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Benchmade Griptilian 551 Review

Full-size, basic folding pocket knife with immaculate construction
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Benchmade Griptilian 551 Review (Benchmade Griptilian 551)
Benchmade Griptilian 551
Credit: Benchmade
Price:  $160 List
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Manufacturer:   Benchmade
By Jediah Porter ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 24, 2019
73
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Blade and Edge Integrity - 30% 9.0
  • Ergonomics - 20% 9.0
  • Portability - 20% 5.0
  • Construction Quality - 20% 9.0
  • Other Features - 10% 0.0

Our Verdict

Benchmade's Griptilian 551 is a full-size, high-quality folding pocket knife. Sporting a long blade with an overall mass smack in the middle of the selection, this tool packs a smooth operating punch. This model is optimized for everyday carry for those with pocket space to spare, heavy tasks to tackle and appreciation for craftsman construction and impeccable customer service. The blade materials and shape is impeccable.
REASONS TO BUY
Proven and well-respected blade
Smooth
Comfortable ergonomics
REASONS TO AVOID
Large
No assisted opening

Our Analysis and Test Results

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


benchmade griptilian 551 - beach grilling with the griptillian. this tester appreciated the...
Beach grilling with the Griptillian. This tester appreciated the full-size profile of the Griptillian. She's using the Yeti 45L as her table.
Credit: Jediah Porter

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.

benchmade griptilian 551 - knife legend mel pardue leaves his mark on the griptillian. the...
Knife legend Mel Pardue leaves his mark on the Griptillian. The personal attention to edge sharpness and wear resistance is clear.
Credit: Jediah Porter

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.

benchmade griptilian 551 - more food prep with the griptillian. the large and high quality...
More food prep with the Griptillian. The large and high quality blade of the Griptillian rivals many fine kitchen tools.
Credit: Jediah Porter

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.

Jediah Porter