A couple of weeks ago Benchmade Knife Company sent out a copy of their Redstone Mini Barrage assisted open EDC blade for review, and I spent a couple of months evaluating its performance across urban and outdoor tasks as I go about my daily business. Designed by Warren Osborne, the Mini Barrage is a compact folding knife featuring Benchmade’s AXIS Assist mechanism, a CPM-S30V blade, and handle options like Richlite or Valox. This review dissects its specifications, functionality, and practical applications, which should hopefully provide a clearer assessment for EDC users, collectors, outdoor enthusiasts, or just guys who love to have a nice EDC blade with them.
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AllOutdoor Review: The Badass Benchmade Redstone Mini Barrage
The Mini Barrage measures 6.91 inches overall when open, with a 2.91-inch blade and a 4-inch closed length. It weighs 3.38 ounces, making it very suitable for pocket carry. The blade, constructed from CPM-S30V stainless steel (58-60 HRC), has a drop-point profile with a 0.1-inch thickness and a satin finish. CPM-S30V is known for its balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and sharpenability, suitable for a pretty wide variety of everyday cutting tasks. The blade features a swedge grind and a slight belly, optimizing it for slicing and piercing.
The 585BK-04 model uses “Redstone” colored Richlite handle scales (a composite of resin-infused paper), measuring 0.43 inches thick per scale for a slim carry profile. Richlite is non-porous, moisture-resistant, and durable, with a textured surface for grip. The alternative 585 model uses Black Valox, a polymer that reduces weight but lacks Richlite’s tactile feedback. The handle incorporates anodized thumb studs, an anodized backspacer, and a stainless steel liner with a safety switch for the AXIS Assist mechanism. A reversible split-arrow pocket clip supports tip-up carry only.
The AXIS Assist system combines a spring-assisted opening with Benchmade’s AXIS lock, a hardened steel bar that engages the blade tang for secure lockup. Deployment is via ambidextrous thumb studs, and the safety switch locks the blade closed to prevent accidental opening. The knife is assembled in Oregon, USA, with the least expensive versions of the Mini Barrage retailing for $190, and the example pictured here for $320. There is a special “Purple Haze” edition of the blade featuring a pretty psychedelic purple set of “FatCarbon” scales but that one will set you back $500 – clearly a collector’s item.
Performance Testing
I tested the Mini Barrage by carrying it daily for “urban tasks” (opening packages, cutting tape) and outdoor activities (at the range, out in the yard). The blade arrived with a factory edge capable of push-cutting paper and shaving hair. CPM-S30V’s properties were evident in tasks like slicing tomatoes, cutting cheeses, or even baling twine, where the blade resisted corrosion despite exposure to moisture and abrasive cutting materials like cardboard. Edge retention was strong; after cutting through 50 feet of cardboard, a bunch of 550 paracord, and whittling off some dried cedar wood for kindling, the edge dulled only ever so slightly and after a few months of daily abuse is finally ready for a quick couple of passes on a Ken Onion sharpener.
The AXIS Assist mechanism is very well refined and produces consistent and predictable deployment, made much easier by using the thumb studs. The AXIS lock engaged without blade play, and the safety switch functioned reliably, preventing unintended deployment during pocket carry or when the blade is deployed and you are cutting something that is providing a bit more resistance. The lock’s design allows one-handed closing, though users unfamiliar with AXIS systems may need practice to operate it smoothly. No mechanical issues, such as spring wear or lock stick, were observed, although if you do run into problems with it then Benchmade has you covered with their warranty.
The handle’s ergonomics accommodated a standard grip for medium-sized hands (glove size M) although the blade is on the small side of things – you likely won’t get a full hand grip on the blade and thus it’s really not meant for bigger cutting tasks. The Richlite scales provided sufficient traction in wet conditions, with no slippage during simple cutting tasks. The knife’s balance point, interestingly enough is located 0.5 inches behind the pivot, and gives it some very pleasing handling characteristics for such a small knife. At 3.38 ounces is almost unnoticeable in even athletic shorts pockets – truly this is an EDC-optimized blade if there ever was one.
