Griptilian...Takes a Lickin' and Keeps on Tickin' raw footage

This knife can handle quite a bit. Ben from Blade HQ and I head out to the mountains to test the Benchmade Griptilian. Trying to push the limits of the knife but not going overboard. Take a look to see how it handled the beating.
Also check out Ben's video. He knocked it out of the park.
• Benchmade Griptilian: ...

[@Aimstraight762]

That pocket screw you were asking about is called a countersink. Its so the screw head is flush and can be covered with putty or a screw nut for a more decorative finish.

[@dirtysnatcez]

From what I could see was the locking mechanism released because you were putting downward pressure on the handle while you were "pounding" downward on the blade instead of letting the baton and the blade do the work.,,, To me, this looks like an excellent knife! Great job on the review.

[@powerlinegf]

I love my 551. I use it every night at work. It gets sharp and stays sharp all night. All it needs is stropping to maintain the edge. I do like it better with a own convex edge than the factory bevel.

[@simplymy2sense]

I am a huge fan of this type of what I call practical testing! Not bending with a vise and hammer, yet more than just a paper test. Well done Crocket! And realistic testing limits.. raw honey is better than processed honey, just like this footage! Compliments to real!

[@BIGsweatXD40]

I just got the full size a week ago (with no coating) and took it straight from the box and out with me on a 4 night backpacking trip. Night 2 had heavy thunderstorms and light rain on 2 other days. Day 4 I noticed a fair amount of rust on the hike out. At home I did restore with the just the back side of a dish sponge. I put I light coat of oil on it and I'm sure it will be fine. It was incredibly sharp out of box. Good to know what it could do in an emergency. Thanks for testing Cr0cket.

[@BIGsweatXD40]

Just worked the Griptilian back into the system on a two nighter, I reapplied a light coat of oil right before I left. We got a good amount of rain for a couple hours on day one and pretty much dodged rain for the rest of the trip (not complaining). The 154CM held up perfect and there was no sign of rust at all. I still can't believe how sharp this knife was out of box. Even a co-worker (not a knife guy at all) saw me go through 550/"his new belt" and made a comment about slicing through butter.

[@donnya1000]

I liked this video! I watched HQ's yesterday and said that I would never do that to this knife but you mentioned here "get a feel for it" and that is the key. If you were in a dire situation and this knife is all you have with you, chances are that you could make it work without destroying the knife if you had a "feel" for how far you could take it. I really like Mel Pardue designs. I have a knife that I bought directly from him at NYC knife show in 1976 or 7 Could never bring myself to use it.

[@noBLUNTobjctsPleas]

Cool video crocket. I too have bought from blade hq, and I get all their emails. Great deals on knives and really good service as well. Love the griptillians, hate that they stopped making the fixed blades. They were affordable and tank like.

[@OpaKnows]

Hi Crock, it was interesting to watch both your vid and his of the same thing. IMO, the axis lock is 1 of the strongest out there. My 1st ever "tactical" blade, my SOG Mini X-Ray Vision 1/2 serrated, has an axis type lock, & I love it. It means you never have to put your fingers in danger to open or close the blade, because they never cross its path during its operation, AND it's one-hand capable. Cant' say that with a back lock (weakest type of lock out there). All my best to the family.

[@gravityprone]

Yeah, its sweet. I'm already wanting another one!! Maybe a 550 in sand and black. Maybe a mini in orange or blue. This thing is like the 10/22 of folding knives!

[@WAFFLES081]

the locking mech actually didnt touch the wood like yo usaid, but the hit before you can see the actuater move up a bit, and on the unlocking hit, it mpoved it even more.. so something is up, no idea what..

[@cmonsterz]

Interesting vid, Crocket20. It looks to me like the lock shifted due to the vibrations caused by the striking of the baton. As for what Ben is talking about when he refers to a screw tip...I'm guessing that he's talking about an awl or punch like we get with the Swiss Army Knives. Good point about how different people see "abuse of the knife" differently. To me, that was abuse. A knife is for cutting, not to be used as a wedge, though fixed blades can be deployed that way. Axis locks are cool.

[@cslr11]

ok after watching this video i must say i would buy that knife. Now i have watched many reveiw video and i really like you channel the best . You really give good insite to the products you show

[@techandtactical]

Little late on this vid, but I think it's called a countersink bit that allows the screw to fit flush. Nice knife though. I'd have to agree, it didn't fail.

[@HawkLMT]

I didn't like the axis lock at first but I really like it now days.

