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Benchmade Mini Barrage 585 Review

An immaculately constructed knife in a form-factor that is easy to carry and large enough for virtually every task
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benchmade mini barrage 585 pocket knife review
The Benchmade Mini Barrage 585.
Credit: Kyle Hameister
Price:  $190 List
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Manufacturer:   Benchmade
By Jediah Porter & Kye Hameister  ⋅  Nov 18, 2023
77
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 21
  • Blade and Edge Integrity - 30% 9.0
  • Ergonomics - 20% 8.0
  • Portability - 20% 7.0
  • Construction Quality - 20% 9.0
  • Other Features - 10% 2.0

Our Verdict

Our testing team loves almost everything about the Benchmade Mini Barrage 585. A standout among the other high-quality options in our best pocket knife review, its dimensions and features strike a balance that we all appreciate. It slides virtually unnoticed in the owner's pocket but provides ergonomic support for the user to apply plentiful pressure to the blade. Testers loved the assisted-opening blade, brilliantly positioned pocket clip, and smooth, intuitive blade lock. The Mini Barrage is well suited to the discerning backcountry user who will carry and keep track of this high-quality, expensive piece of equipment. Those who appreciate quality will be pleased with the lifetime sharpening service offered by Benchmade. They stand behind their knives and will sharpen your Mini Barrage 585 for a small fee whenever you want. We have tested this knife continuously since 2013 and happily report that our assessments still hold.
REASONS TO BUY
Incredible blade quality
Assisted open
Perfect combination of compactness/functionality
REASONS TO AVOID
Pricey
Blade lock mechanism not intuitive
Editor's Note: We recently retested the Mini Barrage 585 to confirm its award status and updated this review on November 18, 2023, with new media to better highlight key design points.

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Price $190 List$200 List
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Bottom Line A high end construction of a knife carefully tuned to optimize portability and functionFor your self-propelled outdoor adventures, we know of no better balance of packability and function than this modelA great knife for heavy-duty use and jobs that require a large bladeThis thin knife disappears in (or on the edge of) your pocket, tackles most tasks, and is easy on your walletFor hunting, you want a new, carefully-tuned factory edge all the time, and this one making swapping in new blades easy
Rating Categories Benchmade Mini Barr... Benchmade 535 Bugout Kershaw Link Kershaw Leek Havalon Piranta Ori...
Blade and Edge Integrity (30%)
9.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
Ergonomics (20%)
8.0
7.0
8.0
6.0
6.0
Portability (20%)
7.0
8.0
5.0
8.0
7.0
Construction Quality (20%)
9.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
Other Features (10%)
2.0
0
2.0
0
0
Specs Benchmade Mini Barr... Benchmade 535 Bugout Kershaw Link Kershaw Leek Havalon Piranta Ori...
Weight 3.4 oz 1.9 oz 4.7 oz 3.1 oz 1.9 oz
Blade Length 2.8 in 3.0 in 3.2 in 2.9 in 2.3 in
Blade Material 154CM stainless steel S30V stainless steel CPM 20CV steel Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel S30V stainless steel
Handle Material Plastic Grivory Anodized aluminum 410 stainless steel Plastic
Blade Style Drop point, straight edge Drop point, straight edge Drop point, straight edge Drop point, straight edge Interchangeable scalpel style
Blade locks closed? Yes No No Yes No
Opening Style Assisted, ambidextrous thumb stud Ambidextrous thumb stud Assisted, flipper Assisted, ambidextrous thumb stud; back-of-knife finger tab Ambidextrous thumb stud
Lock Mechanism Proprietary (Axis) Proprietary (Axis) Liner lock Frame lock Frame lock
Carry Style Pocket clip and lanyard hole Pocket clip and lanyard hole Pocket clip and lanyard hole Pocket clip and lanyard hole Pocket clip and lanyard hole
Closed Length 4.0 in 4.2 in 4.4 in 4.0 in 3.7 in
Overall Length 6.9 in 7.4 in 7.6 in 7.0 in 6.6 in
Thickness (w/o pocket clip) 0.6 in 0.4 in 0.5 in 0.3 in 0.4 in
Other Features or Functions Lanyard hole, modular clip None Lanyard hole, modular clip None None

Our Analysis and Test Results

As the name suggests, the Benchmade Mini Barrage is slightly smaller than a "full-size" pocket knife. However, our testers agree that it strikes the perfect balance of a compact carriage and ergonomic structure. The Benchmade brand makes excellent blades and has done so for a long time. Like many higher-end, assisted opening knives, the blade can be locked closed with a separate mechanism. There's a slight learning curve to properly engage the blade locks in both open and closed positions, but there are added safety benefits to having both of these mechanisms. This product is also a sizable investment, and to realize the value of this high-tech tool, we recommend treating it like any piece of technical camping equipment. Don't lose it.

