Benchmade 580 Barrage: Awesome Blade, But It's Complicated...
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ย. 2024
- Here's my review of another Axis Assist model from Benchmade, the 580 Barrage. The Barrage combines the assisted opening version of Benchmade's vaunted Axis Lock mechanism with a steel-lined Valox handle and a gorgeous spear point blade crafted of 154CM steel. A bit too large and thick-handled for EDC applications, the Barrage is a medium sized tactical blade by nature. However, its lack of a meaningful traction plan leaves it wanting in this role. While the handle's shape produces no significant hot spots in most grips, and is aesthetically pleasing to my eye, it has the feel and sound of a sub-$50 knife, which is a bit of a disappointment in the $125 class.
The Axis Assist mechanism, as with most of the type, strikes me as gimmicky and unnecessary. The inherent complication and relative weakness of the pivot due to that complication, as well as the effort required to close the knife, still make manual Axis knives more desirable to me. The exception to that would be for folks with impaired or reduced hand strength and/or dexterity. In these cases, an Axis Assist blade like the Barrage could be just what the doctor ordered.
I've had this knife for about 5 years now, and I use it every day. I suspect like most people I use it as a tool, not a weapon. That so called weak pivot is still performing flawlessly. It is a little large in my pocket but I've easily gotten used to that and love the size of it in my hand and in use. The clip that it came with keeps it secure in my pocket and has never come loose like other knives I have owned. As I do not use it for a fashion accessory or a musical instrument (tapping on it to hear how it sounds), the handle is fine for me and has held up just as good as other knife handles on other knives I've owned. I've never had it slip or slide in my hand. As for closing it, I've experienced no problems and have never been late to an appointment due to the extra time it takes [to close]. I purchased it for performance and durability and it has yet to disappoint. Worth every penny.
Bro.. TY for the review. I think that spear point could poke most attackers real quick though.
"Never been late for an appointment". LOLOL! Thanks.
I've been carrying mine for eight years. I'm a logger and I abuse this knife.
Never fails to perform.
Great knife.
I do think the spring assist has value if you ever have to use a knife defensively. The assist guarantees that the blade will open all the way and lock every time. I have a couple manual axis knifes and 95% of the time they are just as fast as the barrage (I have the 580-2 with g10) but every once in a while if I'm rushing i don't get a good flick on the blade or if opening by pulling the axis lock back i don''t close it in time to lock the blade open and it bounces back. With the spring assist you give the thumb stud a little bump and it ALWAYS opens and locks. If I know I'm going somewhere where I can't carry a gun I will always carry a spring assist or auto knife because if worst comes to worst and I have to use a knife defensively I don't want to rely on muscle memory and perfect execution to open my knife. I want to know that if i flick the stud or push the button the knife will open all the way and lock every time. I know this is not intended as a defensive knife but any knife could end up being used that way in a worst case scenario.
Just took mine apart and cleaned it after eight years of heavy use.... And I mean HEAVY use. I'm a trucker and mechanic. It was dirty but not as bad as expected.
I've got nicer knives.
But this my go to folder.
Mine also has the safety on the Axis to lock the mechanism either open or closed.
And assisted is nice for us old guys with beat up dick beaters.
I love my 580 and you can't beat it for the price.
The 154 takes using the tip as a screw driver or pry bar.
Great work knife.
I sharpened a benchmade today for a guy. I was apprehensive about working on a blade that expensive. But the dude was like I've seen your work don't sweat it. Knife was an Ambush full sze fine edge. Came out really nice.
Great review! However, I give it a higher score and have purchased two for myself and three for family and law enforcement friends who also love it. The only thing I find lacking is the ambidextrous locking mech. It tends to hang up when you retract from one side or the other. I've dealt with this by pulling back the releases from both sides at once
Jack Sherwood I completely agree. I have the 581 with 390 steel. All around a good knife. I really like mine.
By the way, the mirror polish you give to cutting edges...unbelievable!
Thanks Speed :). I must confess it's more the tools than the operator.
