What exactly is 'Griptilian' ?

[A.P.F.]

Noryl GTX is not plain plastic. Noryl GTX, made by GE, is an engineered polymer blend, meaning that several different polymers are blended together in a specific ratio to give a specific combination of properties. It is available in both fiber reinforced versions as well as versions without fibers. I do not know what version Benchmade uses.

According to GE, in comparison to nylon (used in FRN handles), Noryl GTX has superior dimensional stability, lower water absorption, and better heat resistance. Whether the superiority is enough to be noticeable in a knife handle, I do not know. But it should be at least as tough as FRN or Zytel. "Plain plastic" it is not.

Frank R

Right on. In fact, the Noryl GTX that Benchmade uses, also contains 30% glass fiber.

 

[lvbuckeye27]

What's the straight poop on Griptilian? What is it? Is it another name for rubber?

Enquiring minds want to know.

the term "Griptilian" is Benchmade's knickname for the ultra-grippy Noryl GTX handle that the 550 line utilizes. the straight scoop is that, outside of a Spyderco Delica or Endura, the Griptilian is just about the best thing going when it comes to EDC folders. i've owned (and still own) several Spydies. i bought a 556 mini-grip a while back. i was a bit dissatisfied with it at first (mainly because i felt it didn't live up to the sharpness hype, and that was mostly due to the factory grind. i re-profiled it, and it's now a world beater.) the longer i've owned it, the more feel that it is just about the perfect pocketknife. don't get me wrong; i LOVE my Spyderco's, but there's something about that AXIS lock in conjunction with that 154CM steel that is pretty much an unbeatable package. especially for the money.

full sized Grips roughly equate to Enduras. mini-Grips roughly equate to Delicas... you really can't go wrong either way. if you want to see what all the hype is about, PICK A GRIPTILIAN UP. i promise you won't be sorry.