Performance Comparison


The blade locks of the Mini Barrage are both industry-leading. The closed-blade lock is hidden and won't accidentally engage in your pocket. The proprietary Axis lock in the handle doubles as an excellent spring assist anchor and the open-blade lock.
Credit: Kyle Hameister

Blade and Edge Integrity


While it's true that all modern pocket knives come with adequate steel, we must note that the metal and construction of the Mini Barrage blade is above par. Benchmade puts lots of care into every design. The blade arrives polished to a sheen. The experience of cutting with a brand new (or newly factory-reconditioned) Benchmade Mini borders on sensual.


The edge and sides of the 0.1" thick blade seem to propel themselves through delicate and durable tasks alike. Never in our half-decade of testing, whether cutting soft and corrosive things like tomatoes or robust and inert items like sun-faded climbing rope, did the Mini Barrage blade show a single sign of weakness. The blade is just the right length to whittle on a stick or slice through a block of cheddar.

benchmade mini barrage 585 pocket knife review - the blade on the mini barrage is a classic design - slight drop tip...
The blade on the Mini Barrage is a classic design - slight drop tip with a deep belly, and a prominent swedge grind along the top to thin the point of the tip. The 154CM blade steel alloy was invented 50 years ago, but is famous for it's edge retention and overall excellency.
Credit: Kyle Hameister

The blade's "depth" lends stability and confidence in extended usage and heavier tasks. It is a little "beefier" than your typical pocket knife of these dimensions. We like the deeper blade. We also like the steel options.


It comes with either 154CM (as we tested it) or the more expensive S30V blade steel. We've used other Benchmade knives with their S30V blade and can vouch for it. That being said, our testing with the "lesser" steel for a long time now yields no complaints from our team.

benchmade mini barrage 585 pocket knife review - the factory edge on the benchmade mini-barrage easily slices through...
The factory edge on the Benchmade Mini-Barrage easily slices through stubborn rope. And with Benchmade's "LifeSharp" program, they'll tune it up as often as you want and as long as you own it.
Credit: Megan Seel

Ergonomics


Each knife we reviewed fell somewhere between good ergonomics and portability. In short, smaller knives are more portable, while we've found that larger knives (to a point) are more useful in hand. Each of our testers found that the Mini Barrage struck the perfect balance for everyday, pocket-clipped usage. It isn't the smallest, nor is it the largest. The rounded, elongated-in-profile handle fills a clenched fist and sturdily delivers force to the blade's leading edge. Gentle curves on the handle leave no major pressure points to the user.


While Benchmade uses flashy and reliable materials and equips the Mini Barrage with a smooth-operating assisted opening function, the choice of pocket clip is puzzling. It can swap sides for right or left-handed use, which is an excellent feature. But the clip is unnecessarily strong and sharp-edged. It won't easily slip over any pant material other than the firmest of denim, and will even tear through that hearty material after clipping it on your pocket a few dozen times. That said, it is oriented to the "correct" end of the knife (i.e., with the blade up) so that it can be pulled and deployed in one smooth motion.

The Mini Barrage is rounded and compact enough to fit in a pocket, but the clip is perhaps our main gripe with this knife. It is way too strong and will cut up a pocket's edge in no time. Once in, it sits higher than needed, and tends to dig into your hip while sitting.
Credit: Kyle Hameister

Self-defense types will look to the strength of the pocket clip as a safety benefit, but ask yourself if that applies to you, or if you'll simply remove it upon purchase. Trust us when we say you will find ever-new utility in the Mini Barrage when you fully embrace the convenience of using it for everyday tasks.

benchmade mini barrage 585 pocket knife review - the mini barrage is one of the best built knives we've ever had the...
The Mini Barrage is one of the best built knives we've ever had the pleasure of reviewing. The thicker-than-average handle sits well in the hand, is well-scalloped and comfortable, and overall feels safe to pry and twist in stubborn material as needed without fear of breaking.
Credit: Kyle Hameister

We especially like Benchmade's proprietary Axis Lock, which locks the blade while in use. Located in the handle itself, the Axis Lock safeguards your fingers while unlocking the blade.