I have the 583SBK. It came with the same scales, which were slippery. I immediately replaced them. The assisted opening is precise. Without locking the blade, I've no fear it will collapse on my hand. The lock jams, and has to be forcefully unlocked. I've used it for a few years. When I send it back to Benchmade for Lifesharp service (we shall see if Benchmade says I modified it and denies me warranty service, they claim they "work with customers" on this) I will ask them to attend to the lock.
Thanks for making a video of my Barrage, Sir! I do like that 940 clip on the Barrage and vice versa. I prefer my American Beauties the 940 and Paramilitary 2, and this is my only assisted opener, but I like it! It's second-kind-of-cool for me, I suppose. I'm that guy who thinks Glocks are beautiful, and I own a few of those too! The polymer gives me a Glock feel and I love the balde shape so much. Also, I do like that the slightest touch has it spring almost from your hand. This has a self-defense application for opening under duress...NOT that I have any illusions that I would ever honestly need that feature. I love the mirro edge I can see on the knife and that baby cuts like a scalpel now! I also love your thorough and honest review. OUTSTANDING as always! I love your videos and appreciate you sharing your sharpening skills with us knife-aholics! Thanks again buddy!!! Another great relaxing video after a long week at work!
You're more than welcome. I appreciate the opportunity to show and review knives line yours. I love your Glock comparison btw :)
I've owned many knives from Benchmade and even more over a long life from Gerber, Kershaw, Case, Buck, Puma, etc etc. The 580 barrage is by far my favorite pocket knife ever! Holds an edge for a long time and returns to razor sharp with a steel and a strop
I agree 154cm steel is one of my favorites too....👍
Agreed.
I just upgraded to the 581, hope it keeps an edge better
I close it on my leg and stick it right in my pocket...easy.
What is the second knife in this video?
I just bought this knife for $96 including tax! They had it mispriced, it was on sale for $121.59 and the clerk knew it was no longer on sale for that price but had to give it to me at the price of $88.97 that it was marked, I also had him pull a mini Griptilian but it was to small in my hand but the Barrage mini fit perfectly. I dont see the locking lever ever engaging without it being done purposely & I love the Axis-assist opening, the handle has enough beef to it to be very secure when you deploy the blade !
Can you put a 2 hole clip on it?
The Barrage 580 in the video is a "Chinese COUNTERFEIT". I have owned many of these knives.
An authentic Benchmade box does not slide open. Real benchmade barrage 580 has a 1" slot in the belt clip. I recently purchased another benchmade barrage 580 on ebay, when it arrived it didn't feel the same. Called Benchmade and they confirmed it was counterfeit
Samuel Nelson Uhhh... WRONG, Sam. This was an early Barrage made prior to the new style box. If you don’t recognize the last generation box, you’re not a very experienced Benchmade collector. The knife is totally authentic, as is the clip.
Already have the full size 551 Griptilian customized with carbon fiber scales.
I was going to get this and customize the grips but I think I am just going to get another 551 Griptilian and customize it with slim style Carbon Fibers scales…this way I can have both a large and slim style handle 551
…best of all…not having to deal with the Axis Assist I personally hate. 😎
As far as auto goes that is what my beloved. 4300-1 is for. 😎
Thank you for this video you helped me make a big decision. :)
If you watch the benchmade tests you find it takes hundreds of pounds of pressure to break an assisted axis lock. Unless you're building bridges with them for semi-trucks to pass the difference in assist vs non-assist is negligible. Might there be an occasional manufacturing error, sure, but normal use on a normal benchmade knife w/assist will never be broken by you or I.
The strength of the lock isn't in question, but rather the delicate nature of the pivot and spring. The pivots are less robust and springs break. But let's say your practical point is correct, that good quality examples of both should never fail during normal use. You're still left with this fact: as I said and demonstrated in the video, for people with normally functioning hands, compared against good manual folders, assisted knives have no speed advantage in opening, and they are slower and more cumbersome to close.
