BenchmadeBarrage 580 EDC Knife with Black Valox Handle (580)

Benchmade makes some of the best knives in the world, and for an EDC folder, this is one of them. I am writing this after about 4 weeks of carrying and using it daily. The blade is still remarkably sharp after being used and even slightly abused: opening Amazon packages, trimming old dried caulk off the side of the house, and cutting weeds out of the lawn. Good choice of blade steel and temper. The blade lock is rock solid. I especially like the little safety tab which prevents it from opening in my pocket. This can be a problem with assisted opening knives; I've even had it happen with "plain" pocket knives.

This is an excellent knife that I use for everyday carry. Benchmade is a quality brand, and this knife is no exception. I carry it with me everyday and use it whenever I can. It came new in box very, very sharp, and has a great quality feel to it. Two things drew me to this knife over other knives when I was shopping: the Axis spring-assist, and the external locking mechanism. I have previously owned a Benchmade Griptillian (Benchmade Pardue Design Axis Griptilian Drop-Point Blade with Sand-Colored Handle and BK1 Coating) which lacked the spring-assist and the lock, and in the span of a few weeks it came open in my pocket several times. No such problem with the barrage in several months of everyday carry. Even if the locking mechanism isn't activated, the assist requires enough force that it is unlikely to open in your pocket.I think my only real criticism of this knife is that the grips are rather smooth hard composite material, which is ok, but I don't like as much as the Griptillian's.Pros:-Very sharp-Great blade profile-Assisted opening-External locking device-High-quality feel-Great for EDCCons-Grips are okOverall it's a great knife, even if the grips aren't as good as the Griptillian's, it's still a 5-star product.

Fantastic knife, good quality.

Proud to carry this American made knife. Used every day as a mechanic. Just one of the best knife brands on the market.

Got this knife today so I may be posting a long term report in the comment section later.... But as for my initial impressions I'm blown away! This thing is big! I have big hands and it fits them very well... Also the blade grind kinda reminds me of an italian Stiletto which I love! The blade flips out with some serious authority! The one things I love about this knife is the lock up... This thing is like a vault.... I have a grip and a mini grip that both have blade play when open and in the handle. This thing has NONE what so ever. Came sharp just as all benchmades do. This is for sure my new everyday carry. The one down side I can see is there is almost no grip on the handle.. Also I most likely wont be bringing this on any camping trips because of the assisted opening and how other people have had theirs fail... For out doors ill take my full sized griptillian just for simplicity and their isn't really anything that can fail on a grip. All said and done... Buy it! For the price, blade steel and benchmade quality this thing is unbeatable!!! BUY IT NOW!!!!

I don't understand all the earlier fuss over the handle. There are certainly better feeling handles on the market place. This handle works fine in everyday use, though. It provides a firm enough grip that the hand doesn't move. If you mostly use a knife to cut tie-wrap, twine, plastic strapping and boxes then this knife will work fine.The ambidextrous nature of the lock and thumb studs make it ideal for left-handers. The benchmade axis lock mechanism is the real reason to favor this knife over another.The assisted opening mechanism is far superior to any other I've seen or used. In all honesty though the full size Griptillian opens easily enough that the assisted opening mechanism on this knife is unnecessary.It's a fine knife overall. It's as solidly built as any folder. The 154CM blade isn't the best on the market but it's up there. It'll get and stay sufficiently sharp that anyone will should be happy. The mechanism is ambidextrous both opening and closing.

This knife is nice. I just received it. Appears to be good quality. However, I just don’t see a $200 knife!!. I think this item is way over priced. This needs to be in the $90-$100 range. I am debating on returning it for that reason. I can find a better place for $200.

I carry this knife EVERY SINGLE DAY, easy to clip into my front pocket. It's tip up carry which i prefer and sharp as ever! i mean. .gotta be careful shaving hair or i cut myself sharp! perfect for when the need to cut a stuck seat belt off for example. The assisted opening is very quick very strong, but doesn't just POP open, firm enough i keep the blade unlocked in my pocket and i have NEVER worried about it "flicking" open on me even when taking it out of the pocket quickly as if i were in an emergency.I would recommend this knife to ANYONE and EVERYONE. Plus made in Oregon. We Oregon folk love our Quality knives =)