Benchmade 551BK-101 Gold Class Griptilian

archieblue

archieblue

Joined
Mar 19, 2001
Messages
3,157
Picked up one of these last week. I knew I'd like it since I toyed with one at my local B/M, but this thing is GREAT! I think it's the best Benchmade may have ever done! The knife actually reminds me of my first "large" knife, the Microtec LCC! Anyone else have/plan to use one?

Pros/cons (IMO):

Pros:
-handle is THICK sculpted carbon fiber
-retains everything great about the Og. Grip
-CMP-M4
-Not really a Gold Class

Cons:
-No real F&F upgrades. = to any other higher end BM.
-Black coated blade
-This knife does not really fit in the "Gold Class." Should be "Limited Edition."
-Price. I would NOT pay $400 fot it. $255 is a bit much, but like I said it IS nice!
 
Thanks for the review. I plan to pick one of these up while they're around and yes I do plan on using it!
 
It always looked interesting to me I've held back due to the price tag and I agree it really isn't a "gold class" knife. It's definitely an interesting blade though. I have to agree with you as well that the blade should be satin, if it was and about $200 less I'd jump on it.
 
Traded a small Sebenza for this one:
griptilianupload.jpg


Certainly "the best" knife I own in every* regard except my friend sort of convinced me I should never use it and save it as an investment. Of course he says that about everything, including things that expire or rot. So I'm not sure.
*Don't know how scratch-resistant the black coating is so that also makes me a little wary.
 
I really wish they'd offer the Griptilian with G10 scales, even as a limited edition....
 
Bill86 said:
It always looked interesting to me I've held back due to the price tag and I agree it really isn't a "gold class" knife. It's definitely an interesting blade though. I have to agree with you as well that the blade should be satin, if it was and about $200 less I'd jump on it.
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You wish it were $55? Thats a bit absurd. Anyway, it is an awesome knife. I do wish that it had a satin blade but I like satin blades on all my knives. One plus is that you don't have to worry about staining. This is really the only gold class benchmade that has seriously caught my attention and I plan to use it to its fullest capabilities. A knife like this should be used IMO.

I also wish that they would come out with a limited edition g10 grip but dang that sculpted carbon fiber is dead sexy! Damn just when I forget how much I wanted this knife you guys remind me and push me into buying it.
 
nevermind35 said:
You wish it were $55? Thats a bit absurd. Anyway, it is an awesome knife. I do wish that it had a satin blade but I like satin blades on all my knives. One plus is that you don't have to worry about staining. This is really the only gold class benchmade that has seriously caught my attention and I plan to use it to its fullest capabilities. A knife like this should be used IMO.

I also wish that they would come out with a limited edition g10 grip but dang that sculpted carbon fiber is dead sexy! Damn just when I forget how much I wanted this knife you guys remind me and push me into buying it.
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I meant $200 less than MSRP or so. I mean I wish it cost $150-$200 Not $255.
 
Really? $150?

Can you think of another $150 knife with a M4 blade, thick solid carbon fiber grips that's made in America? Or anywhere?
 
archieblue said:
Picked up one of these last week.
Pros:-handle is THICK sculpted carbon fiber -Not really a Gold Class
Cons: -This knife does not really fit in the "Gold Class." Should be "Limited Edition." -Price. I would NOT pay $400 fot it.
Click to expand...

nevermind35 said:
I also wish that they would come out with a limited edition g10 grip but dang that sculpted carbon fiber is dead sexy!
Click to expand...

Schuey2002 said:
I really wish they'd offer the Griptilian with G10 scales, even as a limited edition....
Click to expand...


I picked one up today after realizing how cool the regular Griptilian is, in terms of size, fit, blade (I have the 551 with a drop-point in scotchbrite finish) and of course, the axis lock :thumbup:

The 551BK-101 version remedies the only problem I have with the std. 551, namely the plastic handle/grip... :thumbdn: It's such a shame, as many have noted above, that Benchmade didn't offer it (or a premium version of it) with G10 grip!

Regarding the gold version's grip: very, very nice feel, much silkier (but still "grippy") not to mention optically appealing :D I am, however, a little cautious about the "carbon fiber" label. The reason I say this is that Benchmade used a very specific description for this knife compared to other carbon-based Golds:

Grippy: "carbon fiber-textured handles" (with black G10 back spacer)
Rift: "Hand Finished Carbon Fiber Handles"
Shoki: "Hand Finished Carbon Fiber Handles"
Mini-Presidio: "Carbon Fiber Handle Scales"
907-91: "Carbon Fiber Handles"
Stryker: "CNC Milled Carbon Fiber Handle Scales"

So, at the risk of sounding cynical, "texture" is not equivalent to "material", agreed? If anyone has a link to another, official Benchmade statement with a more definitive description of the grip material, I'd be delighted to see it (please).

Particularly because I bought it in Europe (my current residence) where you can only get it at "list" price... :( That's because Benchmade is an exotic brand here. I'm guessing it's the first time you've ever hear anyone associate Oregon with exotic, huh... :)


With that out of the way, why do you guys say that this model shouldn't be classed as gold? It is a premium steel, (albeit not Damascus), so what is missing that keeps it apart from the other Gold models?

Thx & cheers,

-------------------
Traveller - Geneve * Melbourne * Miami * Wien
 
I think that it's the fact the standard Grip has a plastic handle that makes some people think that a version with premium materials shouldn't be a Gold Class.

The scales have the exact same characteristics as the material that was on my 806-701. Carbon Fibre.:thumbup:
 
Travelller said:
... If anyone has a link to another, official Benchmade statement with a more definitive description of the grip material, I'd be delighted to see it (please)...
Click to expand...

Steven Andrews said:
...makes some people think that a version with premium materials shouldn't be a Gold Class... The scales have the exact same characteristics... Carbon Fibre.
Click to expand...

I see, thanks. And Lol, shortly after publishing my post I finally took the time to look at the paperwork that came with the knife, including the "gold" certificate:

"Modified drop-point with CPM-M4 tool steel blade ... hand finished carbon fiber handles ... black nickel hardware ... Pardue design."

Sigh, I should remember to always...

RTFM :o :p

---
8^)
 
It is definately a gold class and looks like one. People are used to seeing most gold classes sell for a lot more, many times with damascus blades and or handles so this one is a bit less expensive but definately has all the normal gold class attributes.

On the carbon fiber description: Yes they did word it very strangly. They should really be more clear. It definately is solid, sculpted carbon fiber which is cnc machined to add some texture. But definately carbon fiber and not some coating.
 
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