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Benchmade - Mini Griptilian 557 Knife

4.5 out of 5 stars 190 ratings

Currently unavailable.
We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock.
Brand Benchmade
Model Name 557
Special Feature Pocket Clip,Reversible,Rust Resistant
Age Range (Description) Adult
Included Components Knife
Color Sand
Blade Material 154CM Stainless Steel
Style Plain Edge/Coated Finish
Blade Length 2.91 Inches

About this item

  • HIGH-QUALITY: The 154CM stainless steel blade is tough, rust resistant, and holds an edge well. The glass-filled nylon handle is tough yet attractive, making it ideal for hard jobs and everyday carry.
  • WELL-DESIGNED: Benchmade's AXIS lock is exceptionally strong and fully ambidextrous. The Mini Griptilian 557 is a manual knife that can be opened and closed single-handedly.
  • COMFORTABLE: The 557's smaller, lighter design and handle grips make it comfortable to hold, use, and take anywhere. The reversible pocket clip offers ultimate accessibility.
  • VERSATILE: The Mini Griptilian 557's tanto blade style is mostly tactical in nature but is versatile enough for everyday use.
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Product Description

When it comes to all around functionality, you can't beat the Griptillian. There are more shapes, sizes and colors available in the Griptillian than any other product family from Benchmade. Intended for Rescue, Everyday or Tactical use, the Griptilian 557 has a lanyard hole and a standard clip type with a reversible tip-up clip position. Specifications: Designer: Pardue | Mechanism: AXIS | Action: Manual-opening | Blade Steel: 154CM (58-61 HRC) | Blade Length: 2.91" (7.39cm) | Blade Thickness: 0.100" (2.54mm) | Open Length: 6.78" (17.22cm) | Closed Length: 3.87" (9.83cm) | Handle Thickness: 0.51" (12.95mm) | Weight: 3.89oz. (110.28g).

Product information

Technical Details

Recommended Uses For Product ‎Fighting
Brand ‎Benchmade
Model Name ‎557
Special Feature ‎Pocket Clip,Reversible,Rust Resistant
Age Range (Description) ‎Adult
Included Components ‎Knife
Color ‎Sand
Blade Material ‎154CM Stainless Steel
Style ‎Plain Edge/Coated Finish
Blade Length ‎2.91 Inches
Power Source ‎Manual
Product Care Instructions ‎Hand Wash Only
Hand Orientation ‎Ambidextrous
Item Weight ‎2.72 ounces
Blade Shape ‎Straight
Reusability ‎Reusable
Item Length ‎6.78 Inches
Global Trade Identification Number ‎00610953128630
Size ‎2.9"
Manufacturer ‎Benchmade
UPC ‎610953128630
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H ‎6 x 2.6 x 1.4 inches
Package Weight ‎4 ounces
Item Dimensions LxWxH ‎7 x 4 x 4 inches
Brand Name ‎Benchmade
Number of Items ‎1
Part Number ‎557BKSN

Additional Information

ASIN B004VRHGUK
Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars 190 ratings

4.5 out of 5 stars
Date First Available April 8, 2011

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Benchmade - Mini Griptilian 557 Knife


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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
190 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this knife razor-sharp out of the box and appreciate its thick steel construction that stays rock solid when open. The compact design fits wonderfully in the hand, making it a great EDC tool, and customers praise its smooth axis lock mechanism. They like the knife's appearance and consider it well worth the money.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

77 customers mention "Sharpness"73 positive4 negative

Customers praise the knife's sharpness, noting it comes razor-sharp out of the box and stays that way.

"...The blade is sturdy and thick; comes hair-shave sharp and I really like this tanto version...." Read more

"...Now, the blade. It comes from the box absolutely razor sharp. A huge plus, since I am not very good at properly sharpening blades!..." Read more

"...is good for piercing material and cutting tasks and is rather easy to sharpen...." Read more

"...for going on four years now though, and if it wasn't one of the best damn knives I've ever owned, I sure as hell wouldn't have bought it a second or..." Read more

50 customers mention "Build quality"50 positive0 negative

Customers praise the knife's build quality, noting its thick steel construction and rock-solid open position.

