took a chunk out of the handle on a BM 556

B

Binford

Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
194
I just dropped my BM 556 from about two feet off the ground on to a cement floor and took a chunk out of the Zytel handle. It was right at the corner around the axis lock frame. I thought this handle material was stronger than that? Anyone else had trouble with Zytel not holding up? It didn't fall that far, but must have landed just right (or wrong).
 
Actually the handles are called Noryl GTX, but I don't know the difference between that and Zytel.

I have dropped my 556 onto asphalt once in a parking lot and it landed on the pivot side but was barely scuffed at all. That is strange. Perhaps as you say, yours landed at just the wrong spot?? :confused: Or maybe a defect was in your handle?
Jim
 
That's interesting. I've got a couple of Griptilians in both sizes and the handles sure don't seem very substantial, do they? But considering how many of these knives are in use, the fact that this is the first handle break report I've heard tells me the handles are stronger than they seem. Anyway, the pieces should super-glue together pretty easily.
 
GarageBoy said:
Dropped a Calypso hard, no damage. I threw my Gerber LST across the room, no damage either
Click to expand...

Yeah, but Spyderco uses solid zytel. Benchmade griptillian handles are hollow aren't they?

Shocking that it broke though...Hollow or not. I'm not all that famaliar with the company (More of a Spyderco guy), but I'm sure Benchmade would replace it under warranty.
-Kevin
 
Speaking of Spydies...my poor Delica would have some stories to tell about the way it was abused... not only dropped off the ground / cement aso. but thrown with the idea it will stick in that wooden board... she usually doesn't so it hits with the handles. :( Without any noticable side effects so far... :rolleyes:
 
dialex said:
Speaking of Spydies...my poor Delica would have some stories to tell about the way it was abused... not only dropped off the ground / cement aso. but thrown with the idea it will stick in that wooden board... she usually doesn't so it hits with the handles. :( Without any noticable side effects so far... :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Yeah, I love my SS Delica, but I have to admit I loved my FRN one too. The FRN handles really are tank-like... and super lightweight at the same time. I have never heard of anyone breaking them.
-Kevin
 
What color handle do you have?

The black handles are Noryl GTX, the colored handles are Valox. The Noryl GTX is stronger.

From the GE Plastics web site:

"NORYL GTX® is a PPE/PA blend - a polyamide (PA) product which is reinforced with modified polyphenylene ether polymer (PPE) technology."

Polyamide is nylon. Zytel is a nylon. So the difference would be in the addition of copolymers in the case of Noryl.

Also from GE Plastics:

"VALOX thermoplastic polyester resins are semi-crystalline materials based on polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) polymers."

The colored handles use Valox because, from what I have heard, it takes a color much better than does the Noryl GTX.

I believe (hope) that in both cases Benchmade uses a glass reinforced version of these polymers.
 
Don M said:
What color handle do you have?

The black handles are Noryl GTX, the colored handles are Valox. The Noryl GTX is stronger.
Click to expand...

It has the black handle. The handle material is much thinner around the axis lock frame area and it was right on that corner that it broke.
 
It can't hurt to give them a call. Maybe they'll fix it for you. Of course, if the pieces fit together OK, go ahead an superglue it, but be careful not to let glue drip into the lock.
 
I had the same thing happen to my green 555. Dropped it in the kitchen, on the tile floor, and there goes a chunk from around the pivot area. Pissed me off big time. I've dropped my Delica from higher than that and had no apparent damage. I ordered a new green 555 to replace the broken one, but I hardly ever carry it or my 556 because of this event. Which really sucks, cause I would like to get one of those new 557 tanto griptillions.

Flinx
 
I'm really surprised to hear this; any fiberglass reinforced nylon should be hell for strong. I've done things and had mishaps with inexpensive FRN folders like LSTs and Ka-Bar Doziers *far* worse than what you describe, with barely a nick or a scratch ... let alone a hunk busting loose.

Dave
 
I have a Griptillian and haven't encountered handle breakage, so I wouldn't be surprised if yours is defective. As others have stated, you should contact Benchmade and see what they will do for you. Perhaps they will stick a new slab on or simply replace the knife. I imagine they like to hear honest feedback from customers and, if the Grippy's handle design is prone to this breakage, they may want to look into the cause. So, you should do yourself and all of us knife knuts a favor by talking to Benchmade :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top