- Online: www.REI.com
- URL for this product:
- From the U.S. and Canada — Call 1-800-426-4840
- Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT.
- International — Call 1-253-891-2500
- Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT. English language only.
Benchmade 551 Griptilian Knife
A cinch to use, the lightweight Benchmade 551Griptilian knife features a tough stainless-steel blade, molded handle and smooth AXIS™ locking mechanism.
- Stainless-steel blade is strong and sharp enough to slice through food, wire and ropes with ease
- Strong, spring-loaded AXIS locking mechanism adjusts smoothly for ease of operation
- Ambidextrous blade is easily opened with a simple push of the thumb-stud openers
- Molded nylon handle is lightweight and easy to grip; features lanyard hole for an alternate carry option (lanyard not included)
- Reversible pocket clip makes storage and transport easy—just clip it on your pocket or belt and go!
Please Note: This product is not able to be shipped to addresses in New York.
Made in USA.
Item 787255
REI Membership
People Also Viewed
Lone Wolf Landslide Knife- Reduced to: $59.99
- Originally: $80.00
Gerber Fast Draw Mini Combination Edge Knife- Reduced to: $18.49
- Originally: $24.95
Gerber Fast Draw Serrated Locking Knife- Reduced to: $26.49
- Originally: $35.95
| Specification |
| ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best use |
| ||||||||||
| Knife blade type | |||||||||||
| Locking blade | |||||||||||
| Number of blades | |||||||||||
| Max blade length (in.) | |||||||||||
| Closed length | |||||||||||
| One-handed opening | |||||||||||
| Handle material | |||||||||||
| Blade material | |||||||||||
| Weight |
Benchmade 551 Griptilian Knife Customer Reviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Sharp blade (21)
- Smooth locking mechanism (21)
- Durable (20)
- Comfortable grip (16)
Cons
Best Uses
- Camping (18)
- Home (15)
- Hunting (9)
- Survival (8)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual/ recreational (9), Avid adventurer (8)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (18)
Reviewed by 22 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-10
Previous | Next »
Pros
- Comfortable Grip
- Durable
- Everything I Sak Of This
- Sharp Blade
- Smooth Locking Mechanism
Cons
Best Uses
- Camping
- Home
- Hunting
- Survival
Comments about Benchmade 551 Griptilian Knife:
Great feel to the knife. As I use it in everyday use it does all I ask
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Sharp Blade
- Smooth Locking Mechanism
Cons
Best Uses
- Camping
- Home
Comments about Benchmade 551 Griptilian Knife:
I've only had this knife for a few weeks, so this is all preliminary. That being said, I really like the Axis lock on this knife. I can quickly, easily, and safely open and close the knife with one hand. I is very sharp out of the box and feels fine in my pocket even though it's a larger pocketknife. The only thing I would change would be to add tension to the carry clip, it doesn't hold it as securely as I'd hoped. That would give it five stars.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable Grip
- Durable
- Sharp Blade
- Smooth Locking Mechanism
Cons
Best Uses
- Camping
- Edc
- Home
- Survival
Comments about Benchmade 551 Griptilian Knife:
As with all Benchmade knives the Griptilian is a great blade! It's hard to beat the "AXIS" locking system. The knife I got had a less than perfect clip, Benchmade replaced & upgraded it very fast. If you don't want to go with an assisted opening knife or auto opening the AXIS system is the way to go.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable Grip
- Durable
- Sharp Blade
- Smooth Locking Mechanism
Cons
Best Uses
- Camping
- Home
- Hunting
- Survival
Comments about Benchmade 551 Griptilian Knife:
This knife is awesome. It came razor sharp, and opens/closes smoothly. I don't use the thumb stud. The REI associate showed how to open/close the knife by unlocking the Axis and flicking your wrist. This makes it easy to open/close with one hand. My only gripe is that it's rather large and thick, so it feels uncomfortable in my small pockets. For everyday carry I got the mini-griptilian, which is just as awesome. The large, thick handle though makes this knife very comfortable to hold. I saw other reviews and videos online about the knife's durability, so I'm confident I made a great purchase.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable Grip
- Durable
- Sharp Blade
- Smooth Locking Mechanism
Cons
Best Uses
- Camping
- Home
- Hunting
- Survival
Comments about Benchmade 551 Griptilian Knife:
Works great as a every day carry, I have the straight edge and it doesn't cut line to well but if you need it for that just get the one with serrations
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Comfortable Grip
- Durable
- Sharp Blade
- Smooth Locking Mechanism
Cons
Best Uses
- Camping
- Hiking
Comments about Benchmade 551 Griptilian Knife:
I have owned other folding knives in the past, in the $20 to $40 range. While some of these knives have been adequate they did not always feel high quality, did not come sharp out of the box, and once I did get them sharp they did not tend to keep that sharpness. Well, a dull knife is a dangerous knife as they say, so I thought that I would give a Benchmade a try.
