Benchmade Griptilian 550

L

Luis Barretto

Joined
Aug 25, 2020
Messages
6
Hi there! I’m planning to either buy a 550 grip (with the S30V steel) or a 940-2. I’m leaning towards getting the grip, as i need a more “hard-use” folder. However, the handle scales of the grip bothers me. I don’t mind the plastic feeling or looking cheap. I just need to know if the handle is dirable or strong enough. Is it prone to flexing a lot? Or is it still sturdy. Unlike the grip, the 940-2 has got at least a solid and sturdy handle, it’s just small and thin for my taste. But, i still really do like it. Thanks for the info!
 
I have a Griptilian 551 in S30V. The factory scales are sturdy and probably durable enough for any use. They are not prone to flexing although with a lot of pressure you can squeeze them a tiny bit. But they are nowhere near as "squeezable" as the Bugout scales. While they are a bit uncomfortable, I consider the best feature may be the very light weight. For that reason I'll take my Griptilian and leave my Adamas at home. I do have AWT anodized aluminum scales on order which are only 1oz more than the originals and are reported to be solid as a tank which you might find of interest.
 
You won’t have any problems with the 550.

Search you tube for durability test on the Griptilian. You will be surprised by what you find.

I own four full size Griptilians. Never had any issues with them being under engineered. No problems with their Omega Springs either.
 
The standard Grip is plenty strong, and the handles are very durable. As Sabre Cat said, check out some videos. You'd have to really try and break the knife!
 
The griptillians are good to go. The handles are strong and light, and fill the hand really well. They are extremly comfy actually. The 940 would be a solid knife too though, and in terms of strength might be a little tougher. The Grips have partial steel liners, the minis have full liners. So the 940 would have a little more metal in the handle, but I think youd be fine with either. There are some really thrashed Grips out there that are still working great (I think theres a thread on here of user griptillians that has some pretty beat up knives, its a good read if you can find it).
 
Griptilian grips are incredibly sturdy. They're made from a glass-reinforced polymer and you could hammer on that stuff all day and not make a dent. The stainless steel liners add strength and guide the Axis bar. It's too bad they don't make car bodies out of the same stuff, though that would put a lot of body shops out of business.
 
I've got 550BK and a 551-1 Grip. They are both great, but the 551-1 has a better feel. I prefer it. But, it did cost a bit more. I think the 551 is closer to the 940 price point. IMO, if I had to do it over and only get one Grip, it'd be the 551.

-td
 
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