Very happy to see a new G10 Grip!!!!

[uofaengr]

It also is a disservice to the forums in general. Some new guy may read that and take it for the truth, not knowing any better.

Or random person googling about a knife/brand and said thread pops up first in the results. Can't stand it either and happens way too much.

 

[craytab]

And just another point about the steel....Not only is it a technical upgrade from 154cm, it is using an American made steel instead of the M390 that has in the past been Benchmade's alternative in this class of super steel. American jobs aren't cheep. So this is important to consider especially if one cares about that sort of thing. Further, there have been reports of BM having problems with M390 so this is perhaps a welcome change on many levels.

 

[RevDevil]

Another manufacturer recently switched from M390 to CTS-204P as there were some problems with the steel itself or sourcing enough stock in the desired dimensions to make the project worthwhile. Whatever the case may be, the switch was made and production continued and there has not been any hiccups since.

 

[338375]

It also is a disservice to the forums in general. Some new guy may read that and take it for the truth, not knowing any better. Oh wells. You can explain things to people, but you cannot understand it for them.

For some people it is just a reason to bitch, irregardless of the truth. Judging by his tone, I would say it might be true in this case too...
I thought about trying to explain the numbers for him, but figured it was a waste of time. He already has his mind made up..

And just another point about the steel....Not only is it a technical upgrade from 154cm, it is using an American made steel instead of the M390 that has in the past been Benchmade's alternative in this class of super steel. American jobs aren't cheep. So this is important to consider especially if one cares about that sort of thing. Further, there have been reports of BM having problems with M390 so this is perhaps a welcome change on many levels.

Yep... It will be interesting to see if BM phases out M390

 

[338375]

Almost forgot...

WHERE ARE THE MINI'S ?????

 

[Samurai6]

Looks like the grip is thinner/narrower than the moulded version. Can anyone confirm? ...

The 551-1 is about the same thickness as the standard until you get about mid-handle, then it tapers toward the butt where it is significantly thinner. I think the 551-1 feels distinctly thinner than the standard, feels good in hand and in the pocket. The 551-1 is 4.2 oz. compared to the standard at 3.9 oz. Effectively no difference.

 

[craytab]

Yep... It will be interesting to see if BM phases out M390

I am betting they will. Seems like they have already started. Fine by me. I like my Guardian3 in M390 but for a similar price I'll take an American equivalent.

 

[BMCGear]

I am betting they will. Seems like they have already started. Fine by me. I like my Guardian3 in M390 but for a similar price I'll take an American equivalent.

Same here. M390 is great but I really do like supporting American workers/jobs.

I just put in an order for one. This will be my first Benchmade in a while.

 

[RevDevil]

Same here. M390 is great but I really do like supporting American workers/jobs.

I just put in an order for one. This will be my first Benchmade in a while.

You're going to like it, they did a really nice job on these. I was waiting for the mini too, bit I like the modified drop point blade a lot so the 551 is close enough for me and at a size that is better for me too. I'd like to see a Grip XL at the 3.9" - 4" blade mark though.

 

[craytab]

You're going to like it, they did a really nice job on these. I was waiting for the mini too, bit I like the modified drop point blade a lot so the 551 is close enough for me and at a size that is better for me too. I'd like to see a Grip XL at the 3.9" - 4" blade mark though.

So Rev, you got one of these? I agree on the XL. I like my blades closer to 4".

 

[DeadboxHero]

Stopped by Benchmade today.

Crystal, the shop lady is really nice.

I asked her if she had the new griptilians in yet.

She went into the backroom and pulled a 551 and a mini 556.






The new 551-1 and 556-1 are awesome knives.

The CPM 20cv really grabs the thumb pad.

Really excited about the steel.

The g10 scales really transforms the knife.

Feels very solid.

The "Clack" sounds are gone.

Personally though, not my taste. The 551 is too big for my EDC and the 556 handle is a little too small
Not to mention,
I've got a BM 765 calling my name and a hot date with a Fallkniven A1 pro


I looked and asked about the other 2016 knives but they were not available.

Cheers

 

[BMCGear]

You're going to like it, they did a really nice job on these. I was waiting for the mini too, bit I like the modified drop point blade a lot so the 551 is close enough for me and at a size that is better for me too. I'd like to see a Grip XL at the 3.9" - 4" blade mark though.

Thanks, Rev.

Stopped by Benchmade today.

Crystal, the shop lady is really nice.

I asked her if she had the new griptilians in yet.

She went into the backroom and pulled a 551 and a mini 556.






The new 551-1 and 556-1 are awesome knives.

The CPM 20cv really grabs the thumb pad.

Really excited about the steel.

The g10 scales really transforms the knife.

Feels very solid.

The "Clack" sounds are gone.

Personally though, not my taste. The 551 is too big for my EDC and the 556 handle is a little too small
Not to mention,
I've got a BM 765 calling my name and a hot date with a Fallkniven A1 pro


I looked and asked about the other 2016 knives but they were not available.

Cheers

Mike: LOOK! A Mini!

 

[RamZar]

Yippee, a grip + custom g-10 scales = about $189 bfd! Let's see a Ritter with g-10 under $175 and I may be interested. Reg grip at $89 + $80 for custom grips = no real value other than the steel.

This may be the best marketing ploy ever! Everyone wants better scales so here you go :thumbdn:

"No real value other than steel." It's a huge step up from 154CM to 20CV!

The regular Mini Grip 556 goes for $89.25 with 154CM and polymer handles.

The new Mini Grip 556-1 goes for $165.75 with super premium CPM-20CV, G-10 scales and blue barrel spacers.

