I love Benchmade. I can’t explain the amount of blades that come out of their company that are well thought out designs and executed to near perfection. The Barrage series has been around for as long as I can remember. The standard Barrage is a good knife, but I wanted to take it to the next level with the 581 AKA the classy Barrage.
USE: The 581 is an EDC/utility knife. However, with the blade length coming in at just over 3 and a half inches and the assisted opening, it could be used as a tactical folder.
DURABILITY AND STEEL: This particular Barrage sports a .12 inch thick blade which is standard fodder for most of Benchmade’s knives. The steel is Bohler M390. This is an outstanding steel found in many high end knives from Benchmade to Microtech. It has good rust resistance, good toughness, great edge retention, and good resilience.
5/5
ERGONOMICS AND TEXTURING: The 581 is the classier version of the Barrage and thus Benchmade has toned down many of the tactical aspects of the knife. The ergonomics are good, but the pocket clip can produce some discomfort if you are using the knife hard. The traction plan is mediocre with smooth G10. Some ridges are cut into the aluminum bolster that makes up the choil to prevent slippage on a thrust. Overall decent, but not great.
3/5
ACTION AND LOCKUP: Action is lightning fast. The assisted opening definitely beats or rivals any auto knife I’ve deployed. The Axis lock doesn’t disappoint. I’ve put some hours in with this knife and even drenched it in salt water in the Gulf of Mexico on a fishing trip. Even after all that, the lockup has no vertical or horizontal play.
5/5
COST: The 581 variant of the Barrage can be had for 180-220 American. I believe with the premium steel, G10, and American Craftsmanship it’s a good deal. Competitive options would be The Schempp Bowie from Spyderco and possibly even a Microtech UTX-70 or UTX-85.
4/5
FINAL THOUGHTS: I have come to really enjoy this knife when I carry it. I have taken it to work and the great outdoors and it has performed flawlessly so far. If you don’t care about the premium steel or the aesthetics of the knife then go for the standard Barrage.
OVERALL RATING: 4.5/5 Badass
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