Benchmade Griptilian

C

coloradospyderco

Joined
Jun 10, 2014
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134
Today I went to Cabela's and while looking at knives, decided to handle the Griptilian. I was very VERY impressed. I've never felt a knife that's better in the hand and I LOVE the axis lock. Unlike most knives with FRN type handle scales, it didn't have a cheap feel. Also, the blade flew out like an assisted knife. The Griptilian is definitely my next knife purchase. Anyone who is on the fence about this knife, don't be!

If there are any bad things about the Griptilian, let me know.
 
coloradospyderco said:
Today I went to Cabela's and while looking at knives, decided to handle the Griptilian. I was very VERY impressed. I've never felt a knife that's better in the hand and I LOVE the axis lock. Unlike most knives with FRN type handle scales, it didn't have a cheap feel. Also, the blade flew out like an assisted knife. The Griptilian is definitely my next knife purchase. Anyone who is on the fence about this knife, don't be!

If there are any bad things about the Griptilian, let me know.
Click to expand...

Main complaint most people have is that the scales feel cheap to them, if that's not an issue for you I think you'll be in good shape with it. Only other common complaint that I know of is value, after BM's price hike.

I like the ones with G10 scales myself.

iKodUra.jpg
 
Pretty great knives, though I prefer the Mini, and Full Size G-10 models myself. You can't go wrong with the Griptilians, especially as your first Benchmade. There are also many people who make after market scales for them. I just traded my Mini Grip and already miss it. But I did get the Benchmade H&K 14715 out of it so I'm happy.

Pick up a Grip, good knives.

I have owned Sebenza's and Strider's and other really nice high end knives and the Mini Grip is still in my top 5.
 
I like the action and the lock. My only gripe, the full size Griptillian is too large and bulky for comfortable pants pocket carry and should come with a sheath.
 
I love mine. Only complaint is that the gap between the scales and pocket clip don't allow it to grip anything thinner than jeans.
 
Skywalker31 said:
Main complaint most people have is that the scales feel cheap to them, if that's not an issue for you I think you'll be in good shape with it. Only other common complaint that I know of is value, after BM's price hike.

I like the ones with G10 scales myself.

iKodUra.jpg
Click to expand...

Those are some good-looking knives! Thanks for the info.
 
Skywalker31 said:
Main complaint most people have is that the scales feel cheap to them, if that's not an issue for you I think you'll be in good shape with it. Only other common complaint that I know of is value, after BM's price hike.

I like the ones with G10 scales myself.

iKodUra.jpg
Click to expand...

Are those BM production knives or after market scales? It looks like the middle one is the REI 551. Please tell us more. I have been toying with the idea of getting the REI version.
I just got a set of Putnam scales for a full sized Ritter. Love it and ordered another set. Will post pics tomorrow.
 
BladeChick777 said:
Pretty great knives, though I prefer the Mini, and Full Size G-10 models myself. You can't go wrong with the Griptilians, especially as your first Benchmade. There are also many people who make after market scales for them. I just traded my Mini Grip and already miss it. But I did get the Benchmade H&K 14715 out of it so I'm happy.

Pick up a Grip, good knives.

I have owned Sebenza's and Strider's and other really nice high end knives and the Mini Grip is still in my top 5.
Click to expand...

I may consider getting the mini. Cabela's had it next to the grip, and it looks like the perfect size for EDC. I think the grip would be best for me though, because I want a good outdoor blade with more size.
 
Bob W said:
I like the action and the lock. My only gripe, the full size Griptillian is too large and bulky for comfortable pants pocket carry and should come with a sheath.
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Completely subjective. The large Grips are small to me and the Minis may as well be a toy in my opinion.

billym said:
Are those BM production knives or after market scales? It looks like the middle one is the REI 551. Please tell us more. I have been toying with the idea of getting the REI version.
I just got a set of Putnam scales for a full sized Ritter. Love it and ordered another set. Will post pics tomorrow.
Click to expand...

I have the REI 1401 and its easily my favorite Grip.
 
coloradospyderco said:
Today I went to Cabela's and while looking at knives, decided to handle the Griptilian. I was very VERY impressed. I've never felt a knife that's better in the hand and I LOVE the axis lock. Unlike most knives with FRN type handle scales, it didn't have a cheap feel. Also, the blade flew out like an assisted knife. The Griptilian is definitely my next knife purchase. Anyone who is on the fence about this knife, don't be!

If there are any bad things about the Griptilian, let me know.
Click to expand...
Cabela's Grip in D2 costs more than Benchmade's HK14715, which gives you full steel liners and G10 scales to go with the D2 blade... for less money.
 
My only complaint about the Grip 551 is it doesn't come with a deep carry clip, which is easily remedied through a simple call to Oregon. :)
 
loonybin said:
Cabela's Grip in D2 costs more than Benchmade's HK14715, which gives you full steel liners and G10 scales to go with the D2 blade... for less money.
Click to expand...

I have one of those on the way, can't wait to see it in person.

I started out with a Mini and EDCd it for about 4 years. I have bought a full sized Griptilian at the same time but never EDCd it. That changed about 5 years ago when I started to carry the full sized instead. Now the Mini feels a bit too small. I carry it a bit during hot weather when I don't want my shorts pockets to be too full.
Both great knives, I wish they would offer upgraded handles other than Gold Cla$$ or special runs like REI.

Just got some Putnam scales for the full sized Ritter and immediately ordered a second pair for my other full sized Griptilian.
 
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The Doug Ritter models are my preferred Griptilians.
Wide cord robust S30v drop point.
I have a 550 also but never use it.
Handle material on them is a non issue for me

DSCN1501_zps26a0802d.jpg


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Griiptilian550SBKHGSLhollowgroundblade-SkyLineCamohandle_zps4c072761.jpg
 
I like how Grips feel in hand, I appreciate the lock, and the blade steel and grind are good. I just can't get over the hollow plastic sound the grip makes.
 
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