Benchmade 551-S30V Griptilian

[@sambrown4424]

I can’t be the only one that likes how loud Griptillians are with FRN handles

[@ohioknifelover]

Really the biggest plus for S30V is the increased Vanadium. 154CM has 0.00-0.40 Vanadium and S30V has 4.00 Vanadium for longer edge retention from my research

[@mt_baldwin]

The sheepsfoot version might be a lot lighter, some site's are listing it at 3.25 oz. I think it's a good idea to do vids on recently upgraded knives like this, sometimes a steel upgrade isn't the only change. When cold steel did the XHP steel change no one did any vids on that, thing is cold steel also addressed a lot of complaints with little changes that no one realized (ever notice the tri-ad lock isn't as impossible to use as its reputation suggests? Cold steel reduced the back spring strength to make it easier to use on several models).

[@gnomersy1087]

Steel upgrade, from what I've seen S30V does cut longer than 154CM at least based on Pete at Cedric and Ada's testing it's not huge but it's there. I think they probably could have switched to G10 or even just a different texture of FRN that didn't feel this plastic-y without a 15 dollar increase people use G10 in considerably cheaper knives than Benchmades and seem to get by just fine. That being said I agree with the pocket roughness, I've also noticed lockbar stick which is annoying in a knife of this price, and the fact that they're charging for the clip but also don't give you an option of the deep carry clip being standard when buying the knife still feels bad. Sure Spyderco doesn't do it either but frankly it's a dumb idea for them too because it means all their knives are essentially $30 more expensive if you like deep carry and that makes them less valuable it's less of an issue with 5 bucks but it adds up and when the knife is already priced on the middle-upper end it's a little annoying. Like would it kill you to just eat the 50 cent production cost and toss one in with the box when you buy it new or just offer the option of the 551 or the 551DC for deep carry clip?

[@SliceyDicey]

Not everyone wants a deep carry clip. I'm infinitely more annoyed with some of the Spyderco models about this. I'd gladly pay Spyderco $10 for the option, but... Nope!

[@gnomersy1087]

@@SliceyDicey personally I dislike them both but for very different reasons. Spyderco's reason is cheap/lazy but it's more understandable because getting everything set up designed and what not to manufacture the clip when they don't have that already is expensive and their reasoning of oh the secondary market has us covered and we're happy with it is just dumb. But Benchmade has everything set up for making the clips they have the clips produced which is why they don't have you wait a month for the next batch to get pumped out if you ask for one. Everything is there it's being made and since the infrastructure is there it's cheap relatively to make em but they're choosing not to give you them. Maybe I'm wrong and every time you ask for a deep carry clip Carl the intern has to go to town with a vise, a blow torch, a hammer, and some tongs but I doubt it. As far as not everyone wanting deep carry I get you but not everyone is a lefty and yet Cold Steel tosses two clips in every box to give the end user the option. Other companies give you the option of buying the black blade version or the satin blade version when you buy it. Benchmade could do the same with deep carry instead of just being like hey where's my 5 bucks?

[@C_Rice]

Damn, I guess I got lucky with the pocket clips. I don't remember when I got them (maybe January or February) but I asked for about 5 black oxide deep carry clips for all my Benchmades and I got them for free. I do understand having to pay for them though now.

[@MrTomkat030]

I bought one yesterday with S30v blade and nylon GTX handle. My first Benchmade and love it.... my next one will be an auto OTF but not the infidel.

[@lonestardude6283]

Benchmade should have this in the Doug Ritter model still! How I like the Doug Ritter, but not quite sure about the Hogue version. I do have a special order Griptilian that my daughter specked out for me as a birthday present with S30v steel and personalized for me that I will always cherish. Yes she payed enough attention to my illness to know to get S30v steel! That's my girl! Love your video! Keep them coming.

[@SliceyDicey]

Yah raised her right.

[@gregwalker4236]

thanks! i never liked the griptilian or the bugout until i got one in hand, and then i got it. i'll take that grivory over g10 every time. in the hand they are great...