First off, this knife came out of the box razor sharp. It is also a very sturdy build, it felt like quality the instant I picked it up. The handle is a composite plastic type of handle but it does have a stainless steel liner, so despite the lightness it is very sturdy.
I have not needed to sharpen this knife yet, but I have no doubt that sharpening will not be a problem. The blade is made of a steel grade called 154CM, which is a good steel for "edge retention and sharpening", which is a fancy way of saying it will take a sharpening and hold it's sharpness well.
Originally I chose the 551S, which has the partially serrated blade, but ended up exchanging it for this no-serrations version, simply for the fact that the blade was so sharp I was not sure that I needed the serrations, plus a plain edge is easier to sharpen.
One other note to potential buyers is that Benchmade offers their own "Lifesharp" service which will for $5 give the blade a factory sharpening. They also have a lifetime warranty on the knife, assuming you don't try to take it apart or modify it.
Overall I would recommend this blade to anyone looking for a good folder for hiking or camping. It may cost a little more but it's worth it.
Service and delivery comments:
I originally ordered the 551S from the REI website. The knife came in promptly and in good condition.
I decided I wanted the 551 instead and brought it in to the local REI in Settler's Ridge, PA. The staff was very courteous and helpful.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comes sharp
- Comfortable Grip
- Durable
- Easy To Flip Open
- Easy To Thumb Open
- Sharp Blade
- Smooth Locking Mechanism
- Smooth Open
Cons
- Difficult To Clean
Best Uses
- Every day use
Comments about Benchmade 551 Griptilian Knife:
Love the knife, carry it all the time.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Sharp Blade
- Smooth Locking Mechanism
- Well-balanced
Cons
Best Uses
- Camping
- Everyday use
- Hiking
Comments about Benchmade 551 Griptilian Knife:
I have had Spyderco, Gerber, Leatherman, you name it. And while they are all pretty good in their own right, this Benchmade Griptilian is the last knife I will ever own. Knife could split a hair out of the box, very sharp. And the lifetime free sharpening is a nice benefit that lets you keep the blade sharp forever for the simple price of postage to Benchmade... if you want them to sharpen it. Very smooth and fast opening and closing. The black clip is very sturdy and the knife stays put in my pocket; I have no fears of this knife falling out of my pocket or even my toddler son getting nosy and trying to pull it out. Its just a superb all-around knife that suits all my needs. I opted for the non-serrated blade because I didn't want to deal with having to figure out how to keep the serrations sharp, and I don't regret it. Great great knife by Benchmade.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Perfect Size For Everyday
- Sharp Blade
- Stays Razor Sharp
Cons
- Blade Tends To Come Loose
Best Uses
- Daily Pocketknife
Comments about Benchmade 551 Griptilian Knife:
definitely worth the money. I've always been a kershaw fan. But this Benchmade stays razor sharp and resharpens very quickly. I wouldn't recommend it for survival/hiking, but it's not made for that. AWESOME everyday knife
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable Grip
- Durable
- Just a FUN knife
- OpenClose with one hand
- Sharp Blade
- Smooth Locking Mechanism
Cons
Best Uses
- Camping
- Home
Comments about Benchmade 551 Griptilian Knife:
This is just a "Fun" knife. Open and close with one hand. Easy to sharpen and keeps a very sharp edge well. You can't go wrong with Benchmade knifes.