"...The Mini-Griptillian is a large knife in a small package. The blade is sturdy and thick; comes hair-shave sharp and I really like this tanto version..." Read more

"...No regrets here folks, well worth the extra bit of cash to have a higher quality, simpler, and safer knife than what the competition can offer." Read more

"...The mini grip is a compact, lightweight, and sturdy knife which could be the only knife a person would need...." Read more

"...It keeps a good edge, stands up to some serious abuse, and it feels quite nice in the hand...." Read more

42 customers mention "Size"37 positive5 negative

Customers appreciate the knife's compact size, noting that it fits wonderfully in their hand and is a great EDC option, with one customer mentioning it's easy to carry in dress pants.

"...This one is light too; easy to carry in dress pants or whatever...." Read more

"...The mini grip is a compact, lightweight, and sturdy knife which could be the only knife a person would need...." Read more

"...reasonably sharp right out of the packaging, and I've never had to tighten or adjust anything...." Read more

"...I previously had a Kershaw Ken Onion Leek for many years - perfect pocket size knife, but the blade tip broke off immediately when I dropped it and..." Read more

30 customers mention "Value for money"26 positive4 negative

Customers find the knife to be well worth the money, with one customer noting that the blade steel justifies the higher price point.

"...No regrets here folks, well worth the extra bit of cash to have a higher quality, simpler, and safer knife than what the competition can offer." Read more

"...Other than the clip, the knife is stellar--definitely worth the $80 I spent...." Read more

"...Overall great product and worth the price, and it's a nice looking knife to boot." Read more

"...Yeah it’s expensive but worth it, this knife is Kent and designed to be used, not sit in some box because you don’t want to scratch it or dull it or..." Read more

28 customers mention "Blade quality"28 positive0 negative

Customers praise the knife's blade quality, finding it perfect for EDC use and great for cutting tasks, with one customer noting its versatility for various applications.

"...It's not too big, not too small, lightweight but sturdy, just perfect for edc." Read more

"...However, its ugliness hides a great, useful knife at a reasonable price!..." Read more

"Great knife for the money. Sharp out of the box and well built. Makes for a nice EDC as it's light, carries discreetly while clipped to pants pocket..." Read more

"...Perfect knife for my EDC needs. Love the black blade and tan scales as well." Read more

19 customers mention "Lock mechanism"16 positive3 negative

Customers praise the knife's locking mechanism, particularly its smooth axis system, with one customer noting that it keeps the blade safely secured.

"...I do, however, adore the Axis lock - it's a difference maker for me and Benchmade integrates it in many of their knives...." Read more

"...NEVER been able to overpower the locking mechanism; it keeps the blade safely locked out and in place...." Read more

"...The axis lock engages well and I have no difficulty opening and closing the knife...." Read more

"...The locking mechanism, build quality, and blade steel all warrant a higher price...." Read more

17 customers mention "Weight"17 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the knife's weight, describing it as light.

"...This one is light too; easy to carry in dress pants or whatever...." Read more

"...The mini grip is a compact, lightweight, and sturdy knife which could be the only knife a person would need...." Read more

"...It's not too big, not too small, lightweight but sturdy, just perfect for edc." Read more

"...It's small and light, which is a plus for EDC, especially in a suit. I'm keeping it, but it will probably never be my favorite." Read more

16 customers mention "Looks"13 positive3 negative

Customers love the appearance of the knife, with one customer particularly appreciating its black blade.