[@sparklehorse02]

I just bought this knife. I like it well enough, but kind of hated the feel of it. Too rough, too grippy. Took a Scotch brite pad to it, just to smooth off the rough edges. That worked great! Smoothed the gimping just the right amount and the diamond pattern on the scales as well. Knife feels good in the hand now instead of being irritating.

[@computerwarez]

Thanks for the info on knife app just grabbed the knife steel composition app my mini griptilian is Hollowground Modified Sheepsfoot; Ambidextrous Thumb-Holes in S30V it’s the reason I bought the griptilian version plus full metal liners

[@therealsparkman]

As a first timer looking for a beautiful EDC knife was something that I thought was going to be cut and dry. However, that couldn't be further from the truth. I've been browsing through the selections of literally thousands of knives and the particular style and characteristics that I want in a knife. Price point also plays an important factor. I can't tell you how many reviews I've watched and all it has done is make a final choice that much more difficult. Everything from blade styles, drop point, harpoon shape, tanto...flat grind, hollow grind, satin finish, brushed finish,...G10 handles, carbon fibre handles, titanium...you get the idea. Now I have mixed reservations about button style blade opening or the little flip tab that protrudes from the top. All seem to open without any effort. I'm not a fan of G-10 and that's only because it cheapens the overall look (my opinion). It just looks like plastic. Obviously I would love to own a knife made in America, but again, price point comes into play. This particular knife is at the very outside edge of money I really want to spend. At any rate, my search continues. Thanks for posting your review and your personal comments from someone who has dealt with numerous blades. Appreciate it. Cheers!

[@CentralProducts.]

Hey man. What knife did you pick?

[@therealsparkman]

@@CentralProducts. I ended up with a Boker flip knife.

[@CentralProducts.]

@@therealsparkman That’s crazy.

[@dsknives310]

Good 20 minutes I needed this knife review two months ago

[@SliceyDicey]

Better late than never?

[@dsknives310]

True. Much appreciated. U got my heart set on the Doug Ritter.

[@carmelotansengco4605]

The only Benchmade I have is a Mini Grip. You couldn't catch me dead with one a couple of years ago. Now, for some reason, I'm really liking smaller knives. Having said that, I would still love to have a standard size Griptilian.

[@whiteyfisk9769]

The standard size Griptillian will do everything the mini will do, but it doesnt work the other way. Theres very few reasons to get a mini anything except for specialty purposes

[@carmelotansengco4605]

@@whiteyfisk9769 You're right. I can't remember when I posted this comment but I have since purchased a full size Grip. It is a better knife than the mini. Actually, my favorite size is from the 3.4-4.0 inch range.

[@bionick4281]

Still wish I could afford Benchmade knives!

[@ericthorpe5670]

@@jimyocum9556 Agreed. I love Spyderco first and foremost, but Benchmade is still great. I love the almost assisted deployment that the axis lock allows for, but the omega springs seem almost like a design flaw. They also seem to be hit or miss, like some work forever and some crap out early on. But both Spyderco and Benchmade have warranties that you can't argue with. Does it suck to send your knife back? Yes, but at least you know it'll be taken care of.

[@wyattbreymeyer4033]

Eric Thorpe i cant justify buying spyderco anymore, especially if you compare the pm2 to the s30v grip.

[@MrTomkat030]

wyatt breymeymeyer S30v grip 🧐 S30v is the type of steel used for the blade, or do you mean you also like S30v SS handles too?

[@ohioknifelover]

Nutnfancy said that the Griptillian didnt have enough of a texture on his knife so he put JB Weld on it and then skateboard tape...I couldnt believe what I saw 😂😂😂

[@petervu9773]

Dude is a clown

[@americannationalist1110]

I like Nutnfancy a lot actually

[@renorunner12]

I agree regarding the handle materials. I use one of the 154cm sheepsfoot Mini-Grips as my travel knife - it's legal most places (outside Chicago, Boston and NYC), has all the niceties of the axis lock, but it's not devastatingly expensive if TSA swipes it from my checked back. I keep thinking about getting G10 or micarta scales for it, but then it costs as much as my 940-2.

[@zachstuff]

I enjoy the upgrade to the blade steels to their line ups! Sad the hollow grind is no longer available.

[@JasonStPierre]

Try Raven Concealment Systems Moduloader Pocket Shield out, no more ruined pockets. That's where my Griptilian lives now.

