Benchmade 556 Mini-Griptilian: Reference EDC

Offering near-perfect balance, speed, and quality, the Benchmade Mini-Griptilian 556 is an excellent utility or every day carry (EDC) knife choice. Various steels are used in the Mini-Grips, like that the 440C and limited edition D2 Cabelas models shown, but current versions are offered in the very useful 154CM steel. Blades have various finishes and grinds as well but my favorite is the bright finished plain edge clip versions. Mini-Grips are good looking and functional blades with impressive edge retention and solid lockup. Other upsides include: Axis lock mechanism, ergonomic handle, well-designed clip (that is reversible), beautiful colorations, and superb fit and finish throughout, and reasonable 2.6 oz carry weight. Minor downsides would include: thicker handles vs alternatives, thicker blade has primary grind that does not slice as well as a full flat ground thinner blade (like the SOG Flash 1), and higher cost. But that's about it. The Mini-Grip is a smart choice for a small outdoor blade for hiking or backpacking use and its worldwide fan base is well deserved. .////////////////////Nutnfancy Likeability Scale: 9 out of 10

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[classof77]

@ManVsWildfan I like my Delica 4, but Spyderco's thumbhole opening system is the definition of overrated. The Axis lock, w/ ambi thumbstuds, creams it for deployment speed and sureness. Plus you gotta use two hands to close a darn Spyderco. The Mini Grip is as user friendly as it gets.

Delica pluses are: price; consistently sharp factory edge (some Benchmades come sharp, some don't); and ergo grip (but the Mini Grip is good too).

Size is a wash; some prefer a slightly more compact knife.

[whispers221]

Nutn how come the mini-grips are not in your all time best EDC playlist even though you call them the reference EDC? I love my mini-grip! I think you should add the mini grip to the all time best list.

[mintyvision]

@GABRIELISDABEAST heinnie haynes.

[GABRIELISDABEAST]

so anyone got any good places to buy knives in England?:]

[Smith28Adventure]

Hey @nutnfancy, in response to your request for stockists in Europe, best place to get blades and lots of other cool stuff - certainly in the UK is "Heinnie Haynes", they offer amazing customer service and best prices w/ free delivery. Awesome stuff, they deserve to be much more well known.

[maczuka]

Nutn...154cm-ok, AUS8-ok,VG10-ok, but I just start to get lost when 189zdp, s30/35v, 14C28Sandvik, D2, Gin-whatever...and it just goes on. PLEASE do a vid on steels, don't just rank them, tell us please about the knives that got them and how they differ, what do they get better etc I shoure'd appreciate that, and I'm sure I'm not the only poor dummy out there. Help us out Nutn.

[thephan1113]

@classof77 bench bench bench roasting a fried tortilla chip breach beach flubberrr

[jfkdjfd]

@Bears0054 Yep. I have a customized one, so mine is not a production one, but it fits well. Sharp, and it works. It's not larger, but it's perfect blade length, and the grip is outstanding. Like it is called "Griptilian" for a reason, because it has a good grip. I reccomend them highly. The AXIS system is pretty cool locking system. Makes it opening fun. I love my Benchmades.

[Bears0054]

Anybody that owns this knife, does it fit in your hand well?

[JDYTC]

The cheapest, best way for Europeans to buy US brand blades is eBay. Period.

[shovlhededkilmachine]

Hey nutn, why do you dislike half serrated blades?

[starcraftluver62]

what steel is better? VG10 OR 154CM stainless?