580 Redesign or manufacturing error?

I have 2-580’s, 1-585, 1-585BK.
In an attempt to keep my favorite uncle status with my nephew I purchases him a 580 for his birthday. He’s a State Trooper and I thought he would enjoy it for work or whatever (who wouldn’t)? When I received it I checked it for proper function before giving it to him. It felt weird and difficult to unlock the AXIS. When I compared it to my others I noticed right away what the issue was.

The AXIS bar studs were recessed or shorter. You can tell just by looking at it. But you can really tell when using it. You had to press your thumb in the opening to disengage the AXIS. It was difficult and pinched a bit. It was easier when using thumb and index finger together but still a pain and with his job and wearing gloves sometimes it would be impossible altogether.

The knife functioned properly otherwise. The font used for the lettering on the blade was different from the other 4 knives as well. Which leads me to believe that this may be a redesign. If so a really bad one. Or a very strange manufacturing error. I gave him one of my older (if you can say that with this knife) 580 still NIB and sent the other one in to Benchmade.

Anyone else notice?

I wonder...there are two sizes of the 'standard' studs. One's definitely smaller than the other, maybe used on the 707 and mini-Axis knives?

Sounds like that's what was on the 580. The studs on my new 580 are the larger ones and there's no issue opening it. These REALLY open!

Dunno what to say about the font, although that could've been an early model. Was the blade unmarked or was it a First Production?

Interested to see the outcome and I'm sure you've retained your 'Favorite Uncle' status by giving him one that works for you both.

Of course you know that I’m not talking about the Thumb Stud. I’m talking about the studs on the end of the AXIS lock bar. So this issue has no effect on blade deployment. It’s closing the knife where the issue exists.

I know that this knife is factory fresh because I preordered 2 when they first came out. Those were the first to be released. Since then the dealer has sold out and re-supplied twice. Each time receiving fresh knives from the factory. So this one is newer and can’t be a first production. I know that subtle differences in text on blades often talk volumes. For example when one knife says Patent Pending to the same knife 6 months later saying Patent number XXX. Clear sign of early release compared to a later model of the same exact model. Often times there will also be changes in font or position of butterfly even knife steel can be printed different. Same knife, just made at a different time.

I guess anyone noticing a difference would have to have a 580 when first released and one from very recently. Unless this is a manufacturing issue. Who knows.

Yes, I maintained Favorite Uncle Status. His other Uncle gave him something boring I’m sure.

Oh, I get it. So you meant the Axis studs themselves don't protrude far enough out from the cut in the handle scales to get a good grip on that 580. Prolly put the Axis studs for a different model in the parts drawer is my guess.

When you get your knife back let us know what happened and if it was fixed to your liking!

BTW - I've opened my 580 like a zillion times this week and it's still firing strong.

I'd probably just file or sand down the g-10. I know, not the best advice, but it would either work well or make me reconsider modifying the design.

I have my 580 back. One full month. The AXIS studs were back to it’s normal size. But there are some oddities. The repair slip said the knife was rebuilt. The AXIS knobs are a bit more bright. More silver than stainless. A little cheaper looking.

The blade is different. First off it’s shorter. By aprox. 2 or 3 mm. If I did not have a second 580 I would never have known. The tang or ricasso (whatever they call this part of the blade on a folder) is shorter. This is more noticeable than the blade length. The grind on the 580 is (as best I can tell) a Sabre. But both ends of the blade taper off. 75% of the blade tapers to the edge. There is another taper that goes to the spine. With a line on the blade where they meet. This line runs the distance of the blade. If someone knows what this grind is called, please let me know. Somehow at the very tip or point of the blade this line runs into the sharpened point. As opposed to over it as every 580 does. I can tell a new edge was put on to make this happen.

There are a few other minor differences too. All cosmetic. None of these issues are expressed here as a complaint. Not one. The knife works just fine and was repaired as promised. I have nothing to complain about. In fact, I like it!!

I guess I bring it up as a (what the heck goes on in that shop) type mystery thing and why were the AXIS studs smaller to begin with?

That’s my follow up. I have no camera, so no pics. But I have 2 580’s and want to show pics of this mini mystery so I may be motivated to seek a camera out. Oh dear god I don’t want to ask the neighbor women.

would love to see pics if you get the chance....neighbor woman can't be too bad.

ask her, ask her, ask her......

She can't be that obnoxious... PICS!

Yea and get a pic of her while your at it.

I have this mental image, is she like the landlady in Kingpin? Lalaaooahahallaaa