For the extra $76 which normally just gets you the cheapest aftermarket G-10 scales you're get nice G-10 and a big boost in blade steel! I see a lot of value in the 556-1. The one caveat is that the 556-1 just comes in one color scheme. At least, thus far.

 

[RevDevil]

So Rev, you got one of these? I agree on the XL. I like my blades closer to 4".

Yep, I picked one up. I was hoping to see the mini grip first, but the 551 was it. Interestingly enough, there is no lock rock at all. Solid as can be. I don't care for the deep carry clip though.

 

[craytab]

"No real value other than steel." It's a huge step up from 154CM to 20CV!

The regular Mini Grip 556 goes for $89.25 with 154CM and polymer handles.

The new Mini Grip 556-1 goes for $165.75 with super premium CPM-20CV, G-10 scales and blue barrel spacers.

For the extra $76 which normally just gets you the cheapest aftermarket G-10 scales you're get nice G-10 and a big boost in blade steel! I see a lot of value in the 556-1. The one caveat is that the 556-1 just comes in one color scheme. At least, thus far.

A frank and logical assessment.

Yep, I picked one up. I was hoping to see the mini grip first, but the 551 was it. Interestingly enough, there is no lock rock at all. Solid as can be. I don't care for the deep carry clip though.

That is good to hear. As for the clip it looks like the shoe is on the other foot for some folks now. I like the deep carry clip once it is tightened up properly. Always had to ask Benchmade to send me one. Good thing they have a legendary clip replacement program.

 

[BMCGear]

Yep, I picked one up. I was hoping to see the mini grip first, but the 551 was it. Interestingly enough, there is no lock rock at all. Solid as can be. I don't care for the deep carry clip though.

That is good to hear. As for the clip it looks like the shoe is on the other foot for some folks now. I like the deep carry clip once it is tightened up properly. Always had to ask Benchmade to send me one. Good thing they have a legendary clip replacement program.

The deep carry usually bothers me because it eats into my hand a bit more than a standard clip. But I'm going to give this one a go and see if I can adjust to it.

I agree cray, it's one of the many reasons I put Benchmade at the top of the list when I buy a folder. Them putting the deep carry clip on standard in my mind means that they are listening to the majority of the customers.

 

[pbcg]

I agree on the XL. I like my blades closer to 4".

Same here X2! I've posted asking about a larger size Grip in the 4" range and the response was mixed. I know I'd be all over a 3.9" - 4" Grip.

Still hoping to see one some day. BM finally granted us a G10 version so maybe some day we'll see a larger size Grip too... I'll keep hope alive! lol.

Edited to add: Congrats to all who have been able to score one of the new 551-1's!

 

[338375]

Mike: LOOK! A Mini!

LOL... I saw that Cody It shouldn't be long and all things will be square with the universe...

I should call BM and see if they will sell one. We just got another 4 inches of snow overnight, and the passes are a mess, but I would
drive to Portland today if they said yes

Yep, I picked one up. I was hoping to see the mini grip first, but the 551 was it. Interestingly enough, there is no lock rock at all. Solid as can be. I don't care for the deep carry clip though.

Congrats on the 551 Charlie
I'm in the same boat about the clips. I really like the look of the deep carry clips, but I usually put the original back on if I am going to carry
the knife a lot. I know a guy could tweak the deep clips and get more tension, but I don't like doing that very much.
There have been cases of guys doing that and having their clips break. I could have been from over bending, but I'd rather not do it...

 

[Samurai6]

Yippee, a grip + custom g-10 scales = about $189 bfd! Let's see a Ritter with g-10 under $175 and I may be interested. Reg grip at $89 + $80 for custom grips = no real value other than the steel...

This may be the best marketing ploy ever!...:thumbdn:

I know this has been dealt with, but...hey, everyone's entitled to an opinion. Not seeing any value in the 551-1, by all means speak your mind. But......because the 551-1 doesn't appeal to you doesn't mean it's a bad idea. Particularly, the implication that it represents some sort of deception on Benchmade's part is unsupportable vis-a-vis all the requests from customers for just this knife for so many years.

Corrections on the math:

Standard 551 is about $98. So a 154CM 551 with custom grips would be around $178, which is the Internet discount price of the 551-1.

M390 Ritter is about $140. So, a 551-1 steel equivalent custom Ritter would be $220 and up.

So for what you would invest to get a G-10 custom Griptilian with 154CM, you can get a factory G-10 Griptilian with upgraded steel (nicely upgraded steel). Personally, I think the 551-1 handle is nicer than most of the straight swap aftermarket handles available. To get something as nice as the 551-1 handle, I think you would have to go to a true custom handle builder and spend $100 and up. I like the color combination a lot. The grey is subdued, but not tactical. The blue liner is quite handsome.

I never understand when knife collectors grouse about the price of a Benchmade, or any production knife. When a person - such as myself for example - has dozens of knives, representing a market expenditure in the several thousands of dollars, what sense does it make to eschew the purchase of the next knife on the basis of a perceived over value of $20 or so? You can only carry one or at the most two knives at a time, so in a way that means the effective cost of the knife or knives in your pocket on any given day could be thousands of dollars. Sure, if you only own one or two knives, then the matter of $20 of value may be important. But when the knife in your pocket represents an investment of $thousands, not so much.

Well, see how I am...too much rambling. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

 

[craytab]

Corrections on the math:

Standard 551 is about $98. So a 154CM 551 with custom grips would be around $178, which is the Internet discount price of the 551-1.

M390 Ritter is about $140. So, a 551-1 steel equivalent custom Ritter would be $220 and up.

For a person who admittedly buys and sells money, he sure did have the math wrong.