Benchmade 581?

[Rennd]

I'm getting one of these, do they have a tendency toward blade play? Does vibration caused by the assisted opening cause play to develop? I love everything about it, but I can't stand play. Also, how do you guys like the ergonomics?

 

[Jastab]

No blade play in any direction on mine, and the ergos and great imo. The handle is a little chunky, but I like it. It has great balance as well. I would not worry about blade play developing over time.

 

[Rennd]

Great. Where does your thumb go when you're holding it?

 

[NorthernSouthpaw]

My 581 is my #1 EDC. over the 940 and PM2 (and I love both those knives). I love the contoured handle, no hot spots. No blade play and I flick it all the time. My thumb usually rests at the end of the ramp on top of the bolster. I have been thinking of de-assisting it just to see how it flips manually. But I love the authoritative "thwack" that the AO makes during lockup.

 

[gooeytek]

De-assisted mine, and like it even more. It's my only Benchmade.

 

[Cursum Perficio]

I have a 581 and a 586, both have a very tiny amount of side to side play.
Ergonomically I really like the way they fill the hand. Haven't de-assisted them, I like the thwack too, and have other manual axis folders.

 

[canuckchuck]

Love the 581 it is one of my favorite benchmade folders solid lock up with no blade play on mine

 

[TechDoc]

I have a 581 and a 586, both have a very tiny amount of side to side play.
Ergonomically I really like the way they fill the hand. Haven't de-assisted them, I like the thwack too, and have other manual axis folders.

Side-to-side play should be easily fixable by tightening the pivot screw. Tighten a very small amount and recheck the blade opening. Since this is an assisted knife with a very strong spring you should be able to get tighten the screw and eliminate the blade play without affecting the opening.

 

[Rennd]

Now that I have it, I suppose I'll give my opinions.
I love the knife. Very little blade play, if any, very smooth when properly tightened, lubricated, and washers are polished. I de-assisted, I love it more now.

The ergonomics are perfect. It fills the hand perfectly, and the handle is big enough to accommodate a thumb up near the bolster.
Of course, the blade steel is perfect. Gets screaming sharp with less effort than I expected.
The only issues are an ugly factory edge and enough flex to fool you in to thinking there's play when there isn't.
All in all, it's a great knife, and it's surprisingly comfortable to carry.