Benchmade Knives vs. Microtech Knives: Which Is Better? In 2016 Hawk Knife Designs (aka G&G Hawk after their founders Grant and Gavin Hawk) released the Deadlock OTF. I've been Jones'n for a Microtech Troodon for awhile now. Perhaps the most famous application of 6061-T6s lightweight strength came when NASA chose it as the material from which to craft the gold-anodized plaques for spacecraft that explored Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus beginning in the early 1970s. It maintains the stylish spear point blade shape and compact 6061-T6 aluminum handle, equipped with safety and reversible right hand carry pocket clip. Release the firing button while applying pressure to the spine of the knife blade. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'knifemanual_com-leader-4','ezslot_12',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knifemanual_com-leader-4-0'); I'm the founder and primary author at Knife Manual. Made with pride here in the USA. Under this program, an owner can ship a Benchmade knife back to the company for a complete reconditioning process, provided at no charge by a technician team dedicated to this service. Scuffs and dings on handle but otherwise good condition. Action: Automatic-opening Improved reliability and a larger push button. Benchmade 3551 Stimulus. Showing 1 - 5 of 5 items of 1 Items: Sort by: This finish is created by repeatedly sanding the blade in one direction with an increasing level of a fine abrasive. BladeOps offers three versions of this knife design, and all three have a blade made out of 154CM stainless steel. Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more. All Rights Reserved. Click, Skip to the beginning of the images gallery. The handle is 6061-T6 aluminum and is nicely contoured so that it seems even thinner than its actual .375 thickness making it the perfect knife for unobtrusive undercover use. Reengage safety by moving from rear to front. The original 3550 Pardue auto gets a new name and the upgraded Benchmade automatic package with increased reliability and improved access to an enlarged button.This low profile auto opener with its spear point blade and slimmed down lines is an excellent choice for boot carry or concealed carry with the use of the steel . 6061-T6 is just the aluminum alloy name, which means that the type of aluminum used is 6061 and it has been T6 tempered. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'knifemanual_com-leader-1','ezslot_6',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knifemanual_com-leader-1-0');One of the biggest red flags that potentially marks a Benchmade knife as a phony is if the price is WAY below what others are selling their knives. Benchmade improved the internals of the knife and added a larger push button for easier deployment. Handle hit $476.8 million in March, up 16.5% from February and just 4.7% off January's record $500.1 million.Sports betting revenue of $32.3 million was nearly double the $17 million reported for February. With increased reliability and improved access to the enlarge firing button, this Knife doesn't sacrifice function for form. Blade Length: 2.99". All the hardware - screws, pins, and clip are present and secure and safety is functional. Store Hours:Mon-Thu: 8 am 5 pmFri: 8 am 3 pm, 2023 BladeOps | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Built by Another thing that Benchmade is very consistent about is using very high-quality materials in all of their knives. You can get your spear point style blade in either a satin finish or a black coated one. The 3551 Stimulus features a 2.99 154CM spear point blade and aluminum handles. Handle Thickness: 0.460". Just scrutinize the photos of the knife if it is online, and do your best to spot the differences between a fake and a genuine Benchmade knife. The first finish is a traditional satin. Features: Blade Edge: Plain Blade Finish/Color: Satin Blade Style/Shape: Spear Point Handle Material: Black Anodized Aluminum Clip Type: Standard Within the Benchmade Black Class, the 3551 Stimulus is a Mel Pardue design that represents a refinement of the popular 3550 automatic knife that preceded it. A great knife for every days use or for a collection. The Benchmade 3551 Stimulus combines a slim shape with a flat profile and a responsive automatic blade action. SKU: 3551 Categories: All Products, Deals Of The Day, Everyday Knives, Manual-Opening Knives Tag: outdoor knives. Benchmade has updated the push-button automatic blade action on the 3551 Stimulus to offer greater reliability than the version found on its predecessor, the 3550. Interested in owning your own Benchmade Stimulus knife? Item : 3551. This is a lighter knife, making it perfect to have with you at all timesweighing in at 2.7 ounces. I owned both, but still have the 3550. The new design enlarges the side-mounted pushbutton, making it easier to operate. Also, like Microtech, Heretic OTFs use proprietary hardware which is not always appreciated by consumers. Durable, sturdy and reliable, Benchmades limited OTF catalog of knives continue to gain popularity in a tough market. Particularly in humid climates, periodically apply a light coat of oil to keep oxygen away from blade metal. