Benchmade 556 Mini Griptilian

Reviewed 09/26/2016 by Dale Efron

-Price Paid: $92.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 1 year

Comments:

I absolutely love this knife! It handles boxes, rope, being a hammer and I've opened cans with it. I don't like the shape and the knife has a cheap feel to it, but it does the job and that's all you can ask. It's easy to hold when it's raining and I need to cut the reins so a runaway horse could get loose from some bushes and I've used it for a hammer a few times. So far it's lasted about three years, but there are cracks and breaks out of the plastic stuff on the handle from drops. If it had better uality materials on the handle than plastic I would grade the knife a better grade. Overall not too bad of a knife for small stuff. I'd personally give it a 10/10, but that would be my own bias review.

Reviewed 06/19/2016 by Jonathan

-Price Paid: $65.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

This is pretty much the perfect knife. It is very light weight and the axis lock is extremely strong. I have spent a lot of time and money looking for the perfect EDC and I always come back to this one. Also so Benchmade has the best CS in the industry in my opinion.

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Reviewed 01/20/2016 by Braddok

-Price Paid: $120.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

I use this knife for everything from slicing tomatoes to gutting deer to cutting thick rubber hose and it absolutely has been a trooper in every sense!
This particular model sports D2 blade steel, not a super steel by any definition but if your looking for an affordable blade steel that will cut no matter what, even dullish, this is the steel to get. D2 takes somewhat of a toothy, saw like edge that just keeps on cutting.
As for the knife itself, the build/material quality is there. The Axis lock is simply phenomenal, strong and quick. the handle is my only mild dislike in that the rounded butt isn't my favorite and I feel it could definitely benefit from more jimping. At least it is a closed back design as open, or through designs do not work well for the guy who might have to drop a hand full of 1/4" washers into the same pocket as his knife while at work.
If the Griptilian was offered with a closed back, G-10 or Carbon Fiber scale (handle) it would be the perfect knife! The drop point blade profile Benchmade uses is perfect by design, blade where you need it and a strongish tip profile.

Reviewed 02/26/2014 by Michael Bailey

-Price Paid: $28.00
-Used for Light Duty/General
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

I got mine on sale at a hardware store and it's a pretty good knife. It has a blade, it cuts, I don't know what else you need a knife for. It handles rope, wire, being a screwdriver and I've opened cans with it. I don't like the shape and the knife has a cheap feel to it, but it does the job and that's all you can ask. It's easy to hold when it's raining and I need to cut the reins so a runaway horse could get loose from some bushes and I've used it for a hammer a few times. So far it's lasted about three years, but there are cracks and breaks out of the plastic stuff on the handle from drops. If it had better uality materials on the handle than plastic I would grade the knife a better grade. Overall not too bad of a knife for small stuff.

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Reviewed 08/23/2013 by lumberjake

-Price Paid: $120.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Less than 1 Month

Comments:

This is the perfect EDC knife. I've been "into" knives this past year or so and found that all my folders were large, and though I don't mind carrying these large folders, I thought I'd look for a compact EDC style blade. Of course the mini Grip jumps to mind as it is a very popular higher end EDC that gets lots of accolades. Yet , I've been a bigger Spyderco fan than Benchmade and still nothing Spyderco had in this size appealed to me so I thought I'd try this Benchmade.
My model is the pricier limited edition M4 steel model with grey cericote blade. I live on the coast but I really don't have problems with non SS knives and everything I've read says that M4 has an extremely good balance of strenghts, beiing strong and great at keeping an edge. It also isn't that difficult to sharpen which I had to do as the factory edge wasn't that sharp nor was the bevel even. The overall build is really good with perfect centring and the handle design is very well thought out with its nested liners. I don't mind the glass filled nylon scales either, they feel quite durable. The Axis lock was another selling point as I do not have any knives with it and I've read many positive reviews on it and it deserves those reviews. Its simple and fun to use. The blade itself is very functional. The shape lends itself to being a great EDC with a nice point and belly along with surpriseng cutting ability. This thing flies through cardboard. I was woried seeing the saber grind that it would be an issue but its probably the best cutting knife I own and that is ultimately a knifes purpose. Very pleased.

