My First post here.
I am looking at purchasing an assisted open knife.
I like the 890 Torrent because of the G10 handles but it's a little big, I wish they made a mini torrent. It did seem harder to open than the AXIS assist of the mini-barrage and it does cost more.
I like the 585 mini-Barrage because it has an assisted AXIS. It seemed easier to open than the 890 and it is cheaper. However I don't care too much for the cheap looking handles.
What would be better?
Also, what mechanism is more reliable and better in dusty/dirty conditions? The AXIS assist seems to have less "flinging" power than the Nitrous but the Nitrous seems harder to open.

Thanks,
Jarrod

I bought both, sold the mini-barrage. The assisted axis is very nice, smooth, exact - but the plastic scales just felt cheap. It's a personal thing and some folks don't mind the scales.

I'm still liking the torrent, don't feel it's big at all, and it may be lighter than the mini-barrage.

I think the fact that the scales were hollow (and sounded hollow when you put it down) really turned me off. My Spyderco delica sounded solid and it's that plastic stuff.

Don't forget to try the other nitrous knives. If you like smaller folders, try out the mini-nitrous stryker. I have the full size and like it alot. Very thin and light G10 scales.

get a 585, its a bad little knife i got one and i love it !!!

quote:

Also, what mechanism is more reliable and better in dusty/dirty conditions? The AXIS assist seems to have less "flinging" power than the Nitrous but the Nitrous seems harder to open.

If your looking to solve this problem you gotta step up into the Auto's, afoII is where its at. YOU AINT GOTTA worrie about nothin with that sucker

quote:

Originally posted by RUKUS6150maniac:

quote:

Also, what mechanism is more reliable and better in dusty/dirty conditions? The AXIS assist seems to have less "flinging" power than the Nitrous but the Nitrous seems harder to open.

If your looking to solve this problem you gotta step up into the Auto's, afoII is where its at. YOU AINT GOTTA worrie about nothin with that sucker

Well I can't legally own one so that's why I'm just looking at the assisted open knives. If not the barrage or torrent then is there another one you guys would recommend?
Thanks for your responses,
Jarrod

My personal stance on assisted knives... for the most part useless, a broken in plain old axis is just as fast.

Matter of fact unless you're going full auto (which is also nifty, and generally better in a tight squeeze where all you can do is press a button.)

I'd say how a knife fits your hands and its intended purpose is far more important than it being assisted.

I guarantee you'll be happier with a knife that fits your hand and works best with the work you give it.

Take a look at the HK Nitrous Blitz 14460
could be just the ticket

quote:

Originally posted by Blueram234:
Take a look at the HK Nitrous Blitz 14460
could be just the ticket

The not so little but slim Blitz is probably the smoothest AO I've ever seen and worth having. Just a little push and it's open. Good stuff, these HK's.

The 585 eats the lunch of any Nitrous equipped knife.

Somethings to consider about reliability.

1.) The Axis lock is more reliable and will be for a much longer time.

2.) The coil spring of the 585 does a few things for you. One it is very reliable design. and two... It powers the blade open through the whole opening motion. This is not true with the Nitrous. It "launches" the blade. So if something stops the blade before it is locked, you have an issue. Not so with the 585. Just move it away from what stopped it, and it will continue to open (and lock) from that point.

Would the coil spring of the AXIS assist be more likely to have dirt affect the mechanism than the simpler Nitrous assist?

Jarrod