The 531 Pardue is ultra-lightweight and very thin, you'll hardly even know it's in your pocket. The black and gray herringbone pattern G-10 handle helps keep the knife's weight down but maintains its durability. The AXIS lock, dual thumb studs and reversible pocket clip make the knife usable for right and left handers. The Pardue 530 features a satin finished blade with a plain cutting edge.
The Benchmade Pardue 531 is a significant upgrade from the recently discontinued 530. Feel in the hand can be quite nice and the herringbone pattern on the 531 helps to provide a positive purchase on the handle scales while in use. In hand a standard pistol grip grasp will take some getting used to as the coffin shaped handle scales will require a slight readjustment. I’ve found it to be most comfortable when one side of the handle scales are place flat against the palm. Allowing the up turned ramp at the butt of the handle to contour around the ball of your thumb. Nevertheless, once you find the proper palm placement the knife is comfortable to use. In contrast - as a result of the very symmetrical handle shape - a standard hammer grip and reverse grip are not an issue whatsoever. As is typical with Benchmade knives slight gimping is provided at the thumb ramp. But this texturing is more akin to providing indexing rather than high traction. It is also worth noting that all the edges of the knife have been eased. That attention to detail isn’t as common (especially at the back spin of the blade) as you might think. As an example I have quite a few knives that leave the back spine of the blade sharply squared off and sometimes even alittle uncomfortable. This is most defiantly not the case with the 531. While much appreciated it’s also this little attention to detail that really starts to add up and benefiting the total value proposition. The mechanical action of the AXIS lock on my example is very smooth and the free dropping blade can be a pretty rewarding once its thoroughly broken in. I’m happy to note that the fit and finish of materials are very good. Blade centering may favor one side by a slight hair… but very nearly perfect. The grind appears to be symmetrical. Blade came very sharp right out of the box. My only real complaint about this knife would be the Benshmade split arrow pocket clip. It’s nice enough and the lines of the clip fit the shape and style of the knife. Furthermore the parkerized finish on the clip will resist wear marks more so than a basic black painted finish. However, a deep carry pocket clip would almost always be more preferable. Especially when carried in an office environment. Nevertheless. A quick email or call to the outstanding Benchmade customer service department (requesting a deep carry pocket clip) will remedy this issue – completely free of charge. The Benchmade Pardue 531 is certainly a premium step up from the entry level 530 and a great EDC folding knife. Highly recommended!
I got this knife because of the brand my dad who's ex-military and law enforcement who is still Federal law enforcement carries a Benchmade or two with him every day the AFO-II to be exact and my grandfather also carried a Benchmade note he is also ex-military and ex-law enforcement; so I had to see what this was all about I bought it and within a year I had bought two other Benchmades they are well built and the company back's there work one hundred percent with the life time warranty. Do your self a favor and buy this knife
It’s thin, light, and sharp as fudge. It slices through anything and carries so well, plus it’s backed by Benchmades awesome warranty. Definitely a must buy.
I love this knife for discreet carry (other than it needs a deep carry pocket clip). Blade design and G10 scales are better than the standard 530. Plus, this AXIS lock is unique in that pulling back on the lock deploys the blade 1/3-1/2 out, one of the fastest deploying AXIS lock knives. Really slim in the pocket & lightweight.
This is a true quality knife. I've carried it for years now. The herringbone G10 scales provide excellent grip in any situation. The slim profile of the handle, blade, and pocket clip make this really easy to carry. It's lightweight and robust. As another reviewer said... there is some patience to be had with this knife. The thumb studs aren't your ordinarily placed thumb studs. They can be a bit tough to get used to at first, but they make for lightning quick blade deployment once you become accustom. I'd recommend this knife to a family member or friend without hesitation.
I purchased this knife because of the size and weight. It is EXTREMELY thin and light. This knife honestly disappears in your pocket. The Axis lock on this knot takes a long time to get broken in. So long that some have written negative reviews because of it. However patients is a virtue and will pay off 10 fold this knife is the first tool I pick up in the morning.
This knife has an awesome blade shape that plays a huge role of knife performance. It's extremely sharp, smooth G-10 handles, very good AXIS lock, EDC knife, I love it all the time !!! Perfect quality.
This knife is smoother than my 556 and 940, believe it or not. The lock/detent is also different than those other two knives as well. You can pop the knife open if you pull back on the lock-studs with a bit of authority. Neither the 556 or 940 operate quite the same. It's extremely light and thin - it's roughly the size of a Delica. Delica has an every so slightly longer handle, yet shorter blade. 531 is also slightly thinner. The only downside to this knife is that it has destroyed several pockets. The G10 isn't TOO rough, but the tension on the clip needed to be loosened, and I find that the small thumb-studs on the blade seem to puncture my pocket easily. No problems now that I am aware of it, but it was sort of annoying. Again it's awesome knife, slices like a Delica (good), extremely light weight.
Really love the axis lock. Nice. Tough. Light weight all purpose knife.
This knife is better than the 530 in every way. It’s no wonder they are discontinuing the 530, this blade is just about perfect! My only complaint is the thumb studs. They are a little small and a little hard to get used to but overall this is a great blade.
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