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Highlander Shop GMQ. Skip to the end of the images gallery Skip to the beginning of the images gallery In stock SKU 3551 3 Read reviews Rating: These include Jody Samson, Ernest Emerson, Allen Elishewitz, Mel Pardue, Bill McHenry, Mike Snody, Jason Williams, Warren Osborne, and Bob Lum. In its pure form, aluminum displays too much softness to make it a viable choice for parts such as knife handles that see use in a wide range of ruggedly demanding scenarios. Blade length on the 3551 Stimulus runs one one-hundredth of an inch longer at 2.99 inches, and blade thickness runs two one-hundredths of an inch thinner at 0.088 inches. It is ultimately the Customers responsibility to investigate and ensure that any item is legal to use, carry, possess, purchase and/or own within the Customers intended federal, state and/or local area. While this method of finding fake Benchmade knives only works if you have the knife in-person, it is quite useful for weeding out the fakes if you know where to look for the imperfections and defects. Narrowed it down to either the Benchmade 3320 Pagan ($238). The Benchmade 3300 Infidel is one of the best-known OTF's on the planet, and arguably one of the best regarded. Welcome to Knife Manual. We specialize in assisted opening, fixed, and automatic blades from some of the best blade manufacturers in the world. The original 3550 Pardue auto gets a new name and the upgraded Benchmade automatic package with increased reliability and improved access to an enlarged button. Relocated from California to Oregon to take advantage of the acceptance of styles of knives that face legal restrictions in other jurisdictions, the company pioneered the use of laser cutters to work with steels that were too hard to produce with stamping equipment. All you have to do is look up videos of the particular model of Benchymae knife you are interested in, and there are many videos comparing fakes to the real deal. Like the 3550, the 3551 comes in models with plain edges or with one partially serrated edge, and in satin or coated black finishes. However, if you are buying a Benchmade knife that could be a phony in-person, take some time to inspect the materials used to make the knife. This blade style is often compared to the needle-point blade, because they are both good for piercing. Benchmade Knife Company, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veterans, age, disability or genetics. Made in USA. Know your local laws. Benchmade 3551 Stimulus Automatic Knife Family Review The Benchmade Knife Company is a knife manufacturer run by Roberta and Les de Asis in Oregon City, Oregon. Chromium also heightens tensile strength and hardness. It maintains the stylish spear point blade shape and compact 6061-T6 aluminum handle, equipped with safety and reversible right hand carry pocket clip. benchmade 3550 vs 3551jack paar cause of death. Some examples of push cuts are shaving, skinning, or peeling an object. Crucibles 154 CM formula adds a mixture of carbon, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, and silicon to the iron that forms the basis of stainless steel. You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers. Launched in 1972 and 1973 respectively, Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11 included plaques fabricated from 6061-T6, and engraved with pictorial representations of human figures, a diagram of the solar system, a drawing representing the Suns position relative to the center of its galaxy and 14 stars, and a chemical schematic, all drawn by Linda Salzman Sagan, then the wife of the late astronomer and astrophysicist Carl Sagan. In fact, you can find some of the best deals this way, but you just have to be extra careful and do your research. RESTRICTED Please email Appropriate ID Form with order. There are usually some pretty noticeable differences between genuine and fake Benchmade knives, and you can spot them if you have them side-by-side. Brand. UserBenchmark USA-User . Sign up for our newsletter to receive specials and up to date product news and releases. Aluminum is also prone to scratches and dings. Add to Wish List. Benchmade 3550 Pardue Spear Point Auto Discontinued Knife is