I still don't know why Benchmade went with the Valox scales on the Barrage models when the R&D and following Prototype 580 came out in G-10.

If choosing a set of scales ever made a knife what it should've been all along, Valox should have never been used in the full production versions.

Or, you could pick up a regular 585, then swap the blades, and edc the hell out of it

quote:

Originally posted by joe_karp:
If choosing a set of scales ever made a knife what it should've been all along, Valox should have never been used in the full production versions.

Unfortunately Joe, that is exactly what they went with "VALOX" on both the 585 and 580, personally I believe that it lowers the knifes perceived value and was a big mistake.

But they have sold a lot of 585's and 580's so what do I know..LOL

Some people must either like the air light feel or just don't know any better...

quote:

Originally posted by John W:
Or, you could pick up a regular 585, then swap the blades, and edc the hell out of it

Well what Joe has is a PROTOTYPE and is NOT the regular production run, there where some 585's done with G10 as Shot Show Limited Editions.

They came in 2 blade options of only 250 each, a 585-1 and a 585SBK-1 (500 in all) and I have managed to get a hold of one of the 585-1 (# 19/250).

The other option for G10 is the Warn Industries 587-1 and the 583-1, but both of those ONLY come with Tanto Blades and the biggest seller for Benchmade is the PLAIN UN-COATED BLADE like on the 585 and 580.

I was lucky as I involved with some "Proof of concept" Exotic Wood Scales with a Craftsman here in PA and had ended up with 2 sets of G10 Warn Scales, but Benchmade doesn't have alternative scales available as an option for any of there knives other than the 140/141 Fixed Blade.

They are a production knife company and really haven't shown much interest in accessories for there knives to date, they are what they are and it is what it is..

But yes I can PIMP a 585 with what I have in my draw and that's an option for me that I am looking at, as I need another EDC for myself..

quote:

Originally posted by AussieBlade:

quote:

Originally posted by joe_karp:
If choosing a set of scales ever made a knife what it should've been all along, Valox should have never been used in the full production versions.

Unfortunately Joe, that is exactly what they went with "VALOX" on both the 585 and 580, personally I believe that it lowers the knifes perceived value and was a big mistake.

But they have sold a lot of 585's and 580's so what do I know..LOL

Some people must either like the air light feel or just don't know any better...

It might just be the difference between enthusiasts like us and the average "Joe" , where many won't spend $50 for a knife let alone stress over the material used on knife scales.

In plain old Valox, my local REI sells a ton of the things, and most of these in CE. Theirs, BTW, is a bright green variant, which looks pretty cool.

Just saying: the A/O Axis mechanism is very heard to beat, is rock solid, and in truth makes the knives what they are long before we get into the scales, plus or minus.

Here's another thought...IF Benchmade ever came up with a marketed set of replacement G-10 scales for both 580 and 585 I'd bet they would be big sellers...but then again maybe only to us enthusiastic types.

I know of the REI's green model and I agree with you regarding the Axis Lock, that is what attacks me so much to Benchmade.

I am an older bloke myself and the Axis Lock is so easy to handle especially now that I am staring to get Arthritis in my small hands the more chunkiness of the 585 is a great help (if you know what I mean)...

The reality is that only very few get to see or even own a G10 585 (LE) or 580 (you probably have the only one of these Mate), but when the average Joe does from my experience they LOVE it over the Valox.

The bottom line is that the general market doesn't even get a look at a G10 option for the most apart and I believe that if they did they would go wild over it....

I also could not AGREE WITH YOU MORE regarding an upgrade option for both models with G10 Scales and I think like you they would sell like HOT CAKES..!!!