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any 581 fans?
- Thread starter yoko
- Start date
RamZar
Gold Member
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- Mar 3, 2013
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- 11,630
The only "complaints" that I've read about the 581 (3.6" blade of M390) and 586 (2.91" blade of M390) is that they're assisted opening (not an issue for me) and the aluminum bolsters (I would've preferred all G10 or SS bolsters). I enjoy carrying my little 586.
It's my favorite as well. It's the most auto-like AO I've ever seen and I like the blade shape much better than the 580 (not to mention the blade material).
My wish list for refining this knife:
- A deep-carry clip (at least as an option).
- A smooth ramp to the thumb stud since your thumb must slide across the grip cuts when opening it. They did sculpt around the thumb stud area, but the handle still creates resistance.
- Jimping (for lack of a better term) on the top and bottom of the liner near the base of the blade, as seen on basically every McHenry & Williams design they make.
With those, it'd be easier to carry, easier to open, and more usable for precision cutting with the tip. In spite of these, though, I'm more than happy with it.
On pure personal preference, I'd like full G-10 handles (perhaps in a different color/pattern from the 580 to distinguish it), too, since the aluminum is pretty flashy.
My wish list for refining this knife:
- A deep-carry clip (at least as an option).
- A smooth ramp to the thumb stud since your thumb must slide across the grip cuts when opening it. They did sculpt around the thumb stud area, but the handle still creates resistance.
- Jimping (for lack of a better term) on the top and bottom of the liner near the base of the blade, as seen on basically every McHenry & Williams design they make.
With those, it'd be easier to carry, easier to open, and more usable for precision cutting with the tip. In spite of these, though, I'm more than happy with it.
On pure personal preference, I'd like full G-10 handles (perhaps in a different color/pattern from the 580 to distinguish it), too, since the aluminum is pretty flashy.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Feb 29, 2012
- Messages
- 800
I recently picked one up and really like it, though removing the safety and spring assist was the first thing I did. It still opens really fast with the thumbstud, is incredibly smooth, and now I can close it more easily.
I really like how solid it feels, like a heavier, barely longer in the handle 730. Aluminum bolsters a little flashy for me usually, but I'm getting used to them, and at the very least they're something different from all the sculpted and layered G10 that's been floating around recently. So that's nice.
M390 has been a great steel for me in the past, and so hopefully will be here, too. There are times when I want to carry something lighter, but in general it's a great knife for me so far. My SO's getting a 586 for her birthday; I wanted to upgrade over the little Gerber that she's got now and I think she'll get a kick out of the assist.
Not the best pic in the world, but definitely a good-looking knife:
I really like how solid it feels, like a heavier, barely longer in the handle 730. Aluminum bolsters a little flashy for me usually, but I'm getting used to them, and at the very least they're something different from all the sculpted and layered G10 that's been floating around recently. So that's nice.
M390 has been a great steel for me in the past, and so hopefully will be here, too. There are times when I want to carry something lighter, but in general it's a great knife for me so far. My SO's getting a 586 for her birthday; I wanted to upgrade over the little Gerber that she's got now and I think she'll get a kick out of the assist.
Not the best pic in the world, but definitely a good-looking knife:
BladeCommander
Basic Member
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- Nov 13, 2012
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In my pocket today
Its a little Heavy, but has a more quality feel than the regular 580
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2013
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- 786
Once it is de-assisted, the 581 is very very smooth.
Cheers
Cheers
I love the Barrage series and Osborne designs in general; was lucky to find a full G-10 limited 580-1102 and replaced the blade with one from a 581. There's no complaints re: the A/O Axis, the added weight over a stock Valox 580 is nice to have:
I am jealous that you have that combo. I have been trying to find the LE 580 G-10 model for 2 years.
I have the LE 585 in full G-10 with the original blade since I don't want to buy a 586 just to get the M390.
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- May 25, 2006
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Thanks, this Is a nice combo; I like the M390 581 blade much better than the original that came from the factory. BTW - I agree with you on the LE 585 deal, yes love the full G-10 scales but don't want to buy a 586 just for the blade. With the new prices that's a costly upgrade path. 
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2013
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Plenty of love for the 581. Though I do think they should sell a non assisted version.
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Nope, it has a back spacer.
Nope, it has a back spacer.
I'm sure you could get some. I don't have my calipers with me right now, but I'd be surprised if they weren't really close to a standard size.
Not sure why you would, but it could definitely be done.
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- Feb 21, 2013
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.148 pin goes in near the lock, .144 pin goes at the bottom. (near the blade tip when closed.)
I have a gauge pin set at home. I have a few projects in mind for various knives. I have a Sherline mini lathe in my house. :evilgrin:
I have a gauge pin set at home. I have a few projects in mind for various knives. I have a Sherline mini lathe in my house. :evilgrin:
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2000
- Messages
- 6,017
There's a good youtube video on how to deassist the 580. I have the 586 and just deassisted it. Much better now. I don't get why anyone would like the assist mechanism. Opening is worse than a regular auto because no button and closing is much more difficult than manual. It's the worst of both. And it adds to the cost.