straight, has good snap, locks securely and tight, and has no wobble. BENCHMADE KNIVES. Benchmade 3551BK (Features) Blade Edge: Plain Blade Finish/Color: Coated Blade Steel: 154CM (58-61 HRC) The original 3550 Pardue auto gets a new name and the upgraded Benchmade automatic package with increased reliability and improved access to an enlarged button. The 3551 Stimulus features a 2.98 inches long 154-CM stainless steel spear point blade that offers enhanced tip qualities (false double edge). Anodizing is used to increase the corrosion resistance of the aluminum handle by forming a layer of oxide on its surface. To avoid buying a fake Benchmade knife, see if the seller is legit and has a good reputation. We love to hear from you, please call 502-671-5510 This trick for spotting fake Benchmade knives doesnt work very well if you purchase the knife online. Benchmade has a long tradition of incorporating knife design from noted custom cutlery makers into their production models. Re engage safety by moving it from rear to front. This style of edge is designed to give you the best of both worlds. This method of identifying fake Benchmade knives is excellent because it works in-person as well as online. Press and hold the firing button. The Benchmade 3551 Stimulus also includes a lanyard hole positioned at the end of the handle. [ARCHIVED THREAD] - Which Benchmade Knife To Get? From law enforcement and public safety to elite military troops, Benchmade feels that their obligation is the same. Designer: Pardue Mechanism: Push Button Automatic Action: Automatic-opening Blade Length: 2.99 (7.59cm) It's the Benchmade 3550 Pardue Auto knife, and wh. My benchmades actually work. In addition to federal law requirements, Benchmade complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. In addition to a new name the Stimulus 3551 the updated 3550 Pardue model features improved reliability and a larger push button. If you have any questions about any law or regulation, Shoot Straight advises you to consult with an attorney who will represent your interests. Check if Benchmade Authorizes the Seller, 2. The combo blade is where the upper two thirds of the blade is plain and the lower two thirds is serrated. Benchmade Knives: 3551 Mini Stimulus - Auto. I carry a ultratech for a edc knife but i have zero use for a utility type knife. Just be careful, and if a deal is too good to be true, be very skeptical because most of the time, it is. The company has collaborated with a number of custom knife makers since its beginning. Therefore, any summaries of such laws and regulations provided by Shoot Straight at any time can, never, and will never serve as legal advice or counseling in any way. Black Blade, partially serrated edge. The plain edge is going to equip you to take on tasks that require push cuts. Mechanism: Push Button Automatic. It received a lot of attention as it was billed as the first OTF with a truly solid lockup. Push button automatic opening knife; 154cm stainless steel spear point blade; Satin finish on blade; Black anodized aluminum handle The online seller can tell you whatever they want in regards to the materials used in making the knife, and there is no way for you to verify it. Ships in 1-2 business days, custom lasermarking will add 8 business days. Look at Reviews and Check the Reputation of the Seller. It wasnt cheap either asking over $1000 bucks but still consumers ponied up to get their hands on the sturdiest OTF on the market. About this product. . Benchmade founder Les de Asis knife-making history began in 1979 when he embarked on an effort to improve upon the butterfly knives he had used in his youth. Hugely popular among OTF enthusiasts and for good reason. The original 3550 Pardue auto gets a new name and the upgraded Benchmade automatic package with increased reliability and improved access to an enlarged button. (76.83g) The 3551, features a single edged spear point style . An automatic knife, or switchblade, is a knife that has a blade that springs out of the handle when a button is pressed. Benchmade has discontinued the 3550 series and replaced itwith the 3551 series, which features a number of improvements including a stronger lock, multiposition pocket clip and skeletonized design: OPENING: Disengage safety by moving it from front to rear. Made in USA. The original 3550 Pardue auto knife gets a new name and the upgraded Benchmade automatic package in the 3551. Press and hold the firing button. