Just scrutinize the photos of the knife if it is online, and do your best to spot the differences between a fake and a genuine Benchmade knife. Their Dark Angel OTF offering brought something new to the scene with its plunge lock design and enjoyed tremendous success based on its excellent build quality and operation. Narrowed it down to either the Benchmade 3320 Pagan ($238). The original 3550 Pardue auto gets a new name and the upgraded Benchmade automatic package with increased reliability and improved access to an enlarged button. As a billet aluminum part, the handle for the Benchmade 3551 Stimulus takes its shape not through a casting process but by machining the parts out of a bar of aluminum alloy. Oxygen ions from the chemical solution combine with the aluminum atoms on the surface of each part. The 3551, features a single edged spear point style . if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'knifemanual_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_5',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knifemanual_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');I do this every time that I am at a physical store purchasing a knife. In the event that the Pioneer spacecraft reached any destination that included intelligent life, the plaques were meant to serve as a pictographic introduction to the Earth, its location, and its dominant species. Relocated from California to Oregon to take advantage of the acceptance of styles of knives that face legal restrictions in other jurisdictions, the company pioneered the use of laser cutters to work with steels that were too hard to produce with stamping equipment. Its products are geared toward many niche markets, such as outdoor sporting cutlery, rescue, law-enforcement, martial-arts, and military. Made with pride here in the USA. Made in USA. CPU GPU SSD . 154CM is an American-made premium grade . Aluminum is also prone to scratches and dings. eBay Product ID (ePID) 1837327877. Once built by Benchmade, HK (Heckler & Koch) OTF knives are now exclusively produced by Hogue Knives. Among its products, Benchmade offers three separate hand-assembled knife series, each made in the U.S. and crafted to match the expectations of a differing group of users. Perhaps best known for their side-opening automatic knives such as the Newport and TR-series they also produce a couple of respected OTF models. Unfortunately, there is no surefire way to identify a fake Benchmade knife from an authentic one that works 100% of the time. To avoid buying a fake Benchmade knife, see if the seller is legit and has a good reputation. These knives have been so identified with the company that Benchmade has registered Bali-Song as a trademark and logo. Chromium also heightens tensile strength and hardness. Mine has been with me for over a decade and been in the ocean for days, on top of snow-capped mountains, and abused beyond reasonable limits. Pure crap - at least the first generation of them was. It's the Benchmade 3550 Pardue Auto knife, and wh. Store Hours:Mon-Thu: 8 am 5 pmFri: 8 am 3 pm, 2023 BladeOps | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Built by The spine-mounted sliding plunge lock safety mechanism combines quick, smooth functionality with the security you expect on an automatic knife. You can get your spear point style blade in either a satin finish or a black coated one. It wasnt cheap either asking over $1000 bucks but still consumers ponied up to get their hands on the sturdiest OTF on the market. D2 sucks to sharpen. However, the point on the spear point is much stronger and it does have a belly that can be used for some slicing. DigitlHaus, Benchmade 3551 Stimulus Automatic Knife Family Review, Smith & Wesson Military and Police Knives. Blade steels such as 154CM, D2, CPM S30V steel, CPM S90V, CPM 20CV, N680, and M390 are used in many models. Anodizing is used to increase the corrosion resistance of the aluminum handle by forming a layer of oxide on its surface. The black anodized 6061 T-6 machined aluminum handles are comfortable and thin. Ironically, this desirable finish actually constitutes a controlled form of naturally occurring oxidation, the chemical process that underlies the corrosion that all knife owners try to keep from encroaching on their blades. Benchmade produces a diverse selection of auto, or switchblade knives, along with a range of hunting, fishing, utility, and miscellaneous knives, however balisongs remain a core product. The 3350 also has sliding safety that works without a hitch. In addition to checking the reviews left by costumers, do a little bit of digging and find out the overall reputation of the seller. Features: The addition of 0.30 percent silicon also helps increase hardness and ward off pitting. The laptop has a dedicated GPU option up to Nvidia Quadro P520 with 2GB GDDR5. Their affordable Para-X single action OTF has received widespread acclaim and comes in a massive variety of styles. Benchmade 3551 Pardue Stimulus AUTO Folding Knife 2.99 