Will Benchmade ever update the Griptilian line???

M

mk.ultra

Joined
Jun 17, 2010
Messages
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I owned a Benchmade Mini Grip 556 a couple years ago and I loved it. However, there were quite a few improvements that could have been made IMO. I can't believe it's been about 3 years now and they haven't reiterated on it at all. The gimping could be improved drastically, the liners could be milled, and the plastic should be smoothed under the pocket clip.

Of course these are all my opinions, but either way, I still can't believe that it hasn't changed whatsoever from the model I had.
 
Would love to see mini Ritter grip with M390 blade steel.
 
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I've heard talk of a G10 mini-Grip from REI, but other than that, the last upgrade I'm aware of was the change from 440C to 154CM. The Grip line is an entry-level line. I've seen a lot of requests from BM fans over the years, but I haven't seen much inclination from BM to make the kinds of changes that have been requested. Looks like they prefer to leave that to dealer or distributor exclusives.

An M390 mini-Ritter would be nice. Doug Ritter and Roger working together could possibly make that happen. I really liked the M390 mini-G that came out a year or so back, but it was the standard blade shape.
 
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Benchmade doesn't seem to update their models very often if at all. It's on the list of things I just don't understand about Benchmade. I know the Griptillian line isn't going anywhere, but with other models in the past they seem to prefer to just disco the entire line and come out with something different instead of listening to feedback and improving on the current model.

This doesn't seem logical to me as it would make sense to build upon a product line and refine it through feedback and end up with a great knife. Instead of just rolling the dice each time with a new model hoping you hit it right the first time which isn't realistic...
 
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I would like to see a couple models with g10 in addition to all the current options but other than that I dont see a reason to change it. The grip is like a gateway bm, if they made it more high end like their other stuff then it wouldnt be a gateway benchmade anymore and probably wouldnt attract as many people to benchmade as it does now.
 
I could see a logistical problem for making small adjustments every few years in their warranty/blade replacement policy. Making minor adjustments frequently may make it difficult to maintain a supply of replacement parts. Spyderco has mentioned that keeping up with all of the changes make blade replacement difficult.

Instead it seems benchmade is content with keeping the same basics and let the user and dealers adjust as they see areas for improvement.
 
I've owned a fair number of Mini Grips, and currently have four. I really don't think the basic knife needs changed. It is a design that has been very popular since it came out, and continues to be popular. So popular that it warranted a Custom build program that offers quite a few different options.

I would like to see a CF option in the build program though :D
 
I would like to see a post purchase customization program.

If you own a 555 and wanted to customize using the same program the charge would be less than buying a new knife.

I wonder if that is an option through the warranty/repair program?
 
I think BKC changes model number whenever they do any cosmetically change. 950 vs 950-1, 470 vs. 470-1 was basically change of G-10. 940 vs 940-1 extended with blade steel change.

Like 530 vs 531, this is more of the change you are talking about. handle shape change as well as blade shape change.

It is my guess that model number is associated with manufacture process. Even small change in, say jimping for example require tool change and all process change to assure QA. To my point, we have recently saw very minor change in 940-1 of first production to production model (perfect blade centering was the issue).

Who knows, BKC may come up with 552.

MFL
 
shuutr said:
I would like to see a post purchase customization program.

If you own a 555 and wanted to customize using the same program the charge would be less than buying a new knife.

I wonder if that is an option through the warranty/repair program?
Click to expand...

Nope...
 
rexromic said:
Would love to see mini Ritter grip with M390 blade steel.
Click to expand...

This is exactly what I, and many others have been waiting for. I've been wanting a M390 Mini Ritter for so long and week after week I scour the internet searching for clues, even though I know I'll hear the news here first on BF. Week after week, under each stone I find nothing but disappointment. Such is my life.

My search continues...

Hope springs eternal.
 
I'd like to see the 555hg with smoothed plastic under the clip, and it could honestly stand for gimping that's a bit less hostile. The form factor has such a great grip that I feel it's unwarranted.
 
Better scales...I hate the hollow CLUNK.

G10 or something BoneCollector style without the stupid skull.

I love my mini BC in D2
 
Here is my take on an upgraded Griptilian:

REI Exclusive with textured Black and Dark Green G10
Zombie Green standoffs
Ritter S30V stonewashed blade (M390 would be awesome)
Black Oxide Split Arrow Clip

IMG_1796_zps05375578.jpg


IMG_1797_zpsaff8a180.jpg


IMG_1798_zpsdb136a4e.jpg
 
I am hoping to see either updates or just the offering of new prod models. The REI Grip and the 556 Gold Class are both using technology and features we have wanted to see on the Grip. A production model in G10 handles with standoffs and an actual DLC blade would be an awesome addition (or progression). The LE models using these features are wildly popular, and I think there are enough people willing to pay the higher cost of an upgraded Grip (provided it is within reason).

As of right now, many people are buying a Grip or Ritter Grip because they like the design a lot, but replacing the handles with aftermarket ones. This in itself signals reason for having more (non-LE, full-scale, normal-production) options, because the aftermarket offerings for the Grip is huge!

And I also think M390 would be great (and preferably not limited but normal offering). Benchmade is not really offering any steel on the Grip with performance characteristics of M390, and none of their current steels on the Grips are really comparable in traits.
 
SilentJohn said:
it won them a bunch of awards so that's probably why it's remained the same
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Exactly, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Among my eight or so Grips, my S30V OD 550 is my favorite EDC, right up there with my Military. They are just that good.
 
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