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact TalentAcquisition@benchmade.com or 1-800-800-7427. Blade Hardness: 58-61. AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types. Heretic Knives is owned and operated by Anthony Marfione Jr son of the Microtech founder. Features: Blade Edge: Plain Blade Finish/Color: Satin Blade Steel: 154CM (58-61 HRC) Blade Style/Shape: Spear-point Clip Type: Standard Clip Position: Reversible Tip-Up/Down with all product & availability questions! Knife will open and automatically lock in the open position. Benchmade knives are high quality and well-made knives that are worth a pretty penny. 3. Closed Length: 4.10 (10.41cm) My four buddies and I got them, and (IIRC) three of them shredded inside and had to go back. Specifications: Designer: Pardue Mechanism: Push Button Automatic Action: Automatic-opening Blade Length: 2.99" (7.59cm) Blade Thickness: 0.088" (2.235mm) The original 3550 Pardue auto gets a new name and the upgraded Benchmade automatic package with increased reliability and improved access to an enlarged button. Because they are so popular and often worth so much, fake Benchmade knives are prevalent in todays market. Strona gwna The Stimulus 3551BK has a black finished blade with a plain cutting edge. Benchmade 3551. It excels in applications that require both strength and toughness, additionally exhibiting high degrees of corrosion resistance in atmospheric conditions and in salt water. The pocket clip on these knives is black to match the anodized handle. In terms of luster, the satin finish falls almost smack in the middle. Usually, searching forums and other places online will give you a good indication of if the particular seller or store is reputable or not. Designer: Pardue. Dell Precision 3560 supports a larger memory capacity than the Dell Precision 3550. Benchmade knives are some of the most well-known and trusted knives on the planet, so when it comes time to sharpen your blade, you want to get it right. The suffix T6 in the alloy designation shows that it was solution heat-treated and artificially aged. The Benchmade 3550 Pardue is a great automatic knife; the small size makes it a convenient EDC automatic knife and the spearpoint blade shape offers enhanced tip qualities. write a rational function with the given asymptotes calculator. Sure, you can find some great deals online from private sellers trying to get rid of their knives, but if the deal is too good to be true, it probably is. One of the most noticeable and recurring defects in fake knives is the edges of the handle. We Are Hiring! Description The Benchmade 3551 Mini Stimulus is an upgraded design of the original 3550 Pardue auto. Compared with the old model, the new button upgraded to increase the width, easy to wear gloves when operating; insurance lock button also increased at the same time, easy to operate; the main knife material and handle . Edge has no nicks but needs sharpening. The original 3550 Pardue auto gets a new name and the upgraded Benchmade automatic package with increased reliability and improved access to an enlarged button. Mine has been with me for over a decade and been in the ocean for days, on top of snow-capped mountains, and abused beyond reasonable limits. This tip is great if you have already purchased the knife or are buying from a physical store, but it can also work if you are getting it online. The Benchmade 3551 Mini Stimulus original 3550 Pardue auto gets a new name and the upgraded Benchmade automatic package with increased reliability and improved access to an enlarged button. You can still do your fine detail work because of the plain portion, and you are also capable of sawing through some thicker materials with the serrated portion. Several production Benchmade models based on the work of these designers have become influential within the industry. The first class is the Blue Class, also known as the Recreation class. More items related to this product. 154CM is an American-made premium grade best all-around stainless steel that offers great corrosion resistance with good toughness and edge qualities. To protect knives made out of 154 CM from the corrosion that can accrue on this alloy, keep your Benchmade 3551 Stimulus dry and away from humidity. The design is often considered as a dagger and is the ultimate choice for a throwing knife. Benchmade Knife Company, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veterans, age, disability or genetics. Key Differences Dell has released the Precision 3550, a 15.6-inch machine, in 2020. This Benchmade knife is made in the United States of America. Reengage safety by moving from rear to front. Lubricated and reassembled, the knife receives a factory sharpening prior to shipment back to the customer. And they werent kidding this thing was solid as a rock with zero blade play. You can also see what Benchmade themselves are selling the particular knife for and base prices that you see on that. Thanks to chromiums