[@randyf.9188]

Same with the Bugout. Give us an option with G10. I think we will see that this year.

[@matthewcarlson7540]

Randy F. If you custom build the griptilian you can get it with G10 handles!

[@zachstuff]

Agree with G10 and a deep pocket carry clip this would be a home run! People burned the free clip deal for us....but I dig the $5 fee!

[@Shadowx011]

Custom shop for all that if you want to spend the extra money.

[@BDSwaim]

Interested in reviewing a spyderco Caribbean. Lmk I might be willing to loan one.

[@freestate239]

Thanks for the review. Just ordered one tonight on Blade HQ

[@AGC828]

Everyone complins about the "Benchmade tax" but really if we're paying attention...the Griptilians are actually a good value. Even compared to the competition. So much variation in how we can order ours e.g. you can get a full-size with S90V for the same price as a PM2...not sure if the scales are the dreded Grivery or G10...either way you're getting S90V. Then there's the more premium version ....the CF/S90V variant....for about $30 less than other knives sold with CF/S90V...including the Bugout -3 :) Odd pricing structure by Benchmade HQ...heh... Some might still want a Griptilian in ALu/S30V....odd there's no Alu scale version available yet...they have Alu versions of the Bugout, Bailout, 940....

[@Dan-sq5cv]

I think I read they chiefly use the Grivory to hold the balance point right at the Axis lock button. That is where my Grp S30v balances also. G10 is nicer and Grivory does feel cheap but it is very tough stuff. I have the grivory on my Cold Steel Recon 1 and it has that same kind of cheap plastic feel, but that knife has taken some serious abuse , both blade and handle and held up well. Good review.

[@rusterkat1188]

Sooooo.... You're saying get a 555 hollow ground in 154CM. Thanks!

[@dannyt6798]

Yes, Dicey.. do it. S30v on both blades, you must repeat the "battle to the DEATH" Am torn between this s30v version and the 20cv. It's a toss with an $70 dollar difference. What would you do??

[@nissimmalul]

Thank you for the video. Do you know where I can get G10 or Micarta scales for this with the entire screws, and the spacers upgrade kit ?

[@joshrayburn5534]

Getting my first Grip tomorrow

[@xyliss]

Just speculating, but I'd imagine g10 handles on a grip are more expensive due to the shape. G10, carbon fiber and the like are layered materials so flat slabs are easier to make than the contoured handles griptilians are known for. Plastic handles can be molded to shape, but g10 griptilians would require more expensive machining/milling. I don't think BM would sell a grip that had flat slabs, so the price would have to be a bit more than they would want for the budget model.

[@kenmarapese9085]

I would like to see it with G-10, but I think it would be over $150.00 based on their other G-10 scaled folders with that steel. Which I don't think is a bad thing, I own a 550-1.

[@efcruzado]

I got a custom mini grip made with S30vn tanto blade and two colored scales. I’m surprised on how small the mini grip is. It’s smaller than a mini cutjack! I should’ve ordered the full size grip.

[@SliceyDicey]

Yeah. I don’t fit the mini.

[@Shadowx011]

Returning my mini because I absolutely cannot get 4 fingers on the grip…apparently my hands are larger than I thought.

[@feralgrandad4429]

This review sold me on the Griptilian. Brought the same one as you have. Been using for a while and love it. Totally agree about the rear gymping. I sanded it off an mine. Cheers for the review, helped a lot.

[@bdub0983]

A regular old ceramic sharpening rod will keep the edge touched up pretty well then?

[@TheDallasdeadeye]

The new upgrades include a Parkerized clip not the painted nonsense, keep the frn scales, polymers are the future, im a glock guy so the 551 is the perfect companion folder.

[@TimpTim]

A solution!? S20v, G10, deep carry clip and cool color with blue accents. 551-1. Oh yeah, $179 😁😁

[@grahamparr3933]

Which is your favorite, this knife or the 940 osbourne?

