Benchmade 551 Griptilian Testing Video

Peter and Tracy test the tried and true 551 Griptilian.
Join the conversation on the Benchmade forums for more testing videos and special projects at benchmadeforum.com/eve/forums !

[@ramonanzures9780]

He trusted the spine impact so much that he took the glove off

[@drewkoslow7754]

I've had a griptillian with a half serrated blade for something like twelve years. Once a year or so I send it back to Benchmade for a free sharpening. It comes back with a beautiful edge, often with pins oiled and or replaced. Far and away the best knife I've owned. I'm a field biologist and have been abusing knives for 25+ years.

[@josephrodgers3790]

I love how straightforward and minimal these videos are. A good breath of fresh air after always hearing blaring metal and seeing them cutting raw meat in the promotional videos of *other* companies.

[@krow2934]

I'm glad a video like this is coming DIRECTLY from the Product Producer, it's rare to see that. I hope you guys keep making these videos more often for all your models, I believe it will help the consumer, understand what their tool could do. For example, Me, I'm literally about to buy a Griptillian and probably a mini grip too.

[@motherfresh]

I appreciate you guys responding to the comments of what fans/buyers/future buyers are asking for you to test.

[@MLFreese]

I just bought this exact model. Benchmade and Cold Steel are my two favorite knife makers.

[@missoldday]

Yes

[@michaelsupple6081]

Wow! I just ordered the Mini last night and as a result of this review I'm feeling a lot more confident with my choice. Great review.

[@cwrowe]

I own this knife. It is trully the best knife for the money👍

[@nuketehwalez]

just got this knife today an so far im impressed the quality is outstanding

[@Carrera11GT]

Amazing! Makes me so much more confident with my recent bugout purchase!....already was super confident with it btw, but this added just that much more!

[@AkaiShizuku]

I think it's great to see more knife companies releasing video tests of their knives. I want the Benchmade employee who manages this channel to know that this video is a major influence in my decision to purchase a Griptilian. Great video, if Benchmade keeps it up, they'll have a lot more of my money!

[@dirtyteeth0]

Love mine. Anything with an Axis Lock is so much fun to play with too

[@lajaty5369]

Just got my 553 Tanto Benchmade Griptilian yesterday and i tested it on the Paracord, Leather, paper, and seatbelt test. Its just like the video. Not one issue cutting any of it. I was too scared to test spine and wedge though XD

[@abursten]

I have split firewood with my grip no problem and done a lot of use with a log to use it as a wedge. Still great!

[@QwadLuzr]

LOVE the tough tests. Keep it up.

[@Sigkeeper1]

I bought a Griptilian 551 in 2010 and have not yet used it. After reading the reviews on this knife it appears to be far more durable than I ever expected it to be. I would normally not put my knife to this kind of abuse but it sure seems to hold up and hold an edge. Great video

[@AG.Floats]

I have the G10 S30V edition one. Love it. It's on a whole other level of Griptilian. I handled the regular one. I just love the extra heft and construction of the G10 edition.

[@RazorDsknives]

you children claiming to be men commenting on this young lady doing her job need to learn a little respect. she is not an object. she is dressed modestly, there is no reason for such derogatory comments on a public field of view. your responsability as men is to uplift and protect. she is putting herself in public view on the internet for her job and yes is very lovely, but if you dont have something nice to say that you wouldn't say to your mother. can it.

[@barnabuswizardspook]

calm down. why do people try to censor speech all the time now.... smh

[@FlyTour69]

Barnabus Wizardspook that isn't censoring free speech, that's using free speech to talk about the abuse of free speech.

[@jwalz_5737]

They don’t find thier mothers attractive

[@s0nnyburnett]

Does it hurt wearing that armor all day or does the white paint keep you cool on a hot day?

[@Usernamenotrecognized01]

Derek Bergstrom bro she isn't going to fuck you.

[@JoeC92]

been wanting one for a while finally ordered on and got it over the weekend. Love it. Great knife for the money

[@beanosmeanos8650]

How ya liking it after 4 years?