Reviewed 11/19/2011 by Andy

-Price Paid: $58.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

Hands down the best knife that I have bought for the money ever, after 2 years it's still going strong and it is absolutely reliable.

Before buying the knife I shopped it around and found that there where a wide variation in the asking retail prices and I managed to find one at a price that seemed fair to me ($56.99 plus $5.00 shipping).

I know that there are many out there are what is called steel snobs, but then who cares for the average guy like me the 154 Stainless Steel does the job and at the end of the day a knife is a tool...

Being just under 3 inches there is no legal issues when I travel and is the perfect pocket size. In short I love this American Made Knife and I have never had any problems with it to date..

I could not ask for more than a knife that lasts and is value for money...????

Reviewed 10/31/2011 by Herman

-Price Paid: $68.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

I have now owned my 556 "PE" for 5 years (maybe longer) and it has been a tough little knife that's been a constant companion in my pock every day.

I much prefer the opening stud on the blade to a spider hole, it is so much easier to use with winter or gardening gloves.

The 154 stainless steel is fantastic and good enough for me being east to sharpen and very rust resistant, the solid Valox Scales have great traction and are quit tough against the average dropping that any knife gets over time.

Th Axis Lock in absolutely fabulous, I would never bother with a liner lock or even a lock back again, it's newer technology just seems to make the other locking systems antiquated to me now.

I am going to give the knife 10 points all round, as it's served me so well for quit some time and when I have need them Beenchmade has been remarkable with it's customer service.

The only issue that I can see is that only the plan edge of the knife is covered by Benchmades FREE Every Sharp Service, but mine is a plan edge any way so it's not an problem.

I am that impressed with the knife this Christmas I have decided to give one to all my family and friends that will use it as a Christmas Gift this year (sort of makes my Christmas shopping easy this year anyway).

I might even treat myself to a 551 as well and make it easier on Santa Claus or in this case Mrs Claus..LOL

Reviewed 10/12/2011 by Robert

-Price Paid: $40.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 6 months

Comments:

I was lucky enough to buy this one used from a very good friend that had several and was upgrading to another Larger BM knife. I know what I paid for the knife really doesn't reflect the true cost of the knife, but it was a used knife with out a box or anything else but the knife. Even though it looked like new to me and I think I have been a lot harder on it than he ever was.!!!

This was my first BM and I had always admired his but I was skeptical, after only 6 1/2 months I can see the superior quality that he had always been bragging about.

The knife is light weight but has a solid grip in the hand with the 154cm steel holding an edge and easy to touch up with a sharpening steel. Over the time that I have owned the knife it has gotten a lot of pocket time and I have been finding that my other old knives are now just sitting in the draw.

Over all I would give the knife top marks and it has opened my eyes and mind to Benchmade as a quality American Knife Maker that has a growing prominence on the World Knife Stage.

I just wish that I had bought one of there knives before this, but I guess it was just my time and a good timing at that.

Reviewed 10/10/2011 by Mori

-Price Paid: $62.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

The Quality American Made Knife is what I would call the perfect EDC, with a blade that is just under 3 inches and 154cm Stainless Steel who could ask for more...

I did not choose the semi serrated blade because the only part that is covered by BM's Ever Sharp Warranty is the plain edge section, so I simply went with the whole plain edge.

It's light, sturdy and very practical....:)

Reviewed 09/19/2011 by Ronda

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Self Defense
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

I have read the other reviews on this knife that my husband gave me and to me the most important thing is that it's American Made..!!!

I am NOT an expert on knives and I might be just a housewife but it slips easily into my handbag, easy to open and close and I feel safer carrying it.

My Husband bought me the PINK one for my birthday and I won't leave the house without it now.

I could not be happier.

Ronda

Reviewed 09/18/2011 by Micheal

-Price Paid: $64.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 6 months

Comments:

I just love this knife and the ratings of 10 out of 10 reflects that, for the money I could not have bought a better knife. The Axis Lock is amazingly simple to use and secure. The 154 Stainless Steel is just right, I would go as fare as to say that at $64.00 plus tax it was a Bargain.

