581 Barrage or 710?

Neomentat

Neomentat

Joined
Jun 18, 2006
Messages
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I'm thinking about picking up another BM. I've got it narrowed down to the 710 and 581 Barrage but can't decide on which one. I like the longer blade of the 710 but it's in D2 and has a recurve, the 581 has M390 and is ground super thin but I don't like assisted knives.

Which one will you buy of these two?
 
Neomentat said:
Which one will you buy of these two?
Click to expand...

I will buy both :)

Actually I already have both and I think they are both excellent knives. I prefer non assisted for easier 1 hand closing, I believe there's a way to deassist the 581 but I haven't researched it yet. The 710 is one of my favorite knives though, the blade to handle balance/ratio seems perfect to me. Check out the 710-1401, it's a dealer exclusive with M390 and blue/black g-10 scales.
 
I have a 581 and I like it just as it is. I don't have a 710 and I won't buy one because it has a recurve, but I started my Benchmade career with an AFCK.

A lot of people do seem to like the 710, I would guess that the 710 is more popular here than the 581.
 
I have the 710 in M390 and a deassisted 581. I like the 710 more because of the longer blade and lighter weight. I also find the 581 handle a little on the chunky side inside my pocket.
 
581 is easy to de-assist, and when i sent mine to the factory for sharpening they either didnt notice or didnt care. M390 is EXPONENTIALLY better for edge holding, and the bolster and g10 is classy looking. Because of the similarity of the prices, the 581 would be, imo, the obvious choice, hands down.
 
710 all the way! Got mine a few weeks ago, I to was worried about the D2 and recurve, after bit of research I brought a Spyderco triangle sharpmaker at the same time. Works just fine. It came sharp, now it's way sharper! :thumbup:
Plus a hanging stop, just fine for the recurve.

Kris,.
 
I have both, The standard 710 didn't float my boat and is one of the very few knives I have sold (nothing wrong with the D2, I never came to terms with the handle). the 710-1401 with m390 and sculptured G10 is a whole different knife. Sharpening (keeping it sharp rather) on a Sharpmaker's corners is no problem.

I like the 581 (I've taken out the assist spring). It is really an attractive knife, feels good in the hand but it is a heavy beast (for its blade length) to carry. To all intents and purposes its a full flat grind which is almost unusual for a Benchmade.

581 vs 710-1401, I'll take the 710
581 vs standard 710, I'll take the 581

Whatever you end up choosing, I doubt you will be disappointed.
 
I'd like to own a 710, but don't have one yet. From what I can tell, it's great.

However. I do own a 580 and I absolutely love it. Blade shape is phenom. I'm not a big of assisted opening either, but I actually really like it on this knife. I also appreciate where Benchmade has put the assisted lock on the knife (easy to access); although I never really use it because the knife has never accidentally deployed in my pocket.

I do recommend you buy one in person though to check for blade centering. I feel like the assisted knives are more often slightly off-center from the factory.
 
Get the 710-1401 from Knife works.com, it has better steel (M390) & handles (contoured black and blue G10).
 
Definitely always 710, excellent SD & working utility knife, for around $150 great price2value!
Pros: 4" blade, recurve with sweet spot int the right spot, partially serrated, sharp thin point for deep penetration, excellent slicer, light weight, thin g-10 handle profile for pocket carry, d2 tool steel tough enough for most work yet easy to sharpen with proper tool.
Cons: too narrow flat handle, no finger choil on handle for better grip when deep thrusting, d2 steel had 2 tiny rust spots when arrived from seller but none now after polishing blade on belt sharpener, regular not a deep pocket clip worn only in tip up position, I prefer tip down carry.

Solution, keep d2 clean and dry, replace regular pocket clip with deep pocket clip, replace g10 scales with custom oval shape for better hand fit, sharpen to 15 degrees and mirror polish blade edge.
 
ryansgr8 said:
Get the 710-1401 from Knife works.com, it has better steel (M390) & handles (contoured black and blue G10).
Click to expand...

I would also vote for the 710. Maybe I'm just not used to it, but I don't like the assisted open. The KW 710 with and M390 blade is a good mix of steel performance and classic manual folder design.
 
I think I'm the rarity here in that I prefer the 581. Both are excellent knives and will serve you will.
 
I know the 710 has been one of BM's most popular knives over the years, but I didn't feel it...
My first BM was a 705 right after they released them. I carried it every day for a few years. Figuring the 710 was basically a bigger version, and with all the great reviews, I went to the store one day to buy one. After playing with it for about 10 minutes I put it back, and never looked at them again.

The Mini Barrage was the opposite. Looking at the pictures I always figured they would be uncomfortable, but much to my surprise the first time I picked one up, I really liked it.

Just because a lot of people like a particular knife doesn't mean you will. It's always best to check one out in person first if you can.
 
I have the 710 and love it. Just want some of those awesome handles ^. I want to try the 581 though. You'll be happy either way
 
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