154CM Satin Plain Blade, Aluminum Handles - 355-1 quantity. It maintains the stylish spear point blade shape and compact 6061-T6 aluminum handle, equipped with safety and reversible right hand carry pocket clip. With increased reliability and improved access to an enlarged button, you'll love this knife. Made in USA. Re engage safety by moving it from rear to front. Add to wishlist. Introducing the Stimulus Family. The original 3550 Pardue auto gets a new name and the upgraded Benchmade automatic package with increased reliability and improved access to an enlarged button. While maintaining a firm grip on the handle, push firing button. There are usually some pretty noticeable differences between genuine and fake Benchmade knives, and you can spot them if you have them side-by-side. You can read more about Benchmades revolutionary manufacturing methods in my article on the subject here. While most other finishes are actually changing the blade steel, a coating finish is exactly what it sounds likea layer of finish is applied on top of the steel. Store Hours:Mon-Thu: 8 am 5 pmFri: 8 am 3 pm, 2023 BladeOps | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Built by 154CM is an American-made premium grade best all-around stainless steel that offers great corrosion resistance with good toughness and edge qualities. Brand. Re engage safety by moving it from rear to front. Blade Hardness: 58-61. . In the end, there is no definite way to know if a Benchmade is genuine or not in every scenario, so the only thing you can do is try your best and follow the tips outlined in this article. It is ultimately the Customers responsibility to investigate and ensure that any item is legal to use, carry, possess, purchase and/or own within the Customers intended federal, state and/or local area. The original 3550 Pardue auto gets a new name and the upgraded Benchmade automatic package with increased reliability and improved access to an enlarged button. They combine much of the strength of a drop-point blade with some of the piercing ability of a dagger-like needle-point profile. If a seller is on the list, the likelihood of them trying to sell you a phony Benchmade knife is very slim to none. The original 3550 Pardue auto gets a new name and the upgraded Benchmade automatic package with increased reliability and improved access to an enlarged button. The combo blade is where the upper two thirds of the blade is plain and the lower two thirds is serrated. You can also check the materials used to make the particular model you are interested in and check for any inconsistencies between the official Benchmade knife and the potential fake one. Proudly made in America, Hogues OTF line up is often underrated but in our opinion matches up well with similar priced competition. Silver Button Auto 3551 Stimulus Retail: $240.00 SALE PRICE: $216.00 The best-selling original Benchmade 3550 Mel Pardue automatic knife was slightly modified in 2016producing the new and improved Benchmade Stimulus auto knife. They have been a driving force in the market for over two decades, bringing creativity, innovation and high quality standards to military, law-enforcement and consumers alike. Reengage safety by moving from rear to front. Benchmade has three different classes when it comes to their knives. But this doesnt mean you shouldnt ever buy from an individual again. The Black Class slogan is Black Class: No Room for Error.. Reengage safety by moving from rear to front. In addition to federal law requirements, Benchmade complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Add to Wish List. Made in USA. SKU : Model : Stimulus 3551. All you have to do is look up videos of the particular model of Benchymae knife you are interested in, and there are many videos comparing fakes to the real deal. Blade Length: 2.99 (7.59cm) The Benchmade 3550 Pardue is a great automatic knife; the small size makes it a convenient EDC automatic knife and the spearpoint blade shape offers enhanced tip qualities. This 3550 Mel Pardue designed side opening auto from Benchmade has a black spear point blade with a false top edge. Based in Oregon, the epicenter of U.S. knife production, Oregon Citys Benchmade ranked second when Knife News conducted a brand-awareness survey of blade enthusiasts in 2015. Lubricated and reassembled, the knife receives a factory sharpening prior to shipment back to the customer. This site also participates in affiliate programs with Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, Avantlink, VigLink, Impact, FlexOffers, Walmart, and other sites. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'knifemanual_com-leader-2','ezslot_10',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knifemanual_com-leader-2-0');Benchmade makes their knives using some pretty high-quality and expensive technology that makes their products very precise. Also, like Microtech, Heretic OTFs use proprietary hardware which is not always appreciated by consumers. 