Luke Cuenco 05.13.25
A few weeks in the past Benchmade Knife Firm despatched out a duplicate of their Redstone Mini Barrage assisted open EDC blade for assessment, and I spent a few months evaluating its efficiency throughout city and outside duties as I’m going about my each day enterprise. Designed by Warren Osborne, the Mini Barrage is a compact folding knife that includes Benchmade’s AXIS Help mechanism, a CPM-S30V blade, and deal with choices like Richlite or Valox. This assessment dissects its specs, performance, and sensible functions, which ought to hopefully present a clearer evaluation for EDC customers, collectors, outside fans, or simply guys who like to have a pleasant EDC blade with them.
Benchmade Protection on AllOutdoor
AllOutdoor Assessment: The Badass Benchmade Redstone Mini Barrage
The Mini Barrage measures 6.91 inches general when open, with a 2.91-inch blade and a 4-inch closed size. It weighs 3.38 ounces, making it very appropriate for pocket carry. The blade, constructed from CPM-S30V chrome steel (58-60 HRC), has a drop-point profile with a 0.1-inch thickness and a satin end. CPM-S30V is thought for its steadiness of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and sharpenability, appropriate for a reasonably broad number of on a regular basis slicing duties. The blade contains a swedge grind and a slight stomach, optimizing it for slicing and piercing.
The 585BK-04 mannequin makes use of “Redstone” coloured Richlite deal with scales (a composite of resin-infused paper), measuring 0.43 inches thick per scale for a slim carry profile. Richlite is non-porous, moisture-resistant, and sturdy, with a textured floor for grip. The choice 585 mannequin makes use of Black Valox, a polymer that reduces weight however lacks Richlite’s tactile suggestions. The deal with incorporates anodized thumb studs, an anodized backspacer, and a stainless-steel liner with a security change for the AXIS Help mechanism. A reversible split-arrow pocket clip helps tip-up carry solely.
The AXIS Help system combines a spring-assisted opening with Benchmade’s AXIS lock, a hardened metal bar that engages the blade tang for safe lockup. Deployment is by way of ambidextrous thumb studs, and the protection change locks the blade closed to stop unintended opening. The knife is assembled in Oregon, USA, with the least costly variations of the Mini Barrage retailing for $190, and the instance pictured right here for $320. There’s a particular “Purple Haze” version of the blade that includes a reasonably psychedelic purple set of “FatCarbon” scales however that one will set you again $500 – clearly a collector’s merchandise.
Efficiency Testing
I examined the Mini Barrage by carrying it each day for “city duties” (opening packages, slicing tape) and outside actions (on the vary, out within the yard). The blade arrived with a manufacturing unit edge able to push-cutting paper and shaving hair. CPM-S30V’s properties have been evident in duties like slicing tomatoes, slicing cheeses, and even baling twine, the place the blade resisted corrosion regardless of publicity to moisture and abrasive slicing supplies like cardboard. Edge retention was robust; after slicing by 50 toes of cardboard, a bunch of 550 paracord, and whittling off some dried cedar wooden for kindling, the sting dulled solely ever so barely and after a number of months of each day abuse is lastly prepared for a fast couple of passes on a Ken Onion sharpener.
The AXIS Help mechanism could be very nicely refined and produces constant and predictable deployment, made a lot simpler by utilizing the thumb studs. The AXIS lock engaged with out blade play, and the protection change functioned reliably, stopping unintended deployment throughout pocket carry or when the blade is deployed and you might be slicing one thing that’s offering a bit extra resistance. The lock’s design permits one-handed closing, although customers unfamiliar with AXIS programs might have observe to function it easily. No mechanical points, equivalent to spring put on or lock stick, have been noticed, though when you do run into issues with it then Benchmade has you lined with their guarantee.
The deal with’s ergonomics accommodated an ordinary grip for medium-sized palms (glove measurement M) though the blade is on the small aspect of issues – you seemingly received’t get a full hand grip on the blade and thus it’s actually not meant for larger slicing duties. The Richlite scales supplied enough traction in moist circumstances, with no slippage throughout easy slicing duties. The knife’s steadiness level, curiously sufficient is positioned 0.5 inches behind the pivot, and offers it some very pleasing dealing with traits for such a small knife. At 3.38 ounces is nearly unnoticeable in even athletic shorts pockets – actually that is an EDC-optimized blade if there ever was one.
