HK 14717BK or the Benchmade Barrage 583BK?

T

TheKnifeNewb

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Jul 29, 2015
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I'm getting ready to buy my first higher end knife and I am torn on what to do. I've never paid more than fifty dollars for a knife before and I think it's time that changes. I'm looking at these two knives that seem to be very similar. Here are quick links to the knives in case someone doesn't recognize the names. First time posting on here so I apologize if anyone feels I'm insulting their intelligence, as that is not the case.

HK- http://www.benchmade.com/products/14715
Barrage- http://www.benchmade.com/products/580-583

Again, I'm looking at the tanto versions of them both. I want to know if anyone has these knives and what they think of the two comparatively. Also, if people only own one, what things you like about the knife you own. Thank you all for your time and helping me make a decision on my first higher end knife.
 
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I have a 14715 and I've handled the large Barrage several times tying to decide whether to buy it. I didn't. But I've kept the 14715 and I like it. The knives feel very different in hand to me. I didn't like the in-hand feel of the 580s I handled, but I really like my 585. It does get carried and used some.

The H&K, OTOH, feels like a very solid knife. It opens and closes with authority. It has a very "tool-like" appearance and feel to it. Being an Emerson fan, I like that about a knife. It wants somewhat larger-than-average hands to be operated smoothly because of the shape of the handle butt, but I put up with that because I like the rest of the knife so much. The blade shape, belly and D2 steel are all things I like about this knife.
 
The 14715 is one of the coolest blade and handle designs I've ever used. If it wasn't an Axis lock, I'd carry one every day. If you like the Axis lock, I can't think of a better folder. Coated D2 steel is awesome, and won't corrode as easily as an uncoated blade.
 
No access to pivot screw in Barrage is deal breaker for me. You need to remove that plastic scale when you need to remove vertical blade play.
 
The HK will probably be more knife for the money. The BM logo seems to carry a premium over the HK logo, so the HK will probably be a better value. G10 scales and D2 steel vs plastic scales and 154CM. The steel choice depends on the person, but many (myself included) prefer G10 to plastic. Get the brown one, because it is more interesting than black with the coated blade.
 
Thank you all for the quick feedback. Those are all great things to consider. It's going to be a little bit before I finally do this, so what are other people's thoughts?
 
ourgon said:
No access to pivot screw in Barrage is deal breaker for me. You need to remove that plastic scale when you need to remove vertical blade play.
Click to expand...

Never noticed that until your post. Deal Breaker for me. Love my 14715.
 
Is it just me, or does the 14717 seems to have a beefier tanto to it? The barrage tanto looks smaller.

Has anyone had issues with the G-10 shredding their pockets? I work in the medical field and I need something that won't tear up pants or scrubs material. I guess I could always use a dremmel to clean up the little bit under the pocket clip?
 
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