[@JoeC92]

@@beanosmeanos8650 very rarely carry it anymore. Switched to something else with a different steel for edge retention. Grip wasn't bad just carried for work (construction) where it was used for cutting boxes, stripping wire or cutting the tape off coils of armored cable at times or cutting 1/2 poly rope. Or cutting cured fire caulk to make an opening for conduits and usually hitting the concrete or metal. Griptillian isn't bad for EDC type carry. But not a great option for construction site abuse.

[@ronaldventola2465]

I have 12 Bench Made knives in my collection of various brands. My favorites are Bench Made, for sure! For fit, finish, quality and beauty, they are EASILY the Best Buy for the Buck! My "First Production" 940 has my heart. It is in great shape after a couple of years of very light duty EDC. It has been cleaned, adjusted and beautifully sharpened by The Apostle Pete, and put away for my kids to fight over one day. I have two new (G10, CPM20CV, one plain sheep foot blade, one drop point) versions of the Mini Griptilians. I've been carrying the mini sheepfoot as my EDC. Very satisfying even though not the ideal blade shape for opening envelopes - hence the drop point addition. Today I took delivery of a "Momma Griptilian," the 550-1 with sheep foot plain blade. It was delivered razor sharp and perfectly adjusted as to pivot and centering. It's a little more "outdoorsy" than the mini versions.The full sized knife is fantastic! I won't post pictures...GO BUY ONE, you will LOVE IT! Buy one of each!

[@GregLanz]

Just ordered my first Griptilian and Benchmade knife tonight, looking forward to getting it

[@dustinondrick7778]

Best EDC ever made, thanks Benchmade!!!

[@majorgladius7283]

I LOVE my Griptillians. Great product guys.

[@user-no9qb6lj7c]

Just ordered one tonight

[@askloglog]

Just bought a 915 Triage, which is awesome! Can't wait to get a Griptilian.

[@twoblink]

I love mine! My EDC for 3 years.

[@SALVATOREMONGIOVI]

you guys are so awesome i would love to work here when i am older.

[@alexh8644]

Where are you working now? 7 years later

[@intoxicatedducc4557]

Hands down one of the best knives on the market

[@glytch5]

I just bought this knife online, but the Tanto blade version. Holy crap that was some good testing!

[@jerseythedog]

Now I don’t feel so bad about my purchase. Thanks y’all!

[@PaulHofreiter]

Awesome. I got a Griptillian sheepsfoot today to hold me over while my 940-1 gets sent in for repair. I was not too impressed when the axis lock stopped working after 5 days with it (light use too) but the Grip has redeemed BM for me because it is one fine knife.

[@TheBigToe69]

There’s a small difference in design on the axis lock between the 940 and griptilian. Either way, the omega springs are an eventual weak point.

[@70ksingh]

Love my Griptilian too much to attempt that wedge cutting . Amazingly sharp S35V on mine.

[@paulhughes3961]

I just purchased my first Benchmade knife at the 2016 Blade show. It was a choice between the Spiderco Gayle Bradley 2, a ZT or the Griptilian full size 551 H20. I chose the Griptilian. After getting it home and playing with it awhile I noticed that the blade was way off center and it had quite a bit of blade play, also not that sharp. So I contacted Benchmade and sent it off. I just got it back and the work order said they replaced all of the screws and the omega spring and also adjusted and sharpened it. I examined it and the blade is still off center and there is still blade play. Benchmade claims that all of there knifes are sharpened to be able to slice right through phone book paper, but not mine. It will shave hair of my arm but it struggles to go through magazine or news paper with out snagging. I have a lot of knife's and I know how and can out a hair popin mirror polished edge on just about any steel. What I don't understand is why is a $115.00 knife from a very well known company should have these issues. I just want it to be a really well built edc knife that hundreds of KZbin videos claim and thousands of Griptilian owners have claimed. Did I buy a lemon?

[@addisonmccartney9729]

and people wonder why I bought 3 of these

[@PickleRick849]

@phxxr650r Show pics.....

