Benchmade Mini Griptilian review Options

[mystic1219]

I got this knife as an early Christmas present and like it so much I wanted to share. I am in no way a knife guru, but always carry one. Usually a buck/gerber/kershaw, something under $50. I got the mini-grip here for just over $70 http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_de...tml?s=BM555BKHG

I got the 555BKHG (mini grip, thumb hole (vs. stud on the 556) and black coated hollow ground blade). The blade length is 2.91", 6.78" overall and 3.87" closed, weighing in at 2.56 ounces. The blade is 154cm which after some online reviewing seems to be a great choice for an every day carry pocket knife; fairly easy to sharpen and holds an edge well. I almost went with the full size version (550 and 551 griptilian) but I do like the smaller size of the mini for carrying all the time since I wear shorts a lot and dont want a bulky knife. At 2.5 ounces I can carry it in gym shorts and not even know its there. I am not into the "whiping it out and flicking it open as fast as you can" which some people seem to think is cool, but I do like that the pocket clip is upside down from most knives. This way when you pull it out the handle is set in your hand as you would hold it. The blade opens super smooth with no humps of resistance some knives have due to the lock. The ambidextrious Axis lock is a work of art. Very smooth and easy to use with one hand. It locks very solid and there is NO blade play in any direction when open. The black coating seems to be very durable and I have heard holds up well. I wanted the black blade, but that is a Cabelas exclusive and costs more but going with the hollow ground (HG) blade I was able to find this black one a little cheaper. Honestly I can't tell from looking/feeling that the blade is HG or a flat grind, so I can't imagine there being much diffrence in performance either way. The blade is scary sharp, and comes with Benchmades "Lifesharp" program. You can send it in and pay for return shipping and they will sharpen it back to a factory edge. The shape of the knife was very appealing to me, and it fits in your hand better than any knife I have looked at. Strike Zone and Gander Mountain both carry the full size version and Im sure other places around town do as well (pretty sure Shooters will have it). If you are in the market for a new pocket knife swing by one of those places and check out the Griptilains. As I said I am no knife guru at all, but on a scale of one to ten I just cant find a hit against this knife to give it anything other than a 10 in my opinion.

*Sorry for the bad pics, just wanted to take a few real quick to show the size

Attached File(s)

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 IMG_0006.JPG ( 1.33MB ) Number of downloads: 0

 

[BuckNaked]

Benchmade makes a very good knife. I love mne. Congrats on the early Christmas present and thanks for the review.

[cowheadwillie]

I got the same knife.....never even open it up.........birthday present

[Natural_Dad]

Excellent review and thanks for sharing the stats and the pics. I also carry a knife (sometimes 2) always and like a well built one. This knife seems to fit all the criteria I like in a pocket knife right down to the tanto bladed tip! Thanks again for sharing your excellent review!