Sensible Purposes
The Mini Barrage’s compact dimensions and a pair of.91-inch blade go well with it for EDC in city and outside environments. In city settings, it dealt with routine duties like opening mail, slicing packing straps, zip-ties, some minor prying obligation on some cussed {hardware}, and naturally extra delicate duties like trimming free thread on clothes. The blade’s size complies with most U.S. knife legal guidelines (sometimes 3-inch limits), making it an costly however logical alternative for workplace or public carry in nearly any state or setting the place blades aren’t utterly banned. The Richlite deal with’s non-tactical look reduces consideration in comparison with knives with G10 or carbon fiber scales and offers it a little bit of conversational worth as nicely.
For outside use, I’ve been bringing the Mini Barrage to my vary journeys within the PNW woods. It carried out nicely in making ready kindling, slicing 1/4-inch nylon rope to tie down some cargo, and slicing cheese and sausage for a fast snack on the vary. The blade’s thickness supported gentle prying as I discussed earlier, equivalent to eradicating staples from 1×2 goal stands, with out tip injury. The Richlite deal with withstood rain and dirt, cleansing simply with simply water. Whereas not designed for heavy bushcraft, the Mini Barrage managed small-scale duties successfully, complementing bigger fastened blades that I sometimes carry on my vary belt.
Benchmade’s LifeSharp program, included with every of their knives, permits homeowners to ship the knife totally free sharpening, cleansing, and upkeep. This service extends the knife’s lifespan, notably for customers who incessantly deal with abrasive supplies like cardboard or rope or simply love to make use of their knives as they have been meant for use – like helpful instruments!
Limitations and Commerce-Offs
The Mini Barrage has a number of drawbacks which can be value noting for extra discerning knife collectors or consumers. The pocket clip, product of chrome steel with a silver end, is 2.5 inches lengthy and protrudes 0.3 inches from the deal with. Its stiffness (requiring about 5-7 kilos of power to flex) complicates one-handed attachment, nevertheless, over the previous few months this has loosened as much as a extra snug rigidity making it a lot simpler to deploy and substitute in your pocket. Nevertheless, what hasn’t modified is that whereas the clip is reversible for both aspect, there isn’t a possibility at the moment for “tip-down” carry which I feel might need been a pure inclusion on condition that the Mini Barrage is able to being locked.
The AXIS Help mechanism, whereas dependable, provides complexity in comparison with handbook folders and may make this knife unsuitable for newer blade collectors. The protection change and spring system require periodic cleansing to stop particles buildup, although no points arose throughout testing, and any grime that gathered within the mechanism was simply blown out utilizing some compressed air. Customers new to assisted-opening knives might discover the protection toggle unintuitive, with a 1-2 day studying curve reported in most on-line boards.
Lastly, value is a big consideration. At a beginning value of $190, the Black Valox mannequin competes with different extra budget-friendly but higher-end choices from Kershaw, which supply comparable supplies for $200-$250. The Redstone Richlite mannequin seen on this assessment ($171) is extra accessible however features a extra premium deal with, {hardware}, and blade materials. Benchmade’s home manufacturing and lifelong service assist justify the fee for some, however budget-conscious consumers might favor options just like the Kershaw Blur ($90-$120) which aren’t as a lot of a loss if severely broken within the line of obligation.
Ultimate Ideas
The Benchmade Mini Barrage is a really well-executed folding knife in my estimation, mixing a compact kind issue with sturdy and high-end supplies and a dependable assisted-opening mechanism. Its CPM-S30V blade, AXIS Help system, and the very enticing Redstone Richlite deal with are good for EDC and light-weight outside duties. The knife’s ergonomics, edge retention, and corrosion resistance make it a sensible alternative for almost anybody, whereas Benchmade’s LifeSharp program provides long-term worth for customers who prefer to genuinely use their EDC blades.
For EDC fans, collectors, or outside customers looking for a flexible folder, the Mini Barrage is value a glance when you prefer to maintain issues sensible however nonetheless with a little bit of aptitude. It’s accessible at Benchmade.com, KnifeCenter.com, and BladeHQ.com. Should you worth American-made high quality and don’t thoughts the fee, this knife is a stable addition to your package. Simply don’t count on it to switch a hard and fast blade for heavy-duty duties – that’s a job for a few of Benchmade’s larger choices!
Disclaimer: Benchmade supplied the Mini Barrage for assessment. This doesn’t have an effect on my analysis, and Benchmade didn’t assessment this text previous to publication.
Product Link: https://www.benchmade.com/products/585bk-04
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