Benchmade Griptilian 551 Review

The Benchmade Griptilian stacked up well in our testing. It earned leading scores in virtually every category. However, the larger overall size and lack of tester-preferred assisted opening left the Griptilian yielding award-winning status to other knives. Every Benchmade blade is excellent and can be returned throughout the knife's lifespan for very inexpensive factory sharpening. Our testers liked the Griptilian for every task we faced, but the smaller cousin took the Editors' Choice Award for its greater portability and assisted opening design. As compared to the other full-size knives in our test the Griptilian has a more versatile blade and opens more smoothly.

Performance Comparison

Blade and Edge Integrity

While every knife in our test has a blade that, with a modicum of maintenance, will serve the everyday user, it is the spendier tools from blade specialists like Benchmade that stand out for smooth and effortless cutting. The Benchmade Griptilian 551 blade carries the stamp of an individual, well-known blade specialist. Knife legend Mel Pardue stands behind the materials and design of the Griptillian. And this quality shows. Out of the box, and after days of general use, the Griptilian sliced a ripe tomato with the lightest of pressure and no sawing motion.

Ergonomics

The full-size handle of the Griptilian fills a loosely clenched fist and leaves smooth curves to press through even the stoutest cutting tasks. The pocket clip is fitted to the knife in such a way that the user can pull the knife from its clipped location and deploy the blade with a flick of the thumb, all without re-orienting the knife in hand. Further raising the bar, and just like our Editors' Choice pick, the pocket clip can be switched for the above function whether you carry the knife in the left or right pocket. When compared to assisted opening knives, the “standard” Griptilian seems a bit primitive.

Portability

While light for its size, the Griptilian does indeed take up considerable real estate in pocket or purse. None of our testers, evaluating for everyday carry, could justify the extra ounces and inches of the Griptilian, especially as compared to all of our svelte award winners. As a backup hunting knife, or to live in a glove box for very occasional use, the Griptilian is a bit expensive.

Construction Quality

The Griptilian feels light in hand. While our testing revealed no specific failures in quality or durability, the lightweight feel of this full-size tool works against feelings of confidence. If our experience with other Benchmade equipment means anything, these subjective feelings of low confidence are unfounded.

Other Features

None to report. If you seek more tools in your pocket knife, check out the newly reviewed Victorinox Climber.

Value

Knives, provided the user can keep track of them, are an excellent example of the value in purchasing for quality. The significant initial investment of any Benchmade knife will be returned time and time again in durability and especially in the lifetime sharpening service available through Benchmade's “LifeSharp” program.

Conclusion

The Griptilian 551 mates a signature blade with proven Benchmade construction. The opening and closing mechanisms are smooth and well thought out. The large form-factor isn't for everyone. In fact, none of our testers thought it worth carrying such a large tool. Something about the dimensions had turned past the tipping point. If you use your knife a lot or tackle a large number of heavy tasks, the Griptilian could be for you.