This knife also has just the right about of grip/purchase a knife needs on the scales not to mention perfect amount of "jimping",
Great knife for a very reasonable price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-10
Previous | Next »
How are we doing? Give us feedback on this page.
-
Camp & Hike
- GEAR
- Backpacks
- Bivy Sacks
- Camp Furniture
- Hammocks and Cots
- Sleeping Bags
- Sleeping Pads
- Stuff Sacks
- Tents & Shelters
- Water Bottles
- Water Treatment
- All Camp/Hike Gear
- GADGETS AND ELECTRONICS
- Binoculars
- Camp Tools
- Compasses
- Electronics
- Flashlights
- GPS
- Headlamps
- Knives
- Lanterns
- Radios
- All Gadgets and Electronics
- CAMP KITCHEN
- Coffee
- Cookware
- Coolers
- Cups and Mugs
- Food
- Plates and Bowls
- Stoves
- Tables
- Utensils
- Water Storage
- All Camp Kitchen
-
Climb
- CLIMBING GEAR
- Ascenders
- Belay/Rappel
- Carabiners
- Climbing Chalk
- Climbing Harnesses
- Climbing Helmets
- Climbing Holds
- Climbing Packs
- Crash Pads
- Rock Protection
- Pulleys
- Quickdraws
- Rock Climbing Shoes
- Ropes
- Caving and Canyoneering
- Webbing and Cord
- Slings and Runners
- Slacklines
- All Climbing Gear
- SNOW AND ICE
- Avalanche Safety
- Crampons
- Glacier Glasses
- Ice Axes
- Ice Tools
- Mountaineering Boots
- Snow and Ice Protection
- All Snow and Ice
-
Cycle
- BIKES
- Cruiser Bikes
- Comfort Bikes
- Folding Bikes
- Kids' Bikes
- Hybrid Bikes
- Mountain Bikes
- Road Bikes
- Urban Bikes
- All Bikes
- CLOTHING/HELMETS
- Cycling Gloves
- Cycling Helmets
- Cycling Jackets
- Cycling Jerseys
- Cycling Shoes
- Cycling Shorts
- Cycling Socks
- Cycling Tights & Pants
- Arm/Leg Warmers
- All Cycling Clothes
- BIKE ACCESSORIES
- Bike Computers
- Bike Lights
- Bike Locks
- Bike Pumps
- Bike Racks
- Bike Trailers
- Bike Trainers
- Hydration
- Panniers/Bike Bags
- All Bike Accessories
-
Fitness
- FITNESS CLOTHING
- Men's Running Clothing
- Men's Swimming
- Men's Triathlon Clothing
- Men's Yoga Clothing
- Women's Running Clothing
- Women's Swimming
- Women's Triathlon Clothing
- Women's Yoga Clothing
- All Fitness Clothing
- FITNESS FOOTWEAR
- Men's Cross-Training Shoes
- Men's Road-Running Shoes
- Men's Trail Running Shoes
- Women's Cross-Training Shoes
- Women's Road-Running Shoes
- Women's Trail Running Shoes
- All Fitness Footwear
- FITNESS GEAR
- Energy Food
- Exercise Equipment
- GPS Sports Watches
- Gym Bags
- Heart Rate Monitors
- Hydration
- Pedometers
- Running Packs
- Strollers
- All Fitness Gear
- FITNESS SHOPS
- Cycling Shop
- Running Shop
- Swimming Shop
- Triathlon Shop
- Yoga Shop
-
Run
- MEN'S RUNNING CLOTHES
- Men's Running Shirts
- Men's Running Shorts
- Men's Pants and Tights
- Men's Running Hats
- Men's Running Jackets
- Men's Running Socks
- Men's Running Gloves
- All Men's Running Clothes
- WOMEN'S RUNNING
