In design view Benchmade 550 Griptilian represents itself as a simple knife. The name "Griptilian" comes from the word Grip, intuitively it represents itself as something analogous to "Graspy pangolin" or something like that.
This model is producted in USA. Since year 2006 the knife has already been producted with the blade from non-rusting steel 154CM instead of 440C which they made from before. The blade edge gives only pleasure even if you combine tasks like shaving or chopping wood, cutting fruits or vegetables. This knife manages all this just excellent.

This type of lock is different with it's reliability, mildness of opening and closing, it withstands all kinds of soiling excellent according to the words of producer. But it was spotted that in spite of eulogistic odes of father-americans you cannot avoid soiling like in every clasp-knife anyway. For example when you carry the knife in your pocket of jeans no up-to-date locks cannot save from ubiquitous pellets and other fine-dyspersated filth that has the quality to invade into the mechanism at the inappropriate time and prevent correct opening. Though frequency of "misfires" like that of the praised lock however is much lower comparing with the knives that don't have AXIS locks.
There's no censure to mildness of opening/closing of the lock. It really is simple and pleasant.
Rounded shape and massiveness of the handle provides convenient grasp, it is made that way to be right for a right-hander and for a left-hander. The clip seems convenient but with deeper examination some minus can be noticed. It is not pressed to the handle but placed in a millimeter away that makes certain discomfort if you carry the knife in a pocket of fine clothes. For example it clings to stitches and bulges from summer pants or shorts and that not always causes adequate reaction of girls.
The good one of this knife is big hole for opening that lets you open the knife even if you are gloved.
This model is available in two versions: with straight blade or with the serrated edge. The model with the serrated edge is recommended to buy if the serrated edge is going to be in use. The availability of one generally brings plenty of problems usually related to sharpening and quality of cut. Besides on this model it is too deep in our oppinion. And that causes problems with mild cutting even such serrated edge-willing things like jeans or leather. Periodically the blade stucks and resists cutting. That really is minus when you defend yourself.
The knives that come with blade from steel 440C have tendency to corrode. That's why the blade needs more caring.

Maybe used materials are not the latest fashion tends but the price of the knife is almost twice lower than other models of this producer. By classification of Benchmade this knife belongs to blue (the most budgetary) segment of knives, though it isn't hurting the quality.
The price varies from $70 to $100.