Benchmade - Griptilian 550-1 Knife, Sheepsfoot Blade, Plain Edge, Satin Finish, Gray and Blue Handle, Made in the USA

I've had this knife for a little over a week. So far I'd say it's a pretty solid blade. The original griptillian is a good one but pretty basic. The 550-1 is an improvement in almost every way. Better steel than the 154 cm. Spidey hole over thumb studs. Flow thru handle over the enclosed original. G10 handle is smoother and more contoured to fit your hand and is also a little slimmer. The sheepsfoot blade shape option offers a super strong blade and tip. I love the blue spacers, very cool. Deep carry pocket clip is nice.Okay, that's the comparison between this knife and its sire, the original Griptillian. It's better and definitely worth the extra 60 or 70 bucks. The cons are: blade did not arrive as sharp as I expected from Benchmade, the sheepsfoot blade is slower to flip out then the clip point option(although still acceptably fast), the deep carry clip is not as tight as it should be and the black paint still comes off here and there with use, aaaand that's it. Great knife. It's not the best in this price range, I'd say the new 990 from benchmade as well as the sage series from spyderco both are better but it's still a solid blade definitely worth adding to your collection. Cheers

The main reason I bought this knife is for EDC, and to be carried on me while doing my everyday things. At first I was worried about the knife slipping out of my hand while in use. But the handle, gimping, and ergonomics of the knife make it so it stays in your hand. The axis lock is very smooth, and opening and closing the knife is smooth too. The knife also came very sharp out of the box. But the only thing I'm not much of a fan of, is the black pocket clip since they tend to scratch easily. So I called Benchmade and ordered a satin deep carry pocket clip. A very nice lady helped me out, and all she needed was my address, and model number of the knife. She even told me that the pocket clip from them would be free of charge. Overall a very professional, friendly, and great experience. I hope this helps with any future customers deciding whether to purchase a Benchmade product.

Absolutely love this knife.. Great steel and i have no doubt I could fell a tree with this thing that's how sharp it came! I have very large hands (I'm 6'8) and it fits in my hand perfectly.. This thing is an absolute beast! It's a little expensive (just about 200$ when everything was said and done) but once you hold it you understand why.. My only tiny complaint is that the blade is a little tight upon closing.. As in I can't gravity close it.. Once I break it in and oil it up I'm sure that'll change! oh I almost forgot the appearance! The Grey g10 scales with blue accents are Sooo sexy.. Can't wait for my blue hardware from et*y gets here.. Really gonna make it pop!

I am very pleased with this purchase. Most of my knives are Spyderco, but after hearing so much about benchmade, I finally cracked and bought one, especially after seeing this Grey and Blue color scheme and the fact that it was offered in 20CV. The steel is tough and the fit and finish is tight. It opens smooth, and will open with a wrist flick easy enough. It is a little heavy but that's expected from a knive of this size, and it definitely feels like it could take a good beating without any issues. The blade is thick and robust and came shaving sharp out of the box.

*Update*After having the knife and working the action now for twelve days the performance increase is so great a update/re-review is a must. At first it was so stiff my Walmart knives had smoother action. After ordering Benchmade’s Blue Lube and applying a tiny amount on the axis lock bar it was a complete different knife. The action is buttery smooth. I’d even go as far to say it compares easily with any of my Spyderco’s and possibly even my Zero Tolerance KVT knives. The blade centering is either off a little or my tip was chipped new out of box. It looks chipped but my eyes are not good enough to confirm. Even after all the work it took me and the possible chip there is no way I would return this knife. That should speak volumes of the class of knife this thing is. My new favorite EDC for sure. There is no other choice for me other than changing my rating. This knife is a FIVE STAR knife.Straight out of the box my initial thought was WOW! My first touch of a Benchmade felt quality. This knife feels like a higher end knife. The G-10 is unlike any G-10 I’ve felt before. Spyderco, Zero Tolerance, and Cold Steels G-10 feels like skateboard tape. Those brands G-10 is actually very sharp and does shreds pockets. This benchmade G-10 feels like rubber and much softer. While it appears to not be as grippy I still love the way it feels. This G-10 feels more expensive if that makes sense. It’s got plenty of grip and feels more like a material one could hold and use all day. I must admit this G-10 is the best user friendly G-10 I've ever felt. Quality is the only word that comes to mind. This blade shape is odd looking and maybe not for self defense tactical roles but it’s dangerously sharp. The fit and finish are nice. It has this line pattern/texture that you can feel. Never seen lines like this you could feel in the finish but it’s really a beautiful blade. As a spyderco fan I love the deployment hole. This is the first axis lock I’ve ever used and I can see what all the hype is about. The axis lock is one of the best ever made. I love everything about this knife but one thing and that is the action. The blade is very tight. Even when pulling the axis lock back the blade is extremely tight. There has been several times I had severe trouble disengaging the lock it was so tight. Not sure if I got a bad one or not but this is not what I expected from a benchmade. All videos I’ve seen or heard people say a benchmade’s action is supposed to be butter like a ZT or Spyderco. I can’t middle finger flip this knife like my PM2 or Manix 2. The blade does not fall free when the axis is disengaged. Not sure if it needs broke in or if it’s defective or what. This action has me disappointed. After a little play if it don’t loosen up I will have no choice but to return it. What a bummer this is cause I love everything else about this awesome knife. But to me action is what separates high end from Walmart knifes and this action feels like a Walmart knife. Really wanting to love this knife but if this action does not improve I will have no choice other than the inconvenience of returning it. Just way to stiff to keep and one shouldn’t have to adjust a $170+ knife new out the box. Maybe a benchmade quality control issue Ive read about? As shown in the picture when the axis is disengaged the blade should just fall shut and it clearly does not.