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Item 787258
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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REVIEWS
Reviewed by 8 customers
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Comments about Benchmade 556 Mini-Griptilian Knife:
I'm a lefty and had a very hard time finding a quality knife with easy one-handed operation and a truly ambidextrous design. Some knives allow you to move the clip but the lock may still be hard to operate. I've had this knife for six years now and have it on me almost every day of the week.
The quality is top-notch. The size is big enough to do what I need it to do without lugging around a huge knife.
One note - when I first bought this knife I noticed the clip design is not typical of many knives in this size. When it's in your pocket, the axis lock points down (where many clips would attach near the lock). It seemed backwards but it really is better. When you pull the knife out of your pocket, it's already in the correct position to be opened.
I'm a huge fan of the axis lock. It is easy to operate and feels rock solid.
I can't say enough good things about the knife. I have my original and have given two away as gifts. It doesn't get much better than this.
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Comments about Benchmade 556 Mini-Griptilian Knife:
Best everyday carry knife for me. Perfect factory edge out of the box. Fantastic action with zero play, this knife is fun to open. Snappy without making you wonder if it might accidentally open like a spring assist. Over time action can be oiled/adjusted. This knife cuts cardboard, hard-plastic packaging, rope, small copper wires, soft wood, and keeps on going. I am hardcore about sharpening my knives and this one didn't need a touch up for quite awhile. Use it camping, woodworking, hunting, fishing and it's small enough I don't get second glances if I need to cut something at the office. It's light enough that you'll grab it with your keys and cell phone. Had it when my boss's BMW tire tread seperated and was able to cut the piece loose to get to get him home. Handle resists all sorts of chemicals, blade hasn't shown a spot of corrosion despite saltwater exposure and cleaning fish and deer. Do yourself a big favor and spend the extra cash on benchmade I've destroyed other brands. Also I'm a big fan of the non-serrated edge. Serrated knives are great cutters until they go dull and you can't resharpen them. Not heavy enough for survival, I'd reserve that for fixed blade full tang setups.
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Comments about Benchmade 556 Mini-Griptilian Knife:
Although not noted in the REI description, my Mini-Griptilian has a 154CM steel blade, a very good, hard, but reasonably easy to sharpen steel. It came out of the package literally razor-sharp. I'll have a hard time ever making it sharper than the factory edge it came with. The knife rides easily in a pocket, and is quickly and easily gripped for use. It opens easily with the thumb stud, and the Axis lock system is easily operated with one hand. The blade is very, very secure in locked position--no movement ever felt thus far. I own folding knives by several quality makers, and this is easily the best working folder I've ever had. Very, very pleased with this knife.
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Comments about Benchmade 556 Mini-Griptilian Knife:
I just got my knife the other day. I like everything except the pocket clip. I carried it for one day and it already has a large scratch. You would think for [$] they would use a more scratch-resistant/hardened paint, or simply not paint it at all. I understand that this is a minor thing, but I think it's worth noting.
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Comments about Benchmade 556 Mini-Griptilian Knife:
I've heard good things about benchmade and wasn't disappointed in the quality of materials. What hurt was when I slipped my wallet in the same pocket with the kinfe, only to pull my hand out bleeding. The thumbstud caught my wallet edge and popped it open. I was previously carrying a buck nobleman which carry's tip down and avoids this problem. This knife was to be an "upgrade." I don't trust sticking my hand back in my pocket so I am returning it.
It does carry light and has a reasonably sharp edge. Aside from the open assist, it was not that much of an upgrade over my $30 nobleman.
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Comments about Benchmade 556 Mini-Griptilian Knife:
Ive owned this knife for 5 years and I cant think of one complaint about it.Its durable,well balanced,comfortable grip,light weight,holds an edge,im a lefty so the reversible pocket clip is great and the axis lock is second to none.I own other benchmade knives(williams mc henry and the stryker)and ive always came back to the mini griptilian for everyday carry.Its small but not to small and you dont even notice its there.Its a great knife for everyday use and I would immediately replace it if it was lost or stolen.
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Comments about Benchmade 556 Mini-Griptilian Knife:
Easily the best pocketknife I've ever owned. From the box sharp as a razor, the 154CM steel holds an edge well, and though it takes a little work to sharpen, it's not terribly difficult. The Benchmade patented AXXIS locking mechanism beats all others I've tried by miles. The blade is held rock-solid during use, and yet it's easily released for closure, in a move that can easily be mastered with one hand. The grip, Zytel plastic, is properly ergonomic, durable, and easy to hold onto. Truly excellent product.
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Comments about Benchmade 556 Mini-Griptilian Knife:
I own a full size Griptilian and love it. It was the first knife of Benchmade quality I'd ever had. I would never give it up but it's kind of big for everyday carry. So I figured the Mini-Griptilian would be of the same quality. It certainly is, I love it. The smaller size is an easy carry. This is a lightweight knife but the quality and heft of the steel and the shape of the grip make it a satisfying knife to hold and use for general purpose like opening boxes, scraping some glue or gunk from parts or something, cutting rope. Small and balalnced well enough for whittling. If you know what whittling is and know what old Buck lockbacks feel like, you'll probably appreciate the feel,balance and smoothness of action. Lighter in the handle than the old Bucks for sure, but play with it and you will grow to appreciate it.
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