- Women's Running Shirts
- Women's Running Shorts
- Women's Pants and Tights
- Women's Running Hats
- Women's Running Jackets
- Sports Bras
- Women's Running Socks
- Women's Running Gloves
- All Women's Running Clothes
- RUNNING SHOES
- Men's Cross-Training Shoes
- Men's Road Running Shoes
- Men's Trail Running Shoes
- Men's Minimalist Running Shoes
- Women's Cross-Training Shoes
- Women's Road Running Shoes
- Women's Trail Running Shoes
- Women's Minimalist Running Shoes
- All Running Footwear
-
Paddle
- KAYAKING
- Kayaks
- Cockpit Covers
- Kayak Accessories
- Kayak Carts
- Kayak Paddles
- Safety Equipment
- Spray Skirts
- CANOEING
- Canoes
- Canoe Paddles
- Canoe Packs
- Canoe Accessories
- PADDLEBOARDING
- Paddleboards
- Paddleboard Paddles
- CLOTHING AND PFDs
- Dry Suits
- Paddling Footwear
- Paddling Gloves
- Paddling Jackets
- PFDs
- Rashguards
- Wetsuits
- All Paddling Clothing
-
Snowsports
- DOWNHILL SKIING
- Downhill Skis
- Downhill Ski Bindings
- Downhill Ski Boots
- Ski Bags
- Ski Goggles
- Ski Helmets
- Ski Packs
- Downhill Ski Poles
- Men's Downhill Ski Clothing
- Women's Downhill Ski Clothing
- Gloves, Hats and Socks
- All Downhill Skiing
- XC AND BACKCOUNTRY
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Backcountry Skiing
- Nordic Touring
- Metal-Edge Touring
- Race/Performance Skiing
- Cross-Country Ski Tuning
- Cross-Country Ski Waxes
- Men's XC Clothing
- Women's XC Clothing
- Kids' XC Ski Gear
- All Cross-Country
- All Tele/Randonee
- SNOWBOARDING
- Snowboards
- Snowboard Bags
- Snowboard Bindings
- Snowboard Boots
- Snowboard Goggles
- Snowboard Helmets
- Snowboard Packs
- Stomp Pads
- Men's Snowboard Clothing
- Women's Snowboard Clothing
- Gloves, Hats and Socks
- All Snowboarding
-
Travel
- LUGGAGE
- Carry-On Luggage
- Travel Packs
- Wheeled Backpacks
- Wheeled Duffels
- Wheeled Luggage
- Kids' Luggage
- Bike Travel Cases
- Ski Bags
- All Luggage
- DAY BAGS
- Camera Bags
- Daypacks
- Duffel Bags
- Handbags
- Laptop Bags
- Messenger Bags
- Shoulder Bags
- Travel Totes
- All Day Bags
- PACKING
- Luggage Locks
- Luggage Tags
- Organizers
- Packing Cubes
- Packing Folders
- Pouches
- Electronics Cases
- Toiletry Kits
- All Packing
-
Men
- MEN'S JACKETS
- Casual Jackets
- Down Jackets
- Fleece Jackets
- Insulated Jackets
- Rain Jackets
- Running Jackets
- Wind Shells
- Ski Jackets
- Snowboard Jackets
- Soft Shell Jackets
- All Men's Jackets
- MEN'S CLOTHING
- Pants
- Shirts
- Shorts
- Sweaters
- Swimming
- Underwear
- Vests
- Footwear
- Tall Clothing
- All Men's Clothing
- MEN'S ACCESSORIES
- Balaclavas
- Bandanas
- Belts
- Gaiters
- Gloves and Mittens
- Hats
- Headwear
- Socks
- Sunglasses
- Watches
- All Accessories
-
Women
- WOMEN'S JACKETS
- Casual Jackets
- Down Jackets
- Fleece Jackets
- Insulated Jackets
- Rain Jackets
- Running Jackets