TheApostleP
Agreed
To me you fold, or use a full/ near full tang knife. Arguing about folding knives, locks, and strength in folders seems a bit silly to me. Since I'm not going to carry around a full on sheath knife unless I'm going hiking or have a real need for one on the job, a folding knife is my EDC. I find a good assist mechanism to be the fastest, and I don't have to wave my arm around to flip the blade open. If I have to stab someone with it, I expect it could break off from the handle if it gets stuck in a cheekbone, vertebrae, or rib. If you don't use the pike position, for sue your hand is getting cut on the blade when stabbing/ thrusting. Not so much of an issue with a proper guard or bolster on a proper knife.
make you own scales, it would be a paint but with a couple hours, a dremel, and raw g10/micarta u can have some fresh scales! what I was considering with this model, since grip have recessed scales for the partial liners
Very good thought out review. Well demonstrated issue about folding the knife.
Love my 581 barrage in M390 and aluminum bolsters/G-10.
Gorgeous knife and great action after i de-assisted it.
Nice review. I am afraid that having to use two hands to close it would be a deal breaker for me.
You don’t need two hand to close it I have a 580 and don’t think I have ever used to hands to close it
I had the 580 for 3 years and have always been able to close it one handed
Two handed is easier but, optional. One handed is fine
I am with you about assisted blades...once I found out how easy it is to take the assist out I picked up the 581 and hands down top 3 benchmades out there....
Great review as usual Rob. Your explanations have convinced me that forking over money for an AO knife is not something I want to do. The negatives outweigh the one dubious advantage.
Yeah... I just don't enjoy them as much as a good manual either. That said, for some unknown reason, auto knives still intrigue me. Hmmm...
Get the benchmade freek. One of the smoothest of the manuals I've had and not quite so cheap feeling in the handle do to the rubberized feeling
Just got the ganzo G738 (G) lock ! 440c ! It just grabbed my eye ! It was $15.00 or best offer ! I offered $14.00 ! They said yes ! Free ship . Doesn't sound cheap . Drop shut none ass- sist . The handle is groppy . See through pillars . I Didn't like the benchmade ! I don't really like the ganzo and didn't know it had the benchmade profile till I happened on to your vid !!!
Good vid !
Is the backspacer aluminum?
What do you think is the best spring assisted knife for around $200 or less range?
I am going to order the Benchmade Barrage 580-2 tomorrow on Amazon Prime Day, this way I can get $30 off my order. Thanks for the recommendation.
I try not to get caught up on the steel of the moment, S30V, or Spyderco's new S110v ATS-34 or whatever. The reality is, very few people can tell the difference in performance in properly heat treated steel if they're relatively close in hardness. And for us that like to sharpen knives..is ridiculous edge holding ability really that big of a deal? I have a 440c knife (ok, it's a Chinese copy of a rift..shoot me at dawn. Can't afford a Rift, what am I supposed to do?) that I was able to put a WICKED edge on, and it's been doing fine. Fit and finish isn't quite up to par for Benchmade, but the action is smooth, lockup is solid, and it feel great in my hand. But.. to borrow from Maineprepper...I digress ;-) We tend to look down our noses at steels that are more than 10 minutes old, but let's not forget the old standbys that are just as serviceable as new steels that come with a ludicrous markup simply by virtue of the fact that they're new.
Amen, and Amen!
VERY WELL SAID!
Loving how you put the last part of your comment, lol!
Today- Benchmade makes this knife in probably 4different blade metals, 4different handle materials in maybe a dozen colors, as well as the ability to choose blade and backspacer color, custom laser engraving, screw- liner- and clip style/color....
Tho I feel confident that it isnt cuz this gentleman whined about it the entire video thru.
🙈🙉🦆
I liked the review, AND got a good chuckle from your comment about the whining. I recently was gifted a new Barrage with the Valox Xcess Slip handle. I was whining when I tried it out in the store as well. It's so nice otherwise, the lack of grip with that shite Valox handle just makes you so disappointed. I'm not sure if Benchmade will sell just the scales, they've not replied to my email just yet, so I'm going to try some scales I found on Etsy.
