Benchmade Mini Griptilian Knives
The Benchmade Mini Griptilian is the compact version of one of the most popular EDC platforms ever made. Designed by legendary custom knife maker Mel Pardue, the Mini Griptilian packs the same proven engineering as its full-size sibling into a smaller, lighter package built for all-day pocket carry. KnifeArt was the largest seller of the late Mel Pardue's custom knives, so when Benchmade scaled down his Griptilian design, we knew exactly what made it work. Our founder Larry Connelley sat down with Mel for a personal interview in 2010 to talk about his life in knife making.
The Benchmade 556 Mini Griptilian is the standard drop-point model, featuring a 2.91-inch blade in CPM-S30V stainless steel and Benchmade's AXIS lock mechanism for smooth one-handed opening and closing. The Noryl GTX handles keep the weight under 3 ounces while providing a textured, secure grip. The Benchmade Mini Griptilian 555 uses the same platform with a sheepsfoot blade profile and a Spyderco hole for opening, giving you a flat cutting edge and a rounded tip that works well for detail tasks and everyday utility. Both the 556 and 555 ship with a reversible deep-carry pocket clip.
What makes the Benchmade mini grip stand apart from other compact folders is how well it balances size and capability. The 2.91-inch blade is long enough for real work but short enough to carry comfortably in any pocket. The AXIS lock is ambidextrous and allows you to close the blade with one hand without repositioning your grip. These are details that Mel Pardue built into the original Benchmade Griptilian design, and they carry over perfectly at the mini scale.
Every Benchmade Mini Griptilian knife we sell is genuine and backed by Benchmade's limited lifetime warranty and their LifeSharp sharpening service. We keep Benchmade Griptilian knives for sale in stock so you can get the one you want without waiting on a backorder. If you have questions about which model is right for you, give us a call. We have been selling Mel Pardue designs, both custom and production, longer than almost anyone in the business.
