Pics/ opinions on the Barrage 581?

10mm Glock · Sep 21, 2012

I am contemplating buying a 581 BK, but have never seen one in person. Can you guys tell me how you like it if you have one or have held one? I have the 580 and it's the least impressive BM I own I think, but the G-10 & Aluminum looks good... on the internet anyway.

ericvar101 · Sep 21, 2012

I have a 581, M390 is the best steel out. the finish is great. it could use a little jimping for your thumb and is a little big for EDC. but its a work of art and a great knife. I dont carry it every day but happy to have it in the collection. I dont think I will ever get rid of it.

masterj · Sep 21, 2012

Personally dislike the assisted mechanism. I heard a pop in mine one day and that was the spring going out. The pivot was loose so that's what caused it. But you wouldn't know since the pivot is hidden under the aluminum bolster. So you'd have to take off the scale to tighten the pivot.

bdmicarta · Sep 21, 2012

Mine is one of my top 3 knives. It is a good size, but the handle is a bit thicker than other contemporary knives such as my Stryker or my Para 2. The assist works well and is stronger than the assist in my Blur or my Stryker.

sigsoup · Sep 21, 2012

When I first picked one up it was a religious experience in my hand, the guy I was with ( who in no way is in to knifes) was handed the knife two weeks later ( yesterday) he looked over to me and says "I think want that knife you let me hold in Houston) so it gave him the bug. If you can find a place to pick one up try it they aren't' cheap. Your hands may be different from mine the assisted opening is one of the smoothest i have felt yet, and M390 steel !!! These kind of situations are always so fun to use knife lovers.

MadMullet · Sep 21, 2012

I have one and love it. the M390 is amazing steel and great blade shape for EDC. I have the black version and its held up very well and looks great with the bolsters and black G-10 combo with a high polish edge put on it. It has a great feel in the hand and one of the best assisted opener I've seen. No torsion bar to wear out it uses a spring like on an auto just a bit weaker. Axis lock is solid and easy to use left or right handed. Only thing is its a bit tricky at first to push back the Axis lock and close the blade with 1 hand, but with some time its comes natural.

Keyman · Sep 21, 2012

michaelm466 · Sep 22, 2012

I really like mine, great looking, M390 Steel, excellent materials and blade shape. I could take or leave the assisted opening, the only down side is that its a little thicker in pocket than many others, but that doesn't really bother me too much, and it also is a plus when in hand.

KevinOubre · Sep 22, 2012

I love both my Barrages but what I especially love is my Barrage 580.5. Essentially I put my 581 scales on my 580 or vice verca. I prefer 154CM to M390 so that combo is damn near my perfect folder. It does awesome bushcrafty stuff

Gunsnknives · Sep 22, 2012

It is a great blade and fires out strongly. A drawback is that the handle is just a tad "fat" in pocket. That "fatness" however allows for a more comfortable grip in use. Handles are also just a bit slick and lacks a bit of traction (but for reference, I really like the Contego traction and don't feel the jimping/G10 is overly aggressive).

Blade shape and steel are EXCELLENT. Thin, high grind makes it a great slicer. M390 holds an edge for a long time.

If you're thinking about getting it, pull the trigger.

Justa · Sep 22, 2012

I like it. As others have mentioned, the handle is slightly thicker than most pocket knives but it has never seemed awkward in pocket. I have flat handled knives that carry much worse than the 581. Also as others have mentioned, the thicker handle does feel nice when you're actually using the knife. I dont edc mine often because the assisted opening is disconcerting when you're around people (its loud and draws attention) but its a nice knife and it cuts like a champ.

dougcov · Sep 22, 2012

what's wrong with the 580?
I like mine.

10mm Glock · Sep 22, 2012

dougcov said:
what's wrong with the 580?
I like mine.

Well I find the regular 580 handles cheap feeling. I'm sure the 581 is completely different. I just ended up buying another Contego instead. I like the black one so I ordered a clear c coated one an hour ago.