AllOutdoor Review: Mini Barrage Blue Canyon Richlite – “Sustainably Cool”
Patrik Orcutt 11.07.23
The origin of Benchmade can be traced back to California in 1979, when Les de Asis, the founder, was inspired to create a better quality knife than those he had used during his childhood. Dissatisfied with the poorly made butterfly knives available at the time, Les aimed to leverage the latest materials and manufacturing techniques to revolutionize this market. The initial focus was on crafting high-quality butterfly knives, known as Bali-Songs, as reflected in the company’s logo and name at the time. Using his skills from high school shop classes, Les developed a prototype of his improved knife design. Encouraged by the positive response he received from a local gun store owner who saw the prototype, Les embarked on the journey of creating more knives. This marked the humble beginnings of the company, which initially operated under the name Bali-Song. So, today we are going to take a look at one of their newest knifes, the Mini Barrage Blue Canyon Richlite.
Benchmade Coverage on AllOutdoor
- AllOutdoor Review – Benchmade Griptilian Multi-Functional 551-S30V Knife
- First Impressions – Benchmade Mini Barrage Blue Canyon Richlite
- AllOutdoor Review – Benchmade Proper “Old School Cool”
- AllOutdoor Historical Review – A Brief History of Benchmade Knives
I have already done a first impressions write-up on the Mini Barrage Blue Canyon Richlite Here so if you are looking for more information on the specs and materials of the knife please check it out.
The Griptillion was provided by Benchmade and while I am allowed to keep this knife indefinitely, it will not change my current or future opinion on any Benchmade Products. Benchmade has not been allowed to preview this review prior to publishing.
I have been everyday carrying this knife for the last month and feel that I have a good opinion of it strengths and weaknesses at this point in time.
Benchmade Mini Barrage Blue Canyon Richlite – Specs
- Weight: 3.76 Ounces | 106.59 grams
- Blade Steel: CPM-S30V Super Premium Stainless Steel (58-60HRC)
- Blade Style: Drop-Point
- Handle Material: Blue Canyon Richlite
- Country of Origin: United States of America
- MSRP: $300
Mini Barrage® | Blue Canyon Richlite
What is Richlite?
I could just be an idiot but I had never heard of the material Richlite prior to researching it for this article and here is what I found. Richlite is a remarkable material known for its sustainability, durability, and versatility. It is an eco-friendly composite material made from layers of paper, impregnated with a resin and then compressed under high pressure and heat. The result is a dense, solid surface that bears a striking resemblance to natural materials like wood or stone.
Benchmade Mini Barrage Blue Canyon Richlite – Design & Aesthetics
The Benchmade Mini Barrage Blue Canyon Richlite immediately catches your eye with its striking design. The Blue Canyon Richlite handle is a standout feature, combining elegance with sustainability. Richlite is a composite material, making it not only eco-friendly but also lightweight, durable, and impervious to moisture. This environmentally conscious choice complements the knife’s overall aesthetic, giving it a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from traditional EDC knives. I personally love how the Richlite looks and feels in the hand as a premium handle material.
The knife’s handle is ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip for being smaller than normal. I will say that while being comfortable there is a lack of traction to me. The tip of the handle could use some more jumping to allow for better control in the hand.
The Mini Barrage Blue Canyon Richlite features, a drop-point blade made from premium CPM-S30V steel and this is a big upgrade over the 154CM steel that comes on all of the other Mini Barrage models. The edge retention of CPM-S30V is pretty astounding and after a solid month of use the blade its still very sharp. This versatile blade design offers the best of both worlds, with a fine edge for precise cutting and a strong spine. The knife’s dual thumb studs and ambidextrous AXIS® assist opening mechanism make it easy to deploy with either hand, a thoughtful design for left-handed users. This is definitely I knife I find myself playing with when I’m home watching a movie.
The knife also features a reversible deep-carry pocket clip, allowing you to carry it discreetly and comfortably in your pocket. The clip’s blue anodized accents harmonize with the Blue Canyon Richlite handle, giving the knife an extra touch of elegance. While it certainly is visually appealing, I do with this knife came with a black pocket clip, and its blends into the pocket more.
Benchmade Mini Barrage Blue Canyon Richlite – Performance
When it comes to performance, the Benchmade Mini Barrage Blue Canyon Richlite shines brightly. As mentioned before, the modified drop-point blade is made from high-quality CPM-S30v steel, known for its edge retention and corrosion resistance. This blade can handle a wide range of cutting tasks, from slicing to piercing. It’s worth noting that this knife is designed primarily for everyday tasks and not heavy-duty use, so it may not be the best choice for demanding outdoor applications like carving wood. I can attest to its usefulness in the kitchen when you need to cut something quickly and all your knives are in the sink, dirty.
The AXIS® assist opening mechanism remains one of my favorites and is turbo-charged with the assisted opening mechanism. It ensures smooth and rapid deployment of the blade, making it a breeze to access when you need it most.
One aspect where the Mini Barrage Blue Canyon Richlite knife that I have a minor gripe over is that you can’t flick it open and closed with one hand like you can on the non-assisted variations like the 940 Osborne. Unless you press the spine of the blade against something you will need 2 hands to close this blade.
There is a safety located on the back of the spine of the knife and while I’m personally not a fan of this, it does not get in the way at all to overcomplicate the system. It also gives you piece of mind that it won’t open in the pocket but I feel as if that is more of a warranted concern with push-button knives.
Benchmade Mini Barrage Blue Canyon Richlite – Price
The Benchmade Mini Barrage Blue Canyon Richlite knife is undoubtedly a premium EDC tool, and the price reflects that. While it’s worth every penny for those who appreciate high-quality craftsmanship, performance, and sustainability, it might be considered an investment for some. However, considering the longevity of the knife and its environmentally friendly features, it can be seen as a wise purchase.
Benchmade Mini Barrage Blue Canyon Richlite – Wrap Up
The Benchmade Mini Barrage Blue Canyon Richlite knife is a shining example of Benchmade’s commitment to craftsmanship, design, performance, and environmental consciousness. With a striking Richlite handle, premium stainless steel blade, and ambidextrous deployment, it stands out as a stylish and functional EDC tool.
For those who value both style and sustainability, the Blue Canyon Richlite handle sets this knife apart. It’s a beautiful representation of how eco-friendly materials can be incorporated into everyday items without sacrificing quality or performance.
While the knife’s price may be a consideration and it has a lack of traction, it’s important to remember that you’re not only investing in a high-quality tool but also in a company that values sustainability and responsible manufacturing. The Benchmade Mini Barrage Blue Canyon Richlite is not just a knife; it’s a statement of conscious consumerism and a testament to the fusion of style, utility, and environmental responsibility.
