The Benchmade Mini-Griptilian model 556 is a folding knife manufactured in the United States.
Its modified drop-point blade, which is made from 154CM stainless steel, is 2.91 inches long and 3/32 inches thick. When closed, the tool is 3.87 inches long, and while open is 6.78 inches. It weighs 2.56 ounces.
The Mini-Griptilian seems best used as a daily carry pocketknife.
It uses a blade locking mechanism patented by Benchmade called Axis, which rotates smoothly and is strong vertically. However, the blade pivot does have some horizontal play from side to side.
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A pocket clip comes with the handle for easy carry. The design and size of the folding knife seem best suited for everyday light cutting tasks.
The tool has a small black resin handle with its end shaped to neatly fit in the palm of your hand. It has a comfortable shape to place your index finger and thumb, which results in the blade feeling in a forward position. Light jimping along both the index finger and thumb positions assist the grip.
The shape and size of the handle prevents many alternative grip positions. We had some problems successfully working with the smaller handle while wearing gloves. The knife worked well for a normal grip directly between hand and handle.
Our test Mini-Griptilian had a thumb stud for deploying the blade from its folded position, but it got in the way of holding the knife in a pinch grip.
Benchmade does make an alternative model, 555HG, which comes with a thumbhole rather than studs for operation. It would probably better accommodate a pinch grip.
One interesting feature of the Mini-Griptilian is its ambidextrous design. It is a simple matter to move the pocket clip to the other side of the handle, thereby changing the knife to a left-handed configuration. This is not a common feature in folding knives and an encouraging one for lefties.
The edge of the blade was shaving sharp out of the box. The grind and edge bevels were clean and even. We were impressed with the quality Benchmade put into the manufacturing of their entry level products.
We were pleased with the choice of 154CM stainless steel for the Mini-Griptilian. It is an excellent material for knives used in everyday carry. This kind of stainless steel has good corrosive resistance, edge performance and toughness.
The Benchmade Mini-Griptilian is a remarkable folding knife. Although a folder will never be as strong as a similarly sized full-tang knife, this particular tool is well suited for everyday carry and tasks.
The Mini-Griptilian may be part of Benchmade’s entry-level of products, but an owner is not short-changed on performance and quality. Priced around $100, this knife is worth the investment when looking for a convenient pocketknife.
