I don't recall on which forum I read about the logarithmic relationship. I did go out to the Wiki page you mentioned and, on one of the reference links, saw hardness graphs that did indeed look like they were rendered on log paper.

If I came across as being argumentative, I didn't mean to. You guys are providing exactly the info I'm looking for. I'm certainly not an authority and in no position to disagree with anything you've said.

Jim, I can see how a spring assist on closing would be an issue. In the videos I watched, I didn't see the spring action during closing. Thanks for the tip.

dj, I'll PM you a link to the catalog in a few minutes.

I understand, and am just trying to learn more myself, especially in the realm of metallurgy.

My point is that expecting better than a 1-2 point spread from a company like BM without expecting a dramatic jump in price is probably unreasonable. I hope that doesn't make me a fanboy, as it seems to be true across the board for high-end production knife companies. The state of the art is indeed better, but that requires a lot of personal attention that brings the knife closer to a custom.

Kirbysdl, your point is well made and well taken. I'm definitely closer to purchasing the 581.

With the thickness of the handle, can you (or anyone) speak to how it rides in a front pocket?

Thanks!

I carry a 551 in the knife/light pouch on my 511 pants. It's just a bit thinner than the 581 in handle thickness, but I don't mind it at all. When I'm in shorts I carry it clipped to and inside my front pocket, and it doesn't cause discomfort either. That said, it's not a 581 and I prefer comfortably loose pants.

quote:

Originally posted by dj:

quote:

In collaboration with Phil, Spyderco will be making and selling a fixed-blade “Southfork” in S90V (FB30G). I pre-ordered one of those as soon as I saw it.

Could you pm me more info on this knife please .?

GP has them up for preorder

quote:

Originally posted by APBT:

quote:

Originally posted by dj:

quote:

In collaboration with Phil, Spyderco will be making and selling a fixed-blade “Southfork” in S90V (FB30G). I pre-ordered one of those as soon as I saw it.

Could you pm me more info on this knife please .?

GP has them up for preorder

Yah , I did some digging and found them ....thanks for lettin me know though.
This is a must have for me , I emailed KW and ask for a couple of them .....
I,d rather buy from them when possible , they always treated me good , so ......I,ll stick with them whenever possible..
This knife looks like a very usable knife to me

Well, I broke down and ordered a 581, my first BenchMade. It just arrived in the mail. I'm not quite sure what to think of it yet. It certainly looks nice. The edge wasn't scary sharp when it arrived, but it would shave hair with no problem. After a few light strokes on ceramic, it's now scary sharp. The Axis spring action is pretty stiff and requires a bit of effort to open until the blade flies out. (My thumb needs a rest already.) I was surprised by the recoil. I'm guessing the spring action will become a little less stiff over time. The spring doesn't snap the blade shut when closing the knife. I wonder if the mechanism is subtly different than what it was when Jim's bit him. Fit and finish are as good as I hoped they would be. It feels good in hand, at least in part because of the handle thickness. It feels better than my Spydies. The thickness doesn't pose a problem for getting it in and out of my front pocket. I've been carrying tip down; so, I'll have to get used to tip up. Bottom line: After I get better acquainted with it, I think I'm going to like it just fine. It's definitely a worthwhile addition to the family.

Thanks again everyone for your input.

You will learn to love the 581. I have a 581BK that I first thought was too big as an EDC. I now carry it every day. The utility of this knife is awesome. there isn't a task I haven't tried that challenged this thing. Great feel, great looks, great size, great knife.

Jim Lucier

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jim Lucier,