If you thought it was impossible to improve upon the highly regarded Benchmade Griptilian, think again. Benchmade successfully compressed all the strength and functionality of the original into the Mini-Griptilian. This small folder, which has a total length of 6.78 inches when engaged, weighs in at a mere 2.67 oz. for an impressive lightweight carry.
The 557 Mini-Griptilian features a popular tanto blade made of high-quality 154CM stainless steel. A thumb stud on the blade allows for quick and easy ambidextrous opening.
This particular iteration of the 557 Mini-Griptilian, the 557S, has a partially serrated edge with a satin blade that comes in at just under 3 inches long. That's the perfect blade length for the everyday carry that can tackle demanding jobs and excel at nuanced tasks.
Along with the durable blade, this Mini-Grip has a black Noryl GTX handle with a grip-textured surface and a rib-covered spine. Even in slippery conditions, the Griptilian will live up to its name by comfortably conforming to the hand.
Like its big brother, the Mini-Griptilian boasts the patented AXIS locking mechanism that can be operated with either hand. To further provide a truly ambidextrous knife, the Mini-Grip also comes with a reversible steel pocket clip.
Specifications | |
Blade Color | Silver/gray |
Blade Edge | Partially serrated/comboedge |
Blade Material | Stainless steel (154cm) |
Country of Origin | Usa |
Handle Color | Black |
Handle Material | Noryl gtx |
Knife Type | Folding |
Lock Type | Axis lock |
Pocket Clip Include | True |
Point | Tanto |
Benchmade Knife Company, Inc. set-up shop in Clackamas, Oregon in 1990 (originally founded in California in 1988). The initial knives primarily consisted of the Bali-Song knives, using a combination of outside vendors and inside processing to build finished products. And like most companies, starting out meant scarce money and big plans, using second hand equipment and limited resources.
Soon, a natural born fortitude and an undying passion to make it right and make it Benchmade, prospered into significant growth. As the product line grew so did the in-house capabilities. We began to acquire new machines and technologies including the first of several lasers, making Benchmade the first knife manufacturer to have such equipment in-house. Open minds and positive attitudes would lead to several more industry firsts over the course of the next several years.
This was only the beginning of Benchmade's breaking of new ground in the manufactured knife markets by using non-traditional materials and modern manufacturing methods in not only building knives better but, inevitably building better knives. The Designer Series was first introduced in 1991 with several custom designs being manufactured. By tapping into the custom knife makers' knowledge and combining it with our manufacturing expertise we were more readily able to offer more contemporary knife designs and innovations to the knife users.
Consecutive years of aggressive growth led to the next logical step in 1996 when Benchmade moved into its own 35,000 sq. ft. facility. A contemporary styled building complete with all of the modern equipment and amenities necessary to manufacture what has become recognized as a higher standard of specialty cutlery.
Today, Benchmade Knife Company, Inc. manufactures knives for a loyal and ever growing following of knife users. As we move into the 21st century we are poised for even more exciting opportunities, innovations and ongoing total world-class quality. Here at Benchmade we employ a simple philosophy- 'Make it cool, make it solid, make it happen and definitely make it Benchmade.'