580, I love you. Axis assist, not as much.

S

Squashfan

Joined
Jun 6, 2012
Messages
1,670
When I first got my 580, I thought it was the best thing ever. It functions like a switchblade and has that sweet drop point/dagger grind. It is the perfect EDC for me with one exception. I have found the axis assist has made more problems than it has solved. I *CAN* close the knife one handed. But if my attention strays for even a micro-second, I have problems. I have dropped the knife when closing it one handed at least three times. Fortunately, It has landed on its side and not the tip. Now, however, I am paranoid about trying to close it one handed. If the knife could fall on me or anything important I won't try to close it one handed. In a reverse of the usual, my heart says to the Barrage: "You're perfect!" but my mind says: "Not so fast". I would really like to get a 583-1 some day too.

I really don't want to de-assist the knife, so is there hope for me? Maybe another knife without the axis assist that is very similar?
 
I have a 581 I really like, which also happened to be my first and only assisted opening knife which was cool at first, but a bit of a pain to close compared to regular Axis knives after the novelty wore off. The pivot screw kept coming loose so I decided to take it out so I could loctite it, but then couldn't get the blade centered, long story short I ended up taking it completely apart and taking the assist out just to try it out, I know like it a lot better, its super smooth to open AND to close.
 
I think it becomes second nature over time. I haven't had any issues with the one handed close. Give it some more time perhaps? Well I have the G10 versions of the Barrage, could be that the added weight on the handles makes for easier closing. I did have a regular 580 a while back but don't recall any issue though. Not really sure which other model would be very similar. the Barrage line have a unique blade and handle design compared to others. If you like the lightweight scales, perhaps a gripitilian would be to your liking.
 
Even though I've thought about doing it, my Barrage (580/585/585-1/583-1) and Nitrous (907/912/913/890) models stay assisted. After 40 years of collecting am used to closing a knife two handed and don't mind the additional weight...and all of mine are in the harder to find G-10 scales. I guess either we like or don't like AO's, but there are plenty of other options available...!
 
I love AOs and I am a huge fan of my Nitrous Blitz. I cut my knife teeth on Kershaw speedsafe folders. But I think I have gotten lazy and don't want to go back to two handed closing. HOWEVER, despite all of this, the 580 continually finds a way into my pocket. I am carrying it today, perhaps that is all that needs to be said.
 
How are you trying to close your knife where you're dropping it?

I use the method above with no problems.

Spine of blade against side of leg whist pulling back on Axis lock.
 
aquaman67 said:
How are you trying to close your knife where you're dropping it?

I use the method above with no problems.

Spine of blade against side of leg whist pulling back on Axis lock.
Click to expand...

Thats awfully close to my 007, I would never do that lol :D
 
I, as well as a bunch of others that have posted in other threads about the barrage, all close ours by using our thumb and middle finger to pull down the axis and using our index finger to push down the back of the blade. This video is of my buddy opening and closing his. He's the one that showed me how to do it.

Skip to 0:35
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdkErtKJIN4
 
Hmmm, I think I had my technique wrong. I was keeping both thumb and middle finger on the Axis lock for the majority of closing. It is no wonder I would lose my grip. Thanks for the help!
 
No problem! Glad I could help you enjoy the barrage. It's got a nice assist kick to it.
 
Carried the 580 today. I don't know what but something clicked in my brain and I didn't have a problem. Really had a blast with it.
 
My only concern is spring wear. Has anybody ever had these things quit opening over time? Can you get replacement springs if needed?
 
I have a 581 and I really like it. I also have a couple of Benchmades with the Nitrous system, and a few other brands of assisted knives. I like the assist on the 581 because it powers the blade through more of its travel than the others do. This also makes it more difficult to close but I've not had any problems closing it one-handed as long as I position it in my hand properly to start with.
 
I have 2 585's and one 580...I EDC a 585 and can easily close them one handed without looking. I absolutely prefer AO type knives.
Perhaps you just need to use it more...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top