Benchmade 551 Griptilian - EDC Legend?

Make sure to visit White Mountain Knives at www.whitemountainknives.com and use the discount code SDWMK at checkout for 10% off!
If you enjoy these videos and want to see more, please support us on Patreon at / sliceydicey Thanks in advance.
Check out the Slicey Dicey Podcast at / sliceydiceypodcast
Check me out on Instagram @sliceydicey75 and Facebook at / sliceydicey75
Email me at [e-mail]
#sliceydicey #knifereview #edc
If you want to contact me the old-fashioned way or send stuff for me to review, my address is…
Slicey Dicey
PO Box 18672
Rochester, NY 14618

[@calvinwon5113]

I’ve had my griptilian for over 5 years, and I carry and use it religiously. Let me just say that the “cheap feel” of the handle doesn’t mean much unless you’re picking your knife up with a handful of gravel each time. After the years of hard use, the only thing I see happening to the handle is it gets rubbed shiny on certain spots. “Cheap feel” in your hands means nothing. It’s certainly not cheaply made.

[@1911FanBoi]

I agree. I use mine, drop it and have it rattle in my pocket with things and the handle is still perfect. No chips or any deep scratches. I’m actually quite surprise.

[@leotam3372]

The fat handle definitely make it more of a workhorse vs. a dedicated edc piece

[@kenmarapese9085]

When Benchmade designed the knife it was with the concept of being indestructible and affordable so everyone could have one, those plastic feeling handles will never wear out. It was Benchmades first knife to have its own page for customization due to its popularity. I have the 551-1 mini and full sized sheepsfoot, both are favorites of mine.

[@BrentonCarr]

Funny how you just did this video. I finally broke down and got one last week. I like it. I've also had good luck with my Benchmades. Fit and finish was excellent.

[@tonymaciel7687]

I’m definitely getting one soon. I had one years back when they were still 154cm. Gave it away within a month of having it but gave it to good friend. Those polymer handles can take way more of a beating than people think. Such good knives at cutting as well those things are beast. For the price they’re hard to beat.

[@zachstuff]

Great classic EDC & for work!! I have a couple of different styles and always resort to the classic. Funny how the "cheap feel" of the scales turns a lot of people away from making this their EDC favorite. Nice run down!

[@sunshyn21]

Haha almost carried mine today. Had it in my hand but put it down and picked up my 940.

[@andresmiguel2573]

The true king 👑

[@bobb.9917]

Oh yeah...The Grey G-10 model with blue liners & stand-offs, CPM-20CV...and black sheepsfoot blade with thumb hole..That's the one!...I put a St. Claire "L'il Slim" Carbon Fiber pocket clip on mine...that clip was just made for the grey Griptilian scales.....AND plays nicely off the black blade. I feel that the knife is solid and unique, and even though there have been quality control issues, Benchmade has great warranty service and seems to have stepped their game up, lately.....

[@ATherapeuticEdge]

I know I'm late to the party, but (thanks to a sale) I just ordered this knife. I chose the basic 551 because, at this point, it's a classic. Thank you for an excellent, as always, that helped me make that choice.

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

Nice review!! Thanks 👍👍👍

[@rundmcak11]

Knife works has BENCHMADE BM551-1702 GRIPTILIAN, 3.45" M390 SS PLAIN BLADE, MICARTA HANDLE, KNIFEWORKS EXCLUSIVE. very nice and good price to at 169.95$

[@SkyBeatSaber]

I have this exact one, doesn’t feel cheap at all tbh. It’s still a nice feel even though it’s plastic.

[@Dan-sq5cv]

I just bought a Grip with the new upgrade to S30v steel, Really like the Ergo's, but have to agree the scales feel cheap. That being said Grivory is is a Polymide that is very tough and is selected for that reason. Cheap feel maybe, but actually very good. Polymides are like steel there are many many combinations of chemicals and recipes to bring out whst qualitys are functional important. Calling it just plastic is kind of like calling S35v just steel and the same as 420. Frome the EMS website: The proven material for metal replacement The materials in this product range are based on semi­ crystalline polyamides with partially aromatic content. Grivory GV is supplied as granules for further processing in injection-moulding or extrusion processes using conventional commercially available equipment and moulds.. Main application: fields Metal replacement, mainly automotive in general, highly stressed components. I have several Cold Steel knives that use Grivory like my Recon 1, Now for personal preference yes I have to agree either G!) or Micarta would feel more quality to me also, and both of these materials are have very good use propertied. Anyway great review I just had to mention the technical information because it seems everybody bashes Grivory as being cheap crappy plastic.