[@fullfire0]

@phxxr650r Good riddance

[@darthtrudeau4907]

phxxr650r well you’re bright 🤦‍♂️

[@wis1024]

@phxxr650r lol

[@chrro466]

Cody Levinson 😂😂😂

[@dee4hunteradventure899]

I have mine for a year now and still going strong :)........

[@jayson201]

Knife fails, Still shows it, Still awesome.

[@VinEllis]

+Jayson201 Of course the knife failed, the test doesn't stop until the knife fails.

[@RegularGuy76]

Nice just got one today!

[@Billman66]

Very impressive.

[@supercarsonice7200]

I got a blacked out gripy. I love it

[@ismaelgomez7211]

Grate vid 551 is on my list

[@marklawrence855]

Wow very good, im going order one after watching this 😀

[@motherfresh]

the bone collector i believe u are referring to is more like the presidio range. there was however a limited run for shot show this year that had a griptilian in g10.

[@JG54206]

Wanna see one of these tests for the 940. I seriously hope they don’t plan on phasing out the griptilian or the 940 any time soon. I hear people saying the Freek is gonna replace the Grip but I’m not too sure. The Grip and 940 are the 2 staples of benchmade. They’ve both been around since atleast the late 90’s and I believe they are benchmades 2 best selling knife families (excluding mini Grip family which I consider in the Grip family)

[@carmelotansengco4605]

I love your products. I just wish your screws would be tougher. I stripped the last t6 on my 940-2. I was going to replace the omega springs on that one. Now I can't get the old one out. I find myself carrying my 551 in S30V a lot. Used to carry my Mini Grip but since I prefer bigger knives, I ordered a 551. No regrets whatsoever.

[@justinarney7678]

And to think my 550-1 performs even better. My Adamas is the one I depend on more but both are amazing knives with good steel

[@ogenmatic]

I read some complaints here & there about Benchmade prices but I've been the owner of seven of your knives & have no complaints. Some very impressive testing shown here! You should show comparisons to the Ganzo clones!

[@TheBigToe69]

That’s because these idiots don’t know what it takes to actually manufacture these knives. You also are paying for Benchmades warranty which dominates every other manufacturers warranty. Free deep carry clips with just a phone call, free sharpening and maintenance for life, 30$ blade replacement no questions asked. Call Spyderco and see if they will send you a clip, or replace the blade at all, or even allow you to disassemble the knife. Most people are retards that want Chinese slave labor prices but expect American superior parts and materials.

[@buddyblankenship4186]

@ Bairy Halls , I emailed Benchmade about a deep carry clip for a new Freek that my daughter just got me , they told me that they were $10 (I think ) & give me a link to their website to get one .

[@mnapoles527]

Have you guys done these tests on the 550hg I would LOVE TO SEE THAT !!!

[@nathanbegovich6173]

Will you ever do a test video like this for the 535 bugout?

[@msiley]

Is it dull? Sometimes BM puts some steep edges on their knives. I usually bring mine to 30 degrees inclusive and it cuts awesome.

[@WRockW10]

Nice knife..impressive

[@alexoneal1029]

Wow...tough knife...I hope I get one for Fathers day !...

[@jacobprentner]

Look at the bone Collector Axis, just like the Grip. I own both, theyre really close to the same. The Bone Collector has a slightly thicker blade and handle, and the blade is slightly shorter on the bone collector (about .1" in my measurements). the blade of the bone collector is D2 steel and the handles are available in G-10 or Walnut.

[@bobbyc2768]

really wish you guys still offered them with 154CM steel, that steel was awesome. s30v may have a slight advantage as far as edge retention but 154CM was easier to sharpen and touch up, stayed sharp plenty long, and most importantly chipped less. my s30v grip chips easily when i use it at work if i open a box and hit a small staple, the 154cm grip which i sadly lost at work would stand up to that without chipping and would instead just need a quick touch up instead of an entire reprofiling. the 154CM model and the 556-1 with the 20CV and G10 scales were the two best grips ever.