I was put onto this knife by a friend and he really put me in the right direction, I can't see myself buying another brand from here on in and to top it off it's all AMERICAN MADE who could ask for more....!!!

Reviewed 09/06/2011 by Dave & Cheery

-Price Paid: $69.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 6 months

Comments:

Well I have to say that I am very impressed with this knife, the axis lock action is remarkable and the best way that I could describe it as finger tip control. Really you can open this knife almost as fast as an automatic when you get use to it and it really makes you wonder who needs an auto now when the action technology and engineering is getting this good on even manual knives like these. The 2.91 inch 154cm stainless steel blade is an excellent balance of rust resistance, edge keeping and economy, with an comfortable ergonomic grip that has traction to spare. It really is a sharp little compact package that's just the right size for every day carry for both men and women alike, just pick the color to suit you and your gender (pink for girls and naturally black for boys naturally). Not the cheapest knife in it's class on the market today but you know what they say "if you pay peanuts you get monkeys", both my wife Cheery and I love ours and neither of us would give them up.

Reviewed 09/05/2011 by Paul (Ohio)

-Price Paid: $85.00
-Used for Light Duty/General
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

I purchased my first black handled with plain blade 556 about 4 years ago now (I am guessing that is how long) from my local Gander Mountain Store in Niles Ohio.

I really had no great knowledge about knives and still today by no means am I an expert, so when I asked the salesman why this little knife was so expensive he replied "it's a Benchmade and it will last you a lifetime".

I have to say that the test of time has proven him right, I have never had a knife last this long and stand up to anything that I might do with it or too it. It really got me hooked on Benchmade Knives and now I would not buy any other brand, but I am now more "Internet Savvy" and don't pay quit as much for them as I would from a local retail store.

Back then I thought stainless steel was all the same and for 2 years I thought that the 154 mark on the knife was it's length in the European Metric System...LOL Now I can say that the 154 Stainless Steel in my knife because of it's higher grade has saved me from having it rust when I left it out side on the back porch for weeks by accident..!!!

Really this knife is as tough as nails and the traction on the grips are great, you can see why they called it the Griptilian (OK I thought that it was named after a Lizard as well back then...LOL).

I have now made it a standard "Stocking Stuffer" for Christmas Gifts for both friends and clients, with every one that I give on to appreciating the gift and raving about the knife.

I gave the knife 10 points across the board even though in hindsight I may have payed too much way back then, I can buy them cheaper now on the Internet and have done so many times..:)

My advice to every one is shop around on the price, you won't be disappointed with the product.

Reviewed 07/21/2011 by Tony

-Price Paid: $62.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

This was the very first Benchmade that I had ever bought (some 5 years ago now) and to be honest with you it is what got me hooked on Benchmade from the "Get GO'.

I just wanted a knife that was reliable and safe to use, the Axis Lock is really what attracted me the knife. I loved the idea that your fingers where well away from the blade when you closed it and being 556-Yellow I knew that I could find the knife even on my desk that always looks like a disaster area...(I Nicknamed it my AARP Kife, because even an old fellow like me could Find and Sind it...LOL)

I did go though the initial problem with it that most of Benchmade Knives suffer from and that was the clip within a week or so was scratched and chipped.

This is an ongoing problem that Benchmade that they seem to want to ignore, however it was a wonderful gentleman at Benchmades Customer Care that solved the issue by sending me a Silver Split Arrow Clip and the problem was no longer noticeable..:)

The clip doesn't chip because it's chromed and because its silver on silver you simply don't notice the minor scratches. Where with a Black Enamel Clips on a plan steel clip, the scratches and inevitable chipping stands out the proverbial "Dogs you know Whats".

I have never been a Large Knife person, I just love the size as a of the Mini Griptilian as a true pocket knife and the 154 Steel really has been more than good enough.

I end up buying an other 2 Pink one for my Daughter and Wife with another Black one for my Son, all of which have found them to be reliable and practical for every day use.