Mini barrage de-assisted with deep carry clip is my go to.
Ya I really like the spear shape but an axis assist doesnt really make sense. I want the axis for the fun action
What are you talking about?! Defensive carry?! This is a Blue class knife. EDC. You are mistaking the Barrage for a Black class tactical knife. I will admit that I wish that they had a version without spring assist. It's a decent knife though.
Awesome side-by-side demo illustrating why assisted folders are completely unnecessary.
Feels and sound like a polymer pistol, it works great imo, nice vid and enjoy watching sir.
wow i did the same thing with the pocket clips on my barrage and the griptilian
I have considered buying the tanto barrage 5 or 6 times. I just know it's not unique enough for me to carry and use. I just never carry plastic handle knives anymore
11:59 I can hear nutnfancy’s head exploding right now😂
go 581, get the G10 you want plus m390... Love mine it's my EDC and my finger is long enough to "catch" the blade with my thumb as I close it.
Could I sharpen this on my lansky?
Yes
It's a bitch to sharpen if you use a system like Wicked Edge. That said I love mine, have carried it for 14~15 years. About 6 years ago I put some Puttman G10 scales on it and it brought it up to a whole new standard of look, feel, and sound. It's been back to Benchmade precisely once for a cracked axis assist spring (omega shaped thing) frankly I didn't want to send it back but they said they will not give you any spare internal parts which seems like total bullshit if you ask me. The knife has a lot of sentimental value (won't get into here) and the prospect of losing it is untenable.
Great video! I've been subbed to your channel for a long time & just stumbled across this! Man, you dissect a knife in discussion! 👍
I like your vids. Two things I wish you would do is leave the specs out or put them in the "about" section. Also, you're just wrong about weakness with axis assisted knives.
Physics are physics, my misinformed friend. The Axis Assist mechanism has more parts, which are smaller and weaker than a comparable non-assisted Axis Lock knife. The pivots are smaller. The washers are smaller. The components the washers bear against are thinner. There are more fasteners and more points of failure between blade tang and handle. All these facts contribute to the mechanism being weaker. Also, in my fairly broad experience, the Axis Assist knives require more "tinkering" to keep them operating in an optimal fashion, i.e. eliminating blade play while maintaining smooth deployment, than their manual counterparts. I realize everything is a compromise, and some people desire assisted knives. It's the same logic that makes folders desirable for some applications over fixed blades. They are convenient and pocketable, but not as strong. I just don't see the advantage in the compromise though, for assisted vs. manual knives. They're not faster and they are weaker... period.
TheApostleP They might be weaker, but come on, neither manual or assisted should have issues when talking about a fixed blade. a company like sog, sure, but benchmade makes their knives equally in my opinion and the only time I see an axis assist having issues is if you put it through some really intense abuse and tactical situations. With that said, benchmade has a lifetime warranty, so it really just comes to wanting to have the peace of mind of having less mechanisms that could fail. Personally, I like assisted openers because they allow me open quickly for any situation, like you said, self defense. The closing of the benchmade is something that is quickly learned and I think it has a double stud for added durability. On my sog flash 2, the closing mechanism is easier than any to use, but seems weak and doesn't give me a real feel for the knife. Great review man, but I have to agree with OcSpeed when saying it doesn't make it weaker, just more susceptible to complications later. But I repeat, LIFE TIME WARRANTY LOL. Have a good one
Great video helped me make my decision 👍
Good review! The Barrage is my favorite folder. I'm stuck on assisted open because I like to give the thumbstud a 'nudge'. I've always wanted to cut grooves on the spine. I always remove the safety. I can open and close with one hand ; ) Always get it in G10. I wish I had a digital drawing of the scales because I would get some made in aluminum.
scary how alike we are on this knife, couldn't have said it better myself.
its not about oh cool check out my assisted knife toy, its about pushing the envelope of modern folding knife technology, the 580 along with its axis lock and axis assist, is imo the most advanced folding knife design going right now.