- Wind Shells
- Ski Jackets
- Snowboard Jackets
- Soft Shell Jackets
- All Women's Jackets
- WOMEN'S CLOTHING
- Footwear
- Pants
- Shirts
- Shorts
- Skirts and Dresses
- Sweaters
- Swimming
- Underwear
- Vests
- Petite Clothing
- Plus Sizes
- All Women's Clothing
- WOMEN'S ACCESSORIES
- Belts
- Gaiters
- Gloves and Mittens
- Hats
- Headwear
- Scarves
- Socks
- Sports Bras
- Sunglasses
- Watches
- All Accessories
-
Kids
- KIDS' SHOPS
- Boys' Clothing
- Girls' Clothing
- Infant & Toddler Clothing
- Kids' Outerwear
- Kids' Shoes
- Kids' Ski Clothing
- Kids' Snowboard Clothing
- Eco-Conscious
- All Kids'
- ACCESSORIES
- Hats
- Gloves and Mittens
- Socks
- Sunglasses
- Toys
- Underwear
- Water Bottles
- All Kids' Accessories
-
Footwear
- MEN'S FOOTWEAR
- Men's Boots
- Men's Sandals
- Men's Shoes
- Men's Slippers
- Men's Wide Sizes
- Men's Socks
- WOMEN'S FOOTWEAR
- Women's Boots
- Women's Sandals
- Women's Shoes
- Women's Slippers
- Women's Narrow Sizes
- Women's Wide Sizes
- Women's Socks
- KIDS' FOOTWEAR
- Kids' Boots
- Kids' Sandals
- Kids' Shoes
- Kids' Slippers
- Kids' Socks
- FOOTWEAR ACCESSORIES
- Gaiters
- Insoles
- Laces
- Treatments
- Winter Traction
- Brands
-
All
- Backcountry Skiing Shop
- Backpacks
- Binoculars
- Bikes
- Books and Maps
- Camping and Hiking
- Car Racks
- Climbing
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Cycling
- Dog Gear
- Downhill Skiing Shop
- Electronics
- Fitness
- Gift Cards
- GPS
- Hammocks
- Helmet Cams
- Jackets
- Kids'
- Luggage and Day Bags
- Made in the USA
- Men's Clothing
- Men's Shoes and Boots
- Outdoor Lifestyle
- Paddling
- Running
- Sale & Clearance
- Sleeping Bags
- Snowboarding Shop
- Snowshoeing Shop
- Snowsports
- Strollers
- Deals
REI Anniversary Sale May 17–27. Plus, members SAVE 20% on 1 full-price item with coupon code ANNV13. Details
- REI Gift Cards
- Buy now!
- Check your REI gift card balance
- REI Membership
- REI member benefits include an annual refund (typically 10% on eligible purchases).
- Join REI today!
- Sign up for REI Gearmail®
- and get 15% off selected items!
- Store Locator
- Locate an REI store near you.
-
- Company Info
- About REI
- Jobs at REI
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- Corporate & Group Sales
- Privacy Policy
- Terms of Use
- Site Rules
- California Transparency in Supply Chains Act - REI's Disclosure
- REI Membership
- Become an REI Member
- Member Help
- Find Membership Number
- Dividend Lookup
- Apply for an REI Visa® Card
- Manage Your REI Visa® Card
- We Care
- Stewardship
- Volunteer
- Eco-Conscious Gear
- Expert Outdoor Advice
- Expert Advice Articles
- Outdoor Videos
- REI Outdoor School
- Store Events
- Online Affiliate Program
- Become an REI Affiliate
- Gift Registry
- Shop All Brands
- Shop Our Catalogs
- Shop All Categories