[@jwalz_5737]

They got full liner and d2 grips at cables for that extra hard use got one for x mas

[@chrisc5197]

You guys should test all the mini versions

[@harrishiggins5664]

Hey peter where did u get that fancy leather cuff bro, very cool

[@brianleabo6295]

Love your knifes just really want this one. But have to save for it and I hope it fits my hand . Since some I got are just to small look like a mini. Just ha blue collar man Andi think you make the best stuff out their ! Plan to make my first video on the knife when i get it .

[@mitchellwieler]

You guys should really make a g10 version with a clip point blade. And I bet my bottom dollar it will sell better and I will be happy to hold one in my hands. Keep up the good work you guys are doing good over there! Please responed thanks!!!

[@cayku500]

I would like to know if 940 or the nakamura with carbon fiber handles will endure more of the same action they are more expensive but are they more stronger that I wonder I bought the freek after watching the DBK kids video and I own 2 940s and one nakamura also 2 wallet axis :) love your brand

[@PetrTuma]

Benchmade is number one. Awesome.

[@TAGII2]

You should test a 550hg for comparison

[@londontaylor6492]

Could you do testing on the apb assist

[@KWAT6]

As a knife lover it was painful for me to watch him do the spine whack, wedge cut, and downward pressure test. Still really cool though. I think Cold steel's locks are definitely stronger but their blade steel and overall build quality doesn't come close to benchmade.

[@VinEllis]

+GlowWormActual Cold Steel's lock still isn't as strong as a Benchmade bali-song though. I wish Cold Steel would bring back the Arc Angel balisong, or make an entirely new one.

[@a.j.rusinek8856]

Arc angel. Pfft thats a blast from the past, ad yeah I wish that they would bring that back too.

[@brianlash154]

because they are an american company sending their work overseas to be assembled and built, mostly in taiwan, and because of that they do not have my respect, 4 max or no. i believe in american knives made in american factories by american workers paid an american wage. thats when you get true quality.

[@EvilNick81]

@@brianlash154 well said , for example the spyderco knives that are made in Golden Colorado have an excellent overall build quality and quality control!

[@ez3124]

Impressive edge strength

[@gabrieltorres3858]

haha he just shredded that para cord and leather shit. and he's doing a spine wack test like that knifes not going to go straight through that glove if it breaks!

[@MrShlangman]

Need more Tracy )

[@1488552]

отличное тестирование

[@JamenBrackley]

Do you sharpen this before you do this test

[@michaelbritt2667]

sharp!

[@jlpowell8432]

Please I need help I received the 551 grip Tilian Mel Pardue S 30 V as a Christmas gift. I’ve used it extremely carefully only opening letters and food bags LOL. I wanted to put it to at least some real test the other day at work in which I cut a piece of 4 inch long by 8 inch thick heat shrink rubber. The blade is now so completely doll I cannot even cut paper with it. It caught me off guard last night when I tried to open my salad bag and it ripped the bag with salad going everywhere and will not even cut basic plastic bags! Is my blade Shirley defective maybe the heat treat???

[@HarryHov]

nice cuff link bro

[@chipdouglas35]

They made sure the one in the video was scary sharp.

[@TheBigToe69]

So what. You do know that there are sharpening stones and kits for sale for you to get your knife hair whittling sharp as well. Or are you just an idiot that is too lazy to do it yourself? You buy a knife to use it, it will get dull. But luckily for people like you, Benchmade has a lifetime sharpening warranty.

[@kurtandrews7450]

would the 556 stand up to those same tests?

[@Matthewzmbslayer]

At how many pond does the tip brake?

[@rpd_macro2515]

Is this S30V blade steel on video, or 154CM ?

[@namesmud9510]

I have some questions about sharpening knives

[@user-xx5zl8dz1v]

Is liner deformation covered by warranty?

[@realizedfn2072]

A little large for some people. But perfect size for me.

[@halofreak4t5]

Pretty sure I know the answer, but is this with a factory edge or was it sharpened before the video? Just curious.

