The 556-S30V uses CPM-S30V, Crucible's purpose-designed knife steel formulated specifically for folding knife blades. CPM-S30V balances edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance in a formula that makes it one of the most widely trusted production EDC steels available. It holds a working edge through months of daily carry, sharpens readily on conventional abrasives, and resists corrosion in normal EDC environments.

Both share the same CPM-S30V steel, full flat grind, Black Noryl GTX handle, ambidextrous thumb hole, AXIS lock, and reversible clip. The full-size Griptilian 551-S30V has a 3.45-inch blade at 3.95 oz closed at 4.62 inches — the working folder format for buyers who want maximum blade length and a full-size handle. The Mini Griptilian 556-S30V has a 2.91-inch blade at 2.83 oz closed at 3.87 inches — the compact carry format for buyers who want Griptilian ergonomics in a front pocket-friendly package at $25 less. Same platform, same ergonomics, meaningfully different carry dimensions.

Both are compact AXIS lock folders at similar blade lengths and price points. The Mini Griptilian 556-S30V has a 2.91-inch blade with a full flat grind, Noryl GTX handle, and ambidextrous thumb hole at 2.83 oz and 3.87 inches closed for $150. The Mini Bugout 533 series has a 2.82-inch blade with a hollow grind, Grivory handle, and dual thumb studs at 1.48 oz and 3.74 inches closed for $175. The Mini Griptilian is heavier but has a more ergonomically substantial handle and a full flat grind that outslices the hollow grind in sustained cutting tasks. Choose the Mini Bugout for minimum weight; choose the Mini Griptilian for more substantial ergonomics and slicing performance.

The 556-S30V uses Benchmade’s AXIS lock — a hardened steel bar that rides in a channel milled through both handle scales and cams over the blade tang when the knife opens. Releasing it requires simultaneously pressing both sides of the lock bar inward, making it extremely resistant to accidental closure under lateral or spine pressure. The AXIS lock is fully ambidextrous and operable one-handed from either side. The Griptilian’s large oval thumb hole makes deployment fast and ergonomic even with gloves or wet hands.

The 556-S30V has a 2.91-inch blade with an overall open length of 6.78 inches and a closed length of 3.87 inches. Blade thickness is 0.115 inches with a full flat grind. It weighs 2.83 oz. The clip is tip-up/tip-down reversible and fully ambidextrous.

Yes. The 556-S30V is manufactured by Benchmade in Oregon City, Oregon. Knifeworks is an authorized Benchmade dealer — every knife is sourced through official channels and eligible for the full Benchmade LifeSharp Warranty.

The 556-S30V is covered by the Benchmade LifeSharp Warranty: free lifetime sharpening, blade replacement, and mechanical repair. Warranty service is handled directly by Benchmade. Contact Benchmade at benchmade.com for warranty claims or service. Knifeworks is an authorized Benchmade dealer — every knife is sourced through official channels and eligible for full LifeSharp coverage.