Benchmade Pardue axis 530 plain edge 154CM

[cj65]

I found myself in a dilemma of sorts at the knife counter of my local surplus store. I recieved a knife for Christmas that was not my style and now was forced to exchange up from the selection at hand, what is on the shelf that day. Truthfully, not a dilemma, a blessing. There was not a huge selection in that price range, and I wanted to stay on a budget, so I chose a BM Pardue 530 axis lock.
Why? I like Benchmade, and I am familiar with 154 CM, a very good steel. I love the axis lock.

My concern? I am 6'5" and the knife is a little small for my hand. So, carrying it for a week-here are my conclusions.


The little thumb studs are a little gougy in my thumb. Playing with it puts a sore dent in my thumb, but for regular use, it is not an issue. If there is a way to mod it with blunter thumb studs, not a bad afterthought for me. The axis lock is strong for this small knife, as I am a griptilian edc guy. The Pardue thin light symmetrical spear point blade is pushed around by the axis mechanism, providing assisstance in snapping shut. I love the look of this blade, as well as the thin design. The lock up is fine, hence, I am really a fan of axis lock. I pulled it out of my front pocket while in my truck to play with it while in a traffic jam, and the stud caught on my pocket, and the blade deployed while coming out of my pocket, a little troubled by that, but while standing, it has not happened. The thumb placement while cutting has some textured machining on the exposed steel liner, I think the term is jimping, correct me if my term is wrong. The handle design flutes outward to prevent fingers from slipping onto the blade if push cutting or stabbing. The flute is not overly appealing to me at first, but I am a function over form type. The scale material BM used on the Pardue feels and sounds just like the Griptilian. To some, that is unappealing, it sounds and even feels a little cheap, but I got over that with my love for my Grip. The weight and small profile make this a great front pocket (of my flannel shirt) clip on knife! That is a new concept for me, a front pocket clip carry. The thick material of flannel prevents any type of flopping around since the knife is so light. In fact, this morning, while taking out the trash in my jammie pants (no feet included-sorry) it rides very well in my pocket, again the lightness keeps it from flopping, as do the thin flatness of the knife. I had to cut the bag off the flocked Christmas tree, and yes, CJ carries even when in jammies. I gotta live the dream! I deduce that this would be a great tactical folder (almost tactical gentleman folder if you will) for Docker slacks, as if you are doing a Trade Show or in sales. Anyways, enough of my BM fan boy blogging- Oh yeah, it came sharp out of the box, as did my Griptilian. I have been reading about dull BM knives straight from the factory lately, and that has not been the norm for me. Have a great week all!

 

[gundude73]

i like my 530. like you are saying the thumbstuds are a little small. i just got use to them after awhile. just recently though one of the omega springs broke. it is still a good little knife.

 

[CL01]

It's a very good light-duty folder & I wish I had kept the one I had. It's light & blade length is pretty good vs handle length. I think the blade's 3.25", while the handle is 4 1/8" & it's under 2 oz. Not bad.

If you ever decide you want to get rid of it, please let me know...

 

[puyallupn8ive]

I have been thinking of getting one of these knives because of the how light, and how slim they are. After reading your post, I will be ordering one today.

 

[XIECHENG]

This is one of my favorite knife, and I love him, but some say he is too thin, I do not feel, the daily use enough....

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Beautiful little knife. Since you are a clueless newbie, CJ, I moved this to Knife Reviews & Testing for you.
And since you are unfamiliar with the little tricks of the trade, modifying knives to suit your personal needs,

The little thumb studs are a little gougy in my thumb. Playing with it puts a sore dent in my thumb, but for regular use, it is not an issue. If there is a way to mod it with blunter thumb studs, not a bad afterthought for me.

... let me suggest ...

Take a ceramic stone or Spyderco rod and buff the thumbstud lightly. I do this routinely with thumbstuds or any metal edge cut too sharp. The ceramic treatment will soften the edge, like breaking off a wire edge.

Take care of your thumbs! :thumbup:

 

[macweb2007]

I pulled it out of my front pocket while in my truck to play with it while in a traffic jam, and the stud caught on my pocket, and the blade deployed while coming out of my pocket, a little troubled by that, but while standing, it has not happened. .

I cut off a small section of bicycle innertube to wrap around my pocket carried pocket knives. When I pull the knife out of my pocket, the stickier innertube stays in place in my pocket and does not interfere with opening the knife. This adds a lot of safety to carrying a folding, unsheathed knife in my pocket. If you use the pocket clip, it can get a little awkward since the innertube sheath can get stuck under the clip. In that case a rubber band also adds safety, but of course requires two hands. If you have a shorter section of innertube, below the pocket clip, it shouldn't be a problem.

I have had other knives open accidentally, most notably an edge lock with a large opening whole that got "activate" by my handkerchief of all things.

Now I worry more about falling down, or (god forbid) getting punched or kicked.

Too little thought is given to unintended opening, imho. I don't advocate an old fashioned belt sheath, that takes forever, but some type of easily improvised sheath, that is easy to discard, isn't that hard to make. Even an old toilet paper roll core works, lol.

 

[MVF]

I know this is a zombie thread, but for others who may be concerned re: the thumbstuds- it's an Axis lock, why are you using the thumbstuds anyway? Pull back on the lock, swing the blade open, release the lock. Reverse the swing to close. Easy peasy lemon squeazy!