Benchmade 556 Mini-Griptilian Knife
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Small but mighty, the lightweight Benchmade 556 Mini-Griptilian knife features a tough stainless-steel blade, molded handle and smooth AXIS™ locking mechanism in a compact design.
Shop similar products- Stainless-steel blade is strong and sharp enough to slice through food, wire and ropes with ease
- 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!
- Covered by the Benchmade limited lifetime warranty and LifeSharp™ services; contact Benchmade for details
Made in USA.
View the Benchmade Griptilian Product LineView all Benchmade Pocket Knives| Best Use | Camping |
|---|---|
| Knife Blade Type | Straight Edge |
| Locking Blade | Yes |
| Number of Blades | 1 Blade |
| Max Blade Length (in.) | 2.91 inches |
| Closed Length | 3.87 inches |
| One-Handed Opening | Yes |
| Handle Material | Nylon |
| Blade Construction | Stainless steel |
| Weight | 2.56 ounces |
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mini-grip 556, a decent carry blade
The Benchmade Griptilian knives are a well-known, well-liked and well-used series of blades. The mini-grip is a good knife, albeit top of the food chain price. Although, I find my straight edge blades get more use, I prefer the mini-grip with the combo blade. That is because, this is a short knife. It is perfect for all day everyday, because of it's lightweight and size. I have put this knife to the test and don't have any issues with it, even when used along side carpentry tools (which means I am cutting roofing one minute and an apple the next) (a little dirt on your sandwich won't kill you) Once the factory edge is corrected, the knife holds an edge fairly well, and is simple to sharpen on a diamond plate. I'd prefer one a little more "flashy" in color but the black/silver was in stock and I went for my third 556... and my 4th or 5th benchmade. I do prefer other knives for edc, but this is such a sweet little knife, I got this one for my daughter then let her pick between this, a scallion and dragonfly. I do believe Benchmade will sharpen any of their knives, forever, for around $5 shipping... just send it back to them. (Instructions in every box.) I took off a star for the factory edge, the unpolished presentation and the 'standard' color vs. price point... but it's a 5-star performer over time. I would replace this knife with the same were I to lose it.
Best pocketknife I've ever had
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.
Good, but Not Great
After reading about how the Benchmade Mini-Griptilian is one of the best knives you can get for around $100 I was quite hyped up for this knife. The knife came very sharp and could easily pop arm hair or slice through phone book paper. After owning it for 6 months, I have had some issues with it. Unfortunately 154CM is not the super steel it used to be and dulled faster than the heat treated 8Cr13MoV (HRC 58-60) of my CRKT knife. Another issue I have with this knife is its side to side play when open. The blade visibly wiggles back and forth. I wonder if this is an issue with the Axis Lock design because I have never experienced this with a frame or liner locks. Pros: -Light ergonomic handle -Thick, sturdy 154CM steel blade -Extremely easy to open and close with one hand Cons: -Side to side blade play
I love this knife!
I love my 556 mini. It's smooth as silk, of solid construction and sharp as hell right out of the box (mine is still holding a good edge after months and months of everyday use). There are a few small things that aren't ideal however: The clip scratches easily and didn't look too great after only a few months (but does look great now as I stripped the paint using a wire wheel). Also, the jimping leaves a little to be desired, but only a little; the grip is still fantastic despite the shallow grooves, but I do think they skimped just a little bit here. All in all, I would buy this knife again and again. It goes everywhere with me and I truly love it.
Funniest knife I've ever owned !
There are a lot of good lightweight edc and backpacking knives out there . But this knife stands out, with the axis lock you can flick it open using either the axis lock itself the thumb studs or Spydy hole and flick it closed again ,it sounds like a small detail but adds another dimension to the knife that really kicks it over the top. No other knife can do that , it is quick , useful and cool. The size and weight are excellent but is robust enough to tackle tasks I wouldn't use other comparable knives for . Once while backpacking I was foraging berries on the side of a steep hill and needed my knife , with the mini grip I was able to flick it open use it and flick it closed and put it back in my pocket with one hand.
Perfect size for everyday carry.
I initially bought the regular size Griptilian, but found it to be too big to comfortably carry in my pocket. I returned it for the Mini-griptilian, which is the perfect size for everyday carry. The blade is razor sharp out of the box. Opening letters and boxes, or cutting rope and cardboard is a breeze. The Axis locking mechanism is smooth and secure. I don't use the thumb stud. The REI associate showed me how to open and close with one hand by just releasing the Axis lock and flicking your wrist. The grip shape and checkering allow a secure and comfortable hold in my hand. It's expensive compared to other knives, but it's "Made in the USA" quality is hard to deny. I accidentally washed my pants with the knife still in the pocket once. The knife body was easy to disassemble with a star head screw driver to dry it out. Everything was tight and smooth again after being put back together. After getting over the sticker shock, you won't be disappointed by this knife.
Great Knife!
Picked up this knife as an alternative to a larger Kershaw knife that was very awkward in my back pocket each day. Two things stood out right away. First, the action on opening and closing is very smooth and secure. Very easy to manipulate the blade. Second, this knife is sharp, really really sharp. I have had it for a month or so now and it is still quite sharp. The pocket clip setup out of the box was fine for me as right hander carrying the knife in my right rear pocket. Knife comes out with my thumb located perfectly on the opening post. The knife is not cheap but it is well worth the money.
Perfect for Lefties!
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.
Good knife
The Mini-Griptilian is a good knife for every day carry (edc). The blade size (under 3"), build quality, one handed opening and closing. It is everything I was looking for. I liked it so much that I purchased another (555shg). They also have great customer service; I called Benchmade because I wanted a deep carry pocket clip, the knife doesn't come with one. They knew exactly what I needed and sent it to me no charge.
It's a keeper.
I'm not disappointed with my purchase. The knife has lived up to the hype and in no application have I been left wanting. The size is just right for me.