Just picked up this 3500 in trade today, I'm on a Pardue kick. This is the original thinner version, here's pics:





Questions are:

When were these made? I think I read mid 90's, and why the change to the thicker 3550?

I like this knife, it's the same size and width as the older 350. Disappears in the pocket.

I like these. Came very close to buying one recently, but am saving for the bike rally in Laconia this year. Got an offer I can NOT refuse

Don't know but there may have been an even earlier version. I have a 3500 with no choil and very un-Benchmade like serrations. There is only one photo on the net that I have found on an old Knife Center ad. Sure enough it has the atypical serrations. It also has pat. pend. under the Mel Pardue logo. Does yours? I'll post a photo when I figure out how.
Let me know if your Mel pardue phase passes, I'm looking for a 3500 plain.

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

Thanks Droog,

Mine has the Mel Pardue Design logo and the Pat. Pend under it.

Did a little research on the BF site on the 3500 and found postings from 2000 whhere a few things were discussed about the difference between the 3500 and 3550:

1. The 3550 came about due to the additional width of the safety switch. Apparently the older version was easy to move to the unlocked position by accident, although I don't see exactly how.

2. One minor flaw of the original and it applies to mine, is there's a very small spot on the very back of the inside of the liner where the tip of the blade hits the aluminum...there's a very small spot where the black ano had been nicked off. I cannot see any damage to the blade though.

I like the fact that the 3500 so closely matches the 350 in shape and general size.

And on the last part, if I do decide to put this up for sale it'll be awhile, I've looked for one of these for a couple of years at least!

Thanks for the info.

Sweet looking knife, ive gotta get me a couple auto's in my collection.

nice score Joe, I like it

Nice looking knife Joe. Any knife by Pardue is awesome. How is the speed on that auto? It looks like it would be one of the fastest autos by Benchmade based on it's size.

Agreed on Pardue's David. The overall slim design and thin blade, matched with a strong spring make for a very fast delivery.

hey joe will you put a new spring in it since its kinda old?