7.10 overall. If the Price is Too Good to be True, It Probably is. However, if you are purchasing a knife from an individual online, they will not be authorized. The 3551 Stimulus features a 2.99 154CM spear point blade and aluminum handles. One new winner* is announced every week! While perhaps not quite up the level of a Microtech, their unique designs provide a good alternative to many of the higher end brands for a bit lower cost. PM or email questions. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'knifemanual_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_8',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knifemanual_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Some things to look for are the shape of the blade, the knifes overall design, and the coloring of the knife. The only exception is the firing button, which is silver and the safety on the side of the handle. The satin finish does help to slightly reduce corrosion on this blade, but that characteristic is not a noteworthy one of the satin blade finish. And because there are no teeth, the plain edge is going to give you cleaner cuts and slices than the combination blade would. SHIPPING&SERVE. Made in USA. 2023 Copyright Knife Manual. Because of its strength, the coating is applied only after a part is machined, reducing the amount of effort required for tooling and the potential wear and tear on production equipment. Specifications: Designer: Pardue Mechanism: Push Button Automatic Action: Automatic-opening Blade Length: 2.99" (7.59cm) Blade Thickness: 0.088" (2.235mm) The 3551 Stimulus features a 2.98 inches long 154-CM stainless steel spear point blade that offers enhanced tip qualities (false double edge). Each knife undergoes complete disassembly, after which a technician replaces or tunes up any parts that show signs of wear. The original 3550 Pardue auto gets a new name and the upgraded Benchmade automatic package with increased reliability and improved access to an enlarged button. Subtle changes in design dimensions put the 3551 Stimulus at 2.71 ounces, down from 2.8 ounces on the 3550. Mechanism: Push Button Automatic. Benchmade Knives vs. Microtech Knives: Which Is Better? A great knife for every days use or for a collection. (76.83g), **Disclaimer: Shoot Straight Inc. A Relatively Portable Package With. BENCHMADE butterfly upgraded PARDU AUTO. A push-button opens this blade lightning fast and you never have to worry about it misfiring on you because of the sliding safety. I'd probably roll with the pagan. Benchmade Knives: 3551 Mini Stimulus - Auto. Buy, Sell, and Trade your Firearms and Gear. Blade Thickness: 0.088 (2.235mm) While the size is still small and light, the updated Pardue design still features the small size making it convenient for everyday carry. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types. It favors the right-handed user in the placement of its automatic controls. Pick up your favorite version of this well-balanced, versatile Benchmade knife today at BladeOps. With the other hand, slowly close the knife blade, making sure that the path the cutting edge travels is free from obstructions. BENCHMADE 3550 AUTO MINI MEL PARDUE - The 3550 features a 2.9" 154CM stainless steel spear point blade and can be clipped nearly anywhere you need it for maximum access as a back up. Made in USA. Item : 3551. RESTRICTED Please email Appropriate ID Form with order. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies with no additional cost to you. The anodized black finish on the Benchmade 3551 Stimulus handle comes from an electrochemical process that adds a protective coating of aluminum oxide to the 6061-T6 aluminum alloy. The terms martensite and martensitic reference a very hard crystalline structure in a steel produced by a diffusionless transformation, or phase change, that occurs when the molten alloy quenches rapidly enough to produce a metal that is supersaturated with carbon. O.P. Thanks to chromiums ability to raise a blades corrosion resistance, stainless steels have become mainstays of knife production. These knives feature symmetrical black anodized 6061-T6 handle scales with an integrated safety on the spine near the location of the firing button. In 2006 they released the Infidel OTF which has arguably become the gold standard in production OTFs that others try to emulate. This merger produced a steel giant known as the Crucible Steel Company of America. But if given a choice between the two knife brands, Sharpening a Benchmade Knife (Is It Worth Using LifeSharp?). The company has collaborated with a number of custom knife makers since its beginning. Best in class designs, craftsmanship and exclusivity but with the price tag to match. Benchmades Gold Class consists of custom-made, limited-edition creations. Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. Benchmade 3551 Pardue Stimulus AUTO Folding Knife 2.99" 154CM Satin Plain Blade, Aluminum Handles - 355-1The original 3550 Pardue auto gets a new name and the upgraded Benchmade automatic package, the Stimulus 3551 is now made with increased reliability and improved access to an enlarged button. Here the strategy is all about branding, with HK carrying widespread appeal among military and law enforcement. ). Small, light, flat profile, and fast action, this is an automatic knife with a lot of class. The 3550 has a maximum of 68 Wh, while the 3551 offers a 97 Wh option. Made in USA. More items related to this product. Specifications: Blade: 2.9 in Overall: 7.10 in Weight: 2.9 oz $90 shipped gets it. 2022 Benchmade, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, Blade Finish: Finish Satin Blade Steel: 154CM (58-61) Handle Material: Black Anodized Aluminum(Black). It is powered by up to a hexa-core Intel Core i7-10810U with a boost clock speed up to 4.90 GHz. Look at Reviews and Check the Reputation of the Seller. Their OTFs are known for their smooth actions. It maintains the stylish spear point blade shape and compact 6061-T6 aluminum handle, equipped with safety and reversible right hand carry pocket clip. Press and hold the firing button. The suffix T6 in the alloy designation shows that it was solution heat-treated and artificially aged. You can still do your fine detail work because of the plain portion, and you are also capable of sawing through some thicker materials with the serrated portion. Benchmade. Benchmade 3551BK (Features) Blade Edge: Plain Blade Finish/Color: Coated Blade Steel: 154CM (58-61 HRC) Perhaps the most famous application of 6061-T6s lightweight strength came when NASA chose it as the material from which to craft the gold-anodized plaques for spacecraft that explored Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus beginning in the early 1970s. We specialize in assisted opening, fixed, and automatic blades from some of the best blade manufacturers in the world. Show More Show Less. Benchmade 3550 Mel Pardue Spear Point Knife. Made in USA. This Benchmade knife is made in the United States of America. From law enforcement and public safety to elite military troops, Benchmade feels that their obligation is the same. We Are Hiring! The tougher the steel alloy, the more difficult it can be to sharpen, but the payoff comes in the durability of that edge sharpness. There are two different finishes that you can choose from in this knife family. Today we will be going over the Benchmade 3351 Stimulus automatic knife family. My edc knives are used for cutting boxes. The Stimulus 3551BK has a black finished blade with a plain cutting edge. Less than a decade old, Guardian Tactical is a relative newcomer to the OTF scene and the creation of former Microtech designer and machinist Andy Buerk and Brian Mercer. DigitlHaus, Benchmade 3551 Stimulus Auto Knife New Product Announcement, Smith & Wesson Military and Police Knives, #Benchmade 3551 Stimulus Auto Knife -- New Product Announcement, Satin (3550 and 3550S) or Black (3550BK and 3550SBK), Satin (3551 and 3551S) or Black (3551BK and 3551SBK), Plain (3550 and 3550BK) or serrated (3550S and 3550SBK), Plain (3551 and 3551BK) or serrated (3551S and 3551SBK), Black, removable, reversible, tip-up or tip-down. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, benefits, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. Dell Precision 3550 - Intel Core i5-10210U. In addition to a new name - the Stimulus 3551 - the updated 3550 Pardue model features improved reliability and a larger push button. Ships in 1-2 business days, custom lasermarking will add 8 business days. Benchmade has discontinued the 3550 series and replaced itwith the 3551 series, which features a number of improvements including a stronger lock, multiposition pocket clip and skeletonized design: OPENING: Disengage safety by moving it from front to rear. BladeOps, LLC retails blades from many different manufacturers, such as Benchmade, Boker, Buck, CRKT, Kershaw, Gerber, MicroTech, ProTech, Smith & Wesson, and many more. When you pay for a good Benchmade knife, the quality of the materials used is spectacular. This classic automatic knife aims to please with its American-made 154CM stainless steel and the handle offers a slim profile and ergonomic grip. Its products are geared toward many niche markets, such as outdoor sporting cutlery, rescue, law-enforcement, martial-arts, and military. Improvements include, increased reliability and better access to an enlarged button. Blade Length: 2.99" (7.59cm) Blade Thickness: 0.088" (2.235mm) The Benchmade 3551 Stimulus features a black anodized 6061-T6 billet aluminum handle similar to the handle on the Benchmade 3550. This finish contributes to corrosion resistance and abrasion resistance. Durable, sturdy and reliable, Benchmades limited OTF catalog of knives continue to gain popularity in a tough market. link to Benchmade Knives vs. Microtech Knives: Which Is Better? Overall Length: Close the knife completely and ensure it has locked closed. Benchmade Knife Company. The Benchmade 3551 Stimulus features the lifetime LifeSharp warranty coverage that accompanies all Benchmade products. 