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Benchmade Griptilian
The Benchmade Griptilian has been one of the most widely carried EDC folding knives in production since its introduction in 2001 — and for good reason. Designed by Mel Pardue, the Griptilian combines a proven ergonomic platform with Benchmade's patented AXIS Lock in a package that's held up as a benchmark for production folder design for over two decades. DLT Trading stocks the full current lineup of Griptilian and Mini Griptilian models, including the 550, 551, 555, and 556 series.
Full-Size Griptilian — Models 550 and 551
The full-size Griptilian runs a 3.45-inch blade on a handle that sits comfortably in medium to large hands. The 551 carries a drop-point blade optimized for general utility and tip work, while the 550 runs a sheepsfoot profile — a blunted tip design favored for safety-conscious work environments and utility cutting where piercing isn't needed. Both ship in CPM-S30V steel as the current standard configuration, offering a strong balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and sharpenability that performs well across everyday carry tasks.
Mini Griptilian — Models 555 and 556
The Mini Griptilian trims the blade to 2.91 inches and overall length to 6.78 inches, making it one of the more discreet carry options in Benchmade's production lineup without sacrificing the AXIS Lock or the ergonomic handle geometry. The 556 runs a drop-point, the 555 a sheepsfoot — same logic as the full-size platform. The 556SBK adds a black blade coating for users who prefer a lower-profile finish.
AXIS Lock
Every Griptilian runs Benchmade's patented AXIS Lock — an ambidextrous locking mechanism that uses a spring-loaded bar riding in a milled channel on both handle liners. It locks open and closed, operates equally well left or right-handed, and has a well-documented track record for strength and reliability under hard use. One-handed opening comes via dual thumb studs on drop-point models and a thumb hole on sheepsfoot variants.
Griptilian Handle and Carry
Standard production Griptilians use Valox or Noryl GTX handle scales — glass-filled nylon composites that are durable, lightweight, and textured enough for positive grip in wet or cold conditions. The reversible pocket clip accommodates tip-up or tip-down carry on either side. Overall weight runs 2.56 to 3.82 oz depending on model, keeping it comfortable for all-day pocket carry.
| Model Series | Blade Style | Steel Options | Handle Material | Blade Length | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 550 Griptilian | Sheepsfoot | 154CM, S30V | Valox/Noryl GTX | 3.45" | ✓ In Stock |
| 550-1 Griptilian | Sheepsfoot | CPM-20CV | Gray G10 w/ Blue Accents | 3.45" | Discontinued |
| 551 Griptilian STAFF PICK | Drop Point | 154CM, S30V, S90V | Valox/Noryl GTX | 3.45" | ✓ In Stock |
| 551-1 Griptilian | Drop Point | CPM-20CV | Gray G10 w/ Blue Accents | 3.45" | Discontinued |
| 555 Mini Griptilian | Sheepsfoot | 154CM, S30V | Valox/Noryl GTX | 2.91" | ✓ In Stock |
| 555-1 Mini Griptilian | Sheepsfoot | CPM-20CV | Gray G10 w/ Blue Accents | 2.91" | Discontinued |
| 556 Mini Griptilian | Drop Point | 154CM, S30V | Valox/Noryl GTX | 2.91" | ✓ In Stock |
| 556SBK Mini Griptilian | Drop Point (Serrated) | 154CM, S30V | Valox/Noryl GTX (Black) | 2.91" | ✓ In Stock |
| 556-1 Mini Griptilian | Drop Point | CPM-20CV | Gray G10 w/ Blue Accents | 2.91" | Discontinued |
*Stock availability subject to change. Check below for current inventory.
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