Practical Applications
The Mini Barrage’s compact dimensions and 2.91-inch blade suit it for EDC in urban and outdoor environments. In urban settings, it handled routine tasks like opening mail, cutting packing straps, zip-ties, some minor prying duty on some stubborn hardware, and of course more delicate tasks like trimming loose thread on clothing. The blade’s length complies with most U.S. knife laws (typically 3-inch limits), making it an expensive but logical choice for office or public carry in virtually any state or setting where blades aren’t completely banned. The Richlite handle’s non-tactical appearance reduces attention compared to knives with G10 or carbon fiber scales and gives it a bit of conversational value as well.
For outdoor use, I’ve been bringing the Mini Barrage to my range trips in the PNW woods. It performed well in preparing kindling, cutting 1/4-inch nylon rope to tie down some cargo, and slicing cheese and sausage for a quick snack at the range. The blade’s thickness supported light prying as I mentioned earlier, such as removing staples from 1×2 target stands, without tip damage. The Richlite handle withstood rain and mud, cleaning easily with just water. While not designed for heavy bushcraft, the Mini Barrage managed small-scale tasks effectively, complementing larger fixed blades that I typically keep on my range belt.
Benchmade’s LifeSharp program, included with each of their knives, allows owners to send the knife for free sharpening, cleaning, and maintenance. This service extends the knife’s lifespan, particularly for users who frequently tackle abrasive materials like cardboard or rope or just love to use their knives as they were intended to be used – like handy tools!
Limitations and Trade-Offs
The Mini Barrage has a few drawbacks that are worth noting for more discerning knife collectors or buyers. The pocket clip, made of stainless steel with a silver finish, is 2.5 inches long and protrudes 0.3 inches from the handle. Its stiffness (requiring about 5-7 pounds of force to flex) complicates one-handed attachment, however, over the last few months this has loosened up to a more comfortable tension making it much easier to deploy and replace in your pocket. However, what hasn’t changed is that while the clip is reversible for either side, there is no option currently for “tip-down” carry which I think might have been a natural inclusion given that the Mini Barrage is capable of being locked.
The AXIS Assist mechanism, while reliable, adds complexity compared to manual folders and might make this knife unsuitable for newer blade collectors. The safety switch and spring system require periodic cleaning to prevent debris buildup, though no issues arose during testing, and any dirt that accumulated in the mechanism was easily blown out using some compressed air. Users new to assisted-opening knives may find the safety toggle unintuitive, with a 1-2 day learning curve reported in most online forums.
Lastly, price is a significant consideration. At a starting price of $190, the Black Valox model competes with other more budget-friendly yet higher-end offerings from Kershaw, which offer comparable materials for $200-$250. The Redstone Richlite model seen in this review ($171) is more accessible but includes a more premium handle, hardware, and blade material. Benchmade’s domestic production and lifetime service help justify the cost for some, but budget-conscious buyers may prefer alternatives like the Kershaw Blur ($90-$120) which aren’t as much of a loss if severely damaged in the line of duty.
Final Thoughts
The Benchmade Mini Barrage is a very well-executed folding knife in my estimation, blending a compact form factor with robust and high-end materials and a reliable assisted-opening mechanism. Its CPM-S30V blade, AXIS Assist system, and the very attractive Redstone Richlite handle are perfect for EDC and light outdoor tasks. The knife’s ergonomics, edge retention, and corrosion resistance make it a practical choice for just about anyone, while Benchmade’s LifeSharp program adds long-term value for users who like to genuinely use their EDC blades.
For EDC enthusiasts, collectors, or outdoor users seeking a versatile folder, the Mini Barrage is worth a look if you like to keep things practical but still with a bit of flair. It’s available at Benchmade.com, KnifeCenter.com, and BladeHQ.com. If you value American-made quality and don’t mind the cost, this knife is a solid addition to your kit. Just don’t expect it to replace a fixed blade for heavy-duty tasks – that’s a job for some of Benchmade’s bigger offerings!
Disclaimer: Benchmade provided the Mini Barrage for review. This does not affect my evaluation, and Benchmade did not review this article prior to publication.
Product Link: https://www.benchmade.com/products/585bk-04
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