[@ninja63639]

Just bought a para 3 today. S30v and s10. I'm thinking of returning it for this. Good or bad idea

[@ohioknifelover]

Tbh I dont think you need a Battle To The Death between the Bugout and the 551-S30V. I do like the upgrade and they raised the price by only $5 what a steel! Pun intended

[@SliceyDicey]

Yeah... I re-watched the first one and it wouldn't have changed the winner.

[@ohioknifelover]

Slicey Dicey I wouldnt have thought it would sway a vote just for a steel change that is the exact same!

[@bobb.9917]

Good review (update).. I will just keep groovin' with my gray G10 Grip' w/20CV W/blue liners & standoffs. Mine has a blackened Sheepsfoot Spydie-holed blade and I just love that knife! Got it on the secondary market mint with 3 DC clips at a bargain...but it’s worth the full price in my estimation. The Griptillian In any form is a great knife. It's a CLASSIC! ($5 for clips is just fine)..I like the texture with the clip..makes the knife more secure in my pocket. 👍

[@nissimmalul]

Do you know anyone who would instal custom scales for this knife?

[@whiteyfisk9769]

98% of the members of the benchmade subreddit

[@user-bh5ej8vu2l]

Отличный нож, у меня точно такой. Легко правится на донышке керамичесской тарелки, долго остается острым

[@corbey50]

Any side-to-side blade play on this guy? My new 940-1501 from KifeWorks has a little, both when it's open and when it's closed. Figure I could tighten up the pivot screw, but then it wouldn't be so "drop-shutty."

[@SliceyDicey]

Nope

[@thomaslanders1162]

You hit the nail on the head. I've owned about 20 BM's. The axis lock etc works better on certain models. The 940 (I've had 4) pivot is way too finicky. It also has the worst QC of any BM model. OTOH, the 560 Freek has an axis lock that works really well. Haven't had to adjust and the QC has been good on the 8-10 I've seen. Their frame locks with adjustable stop pin for changing lock up are foolish. I have the 765 and it's been good but I'm lucky. I'm done with BM. Don't like the axis lock anymore and QC still isn't good

[@justaamateur6533]

Whats with american knife companies using s30v? Why not just use s35vn?

[@masonball5]

Lari Vasara if they don’t have a base steel, they have no room to grow to make sprint runs. If they raise their own bar on the base steel, it leaves less room for charging extra on more varieties later. That’s my take on it. S35vn will be cheaper for makers to buy in the future, and it gives them a possibility to “upgrade” the steel on a new model, or when the next price hike happens.

[@UltraAnt_]

I just got one and returned it. The handle felt very cheap.

[@koga8100]

How so? Feeling cheap and being cheap are two different things, the “handle” as you call it, is durable and won’t show significant signs of wear unless you pick it up with a hand full of gravel

[@profd65]

QUIT COMPLAINING THAT CERTAIN KNIVES DON'T HAVE DEEP CARRY CLIPS. I'M SICK OF HEARING ABOUT IT. When it isn't a symptom of dorky "Grey Man" crap or the deliberate attempt to conceal a weapon, deep carry is nothing but the fashion of the day and people brainlessly imitating other people. I'm not buying that most knife nerds work in offices and are constantly attending black tie formal engagements, but to read the forums that's the impression you get because so many of them absolutely demand the "discretion" that only a deep carry clip offers.

[@SliceyDicey]

COOL STORY! There's literally an entire sub industry of companies making deep carry clips so obviously a lot of people like them. I don't need them on EVERYTHING, but I do like them on a lot of stuff.

[@timcummings8062]

S30V is so yesterday.

[@whiteyfisk9769]

Lol ok zoomer, ask me how i know you know jack shit about actually using a knife on something besides cardboard

[@DavidV4444]

Great video - all my benchmades have been sold based on their insane political leanings but here’s to hoping they balance their politics someday and I can return.

[@joshrayburn5534]

As you’re typing this from an iPhone...

[@DavidV4444]

Want me to use a carrier pigeon? Android is no better - all liberal lunatics. At least I use this liberal created piece of garbage device to give a voice to sane people.

[@mrsir1872]

very very very unimpressed with the steel in these. very brittle and no durability at all. a piece chipped off the tip when cutting and if you strike a flint rod with the back of the blade, it will create marks on the back of the blade. cant believe the steel is so brittle for the price.