I have a Pardue 3550 with the black coated blade that I got about 10 years ago or more.
The spring mechanism stopped working and the blade needed sharpening so I sent it in to the Benchmade warranty service for repair and sharpening.
Well, they replaced the blade completely, replaced the button and spring mechanism, and sent a new pocket clip along with it (the clip is becoming a bit beat up).
So basically I have a new knife sitting here.
It was free (future blade replacements cost $35 the invoice says, and only took like 6 days from the time I sent it to when I got it back.
Benchmade is the best is my book, not to mention they are from Oregon.
Thanks guys.

Welcome 'Ocar', I think you'll find a lot of agreement that Benchmade is the "best in OUR book" also!

Congrats on getting your 3550 redone at the factory, sounds like they basically gave you a new knife...and their turnaround IS pretty good for the industry...and business I'm sure they have going.

Got any other Benchmades? We always like pics.

Well, I have had a few from time to time. I buy and sell a lot so I forget which ones I have had.
I found a Mini Pika at a bar about 8 years ago that I have been useing regularly, but I lost it a few months ago. I know it must be around here somewhere.
The Pardue was found also, by a friend, it was in terrible condition, I couldn't even tell what it was, I traded him something worth about $25 for it. It was completely encased in dirt, I cleaned it and got it working again and then looked it up online and saw it was a $200 knife, so that was my main knife for all these years until the spring mechanism broke a while back. Finally got around to sending it in.
The only thing that gets me is whoever owned it before me must have used to to open beer bottles or something because it is all messed up at the bottom of the handle. I hate when people do that kind of stuff with their knives.
I am in Oregon so I can carry auto knives ( not concealed), and I mainly only buy Oregon made knives, like Benchmade and CRKT and Kershaw, Gerber, Leatherman, umm, hey I think they all are from Oregon.Except this Microtech I just got.
I will try to take some pics of the Pardue tonight and post em here.

My first Benchmade was an old Ascent found on a trail up in the Sierra...must've dropped out of someone's pocket. It was coated with mud and stuck it in my pocket. Washed it off later and saw it was a nice knife...much better than the SAK I was carrying. Been hooked since.

Good deal being able to carry whatever you want up there. Across the border down here it's a whole different conversation...not that many don't carry auto's, and I love the 3550, but I won't carry one because of the legal issues involved.

Good news is we can carry anything else with no limit on blade length, well, no Bali's either.

My first Benchmade was a 525 mini Presidio as I liked the look of this knife. Then after owning a Benchmade and seeing the quality I wanted another and another until now I'm addicted.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: d13avo,

Good post Ocar,and welcome to the forum.I guess my first BM was the famous 943.

Thanks.
You know, the Pardue 3550 is my favorite knife, but the one thing i don't like is the backwards pocket clip.
I like them tip up, the clip on the bottom of the knife, not at the top.
I guess they do that so ooin case it opens in your pocket you don't get cut or something. I noticed a lot of new knives give you the option of moving it.

Welcome to the forums Oscar, my first benchmade was a 710. Since then I have aquired several knives including more Benchmades and a few customs and others from different manufactures. benchmade will always be my favorite and most used brand of knife because IMO there Customer service is the best in the knife business.. I have had nothing but stellar dealings with there Customer Service. Congrats on your 3550 and use it in good health.

Thanks. I love the 3550.

the 3550 is good stuff and welcome to the forum