Which Griptilian and why, thanks

C

Clan Gunn

Joined
Oct 28, 2012
Messages
164
Wondering/comparing two BM Griptitlian's; #551-org Orange w/ 154-cm steel @ 58-60 RC and #551H2O Orange w/ N680 steel @ 58-60 RC? These may not be everyone's first choice of Griptilitians. Just seem to like these and hope one will work out for me.

Many Thanks
 
154CM is a great steel, easy to sharpen and holds a good edge. N680 is also easy to sharpen, but sacrifices some of the edge holding properties for corrosion resistance. If you are going to be getting your knife wet, N680 is a better choice. That being said, the Griptilian was never meant to be a water knife. Its design includes far too much unprotected metal, and while your blade won't rust, you may get some corrosion inside the mechanisms. I would recommend going with the plain old 154cm.
 
550 grip.

I hate thumb studs.

Nothing wrong with 154.
 
Guess I should have asked about the Ritter model, was trying to be cheap.

Will not be a water knife. No high humidity here. More of an EDC/backpacking/hiking utility knife.
 
I have both a 551 REI edition with the s30v and g10 and a 555 mini in pink. In the past I have had standard 551 griptilians and my vote goes to the 154CM standard 551. Such a great knife. The H20 is cool but unless you are going to be in or around water a whole lot I would go with the 154CM. Benchmade does it very well.
 
The 556 in 154CM is probably one of the best knives that Benchmade has in production today. Get you one. :)
 
Either a 550 (Spyder Hole) or a 552 (Ritter FG makes a great slicer)

Then order some scales from CUSCADI, and you have what is IMO a perfect, solid EDC.
 
551 in 154 cm is the way to go. 154cm has good corrosion resistance also.
 
Thanks for the suggestion regarding the Mini-Grip. Guess this a knife that has to be handled before buying. As for the color I'd planed on the orange but the pink may just win out. I have another (very cheap folder) with the thumb stud and do not care for the hole in the blade.
 
May be you should ask in "Benchmade" section of the forum, so that more people who are familiar with two.

Benchmade does offer 4 types of steel now a days. N680 would be nice, if you use it on sea shore or cutting materials that would cause rust. Otherwise, 154cm is about $20 less than S30V.


BKC also offers in D2 and S30V as well. If you own diamond sharpener, I would recommend S30V as you do not have to keep sharpening as often. If you use in the field, D2 can be excellent tool steel that holds edge than 154cm, but not difficult to sharpen with a stone.
 
Another recommendation for 154cm as an everyday steel. While Ive contracted the sickness of steel of the week junkie, I carried a benchmade with 154cm everyday for about 10 years, and it preformed flawlessly. Also I prefer the mini over the large grip, however Ive got a 580 barrage that is built just as tough as a few of my zts, in a lighter package. Ive taken the assist out of mine, but I wouldnt suggest that to anyone without a bit of mechanical inclination, its one of the more complex knives Ive reassembled. Before I purchased my Adamas it was my go to work horse, hard use folder, and held up remarkably well.
 
I'd go with the 556 mini grip.

Also I wouldn't really worry about the thumb studs vs. spyder hole debate. You can open the knife by releasing the axis lock with thumb and a slight flip o' the wrist. Super smooth and easy opening/closing. That's how I do it anyways ~
 
If a Mini is in the equation.

Get the 555.
or a Bone Collector in D2
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top