[@glock2026]

only good thing nobody said yet look at how well the black coating on blade stood up.

[@BIGsweatXD40]

@11:03.Someone using a blade as a screw driver is a perfect example: some people "just don't get it". I spend a lot of time on the Edge Pro Apex with my knives...then someone asks "does anyone have a knife?" when were on a three nighter in the backwoods (and they didn't think to bring a knife) just to come to find that he is dragging the blade against a rock trying to cut a piece of rubber off of his shoe. Long story short Crocket, "How do you react when someone asks you, Do you have a knife?"

[@Smokin07ram]

I think you indeed found the failure point of the lock and to be honest it let go easier than I though it would. Clearly the forces required to fail the lock are outside its design envelope. I agree that the knife was not a failure. As opposed to many knife nuts I do find thoughtful destruction testing useful as a data point. For instance we now know how far we can push the little lock and a relative feel of the strength of the tip. Thoughtful discussion...I like it! Peace

[@NinjaAegis]

I was surprised to see you on the Blade HQ vid but it was a nice surprise =] I have already bought quite a few items from them and they have pretty awesome service

[@ShootingUtah]

I'm just mad that when I bought my Griptilian they didn't have that blade shape with the thumb stud! I have the style with the "sheep's foot" blade and the thumb hole. I still love it but that style is just so much more sexy!

[@903lew]

@903lew This is a great video BTW, really good points and mad props to BladeHQ! BM better be paying them for this because this is awesome endorsement of a great product. That black on green Grip is....gorgeous.

[@WAFFLES081]

@Cr0cket20 yea i kinda got fixated on the convo after, where you speculated that they mech got pushed by the branch.. you got me with my pants down....

[@BIGsweatXD40]

I use the mini everyday for work and has worked great, takes a sharp edge easily with edge pro apex.

[@DennyRec]

It seems to be a great knife. But one would have to try the blade themselves before they can call it a great knife. I was impressed with how it chopped through the branch. Have a,great day.

[@sixgunslingin]

I have the mini and the full size 551. I hate when people get all ass hurt about you abusing a knife. I think most of us don't want to damage our own knives testing the limits, and so...you did it for us. Benchmade has a video out where they actually do abuse one....I sure appreciate the peace of mind knowing the upper limits of what this thing can do if there isnt another option. I EDC it every day, and now feel better about it....great vid!

[@TotalDbag24]

It looks like the lock was moving backwards over the course of a couple hits. Maybe the shockwave from the blows was moving it back, plus the tension your hand was putting on the handle

[@Krauseinator]

I bought one after I saw this except it has tan handles. Awesome knife

[@VicariousReality7]

The mini-griptilian is awesome

[@JBB175]

Disregard. Just watched your video review on the Ribz Front Pack. I'm sold.

[@cowboyway357]

Thanks Cr0ket I am going to have to take a look at this one.

[@3501Chris]

I think benchmades omega springs are weak. I put two springs in a mini grip from a Chinese axis lock knife and they are a little more stiff. Just locks that pin in more positively. Try it. See what you think. I like it

[@halofreak4t5]

I never knew Kimber once sold a $600 model. That's awesome. I heard Kimbers are overpriced though. I wouldn't know seeing as how I've never owned or shot one.

[@ManFlaver]

I was kind of set on getting the bone collector axis but I might go with the Griptilian instead, I can get a better steel and colored a polymer grip.

[@AlexEberhart]

@KnifeHQ That is a sweet camera. I wish I could get one.

[@cooooool32]

at ten minuets the thing you are talking about is caled a counter sink

[@hondayamahadirtbiker]

You should do this with a zero tolerance or triad lock knife and see if it holds up better.

[@LordEdricus]

Thank you, your work is appriciated, I wish all knife tests - reviews were this good.

[@torch_ss5797]

These videos are what convinced me to go ahead and buy a Griptilian. I'm glad I did....good knife. .

[@Cr0cket20]

***** Glad you like it. Have no plans for that one to leave the inventory.

[@TurkeyCreekjackjohnson_]

A real man EDC’s only his balls . And his word

[@WanderingBeast]

nice work bud, any chance you tried to trade cameras with him when he wasnt looking ;)

[@boombap420]

countersink i believe is the word Ben was searching for

[@snork707]

Griptilian has been my EDC for about 3 years and I haven't looked back, love it.

