AllOutdoor Review – Benchmade Barrage Redstone Knife

Benchmade wants no introduction for many who have been studying AllOutdoor for the previous couple of years. Benchmade has lengthy epitomized innovation and craftsmanship on this planet of edged instruments, evolving from customized balisong roots into a worldwide chief famend for its precision-engineered, lifetime-guaranteed blades. On the coronary heart of Benchmade’s assisted-opening lineup are spring-assisted mechanisms that ship lightning-fast deployment through proprietary applied sciences just like the AXIS Help lock in fashions just like the Vector and Mini Barrage. At this time, we’re particularly going to be trying on the Benchmade Barrage Redstone knife to see the way it performs out within the subject.

The Benchmade Barrage Redstone was despatched to me for overview by Benchmade. Whereas I’m allowed to maintain these knives indefinitely, it is not going to change my present or future opinion on any Benchmade Merchandise. Benchmade has not been allowed to preview this overview previous to publishing. I’ve been thumping on this knife for the higher a part of a yr now and have used it for a lot of each day duties.

Knife Protection on AllOutdoor

In a earlier overview, I took a have a look at the Benchmade Mini-Barrage, and I actually adored that knife. I liked how snappy the blade was when unlocking it. I like the usability of the smaller measurement of the mini measurement. However there was one factor I didn’t significantly look after, and that was how extensive and thick the knife was general; for its measurement, it felt huge within the pocket. This overview might be over the latest variation within the Barrage household, the full-size Redstone variant. This knife was launched final yr at shot present, so you would undoubtedly say this overview has been lengthy within the tooth at this level.

Specs – Benchmade Barrage Redstone Knife

Blade Size – 3.6″Blade Thickness: 0.121″Open Size: 8.45″Closed Size: 4.79″Deal with Thickness: 0.633″Weight: 4.45 ozBlade Materials: CPM-S30V Stainless SteelBlade Model: Drop-PointHandle Materials: Richlite (Redstone coloration)Mechanism: AXIS® Help with Built-in SafetyOpener: Twin Thumb StudsLock: AXIS® LockOrigin: USAMSRP: $340

Blade and Materials – Benchmade Barrage Redstone Knife

On the coronary heart of the Redstone Barrage is the S30V stainless-steel blade. Coming in at 3.6 inches, it is a lengthy but helpful blade, and with the drop level design, it involves nearly like a spear is beneficial in lots of conditions. The blade thickness is available in at .0121 inches, and this actually offers this knife , sturdy really feel. The blade thickness permits me to not fear about harming this knife an excessive amount of once I use it mor troublesome reducing duties. Being constructed of S30V stainless-steel, you’re going to be getting an important mixture of edge retention, but additionally hardness, making this an important general metal for many who are arduous on their knives.

Locking Mechanism – Benchmade Barrage Redstone Knife

In fact, the Barrage options Benchmade’s trademarked Axis Lock, however this time it’s a bit completely different in the truth that you’ll be able to truly lock this blade if you wish to, and it’s spring-assisted. The spring help on the axis lock for me is actually take it or depart it. I might preserve it, or I might go with out it as a result of, personally, I believe the axis lock is fairly good by itself. The locking mechanism is straightforward to open and really quiet however with this computerized mechanism, you must be a bit extra cautious in the event you wanna open it and never make any sound. Closing the blade with the assisted model of the axis lock can also be barely tougher than with out it, however these are actually minor gripes for an extremely strong and well-thought-out and albeit enjoyable knife to fondle and mess around with. The locking mechanism on the Barrage just isn’t rerally required and in the event you don’t prefer it, then you definitely don’t have to make use of it, easy as that!

Deal with Materials – Benchmade Barrage Redstone Knife

In fact, this knife includes a extra premium hand materials, that being the Redstone Richlite. However what’s Richlite, you is likely to be asking? Richlite is a sustainable, high-performance composite materials engineered from layers of recycled paper or cellulose fibers impregnated with phenolic resin, making a dense, paper-based laminate that’s been in use for over 70 years throughout purposes like counter tops, skateboards, and architectural surfacing earlier than gaining traction in customized and manufacturing knife handles for its eco- friendliness. The hand materials has sufficient texturing on it to offer you grip in hand, however I do want there was extra leaping, regardless that I do know it’s a bit troublesome to take action with this type of blade; it might be very welcome for my part.

Aesthetics – Benchmade Barrage Redstone Knife

That is usually not a class I cowl, however I needed to for this blade. It is a actually handsome knife, and each time I pull this factor out round a buddy, they’re at all times actually impressed, and why take a look at this knife. I believe Benchmade did an exceptional job after they designed the blade form, with the colours, the deal with materials, and the deal with texturing on this knife is an absolute gem and a magnificence to take a look at. The darkish copper thumb stud is a good accent to the remainder of the colours and the blade, however I don’t actually love the darkish copper pocket clip and I want that was merely simply black as a result of I don’t like having something shiny in my pocket clips, as I don’t need to alert all people that I’m carrying a knife each time I am going wherever. So in the event you’re looking to buy this knife, I’d advocate most likely switching out the pocket clip for one thing a bit extra delicate.

Dislikes

In fact, not every part is ideal on this knife. It’s comparatively heavy and a bit bigger than many of the pocket knives I have a tendency to hold; that being stated, I do love the utility of the bigger blade and the strong design. I don’t significantly look after the coloring of the pocket clip, and lastly, the worth, my God. Coming in at a whopping $340 for this knife is lots to ask for. Granted is being constructed with high quality supplies, and it is a extra aesthetically pleasing model of the conventional barrage, however greater than $100 over the usual black model looks like a bit a lot to me, however your mileage might range.

Ultimate Ideas

In wrapping up this long-overdue deep dive into the Benchmade Barrage Redstone Drop-Level, it’s clear that this full-size beast has earned its stripes as a standout within the assisted-opening area, mixing Benchmade’s precision with a visually gorgeous bundle that turns heads and slices by duties with ease. Its S30V blade holds an edge like a champ by a yr’s price of arduous EDC abuse, the Richlite deal with delivers sustainable grip with out the fuss, and that Axis Help deployment stays a joyfully expertise, even when the spring’s elective aptitude is extra novelty than necessity. Positive, the heft and scale demand a dedicated pocket, the copper clip is ot my favourite and the $340 sticker shocks like a chilly plunge, however for these craving a sturdy, American-made folder that punches means above its weight in utility and attract, the Redstone is much less a software and extra a press release. Seize one in the event you’re able to degree up your carry sport, as a result of when you fondle this gem, settling for something much less seems like a uninteresting compromise.

Patrik Orcutt

Patrik is a contract photographer who has been fortunate sufficient to see a number of the world and doc his travels together with his digicam. He has labored for the U.S. authorities as a Public Affairs Officer documenting Multi-Nationwide Particular Forces Coaching across the World. He’s at present engaged on turning into a Blackhawk Pilot for the Military whereas being an avid gear junky and outside fanatic.