M390 Super Steel: Benchmade Barrage 581 or 710-1

B

Benchmade4TW

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Jan 5, 2012
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both are M390, which I am set on. I can get either for $150. Which is a better choice for self defense and everyday use. I would love an assisted opening knife, but I don't really care for the handle on the Barrage 581.

Any suggestions are welcome


Thank you
 
Simpler is better for reliability. The 710 has less parts that could break. I also don't see any accessible pivot on the Barrage. How do you adjust it?
 
Thanks. I probably won't be putting it through a ton of abuse though. Just very light everyday use and self defense if/when it's necessary. I was also looking at the Subrosa Assisted opener. I love the handles and the blade shape much more than the barrage or even the 710, but it uses S30V instead of M390 and uses a "monolock" instead of AXIS. it is also a few bucks more expensive.

anyone have any experience with S30V and M390? I do not have a fancy sharpener for super-fine tuning the blade (yet) so please also keep that in mind.
 
For me i have more experience with S30v but i do have so time with m390 as well. The higher carbide steels like these are definitley more difficult to properly sharpen and loaded stropping is the way to go if you want to get a fine edge on it. M390 does take a better edge though in my mind. If you are liking the Barrage series I'd check out the 580 as well. 154cm (easier to sharpen takes a better edge as well) and has an almost identical blade shape the only difference being the lack of bolsters. Both are lightning fast knives especially the barrage which locks with a loud thwack. Also the standard 710 comes in d2 which is one of my favorite steels just isn't as rust resistant. I always like to stick to steels that are easy to sharpen because if I have to work a long time on a edge the marginal addition in edge holding just isn't worth it to me. But to each his own
 
I have a 581 and it is is nice blade. The geometry provides a nice slicing blade and the M390 only compliments that.

Having said that, the 710 provides a slick package and a slightly longer bladle. I think the biggest question you need to answer for yourself is:

1. Assisted opening vs. manual
2. Drop point vs. recurve

If you can find a preference there...you'll have your answer but you really can't lose with either!
 
You must remove the front handle scale to adjust pivot on the 580 and 581. I have 580, 581, 710, and 710-1. My favorite is the 710-1 due to all of it. Just simply my favorite knife.
 
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