Customer Reviews

Benchmade Knife 550HG Griptilian Pardue Plain Edge Folding Knife with Hole Opener and Black Handle".

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Just like my other benchmade, this is a solid, very high-quality knife. As I've come to expect from Benchmade, it was _very_ sharp right out of the box. The Axis lock is the best-designed locking mechanism on the market.

The picture in the listing is actually the mini-griptilian. This one is the full-sized version. It's a big knife, so if you have to wear a suit or slacks it might be a little big for everyday carry, but I wear jeans to work so it's fine.

Can't say enough good things about the steel Benchmade uses. This knife takes and holds a _very_ sharp edge.

I would say this is a good knife the blade is great the handle is OK. It is a hollow plastic so when you flick the blade open and then closed it makes a annoying popping sound. The axis lock is fast and very smooth. I would say if your looking at this knife also look at the paramilitary 2 it is a great knife but it is not perfect but almost. If you could combine the two then you would have a perfect knife. The axis lock and the blade on this knife makes it worth buying the handle needs improving.

I have tried Benchmades before and been disappointed. Not that they were bad knives, but my Nimravus just didn't cut as well as I thought a $150 knife should. I also had a Pika, but didn't feel that the little Chinese knife lived up to the Benchmade reputation.

I have changed my mind about the company, now that I have tried the Griptilian! It is a handy and capable little folder, and lives up to the Benchmade name.

I must compare it to my previous every day carry knife, the Cold Steel Voyager (Large, Drop Point, Plain Edge, made in Taiwan). The Voyager gives such great performance for the money that it's a tough act to follow. The Benchmade knife is lighter and less bulky, but gives up little in useable blade length. The Benchmade doesn't abrade my clothing like the rough surface on the Voyager's handles does, but it still gives plenty of traction for my hands. The pocket clip hangs on with just the right resistance-- not too much or too little.

The hollow grind on this blade differs from the flat grind on the Voyager. It makes for efficient cutting, but compromises the strength of the blade. The blade is VERY thin near the edge. I have no doubt that it is plenty strong for any reasonable task though. If the thin edge and hollow grind are a problem, you might try the model 551 Griptilian. It has a saber grind and brings more steel near the edge, albeit at slightly greater weight. You can't get something for nothing.

The model 550 Griptilian doesn't have much of a point on it, as it is a modified sheepsfoot blade. It still pierced packaging well, but not as well as a more pointed blade. The model 551 also has more of a point. The 550's thumbhole for opening was okay, but I would have preferred a thumb stud. The hole is not quite big enough for a good purchase. The model 551 has a thumb stud (can you tell I prefer it?).

Th knife cuts beautifully-- not the best I've seen but it cuts as well as I could reasonably expect. It also holds an edge well. I have been using it to open packages and after a couple of weeks it is still plenty sharp. I ran it over a ceramic hone and with just a few strokes the blade would shave hair on my arm again. No problem resharpening, as with some other blades. The Voyager performs similarly, but holds an edge perhaps a little longer.

The axis lock took some getting-used-to. I still prefer a lockback, but I can work with the axis. I gave myself a very minor cut with the knife when trying to master the axis-- I really have to focus my attention to get my fingers out of the way, and that has never been a problem with a lockback.

In all, this knife really isn't any better than my Cold steel Voyager. Performance is comparable, although the two knives differ in the details. The only compelling reason to buy the more expensive Benchmade is because it is made in USA, and because Benchmade is so helpful when their knives need any service. I like buying "made in USA," and I will be buying more Benchmade knives when my budget allows.

For the price of the knife I expected much better quality. First off the handle feels cheap; almost like plastic parts you would snap together for a childs toy. The blade was not nearly as sharp as some of my other knives (I have 2 kershaws that exceed the form/blade/function of this knife in every way) and is a complete let down especially for the price. THis is my first benchmark knife and I was hoping for alot better.