Here’s a close up view of the new Benchmade 585 Mini-Barrage. This is a spring assisted opening knife. This is the first Axis Assist model to be made. There have been Auto-Axis, but never an assisted model. I like it, the assist is adequately strong. The overall quality and feel of the knife is very good. I would give it 4 3/4 stars out of 5. I really like the thick stainless steel liners in this knife, which are skeletonized nicely. I would like to have seen a more solid scale material, although the Valox seems tough, it still sounds a bit hollow when you tap on it with your fingernail. I would like to see a G10 or aluminum scale model in the future(or both!). How about a scale upgrade kit Benchmade! I bought this one from www.knifeworks.com Another good place is www.gpknives.com
This is a short video I made of me just messing around with my Benchmade model 551 griptilian…I am just shaving some bark off of a twig, the video is more or less just suppose to show a size comparison in the hand of the full size griptilian model, and to also show how easy it is to use the axis lock on this model…its quick and easy…The fullsize model has a 3.45″ blade, in this case it is a black coated D2 blade, I normally do not liked any coating on ym knife blades but it helps to protect the D2 from corrosion as it is not a stainless steel, and it seems to have keep pretty good with use, it has not worn that bad yet, I have been using this knife for average cutting tasks for about 6 months now…The model is a BM-551BKODD2, the 551 stands for the full size griptilian with a thumbstud, the BM stands for benchmade, the BK stands for black as in black blade, the OD stands for OD green for the handle, and the D2 stands for the D2 blade…
Here’s a side by side comparison of the Emerson Mini CQC-8 and Benchmade 950 Rift. Both are similar in price, and use the same blade and scale material. Benchmade 950 Rift specs: Blade Length: 3.67″ Blade Thickness: 0.114″ Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel Blade Hardness: 58-61HRC Blade Style: Reverse Tanto Handle Material: CNC contoured G10 Weight: 4.80oz. Clip: Tip Up, Reversible, Black Split-Arrow Lock Mechanism: AXIS Overall Length: 8.27″ Closed Length: 4.60″ Class: Black Emerson Mini CQC-8 (Horseman) specs: Handle Material: G10 Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel Blade Finish: Stonewashed Overall Length: 8.35 in. Blade Length: 3.54 in. Blade Thickness: .125 in. Blade Hardness: 57-59 RC Music track: “Get stoned” performed by Hinder.
