. What is the process behind it ? Why the other G-10 knives are not like that ? Is there any downside to this kind of G-10 ? I'm not really knowledgable when it comes to G-10, I only have three or four knives that use it.
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I think that the only gripe that I have with the mini which I can't stop talking about is the small handle. If only there was another .5 inch or enough so my pinkie can at least rest on it I would be happy. Although I don't necessarily love the handle for the mini, the G10 quality is outstanding, and it makes me want to look at a 550-1 grip. (Also the color scheme for that -1 grips are surprisingly seductive)
 
I don't like peel-ply textured handles. Maybe if I worked on a crab boat or something, but all they do for me is tear up my pants.

A decent handle design shouldn't need sandpaper texture to remain in the hand. A little contour should be fine.
 
T.L.E. Sharp said:
I don't like peel-ply textured handles. Maybe if I worked on a crab boat or something, but all they do for me is tear up my pants.

A decent handle design shouldn't need sandpaper texture to remain in the hand. A little contour should be fine.
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You're speaking about regular G-10 ? Because the 556-1 G-10 doesn't need to be sandpapered.
 
Chapp said:
You're speaking about regular G-10 ? Because the 556-1 G-10 doesn't need to be sandpapered.
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I didn't say anything about it being "sandpapered". I said a decent handle design doesn't need sandpaper texture... like peel-ply g10... the subject of my entire post.
 
T.L.E. Sharp said:
I didn't say anything about it being "sandpapered". I said a decent handle design doesn't need sandpaper texture... like peel-ply g10... the subject of my entire post.
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Oh, we agree, I just wasn't sure if you were speaking about the 556-1 or any other knives. English isn't my first language.
 
Chapp said:
Oh, we agree, I just wasn't sure if you were speaking about the 556-1 or any other knives. English isn't my first language.
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We do agree indeed. I love the feel if the -1 g10.
 
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