[@radioham6979]

Mine is the big 551 with a tan handle and black blade which is pretty. I'm not nitpicky about the handle being cheap.

[@ricktoole9991]

Every knife I own is a working knife, Including this one. I've carried this one for two years no complaints, Great Knife

[@Dollsteak69]

Old vid but here goes. My mini grip has been in my pocket for over 10 years of hard use. I don't spend a lot of time in front of a screen, I'm out side. Used it as a pry bar, screw driver, electrical pliers, kindling maker, you name it. The tip is still there. I own some spydercos but benchmades feel more like a knife. Looked to replace the mini grip and looked high and low for something better and ended up buying the full sized grip.

[@mforrest1508]

Excellent camp knife. Not exposed steel on your hand for cold weather, easy opening and closing, nice tip, under 4oz. Backcountry perfection for me. I pair it with a fallkniven a1 pro

[@kpfagerberg]

How has it held up? I’m thinking of picking one up.

[@mforrest1508]

@@kpfagerberg perfectly.

[@wasawasablingbling]

I like my g10 mini grip. I wish they made a mini 940 as well but my 940-2 hasn’t left my pocket since i bought it

[@sublyme2157]

I wasn't thrilled when I held a Griptilian (felt cheap), but I'm very interested in the Hogue RSK.

[@jordy703]

This in combination with my Garberg is perfect for me. Also love Cold Steel folders as of the amazing strong build of them. The Axis lock is not solid if you want to perform task that a fixed blade would do. It wil unlock accidentally if you bang the knife. But for all other use perfect. Just baton with fixed blades or axes. (Or Cold Steel folders 💪) Ps: Rat 1 my all time favorite 🤘

[@1911FanBoi]

It’s a very good knife because it’s a classic Benchmade. Good blade. Good handle and you don’t have to be afraid to use it as it’s not as expensive as others on the market.

[@nohero178]

I love my Grip but I got it as a gift. For the current price of $102? Give me a Manix 2 at that price range.

[@SteveKluver]

You are absolutely correct, there.

[@northernninety7]

The mechanism in the manix is what makes it cool.

[@koga8100]

The manix 2 is the worst, it’s a pathetic attempt at a axis knockoff. And stiff as hell

[@TheKyleMark]

@@koga8100 Yup. I got the translucent blue LW Manix and everything about it was fantastic except the lock. The thing was stiffer than my Native 5, which is a back lock and doesn’t even have washers. Miserable. I don’t know if they’re all like that, but it was bad enough that I didn’t keep the knife.

[@HeyStevie100]

im a pm2 guy really but I actually really like the 551. Mine is really smooth and feels good in hand. I do agree that the plastic feels a little cheap but so does the bugout imo. overall, good enough for my edc rotation.

[@barlow2976]

I have just taken delivery of an all black mini grip in s30v. Yes, the handle is a bit cheap looking, but I'm sure it is tough. I seem to be lucky with mine, all is hunky dory. Just gave the blade a strop and it's wicked. I'm new to Benchmade (I live in the UK), never even handled one before, and I'm impressed with the axis lock's action. I've lubed it with the same oil I use for distance casting on my sea multiplier reels. Very fine, and doesn't fly off,wash off etc. The blade is swinging nice and free and I'm getting goodish at deploying it., no cuts yet, but I have a tourniquet at hand.My other two knives are a Sydie Tenacious (still stiffish) and a RAT 1, which is a peach, especially at a third the price of my mini grip. I will be buying another axis lock, for sure.

[@k.g.389]

Hey there. Seeing as you have an all black mini, are there any black parts that should be avoided, due to it scratching easy or rubbing off? Thanks.

[@Phyxsius_85]

I personally use Mini Grip 556 full black for 3 years, mine has S30V steel. I have nothing bad to say, the plastics seem cheap, but they are super strong and can withstand a lot of abuse. The only thing I immediately removed from the factory was the edge that was 17 degrees and I put 25. These days I'm thinking of retiring it and buying a full size one with a sheep's foot blade

[@KnightRyder1990]

This is exactly why I love your channel. Every "gripe" you have against it is every reason I dont own a griptillian. I love the design but the execution drives me crazy. I can't stand the idea of having that plastic when my Rat 1 feels like higher quality.