[@ee222]

as to whether or not the knife failed is probably due to one's definition of "failure". from what i gathered, i think you feel that the knife did not fail probably because the blade still functioned properly (ie, blade still locked up and closed as normal) and that's legit. however, i feel that the knife did fail in that the axis lock spring did not provide enough tension to keep the blade in the locked position (unless, of course, something engaged the axis lock buttons--which it didn't appear to, but i could be wrong). the reason why i would consider this a "failure" is that if a person is using the knife and does something to jar the axis lock's spring, the blade could close on their fingers. that being said, i don't think that scenario is very likely to happen and if it did, it probably means that the person was abusing the knife. bottom line for me, however, is that i purchased one (the cpm-20cv model) before i ever saw this video and this video just verifies to me why i love this knife. now.... it's off to watch ben's video from the link in your description!

[@DSqu4red.]

Did some searching, seems to be a King Cobra knot (in case anyone else is interested!)

[@TacticalXRays]

for this line of work a mora knife is awesome. and a lot cheaper than a griptillian. but i get it. it's a test. and a good one. keep it coming :

[@MrJcosenza79]

I have the mini, love it

[@zymuur]

I was just about to comment how your beard was awesome.

[@Ready2Run1]

9:54 countersink? lol , would love to see more adventures, but understand you might not have the time.

[@jackjetpilot]

Hey Crocket, you might have answered this before but what camera do you use? Thank you for your time.

[@MrRuger00]

I use Kershaw OSO Sweet as a screw driver all the time......I guess I do beat on my tools, but if it holds up, why not?

[@EatCarbs]

Wow... pretty cool review dude. I think I'm liking the blade more and more. I checked amazon a moment ago and the price is a bit on the high side for me at the moment. =\

[@supra88gte]

if you drive over spikes everyday... then get some tank tracks because clearly you didn't understand his point

[@903lew]

For a user: You find a reviewer who does his business a bit like you do yourself, take his word for it with regards to what you do. For a collector: Ah, how long is a piece of string?

[@2011zortman]

i would use a knife like that if need be. sideways stuff would be spooky. a $100 knife i will have to take a better look at. have bought stuff from bladehq and they have been a good place to do business with. your giving nutn a run for his money on knife reviews good job.

[@NinjaAegis]

also with the lock failing. it kept going after so I mean its not much of a failure. kinda like if a car went over spike strips and kept going =P

[@AndrewBoraas]

they call it a countersink

[@JBB175]

What kind of chest rig are you wearing? Seems like it would be an awesome thing to wear while backpacking so you don't have to keep taking your backpack off to access frequently used items. Camera, water bottle, knife, snacks, flashlight, ect.

[@ChromeFreak123]

Good to hear from you brother. I am having a custom knife made in ABL steel by youtuber LMarshall32. He is an awesome knife maker. I always watch your videos bro. and always enjoy them. : )

[@cbrusharmy]

Well, I'm impressed.

[@johndoe8781]

Fucking hell for a little small knife this thing is fucking awesome strong as hell considering it's a small folding knife that is fucking great. It's not designed for this type of use but rest assure it can still be use for it.

[@DickPoleman]

interesting video and you certainly put it through its' paces...and it held up well...you actually did me a favor as i have this knife in the orange...and i am more impressed now that i was before and that is saying something....and i did cringe at 14:25

[@Rubengt303]

i just realized that your one of the names on KZbin gun star that fxhummel1 mentioned, subbed, good video.

[@BudgetBugout]

Gotta love the Griptillian! I EDC mine everyday.

[@Steeleprophet]

I think this was a good test! I did the same test a couple years ago with a SOG flash II; Needless to say I own two flash II now... The piston in their arc lock bent, and a little pin snapped inside. You never know the true limitations of a product until you push it to failure. An EDC knife may be all someone has in an emergency...

[@Mark3785]

Excellent video, I enjoyed the unedited feel of it. It also had me cringing a few times. I've been a fan of Benchmade knives for quite some time, and now after seeing one survive this treatment virtually unscathed, I'm a bigger fan and ready to buy another. (and I just got a Mini Grip in the mail this morning!)

[@pete5668]

the griptilian is my favorite blade because of the easy one handed open AND CLOSE.

[@jbvap]

cool vid crocket

[@knifeboy3]

Do another hiking trip with nutnfancy

[@supercarsonice7200]

I have a 0350 ZT and I still like my grip better

[@wb5mgr]

What actually happened is the axis lock design has a spring in it and if you strike the top of the blade with enough energy it can transmit enough longitudinal force along the spine of the knife to momentarily open the lock. Newtons 3rd Law...