I would highly recommend this knife, but do your home work and shop around for the best price...:)

Reviewed 02/03/2011 by Noah

-Price Paid: $90.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 6 months

Comments:

I bought gpknives.com dealer exclusive mini- griptilian in m390 steel about 5 months ago. This was my first experience with m390 steel, which is a bohler metals super steel. I feel that the steel excelled in all tasks i put it through. Ive been using the knife since i got it, and havnt had to sharpen it yet, so the edge retention excels in my opinion. I have used the knife for a range of tasks from opening packages, to making bamboo spears, and have run into no limitations in the knife. Since i haven't needed to or tried to sharpen the steel, i dont know how easily it sharpens, but i have heard that it sharpens fairly easily. In terms or rust resistance, I live in a very humid area, and have had no sign of rust. The jimping on the spine of the blade is very effective, and combined with the valox handle scales, you can get a great grip, (hence the name), even in wet environments. I think that the size of the knife is great for the days i dont feel like carrying a big knife for edc, or im going somewhere that a large knife would be "intimidating". at a bit over 6" OAL, its great when you want a lightweight knife. I highly recommend the mini- grip as an edc, especially in bohler's m390 steel.

Reviewed 02/03/2011 by Jiggy

-Price Paid: $60.00
-Used for Light Duty/General
-Owned for 3 months

Comments:

I will be writing about the Benchmade 556 mini griptilian. First, lets look at the specifications. The blade length is 2.91" with the thickness being at .100". The closed length is 3.78" with an overall of 6.78". The 556 weighs in at 2.56 oz. The 556 uses 154CM blade steel hardened to 58-61 HRC. The liners are 420J stainless steel with Valox handle scales with a thickness of .510". This blade comes with the Benchmade Axis lock.

Second, the blade steel is adequate. It gets fairly sharp but does not seem to keep the edge for too long. The modified clip point provides easy penetration if needed. The sweep in the blade is about ideal. This knife opens smooth and fast, easily operated with one hand. This handles valox scales does feel a bit cheap but the handle is comfortable.

Lastly, Let me reiterate. We have adequate blade steel, good point, and sweep. This knife is easily operated, fast, and has good ergonomics but with cheap scales. I feel that his knife is about ideal for a small edc or work knife and is comfortable to carry without notice.

Reviewed 12/16/2010 by Keith

-Price Paid: $85.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 6 months

Comments:

Keep in mund that my review is has the price of the knife brought into consideration.

I would reccomend a mini-griptillian to anybody looking for a a 80-90 dollar knife. Overall I cannot find too many shortcomings.

The blade is made of 154 CM and it holds its edge very well. I will often steel the blade after heavy use. That brings the edge back easily.

The handle is black VG10. It has more than an adequate grip,but for my hands a bit too small. I accept that as I wanted a smaller knife that clips easily in my pants. The gimping is good on the blade and handle and even has gimping on the butt for a reverse grip.

The Axis lock is solid as a rock. Zero wobble in every direction. I can flip the blade out or back easily. I have never adjusted the tension.

The thumbstud works very well. I can manipulate it easily compared to other knives I have used.

The pocket clip is great. At first, i kept the knife loose in my pocket for fear of losing my knife. Now I am 100% confident in the clip. It is configured for a righty and I did not have to move the clip.

Overall, for the money, I could n ot be happier. I am confident using it as an EDC.

Reviewed 11/06/2010 by Jefe

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

This is good knife to buy for someone who has never had a Benchnade.

Handles are available in a few colors for people who are "knife shy". I still prefer black and OD green. Handles sound hollow when you tap on them. Axis lock is a favorite for many.

The blade is 2.91", 154CM, Mod-Drop Point.

If you want a similar-sized knife, but prefer the thumb opener hole, consider the 555. I have both in PE.

Reviewed 09/23/2010 by Austin

-Price Paid: $55.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 3 months

Comments:

I bought a OD green combo edge black blade 556 Mini Griptillian for about $55 at a gun show. Almost everything about the knife is perfect, especially Benchmade's amazing Axis Lock. The only problem I have with it is that the thumb stud can be a bit slippery at times, but the 555 model has a thumb hole, which may work better than the thumb stud. This is an amazing knife and I would recommend it to anyone.