It's still a $120+ pocket knife with a plastic handle... it isn't even a special plastic. From what I see it is the same plastic used on circuit board headers. It will feel like FRN, which I don't really even care for in a $30 knife, especially when G10 is available at that price. If it was a better plastic that did away with the need for full steel liners or made you feel like you were holding something awesome and not feel like a $30 knife, then yeah I could see the pushing the envelope approach.
Please note that I say the above based on the fact I have cheaper non-assisted knives that feel better and more impressive than some of my more expensive assisted knives. It doesn't really matter much what is on the inside if the part you handle feels cheap, even if it isn't. Perception matters a LOT with higher dollar knives.
That reference to nutnfancy though
funny that you should bring in the 710 my axis lock failed sent it in for warranty today awesome knife not so sure about the strength of the axis lock anymore though.
I never understood the advantage of assist on an axis lock. It's almost redundant. If i deploy an axis by pulling down on the lock it flies open on my grip.
Don't beat yourself up about the 'proprietary' plastics, every maker has a different name, they are all still plastic, oh excuse me "polymer"...
lol
You couldn't be less informed about plastic. They are not all the same nor do they have the same properties. Even a basic recycling guide will give you more knowledge about plastic than you have demonstrated here.
"The seven types of plastic include:
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET)
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Polypropylene (PP)
Polystyrene or Styrofoam (PS)
Miscellaneous plastics (includes: polycarbonate, polylactide, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene, styrene, fiberglass, and nylon)"
Valox® thermoplastic polyester resins are semi-crystalline materials based on polybutylene terephthalate PBT. Valox® combines high mechanical, thermal and electrical properties with very good chemical resistance to a variety of chemicals including aliphatic hydrocarbons, petrol, oils and greases, dilute acids and bases, detergents and most aqueous salt solutions at ambient temperatures. This high performance plastic is offered to you in a compression molded stock shape.
Product grades range from 100% unmodified PBT resins to combinations of glass-fiber reinforced, mineral filled, mineral/glass reinforced and flame retardant grades.
Valox® resins offer:
Chemical resistance
Outstanding dielectric strength
Outstanding electrical properties
High RTI up to 284° F (140 C)
Low temperature performance down to -40° F
Flame resistance
Micarta is a brand name for composites of linen, canvas, paper, fiberglass, carbon fiber or other fabric in a thermosetting plastic. It was originally used in electrical and decorative applications. Micarta was developed by George Westinghouse at least as early as 1910 using phenolic resins invented by Leo Baekeland.
G-10 is a high-pressure fiberglass laminate, a type of composite material. It is created by stacking multiple layers of glass cloth, soaked in epoxy resin, and by compressing the resulting material under heat until the epoxy cures. It is manufactured in flat sheets, most often a few millimeters thick.
The primary difference between G10 and micarta is in the materials used in construction. G10 is made from layers of continuously woven fiberglass, impregnated with epoxy.
Micarta is also laminated, but uses materials such as linen, burlap or canvas. Some craftsmen even use paper, thin layers of leather, or nylon strapping.
These layers are saturated with phenolic resin, a plastic commonly seen in castings such as those found in souvenir shops with scorpions, spiders or minerals embedded in them.
These differences in construction result in different impressions by the user under differing conditions. For instance, most people consider G10 to be easier to grip than micarta when the knife handle is dry.
Conversely, micarta is usually considered to offer a better grip while wet. It’s not exactly clear why this difference exists, but some reasons offered by knifemakers include:
G10 is smoother because epoxy flows better than resin during construction, so there is more contact surface when dry.
Because surface fibers in micarta are able to absorb water from where the edges have been worked, it’s possible they swell and improve the texture.
The differences in hardness mean that micarta offers more friction than G10, because the phenolic resin is slightly softer than epoxy.
Another area with obvious differences between G10 and micarta is in the finish. Because each is laminated of different materials, each has the ability to produce unique designs.
