Benchmade Griptilian AXIS Lock Knife Black (3.45" Satin) 551

When I purchased this item I had not yet heard of Blade HQ and their excellent reputation as a knife dealer. However, they are now my go-to for any and all knife-related purchases so here is where I will leave my review.

Whenever someone asks me, "I'm looking for a nice knife. Nothing special, nothing fancy, just something that will work for a long time and be worth my money." I point them at a Griptilian. It's $102, no matter where you buy one. So most non-edc enthusiasts out there will recognize it as "good quality" just based off of pricing.

It is the most neutral knife that I own. Not flashy at all, but still extremely attractive and just utilitarian. It does all that it's supposed to. It is a pocket knife in the most general sense of the word. It has no opinion one way or the other.

The steel is good material 154CM - always a nice choice. Easy to maintain, sharpen and plenty rust resistant.

The only complaint I have ever had with this Knife is that at $102, the plastic handles just kinda felt a little cheap in my hands. What makes it so expensive is the blade, design, and locking mechanism, not at all the handle material. Other than that, stellar knife.

I recently was able to visit the Benchmade factory and handled many of their knives. If you are ever in the Portland area GO. As soon as I handled the Griptillian I knew I had to have one but I was unwilling to pay full retail. BHQ to the rescue. This is the perfect EDC knife and BHQ rocks!

Awesome edc, it's a little chunky but it is so light weight and feels amazing in the hand and when it needs to be sharpened the steel takes a nice edge

The only problem is the gimping it is more for looks than anything else.

Other than that the knife is amazing!!! Also the box the knife comes in is awesome it's like an iPhone box. And Benchmade's warranty is probably one of the best warrantys ever!

I don't know if there is a such thing as perfect but this knife comes closer than anything I have ever carried. It's got good reach but its not to heavy. Its made with good steel but its not so premium that you have to spend an extra hundred dollars for it. It came sharp and took an edge easier than any other knife I have ever sharpened. The lock makes it easy to deploy and close with one hand. If you can only own one pocket knife this is it.

This is by far one of my go to knives. The Axis lock and weight are exceptional. The pocket clip is excellent. This blade can do almost anything. I have many Benchmade knives but I keep going back to this one because of its all around perfection. The fit and finish is astonishing. The knife isn't small but the weight is amazing. Razor sharp and extremely tough. I've carried this knife for years and it's never ever let me down. Oh yeah.....it's made in America. What's not to love?