[@koga8100]

have you felt the grip scales? they dont feel "cheap" at all and they work very well. get your head outta your ass

[@KnightRyder1990]

@@koga8100 of course I have felt them. They feel like cheap plastic. I'm sorry that you have such an emotional attachment to a product that you have to be rude to someone who has a different opinion than you do.

[@koga8100]

@@KnightRyder1990 no, I'm not emotionally attached, its just that I have seen 100+ people shit on the griptillian because the handles aren't "good enough for them" and no, they don't feel like cheap plastic, a plastic bin is "cheap plastic" this is grivory and works really well with grip, and ergos, it works just as well as g10 or micarta if done well, and trust me they are done well. if they don't feel expensive enough for you that's your own problem, but in real use? They work just as well as any other "premium material" out there bud.

[@paulhughes3961]

I have a 551 griptillian and mine had do much blade play and was so far off center that it took sending it back 3 times before they just replaced my knife with a new one. The one they sent me is better but it still has centering issues, mainly due to uneven blade tang grinds.

[@317jmdam]

Honestly since they came out with the bugout I don't think there is any reason to go with the Griptilian unless your looking for a more clip point style profile. I actually fall under that category so I'm not upset. I have the 551 and it's been my most reliable knife. It was my first real knife purchase. I think I have other blades that will outlast it now, but I still love the Grip.

[@bobb.9917]

The Griptillian is a much more robust knife than The Bugout. ..both knives are great, but quite different.

[@317jmdam]

@@bobb.9917 I agree there is a little difference. Mostly same materials minus blade steel. But with general EDC use the robustness isn't really going to matter.

[@ericmack001]

The plastic keeps the cost down. Plus it doesn’t scratch like aluminum does. You could have purchased the DLT trading version which comes in beautiful carbon fiber. The knife would be amazing with some aftermarket scales.

[@aaronmulcahy2004]

The knife is good, but its value sky rockets when you add aftermarket scales. I added AWT aluminum scales and it's now a great EDC.

[@Dodgecharger1212]

I put after market aluminum scales on mine makes it much nicer

[@TheJustina102085]

I don’t have this knife but one of my benchmades is 154cm.. I think 154cm for a$100 is a solid buy, I’d rather 154cm thn the vg10 spyderco uses... what are your complaints with the steel choice?

[@pbpickett7210]

The REI edition with the green G10 is the best.

[@brian7578]

My only complaint is that you can shake any griptilian free.

[@peterazpeitia4715]

What knife sharpening method to use

[@timbo4374]

I am very tempted to buy the DLT exclusive Griptilian. A very nice looking knife, with CF handles and brass barrel spacers, and M390 blade steel and a deep carry clip standard on it. The only thing holding me back is the price tag..$233 is pretty steep for a Grip, but damn I like the look of it.

[@keithmoore1202]

You could get the Knifeworks exclusive. M390 blade, micarta scales, deep carry clip for $170. www.knifeworks.com/new/benchmade-griptilian-551-1702-3-45-in-m390-plain-blade-paper-micarta-handle-knifeworks-exclusive.html

[@timbo4374]

Ya I know, I saw it, and even have it in my wishlist there, but it just isn't the same as the DLT exclusive.

[@SteveKluver]

I just bought that DLT Exclusive @@timbo4374. I put it right back in the box. That blade shape, just doesn't do it for me anymore. I'll sell you mine if you like? 15% off, and you pay the shipping.

[@Outpost_76]

I have a 550 and 551, the 550 hollow grind is pretty thin behind the edge and cuts much better than the 551. It's not my favorite knife by any means but I never understood the whole feels cheap reputation it gets. It feels like a plastic handled knife. Its definitely a solid choice for a working knife.

[@rekozma]

I have the mini grip. In d2. Love it. But I picked it up second hand for a song and a dance. If I had to do it full price I would no problem but I would go with the full size.

[@SliceyDicey]

You must be a great dancer!

[@rekozma]

@@SliceyDicey Texas two step pro.

[@_superjoe]

GRIP GANG!! ITS THE KNIFE THAT STARTED IT ALL FOR ME...

[@pebbleinyoshoe532]

Agreed I have 5 BenchMade KniVES NOT ONE issue

[@randyf.9188]

You probably should have got the G10/20CV for a keeper, especially with the 20% off.