[@DiscoverTrails]

Amazing what a quality folder can take.

[@dirtrider88]

i thought the direction you were going in right before the road spike analogy was that did it fail if it continues to work totally fine afterward.

[@barrybueler3356]

I own the mini grip in 154cm and the full size in 20cv with g10 handles and full liners unlike the cheaper ones in FRN with basically no liners and lesser steel quality. Even though it’s not a griptilian for that size and shape my favorite is the super freek blacked out g10 handles and a sick blacked out M4 steel blade. I also have to say Benchmade missed out because Hogue knives killed it with the m390 axis lock g10 handled doug Ritter knife which Hogue made much better than any Benchmade production of the doug Ritter which they made a few different ones and they were all second rate compared to Hogue’s version in quality steel actually in all materials just better in every way than what Benchmade did.

[@supra88gte]

what he is saying is that for everyday use, would spike tracks have any merit for yout@SolidGoldKalashnikov

[@pete5668]

This is my favorite knife. I have a black one with the plain blade.

[@MrW00LY]

Blade HQ is awesome. I've used them for years now and have always been great.

[@DSqu4red.]

A little late and off topic, but what type of paracord bracelet is that?

[@BigBusch7]

when you said i like to do things different on my channel i couldn't help but laugh about the cardboard taped to the wall randomly behind you; i know what its purpose is it just sounded funny to me thanks for the videos

[@TaintedScarecrow]

I have the exact same knife and love it. My go to EDC despite having a ZT 560.

[@AlexEberhart]

Was that a Canon XA10 that they used for recording the video?

[@silencesir1987]

every*

[@jonathanrowan4802]

Hey if it locks back up I’m saying it’s a success to me. One time isn’t a fail to me.

[@southernmarksman]

I cringed a couple times watching this, but I see where you're coming from. A good test, definitely

[@skyvalk]

Great Vid. I love Griptilians and Mini Griptilians. All I want to say is that, maybe next time you should have gloves on.

[@oing1800]

Some ppl are either deaf or ignorant or both. Listen to what he says in the video before you start yapping. Btw, got a blue handle after watching your video. Thx!

[@gravityprone]

Crocket, I just got this very same knife in the mail from Blade HQ today. Lovin it! it was fun to see my knife getting worked. Thanks for the great video.

[@scooter17568]

I think you pretty much hit this one out of the park--this "raw footage" your review and Ben's vid. Yes, there was some abuse but not quite enough to call KPS (Knife Protective Services).

[@Faceoffman14]

how dull was the blade after this? great video by the way!

[@jblas82]

How well do you think the Sheepsfoot blade will hold up?

[@samuelsosa1291]

One question, I am getting a new knife for camping, and Im deciding between the Griptilian and the 915 trage, wich one should i get?

[@birddog1220]

What type of steel does this griptilian have?

[@rider3153]

hey nice video. i was wondering how/what do you use to sharpen your blades?

[@Bladereviews]

Very interesting Crocket! My Griptilian has held up really well over the years. Glad to see yours is performing well too! Even under hard use.

[@Boomer8404]

I love the prying shots in this review and the banter going back and forth. That is why 154CM is a badass knife steel, why do you think Ernie Emerson has used it for so long in his knives... its tough, durable and it just works!

[@Cr0cket20]

+Don C This is such a great knife overall and that 154 just holds up to all the abusive I've thrown at it. Happens today this is the exact knife I'm carrying. One of my favorites.

[@boots796]

Your a brave man, testing a knife like that with no gloves. At least a good pair of leather gloves would slow down the blade in the event of a lock fail. Good review otherwise.

[@Undercon03]

Great video, I've been EDC my new all black griptilian and I love it more and more, the axis lock is just bad ass, I find myself opening and closing this blade every time I get a chance. I actually had my MacBook Pro too close when I accidentally opened the nice and it hit the right corner of my MacBook Pro and made an indention, ha, best knife I've owned.

[@kencassyh]

You all say this is not what a knife is for but we look at thees test to see what will happen if we don't have a choice.

[@Nohkral]

Love the video! If you live in utah can you suggest any good camping places? Been going in uintas but my truck is kinda low

[@JamenBrackley]

What steal was that

[@danielmiller3791]

love my griptilian. Tan handle, black sheepfoot blade. I didn't think I'd like it as much as I do.

[@ChromeFreak123]

AEB L steel I mean, lol. : )