Wow, so I guess we've learned not to baton through stuff with our grips. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />
Though we can conclude that a hollow ground blade from benchmade is not made for anything else besides slicing.
I've batoned through a 4-5 inch cherry wood branch with a Rukus and the edge was fine. So you really can't say they're just hype.
I hear lots of people complaining about the grip on the BM forum not being up to par with what they expect.
I think BMs purpose of the grip was to bring the fix grip grips to a folder and the axis lock to the average consumer. Knowing that the average consumer won't be abusing it and won't be buying a 300 dollar knife.