Layers of fiberglass in G10 create linear patterns and concentric curves where the layers have been cut into. Dyeing the epoxy can create a sense of depth and color, and layers of fiberglass can also be dyed different colors to create colors upon colors.
However, the primary pattern produced by the process is limited to variations on the concentric linear motif.
Micarta, on the other hand, has almost unlimited potential for design creation. The colors of the layers are only limited by the availability of colors in the cloth, canvas, nylon or other material.
In addition, phenolic resin lends itself to embedding objects within the resin above the layers themselves, such as coins, leaves, thin slices of antler or stone and the like. The resin also tends to magnify the weave pattern of the cloth used, so even in cases with bland colors like beige or tan, there is a significant visual texture visible in the grip scales.
This texture can be further enhanced through rotation of each layer as the material is built up.
Micarta weighs less than G10, although the difference is slight. On a medium sized knife, the difference might be a couple of grams.
Other differences are found in the care and maintenance of each. Micarta is known to darken significantly if not frequently cleaned with mild soap, possibly because surface fibers at the edges absorb hand oil or dirt.
Waxing the surface can also help keep micarta scales looking new. An occasional wipedown of G10 is all that’s necessary to maintain its shine and smooth finish.
Similarities
Both types of material are similar in performance, excluding the different grip when wet or dry. Because both are impregnated laminates of fabric, both have great flexibility, impact resistance and are able to withstand repeated torque applications.
Detail Enhancements
The wet grip of G10 can be improved by texturing the epoxy surface, such as adding checkering or ridges, but micarta has better wear resistance when it comes to surface projections wearing off with use, and micarta can also be checkered or otherwise textured further.
Which is Best?
If your preference is for a substantial, smooth, impact resistant and hard handle, then G10 is probably the better material. On the other hand, if the knife is liable to be used wet, as for camping, survival or fishing, micarta would be a better choice because of its better grip while wet.
The different types of designs, patterns and colors available is another reason to prefer one over the other.
In general, both materials make exceptional grip scales, and whether you’re an end user or a knifemaker, you can hardly go wrong with either choice. It’s more about small advantages involving specific details or types of work that should determine the final pick."
gearsignal.com/get-a-grip-micarta-vs-g10/
You do realize that what you are showing in your video is a CLONE and not a genuine BM knife. First clue is the flimsy box. Then check out some of the other details.
I take it you haven’t been collecting Benchmade for very long. Here’s clue for you: they used to use these very flimsy boxes… for many years.
Oh man you made it half way before talking about using to stab a person in self defense. Always the point I turn off and disregard anything further. 99.99% are using this knife to open Amazon boxes. Settle down. That being said I just bought this knife.
I've carried this knife for eight years every day. Great knife. I work the crap out of it.
I'm a trucker logger and mechanic. I abuse this knife she takes it and asks for more.
The assist is great for me and I close it on my leg.
I've used it as a screw driver and a pry bar. The handle is scarred up where I've beat on crap. Feel naked without it.
Hope you get great joy out of the one you bought.
By the way.... I've never opened an Amazon box. Ever.
If you need to defend yourself because your neighbors 70 Lb pitbull got out and attacked you and your chihuahua, its not a bad thing to have on you. This doesn't happen everyday, agreed. But a neighbors truly large pit bull nearly attacked me an my dogs the other day. In that instance I was glad to have a good stabbing weapon available.
Shows the tip is UP when clipped on pocket. I don't like that.
Drill 3 holes, change clip orientation. Ask anyone who owns a drill. They can do it. My girlfriend can do it, My 74 year old mom could have done it. My Grandmother who was born in 1908 and lived through the depression, rode horse and sleigh across frozen lakes in Canada, would have had it done by now. I could teach a 10 year old to do this on a drill press in shop class. Safely. If I showed my sister this, she would laugh and say "Give it to me, I'll fix it". It would take her less than 5 minutes. My father would say stop whining, send the knife out and have it made how he wanted.