Need Help Deciding: Benchmade 581 or Spyderco Domino

T

TheHorta

Joined
Aug 19, 2013
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I've been on my monthly ~$200 knife acquisition quest, and this month it's come down to either the Domino in CTS-XHP or 581 Osborne in M390. For the last few months I've been getting Spyderco's -- Southard, Tuff, PM2, DF2 -- and have yet to get my first Benchmade, which is one reason I'm leaning toward the 581. Also, I don't have anything in either M390 or XHP yet, but from everything I've read M390 seems to have a slight edge.

Ultimately I'm still undecided even if I am leaning toward the Benchmade. It might be a moot point, because I'll probably get the other one next month anyway, but I'm impatient and want the most gratifying one first :D

What thinkest thou?
 
I'd take the Domino, just for the fun factor. It really is a great flipper and I can't imagine a situation where CTS-XHP isn't good enough :p everyone needs an axis lock, but I think it works best with manual action instead of AO.
 
I own neither, so my opinion isn't biased, but I like the looks of the Domino better. Plus flippers are really fun. :D
 
581 has a bulky handle compared to the Domino. I really like the 581 and almost bought one, but the handle is too thick for my liking. Domino feels very slim in pocket. even thought it rides kind of high.
 
Hmm. Tough decision.
I don't actually have either, yet. But I had a 583-1 Barrage (G10, D2 and Tanto), have a PM2 in M390, a 586 (M390 Aluminum/G10 mini-Barrage) and have a Domino on the way (I played with one last weekend.)

I love M390.
I agree that the Axis lock is best without A/O. On an assisted blade, you can't use one of it's biggest advantages - slide the lock open and let the blade drop closed, with one hand.

As far as most gratifying - I vote for the 581. It fills the hand so nicely, and the blade just rockets out of there. Plus it's M390, and just a handful of awesomesauce.
However, if I were to pick one to have and to hold, to use and to carry, it would be the Domino. Over the long run, I prefer manual opening (non-assisted) blades, it feels quite a bit smaller in pocket, and the flipper is liquid-smooth.

So - sorry - you still have to make up your own mind. Do you want the new hottie to impress yourself and your friends? Go with the Benchmade. Or are you ready to settle down with a quality piece you'll cherish forever? Spyderco has your blade.

Honestly, you will not go wrong with either.

Good luck!
 
seems like you have the southard to cover the spyderco flipper niche.
You should get the 581 just to try it. It's a great knife, and can be de-assisted as well.
If you still want the Domino, it will still be around for next time.
 
Is the Domino markedly different than the Southard Flipper? I have the Southard and like it, and I also have a few Zero Tolerance blades, including the 0560, so I like unassisted flippers quite a bit. Not sure if I'll like the AO on the 581, but will get one regardless, whether today or next month.
 
TheHorta said:
Is the Domino markedly different than the Southard Flipper? I have the Southard and like it, and I also have a few Zero Tolerance blades, including the 0560, so I like unassisted flippers quite a bit. Not sure if I'll like the AO on the 581, but will get one regardless, whether today or next month.
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I have both, they are completely different to me. Domino flips way better, has the steel lock interface (has much smoother lock disengagement), better action using the hole too. The Southard has a much better blade/handle ratio, nice hollow grind (personal preference), as well as the stonewash finish. Ergos way different, handle texture way different, but there is one consistency. They're both awesome knives :D
 
I have a 581 and de-assisted it. It's a fantastic knife. Fastest knife I've ever had that I can deploy and close 1-handed (but I guess the same can be said of all de-assisted axis knives :) )

I've been wanting to get a Domino, and I don't know why, but still haven't pulled the trigger in all this time.
 
OK, I've gone with the BM this month. I will pop for the Domino next month, though for some reason the Microtech Select Fire just popped up on my radar screen. I don't have an MT yet either, which was ultimately the deciding factor in my BM selection -- i.e. not having one was kinda eating at me.

De-assisting the 581 will be my first order of business. I would assume it's a pretty simple / easy process? The mention of that was probably the clincher, as I'm just not a big AO fan.
 
The Benchmade 581 is a decent bit larger than than the Spyderco. I would take the Spyderco just because I like the smaller size for edc, but I would also take the 586 Mini Barrage in M390 over the Domino. The 586 is my favorite edc folder and is just gorgeous and solid-feeling. That said, I have my eyes on the 581 and Domino CTS XHP also. Tough call.
 
Although I just went in there and did it, there are some vids of the process on youtube. It's pretty easy.
 
I have daily carried a 581 for more than an year. I have not babied it in any way. Have used it to cut rope, stiff cardboard, wood, electric cable, etc. I have sharped it three or four times and takes a great edge. The knife still looks like new and will jump out of a limp hand when it opens. You can tell you have a true working tool in your hand, and I like the idea that I can lock the blade open.
 
BM 581 will run you about $40-$50 less plus you get the better M390 steel. However, the CTS-XHP on Domino is no slouch and it's a great flipper to boot.
 
TheHorta said:
OK, I've gone with the BM this month. I will pop for the Domino next month, though for some reason the Microtech Select Fire just popped up on my radar screen. I don't have an MT yet either, which was ultimately the deciding factor in my BM selection -- i.e. not having one was kinda eating at me.

De-assisting the 581 will be my first order of business. I would assume it's a pretty simple / easy process? The mention of that was probably the clincher, as I'm just not a big AO fan.
Click to expand...

It's already been said, but it's pretty easy, and there are plenty of tutorials on youtube.
Also, you should check out the marketplace, here on the forum. Search for either 581 or barrage, and you'll come up with a bunch still for sale. In fact, one was just lowered, today, BNIB. I don't really understand the ordering, though. I guess nothing gets bumped to the top? It's a couple pages back, if you're not searching, but should be on the first, if you are.
 
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