Benchmade 950 Rift or 581 Barrage

Joined
Jul 7, 2014
Messages
6
Hi BladeForums,

New guy here. Wanted to get some opinions on a potential EDC knife. I know the following two are on the thicker and heavier side, but I wanted a dual use knife where it's ok as a EDC slicer and opening cardboard and thick enough for light prying. In the future, I'll pick up a dedicated small EDC like Sypderco Delica 4.

I don't normally carry a knife daily, but in the event I feel like I need one for the day, it will likely be one of these two.

Having a hard time deciding between the Benchmade 950 Rift with satin plain blade the Black/Charcoal G10 grips or the 581 Barrage with satin plain blade.

The weights are similar except for about 0.6 oz. Not much of a difference to me. I like the reverse tanto blade of 950 Rift (better for stabbing) and has a nice belly for slicing. 154cm is fine, but wish it was a little bit better material. And the idea of owning a black class benchmade is nice. Never had one, only experience with blue class.

The 581 Barrage is a little lighter. Has the better steel (M390). But the word is that it's hard to sharpen. If I ever needed to get it resharpen, I feel like shops would handle the 154cm better.

What do you guys recommend between the two. Or something else that is similar? For back country and hiking, I carry a ZT 0300BW. Thanks.

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I have both of these and you have a winner with each. Of the two i carry the Rift more for exactly the reason you gave. 154 is not a bad steel and it will do everything you want.
 
Had a 580 barrage and sold it...just didn't do it for me. A little plain and I've moved away from assisted knives. That rift sure has more visual appeal IMO. BM does 154cm well, so don't let that sway you. 154cm has been the steel I've been the most pleasantly surprised by.
 
I heard Benchmade's 154cm is pretty good. Hope it holds up. Guess I'm leaning towards the 950 Rift since it's a little cheaper.
 
I have both, I carry the 581 more often, I like the looks more, the Axis lock is super smooth (I de-assisted it), I like the edge holding of M390 more (haven't had a problem with sharpening)
 
Why not consider an 810 Contego? I carry one for work and find the jimping fine. CPM-M4 steel is a plus. The deep carry pocket clip makes it easy to conceal such a large knife.
 
M390 holds a hell of an edge. Sharpening isn't a big deal. I'm using chosera stones on an edge pro if that makes a difference. The Barrage is also spring assisted. The aluminum is a tad rough on jeans

Rift is good as well. The 154cm is going to be easier to sharpen from what I understand. Manual open.

If interested in buying a used Barrage; you can PM me.
 
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