BenchmadeBarrage 583 Tactical Knife with Black Handle (583SBK)

If you are even looking at this review, you probably know that Benchmade knives are synonymous with quality.At some point in the last year I misplaced my mini-barrage black combo edge knife, and finally ordered a new one to replace it. Based on my experience with that knife, and other Benchmade knives owned by friends, I went and ordered this knife also, the big brother.I ordered this knife not for every-day-carry (EDC) purposes but rather to take with me on trips I expect increased cutting needs such as backpacking, extended fishing trips, or on a boat. Or the zombie apocalypse. Whatever. For EDC I will continue to rely on the mini-barrage which is, by itself, a wonderful knife- good enough I plunked down the cash (again).This tanto combo-edge knife is definitely larger than the mini-barrage, but not "huge" as I was expecting and that is a good thing. It comfortably clips into a jeans pocket without being obtrusive, and the locking mechanism means no accidental opening. It is large-ish though and would certainly draw unwanted attention from others if you whipped it out on the bus and peeled an orange or something stupid.The Axis-assist mechanism is a thing of beauty. It remains securely closed (and can be locked closed as well) but can be opened in a flash soundly, every time, with either a flick of the thumb stud at which point the spring takes over, or by retracting the Axis locking bar and letting gravity do the job of pushing the thumb stud. Once open, it is very securely locked open by the Axis mechanism. This can be made double-safe by engaging the additional slide switch locking mechanism on the spine of the knife, meaning that you can't even unlock the knife with the Axis stud. This basically makes it a fixed-blade knife. This same slide switch on the spine can be engaged to prevent any opening. When I carry it I always keep this part engaged. It adds almost zero time to deploy, can still be done one handed. If you are dumb enough to leave it on a counter or something in your home, or with children around (stupid stupid stupid) in any case I'd imagine it adds a significant safety factor for those not expecting an assisted opening. Most reviews don't point out the double-locking (open and closed!) so I though I'd mention it.The combo edge is the only way to go. The serrated section is very handy. As an example, it is the best for cutting ropes when, say, trying to secure a load in a pickup bed or something.To conclude, I don't think this the best knife for EDC due to size and attracting unwanted attention (other excellent Benchmades for that) but it is an outstanding quality, Made In USA knife that is fit for any job.

As an owner of dozens of Spydercos, SOG and Benchmade knives I really like the tanto bladed 583 Barrages as well as the Mini Barrage. But I like the 3.6" black tanto blades on the 583 Barrage knife more than the thinner 2.9" drop point blade on my Mini Barrage. They are thicker, stronger, hold an edge better and are very hardy 154CM stainless steel blades (58-61HRC, which is a premium, American stainless steel),. This was my second 583 Barrage and I won't buy two of something unless I really like it. My theory is that if I really like something I should get a second one as a back up just in case, if it is financially feasible, and with pocket knives it usually is. These knives have the strongest assisted locking mechanisms on the market (AXIS), ambidextrous function (they offer quick, one-handed opening and can be operated equally with either hand), a reversible carry-clip that can be moved to any corner of the knife you want it on, and a safety for both opened and closed positions. They don't have a lanyard hole but I never use one anyway, so I don't care. This is a spring assisted model that combines impressive speed and strength in one complete package. It opens much quicker and faster than the SOG Flash II, or probably any pocket knife in this size, which I like. It features a Valox handle (which is a light, but very strong material) and stainless steel liners for added strength and durability. It feels great in your hand and for a 3.6" bladed knife it fits well in your pocket and doesn't get in the way as much as the Spyderco Tenacious which is fairly wide when folded up. They also have a lifetime warranty which shows that they stand behind their products. It is a great EDC, tactical use knife that I would carry any where. Highly recommended. My only beef is the price tag, but you get what you pay for.

Great knife. Solid opening and lock. Strong clip that doesn’t easily get bent solid blade. Just very expensive but you get what you pay for.

Have carried a Kershaw 1475ST for many years. Blade lock always me a little nervous. The Benchmade is far sturdier with the blade out. A plasticky handle notwithstanding, a better knife all in all. The Kershaw is still weighted in a more comfortable way for me and the blade can be made extremely sharp. Like how the Benchmade is light and the spring action is excellent.

Like all Benchmade products the knife is super sharp and works perfectly,I own a number of Benchmade products that usually come in a cloth bag inside a nice box.This was delivered on a blister packed cardboard suitable to hang on the wall in a retail environment rather than a box. Be prepared to find a suitable box if giving this as a gift.

At first the handle and design was a little awkward to get used to. I have medium sized hands and it fit very well however it did not feel like any other knife I own.If it wasn't for the fact that I paid $130 for it I probably would have forgot about this knife but after a week or so of constantly holding it and exploring opening techniques, I fell in love with this knife. The balance and feel are amazing.The axis lock and the back lock thing we're very tight and almost hurt my thumb for first week, but after opening the knife a hundred times or so, it began to get very comfortable.The assisted opening is VERY powerful and you get a positive opening every time. The assisted opening is so powerful that it even has a little "kick" to it. Certainly not so much that it's going to jump out of your hand but this is one knofe that you don't want to have accidentally opening in your pocket!