Furthermore, the Axis Lock also serves as the anchor point of the Mini Barrage's assisted opening function. This design is brilliant because it is under constant tension in both directions. As a result, the blade won't deploy in the pocket but jumps into action when given a proper flick on the thumb stud. The open assist is the best of any knife we have tested – its action is fast, smooth, and reliable. The closed-blade lock on the knife's spine is also notable. As another critical safety point, it's also under tension, so it won't accidentally engage or disengage while moving in and out of the pocket. This commonly happens with other handle-location locks, which is very annoying, not to mention dangerous.

benchmade mini barrage 585 pocket knife review - a close-up of the handle texture and benchmade's fantastic axis...
A close-up of the handle texture and Benchmade's fantastic Axis Lock. The Axis Lock makes this knife a mini technological marvel.
Credit: Kyle Hameister

Portability


Like its performance in the Ergonomics category, nothing about the Mini Barrage's portability stands out. It isn't the smallest or lightest knife in our test. It is far from the thinnest. However, it seems to strike the perfect balance of size and function.


If you carry a smartphone in one front pants pocket, a small set of keys and Mini Barrage in the other will balance out your stance and equip you for anything a day out and about might require. Unlike the other scoring metrics, other products have clear advantages over the Mini Barrage.


For ultimate portability, whether your pocket space is cluttered or you don't justify carrying around a full-size pocket knife, other options are much, much smaller. Some of these smaller knives have more features for day-to-day use.

benchmade mini barrage 585 pocket knife review - the mini barrage is more compact than a full sized knife such as the...
The Mini Barrage is more compact than a full sized knife such as the Kershaw Link (right), but noticeably more bulky than the purposely thin Kershaw Leek (left).
Credit: Kyle Hameister

Construction Quality


The best-designed equipment comes out of the package ready to use and never again prompts another thought about its construction or durability. With assisted-opening springs, dual thumb studs for blade opening, Benchmade's proprietary Axis blade lock mechanism and a tab for locking the blade closed, the Mini Barrage solves some potential failure or annoyance points in a small package. The miniaturized machinery proves to be durable and reliable. In none of our testing have we had any trouble with the performance of any of the Mini Barrage's features.


Indeed, the other Benchmade knives in our test offer competitive construction quality. What we find notable about the Benchmade products is that they manage to be strong and durable without feeling heavy.

benchmade mini barrage 585 pocket knife review - detail of the mechanism that locks the knife closed. with an...
Detail of the mechanism that locks the knife CLOSED. With an assisted opening blade, this function is crucial. This way, in a crowded pocket or tousled purse, the knife won't inadvertently come open and inflict damage. The lock works reliably.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Other Features


The Mini Barrage is a simple knife. The blade is the feature; nothing else is necessary. But adding to the value of any Benchmade knife, the company offers its generous and industry-leading "LifeSharp" service to all knife owners for a very affordable fee. Just return your knife whenever you wish. It will be returned to you sharpened and polished to like-new condition.

benchmade mini barrage 585 pocket knife review - the plastic might get a little scuffed, but a benchmade knife will...
The plastic might get a little scuffed, but a Benchmade knife will hold up for a long, long time. Our extensive testing of this older model shows only cosmetic wear and tear.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Should You Buy the Benchmade Mini Barrage 585?


The Benchmade Mini Barrage 585 is a fantastic, precision-crafted piece of equipment. Although expensive, those willing to make the initial investment will be happy with their investment in the long run. We are betting that the Mini Barrage will serve most consumers very well, especially if those consumers take advantage of the numerous available customizations Benchmade offers and keep up with regular maintenance. We heartily recommend this knife.

What Other Pocket Knives Should You Consider?


While the Mini Barrage is our top-scoring product, others do come close. In a close-scoring field like this, one of the other top-scoring products may be better for you. The value and performance of the Kershaw Leek is unsurpassed and well worth your consideration. Specialty knives like the Petzl Spatha will appeal to backpackers and climbers alike – especially those shopping on a dirt-bag budget. We also really like the Gerber Fast Draw, which is, in many ways, a budget version of the Mini Barrage. It can't match the construction quality of this knife, but it's a worthy option to consider.

benchmade mini barrage 585 pocket knife review - side-by-side with the gerber fast draw. the fast draw has a similar...
Side-by-side with the Gerber Fast Draw. The Fast Draw has a similar blade style, lock upgrades, size, weight, and a very decent spring assist open, all at 1/4 the cost. Make no mistake though, the Mini Barrage is worth every penny of it's price tag.
Credit: Kyle Hameister

Jediah Porter & Kye Hameister