Benchmade’s Gold Class is a high-end category of premium knife manufacturing. These custom knives are the best of the best that they have to offer. They feature hand-finished elements, premium materials, and top-of-the-line packaging.
Let’s be clear, right up front. The knives in the Gold Class are high-quality productions and look as well as they function. In some cases, it might be difficult to bring yourself to actually use the knife simply because you don’t want to muck up the finish or something. While that’s certainly up to personal choice, make no mistake. These knives are made to work. They’ll just look amazing while doing it.
The 2025 Gold Class 585BK-251 Mini Barrage is the latest offering in this lineup.
Features
The Mini Barrage model has been around for a bit. It was the debut platform for Benchmade’s AXIS Assist mechanism. Simply flick the thumb stud, and the assisted open takes over, snapping the blade into position and locking it into place with authority. To close the knife, pull back on the safety switch, then fold the blade into position.
This Gold Class iteration adds eye-catching visuals to a truly practical design. The handle features premium purple haze Fatcarbon scales. More on that material in a moment.
The blade is CPM-S90V stainless steel with a DCL Battlewash coating. As a practical matter, this means that the knife is ready for real-world use and abuse rather than strictly being a safe queen. The S90V is a true super steel and has corrosion resistance superior to 440C. This is a drop point blade, which is one of the most versatile blade profiles available.
This Gold Class Mini Barrage is equipped with a reversible pocket clip, so you can swap it around for right- or left-handed carry. There’s also a lanyard attachment point at the base. Adding to the ambidextrousness, the thumb stud is present on both sides of the knife, and the AXIS lock is accessible from either side as well.
What is Fatcarbon?
Standard carbon fiber is available in black or gray. Fatcarbon involves integrated colored polymers or metals that are layered during the manufacturing process. This results in truly stunning patterns. The material isn’t just eye candy, either. It’s very strong, yet lightweight. It is also highly resistant to impact and delamination. It’s a popular choice for handle scales because it’s relatively easy to machine and looks amazing when it’s done.
Assisted vs. Automatic
Assisted open knives bridge the gap between manual and automatic. They’re a great option for those who need a reliable way to open a folding knife with one hand but for whom automatic knives might not be practical, ideal, or legal. They’re designed such that an internal spring encourages the blade into the open position once it has been manually pushed beyond a certain point.
Limited Availability
The Gold Class 525BK-251 Mini Barrage is limited to just 3,500 pieces. They are only available in 2025. In many respects, this is the ultimate EDC knife for someone who favors visual appeal as much as practicality.
It has an MSRP of $500. You can find it at all of the expected haunts, including Benchmade.com, DLT Trading, Knife Center, and Blade HQ.