Reviewed 01/16/2010 by Totenkopf

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

To me the Griptilian series as a whole is great. Speaking of the Mini-Grip in particular, The knife is just rock solid in quality, construction, and execution.

You can get get Griptilians in a few different configurations. I have a combo edge Tanto version and also a combo edge drop point in the non standard D2 steel (Cabelas only ed.). To be honest, the Tanto blade just seems useless to me but I thought I should at least own one to try it out. Using it more or less cemented my feelings about them, It's just not that great for utility. If they were made made for sticking people... well, that's fine, but I don't get why manufacturers put them on little knives. That said, the 154CM steel they used for most of the Griptilians is more than adequate. Sharpens easily, takes a razor edge, and holds an edge well. I am much more fond of the drop point blade. Benchmade did a very good job with this blade in making it very functional. Tip strength is adequate, with a good amount of usable belly sweeping back from the point. It also looks very pleasing to the eye. I would like to say now that I personally don't find the combo a very good deal. I almost never use the serrations on the job, and besides, a good sharp blade can do a fine job with fabric. If you need to saw something though, serrations will help... however, the 1" run of them on this 3" blade won't really do the trick. Serrations can be tricky to maintain as well. Sharpening them correctly is difficult, especially if you get the black coating on the blade and don't want to mess it up. I would say stick to a plain edge, at least for small EDC knives. I am also not a big fan of the D2 steel on the Cabela's edition knife. Don't get me wrong, it's not too hard to sharpen, and it does seem to take a VERY keen edge and even hold it longer than my other knives, the problem is that it just seems brittle. I have gotten more than a few teeny chips out of the blade. I would like to think it isn't user error because I never have that happen to my other knives during similar use. Just be a little more careful than usual about over cutting or cutting through stuff if against a hard surface.

I love the form of the Griptilian handles. While the full size Griptilians are very ergonomic, the Mini-Griptilians are just a little too small for my hand. If you have to use a lot of power for a cut, you will find that you are transferring that force mostly through your thumb rather than your hand/palm (unless you just grip the knife like a dagger). This is not a problem with the knife design though... just a circumstance of the compact design. The nylon handles are very nice. They are pretty tough and with some periodic cleaning will probably never show any wear. The texture lends itself well to a secure grip. However, if you have tough hands you might not feel that the jimping is of any real significance; It's very tame jimping. The Mini has full length steel liners, which may contribute to the solid, rigid feel of the knife. The best thing about these and some other model Benchmades is the Axis Lock. If you are used to lockbacks, liner locks, and similar conventional lock mechanisms than you will probably love the Axis Lock. It really is nice, and operation is admittedly easier than most lockbacks or locking liners. This is even more of a boon for lefties because it makes the knife 100% ambidextrous. Overall a very solid handle, both study and comfortable.

The function of this knife is good. It's easy to quickly deploy the blade just using the thumbstud, The blade will come out easily and lock up without any play. If you like (and perhaps with a little adjustment of the pivot screw), you can open the knife by depressing the lock and flicking your wrist... just release the lock at the right time or that blade can rebound shut on you. The size of the blade great for accurate cutting and you can slide your index finger right to the end of the blade for more control. The clip is nice and smooth as well as sturdy; no problems at all with it.

I would recommend this knife to anyone! It makes a sexy and impressive EDC. Because of the price I really wouldn't recommend this as a work knife (that's what I call true EDC), but it is more than capable for all reasonable tasks. It feels very high quality and sometimes makes my other small folders feel a little cheap in comparison. Also check out the full sized griptilian if you like this blade... those things are sweet.

Reviewed 12/08/2009 by Fascion

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 6 months

Comments:

Hands down, the most comfortable folder for use I've ever had the pleasure of carrying. That said, the first thing I did was remove the pocket clip. Just a great, fun little knife, perfect for EDC use.