"...Elegant and sophisticated, yet so mindlessly simple. Would be worth 5 stars on this feature alone...." Read more

"...Overall great product and worth the price, and it's a nice looking knife to boot." Read more

"...Its a smooth perfectly sized knife. The blade design is beautiful, but it does need sharpening...." Read more

"...The black handle with silver tanto combo looks classy. Can wear this knife with anything from a pair of old jeans to a tuxedo...." Read more

This is one of the best edc knives around
5 out of 5 stars
This is one of the best edc knives around
This is one of the best edc knives around. Most of the time what makes something the "best" really comes down to personal preferences, but I can confidently say this ones up there on the list. Part of why I say this is the price. It's inexpensive enough that you don't have to baby it, and at a little over $90 there's not much competition. The locking mechanism, build quality, and blade steel all warrant a higher price. There's a couple Spyderco's around this price point that are absolutely worth owning, but if I had to pick one sub $100 edc knife I pick this. About that locking mechanism, it's Benchmade's Axis system, and it's fantastic. It also acts as a detent for the blade. Not a detent as in a small bump that seats in a recess, but instead the same pin that locks the blade in place when open, also holds the blade in place when closed. You have to overcome the spring in the mechanism to open the blade, but after you open it x degrees, it opens the rest of the way with negligible resistance. The thing is rock solid when open. It's safe, snaps open quickly, and opens and unlocks easily with one hand. Just perfect. The 154cm blade steel is a great all around choice. Edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance are all present. Not the best in any of those categories, but good in all of them. My one beef is the handle scales. The plastic they use feels cheap. I didn't take off a star because it's perfectly functional material, and most brand-name knives have basic plastic handles at this price point. I just don't like the look and feel, but that's not even really an issue anyway. This knife is so popular that there are plenty of aftermarket scales. I bought black micarta ones I found on Amazon, but I've also seen g-10 and carbon fiber ones. Just buy it, you know you want to, and this is more practical than a lot of other knives you probably also want. It's not too big, not too small, lightweight but sturdy, just perfect for edc.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2012
    ... that is, if you got the cash. I love Benchmade Axis lock folders. They are among my favorites of all pocket-clip style folders. You don't need assisted-opening, as these knives are so quick and smooth to flip open. I use the lock to open mine quickly or thumb studs to finesse it open. The Mini-Griptillian is a large knife in a small package. The blade is sturdy and thick; comes hair-shave sharp and I really like this tanto version. It's less than 3 inches long, but the cutting edge runs almost the full length of the knife-blade. This one is light too; easy to carry in dress pants or whatever. There are so many versions/colors of the Mini - I'm eyeballing the Cabelas D-2 version next (rubbing hands together). I collect knives and believe that of all that I own I have no bias toward one brand or the next. I do, however, adore the Axis lock - it's a difference maker for me and Benchmade integrates it in many of their knives. If you don't own a Benchmade 940 (my most prized knife), the mini is a cheaper, little brother. It will serve you well, and is built to last a life-time, whether you're busting open dip cans, boxes, or opening your mail. The tanto version has serrations so it will handle rope and branches a bit better than it's non-serrated brother. I plan to have the non-serrated version too. I also love the large Griptillian folder. It too can be EDC'd, but it's a larger knife also good for hunting/skinning use. I don't love the plasticky handles on these (my only knock). I wish they had G-10 scales instead. Jimping up top is good, but could be better (see Spyderco for how to jimp). You will love this knife and it will be among your favorites. Buy with confidence - a great high quality product.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2015
    I wrote a review not too long ago for the SOG Mini-trident, which is probably the most comparable knife on the market. I had bought it to replace the Mini-griptillian I had lost. The entire time I owned the SOG, I wished I had just sucked it up and spent the extra $30-40 to get the griptillian. And now that I had an excuse to pick up the tanto version of the mini-griptillian (lost the SOG some place) my doubts about the SOG were only reinforced; THIS is the knife by which all other knives should be measured!

