All About Pocket Knives

Does anyone have an idea as to when this was made? What production model is it? It seems to be a fairly early production model.

If I'm not mistaken, it is a Benchmade "Mel Pardue" designed by Mel Pardue and made in the 1990s, I bought one when they first came out but don't remember the year.

Gunsil wrote: ↑Thu Oct 14, 2021 1:06 pm If I'm not mistaken, it is a Benchmade "Mel Pardue" designed by Mel Pardue and made in the 1990s, I bought one when they first came out but don't remember the year.

You are correct. The 1990s was a great time for Benchmade. I would like to have a copy of that knife. The blade was made from ATS-34 and Mel Pardue's interpretation of the perfect large "pocket auto" was spot on.

I wish that they would make them once again.
The Benchmade Knife 3000 Automatic Folder Mel Pardue Satin Plain Edge. The 3000 automatic is a discontinued model designed by Mel Pardue. Side opening, coil spring. Satin finish standard edge blade ATS-34, Stainless steel clip

Overall Length:9.10"
Blade Length:3.75"
Blade Thickness:0.95"
Blade Material:ATS-34
Hardness:58-60 RC
Blade Style:Clip Point
Blade Grind:Flat
Finish:Satin
Edge Type:Plain
Handle Length:5.25"
Handle Thickness:0.479"
Handle Material:Aluminum
Color:Black
Weight:3.4 oz.
Model: 3000

Captain O wrote: ↑Thu Oct 14, 2021 5:18 pm

Gunsil wrote: ↑Thu Oct 14, 2021 1:06 pm If I'm not mistaken, it is a Benchmade "Mel Pardue" designed by Mel Pardue and made in the 1990s, I bought one when they first came out but don't remember the year.

You are correct. The 1990s was a great time for Benchmade. I would like to have a copy of that knife. The blade was made from ATS-34 and Mel Pardue's interpretation of the perfect large "pocket auto" was spot on.

Model: 3000

So it is a model 3000, Thanks Captain! I bought several Benchmades back in the 90's. Going through old boxes of stuff and I just found an early 90's Benchmade box with my name on it. It was from a group order from where I worked and much to my chagrin... no knife inside...

GSPTOPDOG wrote: ↑Thu Oct 14, 2021 10:15 pm

Captain O wrote: ↑Thu Oct 14, 2021 5:18 pm

Gunsil wrote: ↑Thu Oct 14, 2021 1:06 pm If I'm not mistaken, it is a Benchmade "Mel Pardue" designed by Mel Pardue and made in the 1990s, I bought one when they first came out but don't remember the year.

You are correct. The 1990s was a great time for Benchmade. I would like to have a copy of that knife. The blade was made from ATS-34 and Mel Pardue's interpretation of the perfect large "pocket auto" was spot on.

Model: 3000

So it is a model 3000, Thanks Captain! I bought several Benchmades back in the 90's. Going through old boxes of stuff and I just found an early 90's Benchmade box with my name on it. It was from a group order from where I worked and much to my chagrin... no knife inside...

DAYUM! Well... $#it, oh dear!