2,942. Benchmade earned, and still holds, a world-leading position in the manufacture of automatic knives. 8am-5pm Saturday, Blade HQ uses cookies to provide you a better user experience. While aluminum can be slippery, Benchmade has carved in a couple of deep grooves on the face of the handle to help give you a more secure grip. Black Blade, partially serrated edge. However, the coating will scratch off eventually, either due to time or hard use. The design is often considered as a dagger and is the ultimate choice for a throwing knife. Start Your Benchmade Career Today. It's a classic Benchmade auto, and way more robust than it looks. Push button automatic opening knife; 154cm stainless steel spear point blade; Satin finish on blade; Black anodized aluminum handle When you have the right sharpening equipment and skill level, this steel isnt too hard to sharpen. Made in USA. Designer: Pardue; Blade Length: 2.99" (7.59cm) Blade Thickness: 0.088" (2.235mm) Open Length: 7.10" (18.03cm) Designer: Pardue Blade Length: 2.99" (7.59cm) Blade Thickness: 0.088" (2.235mm) Open Length: 7.10" (18.03cm) Closed Length: 4.10" (10.41cm) Blade Steel: 154CM (58-61 HRC) With the other hand, slowly close the knife blade, making sure that the path the cutting edge travels is free from obstructions. The next class is the Black Class, also known as the Professional class. Its light weight and black stainless steel pocket clip also allow it to be clipped nearly anywhere you need it for maximum access as a back up. The blades on these knives are carved into a spear point blade shape. After some setbacks, he applied the Benchmade name to the second of his cutlery companies, reflecting the combination of handmade quality with precision-fabricated materials. Like the 3550, the Benchmade 3551 Stimulus packs big performance into a small (and now a little bit lighter) package. CLOSING: Disengage safety by moving it from front to rear. The handles have been anodized black. In todays article, Im going to go over some of the things that you can do to improve your chances of purchasing an authentic Benchmade knife instead of a fake knock off. Copyright 1996-2023 AR15.COM LLC. MSRP: $240.00 . Features: Blade Edge: Plain Blade Finish/Color: Satin Blade Steel: 154CM (58-61 HRC) Blade Style/Shape: Spear-point Clip Type: Standard Clip Position: Reversible Tip-Up/Down The ergonomics of this handle also create a comfortable grip. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'knifemanual_com-leader-4','ezslot_12',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knifemanual_com-leader-4-0'); I'm the founder and primary author at Knife Manual. Another thing that Benchmade is very consistent about is using very high-quality materials in all of their knives. If you are interested in some genuinely authentic Benchmade knives, check out some of my favorite ones, which I have linked down below. Features: Blade Edge: Plain Blade Finish/Color: Satin Blade Style/Shape: Spear Point Handle Material: Black Anodized Aluminum Clip Type: Standard The 3550 features a 2.9" 154CM stainless steel spear point blade and is available in plain or combo edge. The blade on this knife measures in at 2.99 inches long, with a handle that measures in at 4.11 inches long. This blade style combines the sharp point of a dagger with the strength of a drop point blade, while still maintain some of the belly that is used for slicing. While maintaining a firm grip on the handle, push firing button. Made in USA. Spear-point blades offer a symmetrical profile that narrows to a tip positioned at the midpoint of the blade height. You can also see what Benchmade themselves are selling the particular knife for and base prices that you see on that. To do this, simply go to the official Benchmade website and look up the model of knife you are interested in purchasing. All the hardware - screws, pins, and clip are present and secure and safety is functional. Benchmade 3551 Stimulus, Black Aluminum / Satin 154CM Benchmade $216.00) (No reviews . Made in USA. The last class is the Gold Class, also known as the Collector class. One of the most noticeable and recurring defects in fake knives is the edges of the handle. the old model is 3550 series, now discontinued, upgraded to the new 3551 series. We reserve the right to correct typographic, photographic and/or descriptive errors. This is the class that is used by professionals when quality tools can mean the difference between life and death. There is really no secret where this blade style got its name from. Benchmade has a long tradition of incorporating knife design from noted custom cutlery makers into their production models. Know your local laws. You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers. Another great way to help you spot fake Benchmade knives is by comparing them to photos of the genuine ones. The Precision 3551 is a capable platform for 2D computer-aided design (CAD), if not 3D rendering or virtual reality, but it's overshadowed by its stablemates.