Hmmm
I'm not sure this is genuine.
Neither am I. That's why I posted it.
The logo looks wrong - the Registered Trademark symbol is too big. The "Mel Pardue" section is too low and should not cross into the hollow grind portion of the blade. And, the valley in the middle of the M should be sharp and almost touch the top of the P. The logos on each side also seem too far away from the tomb studs.
Agree with all of this.
The pocket clip looks wrong as well (warped) like it bent when they stamped the Benchmade name -
That's what really got my attention and started my questioning it -, which is also thicker than normal and too deeply embossed. The thumb stud tip is too small and not as deep at the end/tip where the Torx is located.
Not enough difference between the ones on this knife and know authentic ones I have one purchased directly from Spyderco several years ago to form a for sure opinion but I see your point.
The image is not sharp enough to tell if all the hardware and the axis-lock bar is correct. But the holes for all the small screws almost/maybe look to big and/or deep. I just can tell with only the three pics, and I think the older mini grips did have larger holes for the small screws than newer ones.
Too close to call to make a fore sure conclusion.
A view from above to see how far out the thumbs studs stick out would be helpful as well, as they should not stick out past the scales.
The thumb studs on this knife do not extend past the scales.
