Benchmade 581 Barrage(new in M390 steel)

xtestifyx said:
I would say you get a superior grip from the WARN pattern in the center compared to the almost plain Valox on the 580

The 581 is a big step up in terms of materials used on the handles and the blade, that's why I like it so much. If you decided that the G-10 on the 583 wasn't grippy enough, you could always use 100-200grit Sandpaper and roughen the surface a bit
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I'm really curious as to what the grip on the alunimum bolsters is like compared to the G-10 handles? I'm going to buy another 58x, I just want maximum grip.
 
dogma512 said:
I'm really curious as to what the grip on the alunimum bolsters is like compared to the G-10 handles? I'm going to buy another 58x, I just want maximum grip.
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Your index finger will only barely touch the bolsters, and where it does it has grooves for traction. I don't think it will make a noticeable difference.
 
I just picked one of these up last night and I have to say that I am very impressed with this knife. The fit and finish on mine is top notch (anyone worried about the bolsters, don't be) and the blade pops out so fast you'd think it was an auto.

I slapped mine on my wicked edge this morning and put a 15 degree edge on each side... started with the 100 grit stones (took a while to reprofile it, that steel is pretty tough) and brought it up to the 1600 grit ceramics... didn't hit it with any leather though.

The blade is so sharp now I think it could cut a hole in space/time.
 
Great review. Just got mine today. I bought the 850 after playing with it in the local knife shop. I was blown away by the Axis Assist, but underwhelmed with the Valox scales and the blade grind. The 851 is the solution to my problems! I love the higher grind, and handle materials. The fit and finish is perfect, and the upgraded blade steel is just icing on the cake. Best part is I scored it for the same price as my 850, because I bought it online. Today is a good day!
 
Anyone feel a very very slight up and down play in their 581. Not enough to be visible but enough to make a slight sound when moved up and down. It's weird because my 580, otherwise not as good in fit and finish has no play what so ever.
 
D'ohboy said:
Anyone feel a very very slight up and down play in their 581. Not enough to be visible but enough to make a slight sound when moved up and down. It's weird because my 580, otherwise not as good in fit and finish has no play what so ever.
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I can feel it, but I won't hear it unless I really wrench the thing. Doesn't really bother me though.

One thing I should note is that at this point in time, I've probably opened and closed the blade about a hundred times give or take. The blade doesn't seem to slam open with the force it had when I first got it. Not sure if it means the spring will die out quickly, but it's the first time I've noticed it in an assisted opening knife.
 
With regard to the up/down play. Noticed it just so ever slightly, but I'm picky with knives. Just nudge the axis lock stud up towards the tip and "voila", rock solid lock up. For the last week since I got it, the 581 has been my daily carry, at least until my next new knife. Terrible addiction!
 
Lucked out and got #43 of 1000 at my local brick and mortar. Buy a lot of knives from them so I got a better than internet price as well.
 
Nice review.
I picked up the 583-1 a month ago. Really wanted the 581, but got a great deal on the Warn. It's quite grippy - however, the finger grooves on the 580 and 581 are right where my hand needs 'em, and it feel like a natural extension of my arm. Mostly due to blade shape, I'm really wishing I had picked up the 581. My technique and usage doesn't take advantage of the tanto. Looks like now I'll need to spring for both.
 
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got one on friday, its the best benchmade since the rukus knives. very solid,feels great in the hand, well made, perfect blade centering,opens fast.i like that it can be locked open or closed,too.i polished the pocket clip, looks even nicer now.
 
I got my 581 about a month ago and I think it is great. Ergonomics (handle material and shape), steel, axis assist and blade shape are all winners. The only drawback that I can see is the bulkiness since I carry IWB. I can/have carried the 581 IWB and it is definitely do-able. The 581 is also just a bit less sheeple friendly compared to the Torrent 890 (one of my other EDC's) since it is a bit bigger in appearance.

If you want a great knife that can be an EDC (a bit big, but ok as an EDC), camping or defensive blade, I would take a long look at the 581. It could be my all in one blade if I had to pick just one, but honestly, if you are on these forums, do you really only have 1 blade?
 
st_burt said:
I bought a 581 based partly on this review, and I'm happy I did. It's a great knife. I had been looking at the 580, but xtestifyx's comments convinced me to spring for the 581.

Besides a couple passes on a strop with diamond compound, the knife only needs one thing to be perfect:

581withstandoffs.jpg


Sorry about the iPhone pic. I don't have access to a digital camera at the moment.
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Where'd you get the stand-offs from? That totally would sell me on this knife.
 
Great knife, I just bought a 580-1102 which is a limited run full black G-10 version... Like the 581 it's way nicer that the Valox handles... I posted a review and some pictures on my blog if you are interested. http://www.edgeobserver.com There are still a few of the full G-10 versions on the site I bought mine...
 
Corpus said:
Agreed.
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I'll 2nd or 3rd or 4th that!

I'm waiting on the limited Benchmade AFCK Axis Lock 3.96" m390 blade with a slim g-10 handle and axis assist.

What the h*ll is going on with Benchmade? I thought they gave up on making cool knives...lol :D
 
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