Benchmade Barrage 581 – The Premium M390 Barrage
The Benchmade Barrage 581 is the premium version of Warren Osborne's Barrage, upgrading the blade to Bohler M390 super steel and the handle to contoured black G10 with polished aluminum bolsters. The 3.60" satin drop point springs open via the AXIS Assist mechanism from either thumb stud, with an integrated safety switch for secure carry. At 5.20 oz it carries with real presence, and the M390 blade holds an edge far longer than most EDC steels. The Benchmade Barrage 581 is discontinued and no longer in production, so remaining stock is limited.
Specifications
- Blade: 3.60" Bohler M390 premium stainless steel, satin drop point, plain edge, 60-62 HRC
- Handle: contoured black G10 with polished aluminum bolsters, steel liners
- Mechanism: AXIS Assist spring-assisted opening with integrated safety
- Overall length: 8.35", closed length: 4.75"
- Weight: 5.20 oz
- Reversible pocket clip, made in USA
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Benchmade Barrage a good knife?
Yes. The Benchmade Barrage 581 is widely considered the best of the Barrage line thanks to its M390 blade, and the AXIS Assist action is fast, ambidextrous, and secured by an integrated safety switch.
What makes the Benchmade Barrage unique?
The Benchmade Barrage 581 combines the AXIS lock with spring-assisted opening, a pairing few production knives offer, and dresses it up with G10 and aluminum bolsters. It is a Warren Osborne design built in the USA.
What steel does the Benchmade Barrage 581 use?
The Benchmade Barrage 581 uses Bohler M390, a premium powder-metallurgy stainless steel hardened to 60-62 HRC. M390 offers outstanding edge retention and corrosion resistance, which is why the 581 was the flagship of the Barrage family.
Is the Benchmade Barrage 581 an automatic knife?
No. The Benchmade Barrage 581 is spring-assisted, not automatic. You begin opening the blade with the thumb stud and the spring completes the motion, which keeps it legal in many areas that restrict automatics. Knife laws vary, so check your state and local regulations before carrying.
Does Benchmade still sharpen the Barrage 581?
Yes. Benchmade's LifeSharp service will clean, tune, and resharpen the Benchmade Barrage 581 free for the life of the knife, even though the model is discontinued.
Where is the Benchmade Barrage 581 made?
The Benchmade Barrage 581 is made in the USA at Benchmade's facility in Oregon City, Oregon.
Where can I buy the Benchmade Barrage 581?
Going Gear is an authorized Benchmade dealer. The Benchmade Barrage 581 is discontinued, so availability is limited to remaining dealer stock like this listing.