    First, the Axis-lock is simple, resilient, and addictingly satisfying to deploy. Ambidextrous, with mild spring pressure keeping the button in place, just pull it down and give your wrist a flick and the blade deploys every time. Depress the button again and flick it back shut to safely tuck the blade away with one hand and zero risk to your fingers. No infuriating "safety" switch accidentally deploying in your pocket, keeping the blade shut. No dangerous compression device or spring to wrestle with both hands to shut the blade again. Just easy, single-handed gravity based deployment. And I've NEVER been able to overpower the locking mechanism; it keeps the blade safely locked out and in place. Elegant and sophisticated, yet so mindlessly simple. Would be worth 5 stars on this feature alone.

    Now, the blade. It comes from the box absolutely razor sharp. A huge plus, since I am not very good at properly sharpening blades! The weight and balance are perfect. The tanto point has a "clip point" style drop from the back of the blade ("mune") which creates a more angular tip, I would presume for added strength. I haven't had any issues with tip/blade chipping or breaking after several prying tasks.

    No regrets here folks, well worth the extra bit of cash to have a higher quality, simpler, and safer knife than what the competition can offer.
    9 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2020
    I waited over a year before I reviewed the mini-grip and since Feb of 2018 I have used it for EDC, taken it to diplomatic events, and even hiked abroad in a typhoon!! The mini grip is a compact, lightweight, and sturdy knife which could be the only knife a person would need. The 154cm tanto is good for piercing material and cutting tasks and is rather easy to sharpen. The handles are very grippy (had to say it) and would survive drops and scratches well. The axis lock engages well and I have no difficulty opening and closing the knife.

    If there's one thing I would like to change, it's the pocket clip. While I am aware that Benchmade can ship a deep-carry pocket clip for free, the process was a bit difficult and my older brother got me a Lynch Northwest Titanium pocket clip instead.

    Other than the clip, the knife is stellar--definitely worth the $80 I spent. If I didn't already have other knives in my collection, I would honestly carry this for EDC until it breaks or I lose it.
    Customer image
    4.0 out of 5 stars
    Compact, functional, tough. Great for EDC.

    Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2020
    I waited over a year before I reviewed the mini-grip and since Feb of 2018 I have used it for EDC, taken it to diplomatic events, and even hiked abroad in a typhoon!! The mini grip is a compact, lightweight, and sturdy knife which could be the only knife a person would need. The 154cm tanto is good for piercing material and cutting tasks and is rather easy to sharpen. The handles are very grippy (had to say it) and would survive drops and scratches well. The axis lock engages well and I have no difficulty opening and closing the knife.

    If there's one thing I would like to change, it's the pocket clip. While I am aware that Benchmade can ship a deep-carry pocket clip for free, the process was a bit difficult and my older brother got me a Lynch Northwest Titanium pocket clip instead.

    Other than the clip, the knife is stellar--definitely worth the $80 I spent. If I didn't already have other knives in my collection, I would honestly carry this for EDC until it breaks or I lose it.
    Images in this review
    Customer imageCustomer image
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2018
    I'm a forgetful person - forgetful enough that I've had to surrender this knife to the TSA for forgetting to put it in my check-in baggage not once, but twice. I've owned this particular knife for going on four years now though, and if it wasn't one of the best damn knives I've ever owned, I sure as hell wouldn't have bought it a second or third time. It keeps a good edge, stands up to some serious abuse, and it feels quite nice in the hand. Every time I've bought this knife it came reasonably sharp right out of the packaging, and I've never had to tighten or adjust anything.

    Overall great product and worth the price, and it's a nice looking knife to boot.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • CKo
    5.0 out of 5 stars excellent every day carry knive
    Reviewed in Germany on June 2, 2015
    I carry this knive almost every day because it is very light weight and almost disappears in your pocket. I own a number of folders but this one gets by far the most pocket time. US produced, very ergonomic, excellent build quality, great blade shapes available and overall very solid price-value relation.
  • K.C.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mein neues EDC
    Reviewed in Germany on April 2, 2016
    Habe relativ viele Messerchen, sonst war immer ein Kershaw Skyline, Ontario Rat 2 oder ein Esse Zancudo dabei. Aber das hier hat alle ersetzt.
    Report