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Reviews > Knives > Folding > Benchmade 580 Barrage > Test Report by Ryan Lane Christensen
ACCESS MAIN REPORT SECTIONS VIA THESE LINKS:
INITIAL REPORTSeptember 3, 2009
Product Information:
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| 580 BarrageTM | |
| Manufacturer: | Benchmade |
| Manufacturer website: | http://www.benchmade.com |
| Place of Manufacture: | USA |
| Year Manufactured: | 2009 |
|
Materials: Blade Handle Liners |
154CM Stainless Steel Valox® 420J Stainless Steel |
| Blade Style: | Drop Point |
| Locking Mechanism: | AXIS® ASSIST Lock |
| Opener: | Ambidextrous Thumb-Studs |
| Models Available: |
580 - Plain Edge 580BK - Plain Edge BK1® [black corrosion resistant coating] 580S - ComboEdge® [partial serration] 580SBK - ComboEdge® BK1® [partial serration w/ black corrosion resistant coating] |
| Warranty: |
"Benchmade Knife Company, Inc. (“Benchmade”) warrants to the original owner that this knife will be free from defects in materials and workmanship. Benchmade will, without charge, repair or replace, at Benchmade’s option, any knife returned for Warranty work and found to be defective by Benchmade." |
|
MSRP: 580 580S 580SBK |
$130.00 US $130.00 US $145.00 US |
| Product Specifications | |
| Manufacturer's Specifications | |
|
Listed Dimensions: Blade Length Blade Thickness Knife Length (open) Knife Length (closed) Handle Thickness |
3.60 in (9.14 cm) 0.121 in (3.07 mm) 8.35 in (21.21 cm) 4.75 in (12.07 cm) 0.65 in (16.51 mm) |
| Listed Weight: | 4.2 oz ( 119.1 g) |
| Tester's Actual Measurements | |
|
Dimensions: Blade Length Blade Thickness Knife Length (open) Knife Length (closed) Handle Thickness |
3.60 in (9.14 cm) 0.121 in (3.07 mm) 8.35 in (21.21 cm) 4.75 in (12.07 cm) 0.65 in (16.51 mm) |
|
Weight: knife cloth storage sack w/cordlock |
4.4 oz (124.7 g) 0.2 oz (5.7 g) |
| Model Tested: | 580BK |
Product Description:
Benchmade has four classes of knives: Gold, Blue, Black, and Red.
Designed by Warren Osborne, the 580 Barrage [hereafter referred to as "the knife" or "the 580"] is a new member of Benchmade's Blue Class for 2009. Benchmade's patented exclusive AXIS® locking mechanism includes the power of a coil spring assist for the first time ever in the 580, and its little brother the 585 Mini-BarrageTM.
The listed features of this knife include:
The knife I am testing, the 580BK, has Benchmade's BK1® coating. This matte black coating provides corrosion protection that exceeds the ASTM-117 spec for saltwater, and possesses higher scratch resistance. I am anxious to see how well this coating holds up.
The handles are made of VALOX®, a polybutylene plastic. Some of the physical properties of VALOX are good toughness (high-impact strength, high tear strength, and high puncture resistance), good moisture barrier properties, excellent electrical insulation characteristics, and resistance to most chemical environments. The handles are molded: near the blade, on each handle, there are eleven grooves that are graduated in length; near the butt end, there are four notches, two on the top and two on the bottom of each handle. Each handle is secured to the knife via four screws.
The blade liners are made of 420J stainless steel. This steel is very stain resistant and tough due to being very soft. This steel is only used for blades in less-expensive knives due to its ease of machining.
Benchmade calls the carry-clip on the 580 a "Reversible Bright Split Arrow Clip." The clip is approximately 2.0 in (5.1 cm) in length, 0.375 in (9.5 mm) at it widest and 0.25 in (6.4 mm) at its narrowest point. Although it came attached on the right side of the knife, it can be relocated to the left side if one prefers.
According to Benchmade, the Axis Assist mechanism [the image on the right] "gets its function from a small, hardened steel bar which rides forward and back in a slot machined into both steel liners. The bar extends to both sides of the knife, spans the liners, and is positioned over the rear of the blade. It engages a ramped, tang portion of the knife blade when it is opened." There are two thumb studs, one on each side of the blade, near the hinge. Each stud is approximately 0.25 in (6.4 mm) in diameter and extends out approximately 0.125 in (3.2 mm) from the blade. The two thumb studs provide for ambidextrous opening of the knife. "The blade is started open with the thumb stud, then the coil spring engages and maintains torque to the fully open position. A safety can be engaged in either the open or closed position for added security." The safety is the sliding button located on the spine of the knife near the hinge.
The knife came with a User Care Manual. This manual briefly describes each of Benchmade's four classes of knives. It also outlines proper knife care and maintenance which includes occasionally applying a good metal sealer as needed. Benchmade says the best way to resharpen a knife is to never let it become dull to begin with; touch up the edge as needed and maintain the bevel for maximum sharpness. The manual also includes a Warranty Registration Card, information about Benchmade's LifeSharp program as well as warranty information.
Benchmade also provided a cloth storage bag with a drawcord and cordlock.
Initial Impression:
My very first impression was "Wow, that's a big knife!" When fully opened, the 580 is 8.75 in (22.2 cm). This is larger than the knives I usually carry either in my pants pocket or in my backpack. However, for as big as it is, the 580 is noticeably lighter than a knife of comparable size (overall knife length) I occasionally carry. I really like the feel of the knife in my hand. It feels comfortable.
Initial Testing:
My initial testing consisted of a thorough examination of the knife. There were no noticeable flaws. Next, I opened the Axis Assist Lock. It was very intuitive and the mechanism work smoothly. I was a bit surprised at the amount of force generated by the Axis Assist opening mechanism. It was immediately apparent to me that one must be careful when opening this knife. I quickly formed the opinion that this knife is not suited for children, even young teens.
I am anxious to put this knife to the test to see how well it maintains its edge, how well it resists rusting, and how well the Axis Assist mechanism performs over time.
Initial Likes:
