[Rob87]

...with my brand new Benchmade 551 Griptilian. :)

It just arrived a few minutes ago. I ordered mine here (http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=3931), it got to me really fast, and now I'm very happy.

The axis lock system they use in incredible. It's nice to be able to open and close a folder with one hand, not to mention how the thing fits my hand like a glove whether I hold it blade up or down.

I can see why these are so damn popular. It's a shame I didn't get one earlier.

[DogBonz]

And they are great knives. I think that BM's are the best value in knives out there. I have carried my CQC7 (Benchmade's Emerson design) for 10 years and I still think it is the best knife ever made (INHO). Enjoy your new knife and if you take care of it it will last you a life time.

[Rob87]

I'm really happy with it. It has a nice weight to it, feels solid, and it's obvious it was put together well.

I'm curious, though: is there any regular maintenance I need to do? What about cleaning?

I've only owned a couple of knives, which I never use, but I intend to carry my 551 daily from now on, so I guess it's important that I learn how to properly take care of a knife.

[DogBonz]

I'm curious, though: is there any regular maintenance I need to do? What about cleaning?

Not really. I just add a drop of oil to the pivot and wipe the blade down with a silicon cloth every once and a while. If you have access to an air compressor I like to blow the pocket lint out once a week or so, but I’m sure that it’s no big deal.

[Rob87]

Ah, seems easy enough.

And, I hate to say it, but I'm an idiot. I was cutting apart an old notebook (come on, I had to cut something with my new knife), and I stupidly tried to cut through the wire binding.

I had to sharpen the blade to get rid of the damage, which was both visual and could felt.

Oh well. I can always buy another if I destroy it.

Edit: I guess the blade would eventually show wear unless I just kept it in the box and never used it, so I guess I shouldn't feel bad about it. :/

[rugerfreak]

Take a look at the Cabela's Griptilian with D2 steel for your next one---lolol.

[Rob87]

haha :P

We all make mistakes. ;)

[TMM]

551 was my first BM. pretty good, but even for BM, the 440C blade steel is crap. unless you got one of the new ones with 154CM. that is a GOOD steel. i have a 732 Ares in 154CM and it's great. holds an edge much better. i work at a farm and garden supply store, where i cut a lot of plastic shrink wrap from pallets. even doing just that, the 440C dulls pretty fast. i can't wait until the 732 comes back from LifeSharp.

~tmm