Benchmade 581 Barrage Scales on the 583SBK Barrage

[Claude_88]

My new 581 Barrage decided it no longer wished to function, whatsoever. The problem seems to be related to the springs. In any event, having failed to self-fix the problem, it will soon be sent off to Benchmade, for repair.

In the interim, I decided to temporarily replace my 583SBK Barrage's hollow and cheap feeling ordinary Valox scales, with the relatively luxurious G10 and Aluminum scales, of my broken 581, until I get around to sending it to Benchmade. In doing so, if I am not mistaken, I have created a combination unavailable from Benchmade. Essentially, a 583SBK with the scales of a 581. Or a Tanto blade option for the 581. Same end product, for the most part. I like how it looks, as does my knife-sick girlfriend, which speaks volumes.

Perhaps this may one day be the 588 Barrage, assuming again, that I am correct as to the current absence of a Tanto blade option, for the 581 Barrage.

Make no mistake, however, that this combination shall be short lived, due to the superior M390 blade of the 581 serving no purpose, until I send the my broken 581 with its scales reattached, to Benchmade.

 

[palonej]

Hey Claude what a great ide bro! That bad boy looks sweet!!
Does the action feel 'right'??
I also have a 581 and had Steve Ketchen make up a pair of red ctek scales for it. He does absolutely GORGEOUS work and the knife looks beautiful!!!
Joe

 

[Claude_88]

Hey Claude what a great ide bro! That bad boy looks sweet!!
Does the action feel 'right'??
I also have a 581 and had Steve Ketchen make up a pair of red ctek scales for it. He does absolutely GORGEOUS work and the knife looks beautiful!!!
Joe

Thanks, Joe.

To answer your question, YES, the action feels just as good, if not better, than its M390 drop point predecessor. After my 581 returns repaired from Benchmade, I'm strongly considering placing its scales back on the 583, as pictured above, and placing the Valox scales on the 581, unless they look ridiculous thereupon.

I'm dying to see what your 581 looks like with Ketchen's red ctek scales. Kindly post a picture, if at all possible. Sounds amazing. That would be a far better option for me, than to subject its M390 drop point blade to the indignity of Valox scales. Lol.

Claude

 

[palonej]

Thought you might like to see it my friend!!
And please DON'T subject that gorgeous 581 to the embarrassment of that Valox!! Please!!!
[emoji16][emoji16]
I sent mine back to BM for a blade swap. Chose the coated blade and love it! BM did an awesome job!
Joe

 

[palonej]

I absolutely love this knife! Smooth as butter with a great blade profile, an awesome steel & backed by the best warranty!

 

[Claude_88]

I absolutely love this knife! Smooth as butter with a great blade profile, an awesome steel & backed by the best warranty!

Wow. Looks beyond awesome, bro. Jaw dropping and stunning.

Ha. Don't worry, you've absolutely convinced me to do otherwise. The 581 and its M390 drop point will not have Valox counterparts. I'll message you as to how I would go about doing something similar in nature to what have done to your 581. Agreed wholeheartedly, that it is an incredible knife. I don't EDC it ordinarily unless I'm spending time outside of NYC, as the current interpretation of the knife laws here would result in confiscation and likely a short stay at central booking, if it were to be found by the boys in blue, on my person. The central booking part is ok, but I'd be furious if it were to be confiscated, which would be certain to occur, unless they couldn't figure out how to open it. Lol. I see you're in NJ. That's relatively close to me. Be on the lookout for my message.

Regards,
Claude