Benchmade 585 Mini Barrage Knife Review

A good folding knife is like a good co-worker: versatile, safe, and always there when you need it. Every craftsman who works with their hands needs a good folding knife for those unexpected situations where you need a sharp edge or a sturdy lever. Like any tool, you should do some research to make certain that what you are buying will meet your needs without breaking the bank. With a little research, the best choice in pocket folders is easy. In my opinion, you just can’t buy a better pocket folder than Benchmade’s 585 Mini Barrage.

Benchmade is a well known knife manufacturer whose name is synonymous with quality and durability. All their designs are torture-tested to make certain that they will hold up under even the most strenuous of conditions, and they offer both a warranty and free sharpening for life on all their blades. Let’s look at why this pocket folder is the best choice for you.

Features of the Benchmade 585 Mini Barrage Knife

Blade

The standard model Mini-Barrage comes with a host of blade options. Benchmade offers a black-coated or satin finish drop-point blade which can hold a plain edge or optional serrated edge near the bottom third of the blade. Outdoorsman will love the black coated serrated blade, whereas the plain satin blade offers a durable and attractive everyday folder. All blade options are made of high carbon stainless steel, which means higher tensile strength, a harder edge, and less sharpening.

Grip/Handle

As a quality folder, the 585 Mini Barrage sports a high-quality, near-unbreakable Valox grip encasing stainless steel liners. The textured surface makes safely controlled cuts easy regardless of the grip position. The steel liners give the grip weight and balance in the hand, eliminating that cheap plastic feeling that accompanies many pocket folders. Additionally, the grip hardware itself is set up with minimal tolerances for a tight, high-quality fit. Benchmade also offers two other grip options: a lighter-weight G-10 Aluminum combination grip/handle and a G-10 handle. Both options are available at an additional cost, but as with any investment, having options is always a bonus.

Pocket Clip

A high-quality steel rail melds with the handle via three bolts. The end of the clip turns outward for convenient one handed use. Too many pocket folders have a cheap or flimsy pocket clip that doesn’t maintain a slim profile or ride well in a pocket. This is definitely not the case with the Benchmade 585 Mini-Barrage. Drawing the knife from a pocket is effortless, and putting it away is just as easy.

Mechanism

When it comes to pocket folders, there are few better mechanisms than Benchmade’s AXIS-Assist. With a flick of the wrist and a little help from a thumb bolt, the blade locks into position with a satisfying snap. Closing the blade is a matter of sliding the locking bolt back and using the thumbolt to press the blade safely into a closed position.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

All things considered, the Benchmade 585 Mini Barrage is the best pocket folder knife on the market for the money. In addition to high-quality construction, excellent durability, and a resilient edge, this knife costs far less than many similar knives. The convenience and form factor are key considerations, but it is the comfort and ease-of-use that really make this knife stand out. A light duty knife that is built for heavy use is always a good investment, and the 585 Mini-Barrage fits the bill nicely. Order one for yourself as a daily use knife, or pick one up to keep handy for those occasions when you need a strong, sharp blade to get the job done.