[@nathanwoj2244]

I had to cringe at the wedge cut. Couldn't imagine doing that to my grippie. Lmao

[@CapFlipGaming]

Only with a Fixed Blade would I try something like that!

[@Ricycle1]

Please test the benchmade 51

[@Coldrin6]

Brand knew out of the box and mine won't shave hair...why?

[@robib.7098]

hey Tracy and Peter......Benchmade always manufacture little knives. I also have a 551 and it's really not bad but too little I want a 5 and a 6 inch blade griptilian with axis lock.

[@sherman614]

Definitely looks like it was sharpened, I've NEVER seen a BM that was hair shaving sharp to THAT degree out of box

[@danielduvall4026]

Hell of a knife

[@lishun7755]

What exactly does it mean 763.75 "inch lbs torque"? In more simplistic terms, how much in weight (pounds) would it take for that lock to reach "763.75 inch lbs torque"?

[@Cypeq]

+Li Shun just look how bent it is...

[@McNamEvan]

load @ 2" from pivot so around 382lbs

[@dalecarpenter8828]

so it test that distance on the handle because thats how far the frame goes into the handle ? that should be strong enough .its way more pounds than i can put on it A .

[@jacobprentner]

Those g-10 Griptilians were more than twice the price and impossible to find! i wish i could have gotten one in time. And honestly, im holding both my 550 griptilian and my 15020 BC and they are ridiculously similar. the 520(right number?) presidio i've only gotten to hold my friends, but in my opinion the presidios aluminum handles are shaped different. the finger choill and ramp swell are more prominent. they are all 3 similar, i just think the 15020 BC is closer to a match in my hands.

[@jerrylundegaard419]

I'm sure during testing they had the blade locked in place, while pounding on the blade to show the strength of the locking mechanism. However, pounding on the blade to split wood should be done with the blade unlocked. That way the pressure is solely on the blade and not the locking mechanism. Which can ruin the knife.

[@lt0295]

+Jerry Lundegaard Well they were trying to test the knife to fail. Also, you just should never use a folder to split wood. Always have a fixed blade for that.

[@dalmatdalmatu5675]

why you didn't show blade play after hitting with hamer only back lock is good I'm now that

[@SuPpAvIlLiN]

Yea, the axis lock is hard to beat. No wear no lock rock no late or early lock up and if something ever did happen its a small part to replace and BM will do it for free. The only part that could be considered weak is the springs that move the lock,I broke my spring and benchmade fixed it for $5 shipping fee. Can't beat it.

[@norcaltke857]

I have rust on the liners, axis lock, and supports. This is after a year of basic use. Nothing crazy. Does the warranty cover this?

[@1ohtaf1]

Supports?

[@ThisGuyCJ]

What kind of blade steel was it..?

[@PickleRick849]

s30v

[@donaldwortham1661]

Is that balsam wood

[@isabellam1936]

How come my Fact and my Bugout don’t have the great action of my 940? No matter how much I loosen the pivot or oil it it’s still not near the 940. I’m surprised your actions have got worse over time instead of better or at least staying the same.

[@JamenBrackley]

Can someone explain the 4 different steels that this knife has please?

[@cd5honda]

what would you like to know about them?

[@JamenBrackley]

Ohh never mind I did so reserch

[@trevordelarosa3599]

So I emailed Benchmade awhile back trying to get a pocket clip for my 560 and after a week of waiting I finally got an email back instructing me to send them my address and my phone number so I did and still I have not received anything from them and it's going on two months now so I'm extremely disappointed with Benchmade's customer service

[@DarthEgor]

Test Benchmade Barrage 581 plz.

[@jasonflessner6336]

Is that from the box?

[@TheBigToe69]

What would be any different? It has a 154cm sharp as fuck blade, grivory scales or g10 scales, and an axis lock. What would be different?

[@merryweathersecurityagent2761]

got one of these for free found it brand new behind a target.

[@Koolkid736]

i don't think the tip has broken any ponds. ponds are hard to break, considering they are just water.

[@abdelouahedbenlakhder8322]

I have one