Benchmade 581 vs 810

V

Vegas Blade

Joined
Feb 9, 2012
Messages
902
Looked around and didn't find any threads comparing these two knives. Since both are by Osborne, I figured there would be some comparisons. I know the M-4 vs M-390 has been run in various threads, but not these two knives. For those who have BOTH, which do you prefer, and why. BTW, I have both enroute to me, just looking for some thoughts from folks to pass the time.
 
Very different knives. 3.6 for the drop point (M390) 581 and 3.98 for the reverse Tanto (CPM-M4) 810. Both have grippy G10 (nod goes to the 810) and both have fulll liners. The 581 is assisted Axis, the 810 is manual Axis. Some like the T6 bolster on the 581, some don't...but it has a classy look. I prefer my blades uncoated, the 810 has a coating, either silver/satin or BK, the 581 comes in satin or BK (BK tends to show scuffing quickly under use.)

While I've owned both, I sold my 810 and favor the 581 Barrage; I like the blade shape much better, and it's a little smaller/yet easy on the pocket, which the 810 was not.

I give the nod to the 581 and hope this helps.
 
I have just recently purchased both of those myself. I really like both knives but for different reasons. The jimping on the 810 is very aggressive, 581 doesn't really have any except for the parts on the side of the bolsters. The 581 is more edc friendly smoother lines and g10. The g10 on the 810 is a bit of a pocket shredder' it's very grippy. The 810 definitley has more of a "tactical" feel and look. Not a huge fan of the deep carry clip but you can swap it out for a standard benchmade clip without using the center hole. Thinking about de-assisting the 581. It's fun, but like being able to flick it open and swing it closed.
 
I like my 581 and one of its best features is the semi-smooth sculpted surface of the scales, although the knife handle is a bit thick. I like a fairly keen point so I haven't been so interested in knives like the 810.

The 810 strikes me as being larger than the 810, and intended more for serious working. I would like to try one although I don't know what I would use it for, or I might try a 950.
 
I like them both. the 810 is an awesome looking knife, great to use, and just cool. it is a pocket shredder, and I dont edc as much as I'd like. My grip always makes its way there.
the 581 is also a really cool knife, my only complaint on it was the assist. I prefer BM non assisted for the axislocks main benefit of quick closing. Ive handled all of the barrage line of knive many times, never bought one. maybe its time I should...
 
I am also very interested in this as I am recieving my 581 today. I havn't been carrying my 810 much due to its size. I do have a 583-1 Warn with G10 and D2 and I like it alot. Its size is much much more practical for me compared to the 810, I just love the looks of the 810 so much more. I hope I like the 581s aluminum bolsters and blade shape as much as I liked the Warn. It will be my first experience with M390 and I'm excited about that.
 
I have both, and it's a toss-up as to which one ends up in my pocket. When I'm camping, the 810 (or my 520 in M4) wins hands-down due to size and blade shape. Fishing? The 581 due to the M390. Carrying around town? Whichever I happen to grab. Dressing up? The 586 (baby brother to the 581).
 
I have an 810 that I absolutely love. The 581 is in the top two or three Benchmade that I plan on buying in the near future. I don't think you could go wrong with either of them
 
After aquiring the 581 recently and carrying it for a couple days, I find it very pleasing to the eye and very practical. The blade isn't very wide for such a wide handle, but its is a good size knife. The M390 steel is outstanding and the aluminum bolsters are much nicer than I expected. The 810 is just too large for my EDC so the 581 will get much more pocket time. The 581 is at the very top end size wise for my EDC needs. I usually prefer a 707/556/943 size range.

For me I like both, but the 581 is better for my EDC needs, while the 810 will stick around for outdoor/camping applications where size is less of a concern.
 
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