[@efcruzado]

BM sent me both black and satin deep carry clips for my 551. 👍🏽🔪

[@kevcapistrano]

I don’t leave my house without my griptilian. It’s a part of me now. If my shorts have pockets even at home, it’s in there.

[@brianbartulis9709]

yeah, old post SD... ..just coming off of threesome wood packaged SS minis lock backs(wildlife collection?) made in China for a decade, then my '90 or '95 Unc Henry Schrade+ wood 'n brass as some Bear Paw, annoying too heavy for pocket..very sweet knife but.. ..I ran across thumb stud one handers Say '09. woot! Wada pain setting something down set just right to open my knife two handed..oops, yeahbutt again. Some person(vid) kicked their 551 around in the sand and it worked fine. ~ lol, my old school bwain was of some plastics were tough as steel. ~~ +No folder should be abused as some tests we've seen. ~~ After peeking around a bit I truly liked the blade shape of the 551 Grip. Dinner knife to dis 'n dat so I bought two and sent one to my Maori gal pal in Melbourne Au, and got the missus a pink mini she keeps clipped in her purse and loves it. 2009/border of '10 all are lined up just dandy. 154cm is fine with me. ~ Clipped inside of pocket at hip I nary know it's there, I find no reason to look around for betta. My pneumatic set of tools are of China due to the work gift card I chose. My dandy slingshot I have was made in America. Oddly I thought it was to defend our shores from outside enemies. My bad.

[@Eldofarmboy]

I like the Griptilian but it just can't hold a candle to the PM2. It's a left pocketer for sure

[@subbystyle]

You should have gotten the knifeworks exclusive with m390 and paper micarta scales!!

[@SliceyDicey]

If I were getting one to keep, that would be it. I intentionally wanted to experience the base model.

[@subbystyle]

I totally understand. I haven’t seen anyone really give a review on that one as the plastic handles on the original one are probably the biggest reason why I stay away.

[@bp-hx9ts]

Griptilians are overpriced for me not horribly but still have a 🦋 tax

[@Stahlwerk88]

bp69 and they *feel* so cheap, especially the full-size. They’re lightweight, for sure, but I think the Mini-grip feels a bit more solid. Both are overpriced nowadays.

[@bp-hx9ts]

Stahlwerk88 yeah they do feel pretty cheap

[@bobb.9917]

bp69 The G-10 version does not feel cheap to me..never handled the plastic one

[@snapsprovolone1509]

@@bobb.9917 price tag goes up tremendously with the g-10 version though.....

[@lenzielenski3276]

I can't get past the cheap, hollow sound it makes when closed. Matches the cheap plastic look. Makes me feel I got taken for paying so much for the damn thing. Since the price increase (Spyderco)even the Endura is way over priced, but its STILL substantially less but with 1/4 inch more blade. Finally broke down and bought a MiniGrip with the G-10 (sheepsfoot with Spydie hole) and it was worth it, almost feels like a real knife now.

[@Obliticus]

Yeah wish they still "gave" you a different clip if you wanted, now they are $10 a pop. No, $10 isn't much, but I thought I already paid the Butterfly tax when I first bought the knife :\

[@carknelson5895]

I like the Freek more than the grip

[@SliceyDicey]

I don’t care for the rubbery stuff on the Freak. Just a preference thing.

[@carknelson5895]

If I could only own one knife it wouldn’t be a freek but different tools for different jobs I think the freek has its place in my collection

[@kimmonshandtools6849]

I can’t help but feel like Benchmade is kind of dragging along behind other high end American manufacturers. Seems like spyderco and ZT are paving the path for the future and pushing forward. Even manufactures like civivi and Kershaw are pushing forward. Most of the Benchmade models just seem out of date to me. There’s nothing wrong with any of the Benchmade knives I just can’t see me choosing one over a spyderco or a ZT.

[@misterbaker9728]

My only complaint with all BMs is price. Had 60$ for g10. LAME!! So you get a plastic handle knife for 100$. I can buy a kizer or civivi and of course spyderco that have g10 handles for way cheaper. Sure it’s got great steak but that’s all your paying for and the 🦋tax

[@myvenusinuranus]

I'd rather have a PM2 any day

[@Mike-hn4uu]

I got one of these with AWT scales. This knife is so ugly without custom scales its trash. BUT, with custom scales, my god is this knife a legend.