| Product Name: | Benchmade Griptilian MDP |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Benchmade |
| Rating: | |
| Type of Knife: | EDC (Every Day Carry) |
| Blade Type: | Drop Point |
| Blade Material: | Stainless Steel |
| Blade Length: | 3.45″ |
| Overall Length: | 8.07″ |
| Closed Length: | 4.62″ |
| Handle Material: | Molded Plastic |
| Lock Type: | Lever Lock |
| Weight: | 3.82 oz |
CLICK HERE for the latest price on the Benchmade Griptilian MDP
Benchmade Griptilian MDP Knife
The Benchmade Knife Company was founded in California in 1988 before moving to its current Oregon facility in 1990. Benchmade’s motto is “It’s not just a knife. It’s a Benchmade.” because they strive to create new designs with quality materials. They also use modern precision techniques to produce knives that are covered by a lifetime limited warranty as well as LifeSharp service.
The Benchmade Griptilian MDP knife is an example of the best in materials along with fine craftsmanship. The knife weighs 3.8 ounces and has an overall length of 8.07 inches. It has the perfect weight and length for many everyday tasks, which is important in a knife that will become an EDC.
Overall, the Griptilian MDP has a black corrosion resistant covering over the blade that matches the black of the handle. It’s a great detail that gives the knife a uniform appearance. Mel Pardue designed this knife as he did many other popular Benchmade knives.
The Blade
The Griptilian MDP knife has a modified drop point. Drop point blades are a popular choice for every day carry knives because their shape gives strength to the very tip of the knife. This is important for many tasks.
The blade is made of 154CM stainless steel and has a hardness level of 58 to 60 HRC. It is partially serrated, which gives the knife the ability to perform a variety of cutting tasks. The jobs this blade performs doubles with the addition of the serrations on the edge. Many knives can cut thick rope or small tree branches, but without a serrated edge, it takes twice as long.
The blade has added thumb studs for easy, one-handed opening, and it has the beautiful etched butterfly logo of Benchmade. Many owners report that the blade was extremely sharp direct from the factory, which is important for most users. With most heavy tasks, the blade has no play or wiggle. It locked firmly in place.
The Handle
The handle is made from contoured black Noryl GTX, which is a type of molded plastic that is very tough and can take a lot of abuse. It’s molded with texture across the palm-swelled shape of the handle. The handle is 4.62 inches with a thickness of 0.64 inches. While some users report that it’s very thick, other owners love the solid feel and grip of the large handle.
The Griptilian’s inner liner is made of stainless steel giving the knife blade a secure seating. The jimping in the liner extends to jimping along the upper edge of the knife blade to give a more secure purchase during involved cutting tasks. There’s more jimping on the underside of the knife too.
The Axis lock design is standard for most Benchmade knives. It allows the knife to be opened easily with the thumb studs on the blade itself, and it locks the blade tight on opening so it won’t close accidentally. The lock safety is on the handle. There’s a black coated clip on the handle which secures the knife in a pocket or on a belt for easy carry on the right or left in the tip-up position.
The Pros
- The handle can take a beating and still look amazing.
- The Griptilian is considered a utility knife as well as a tactical knife.
- It has superior knife locking ability and no play to the blade in use.
The Cons
- Some knife owners don’t like the feel of molded plastic in the grip.
Insider Tip
Many owners like the look of the modified drop point blade. The black clip might fade over time, but one owner reports that Benchmade will send replacement clips if a customer calls for new ones. This is a testament to their superior customer appreciation.
The Verdict
Anyone purchasing the Benchmade Griptilian MDP will enjoy a beautiful looking and functional knife that can be used for EDC with ease. It can be a utility knife as well as a tactical knife if the need arises. The blade will hold an edge for a long time and has a combo blade for a variety of cutting jobs. It negates the need for two separate knives to complete a job. One knife can do the job of two. The Axis locking system makes the knife better than an automatic knife too.
CLICK HERE for the latest price on the Benchmade Griptilian MDP