ability to raise a blades corrosion resistance, stainless steels have become mainstays of knife production. In the event that the Pioneer spacecraft reached any destination that included intelligent life, the plaques were meant to serve as a pictographic introduction to the Earth, its location, and its dominant species. Blade Material: 154CM. This steel is a high end steel that is relatively hard. After some setbacks, he applied the Benchmade name to the second of his cutlery companies, reflecting the combination of handmade quality with precision-fabricated materials. Mechanism: Push Button Automatic My edc knives are used for cutting boxes. The second blade finish option that you are presented with is a black coating. The best-selling original Benchmade 3550 Mel Pardue automatic knife was slightly modified in 2016producing the new and improved Benchmade Stimulus auto knife. 2022 Benchmade, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, Blade Finish: Finish Satin Blade Steel: 154CM (58-61) Handle Material: Black Anodized Aluminum(Black). This blade style combines the sharp point of a dagger with the strength of a drop point blade, while still maintain some of the belly that is used for slicing. Lifted Logic Web Design in Kansas City Location phone play chevron-down chevron-left chevron-right chevron-up Facebook instagram google plus pinterest Twitter LinkedIn youtube Arrow Right Arrow Left Product Slider Right Formulated and refined over Benchmades 30-year history, the companys strategy applies state-of-the-art manufacturing and production processes to custom knife designs from industry-leading knife makers, making high-quality implements available to a larger customer base than previously could obtain them and at price points that reflect higher-scale production. As an alloy, however, 6061-T6 offers the durability produced by the addition of other elements in a metal with a high strength-to-weight ratio that makes it ideal for use in aircraft and boat construction, heat exchangers, piping, tubing, and bicycle frames, as well as knife handles. Benchmade produces a diverse selection of auto, or switchblade knives, along with a range of hunting, fishing, utility, and miscellaneous knives, however balisongs remain a core product. Benchmade is one of the few manufacturers to have offered high speed M2 and CPM M4 tool steels in a production knife. Because of its strength, the coating is applied only after a part is machined, reducing the amount of effort required for tooling and the potential wear and tear on production equipment. PM or email questions. Additionally, the 0.50 percent manganese in 154 CM fosters hardness, tensile strength, and wear resistance. . The original 3550 Pardue auto gets a new name and the upgraded Benchmade automatic package with increased reliability and improved access to an enlarged button. If at all possible, you should always check the sellers reviews when you are purchasing a Benchmade knife. The clip is held in place by three small black screws which match the rest of the hardware on this knife. The Stimulus family of knives also offers the option to choose between either a plain edged blade or a combination blade. Made in USA. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'knifemanual_com-leader-3','ezslot_11',133,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knifemanual_com-leader-3-0');Benchmade knock-off knives arent so good at making their knives out of suitable materials. Blade Thickness: 0.088". Crucible also excelled in the production of more-exotic materials, such as a titanium alloy for use in Robert Jarviks implantable artificial heart design. Benchmade 3551 Auto. With increased reliability and improved access to the enlarged firing button, this true utilitarian tool certainly doesnt sacrifice function for form. If you want your blade to stay protected, you would have to have your blade recoated at that time. Improvements include, increased reliability and better access to an enlarged button. Two big names in the knife industry, Benchmade and Microtech, are very well respected and have an excellent reputation as solid blade producers. MPN. We are really passionate about knives, survival, preparedness, and anything to do with the outdoors, so you are in the right place if you love these things as well. If you are interested in some genuinely authentic Benchmade knives, check out some of my favorite ones, which I have linked down below. Aluminum is a very corrosion resistant metal as well as being low density (thus lightweight), which are two of the reasons that it is often used in knife handles. Slightly thinner and lighter than its longtime predecessor, the Benchmade 3550, the Benchmade 3551 Stimulus measures nearly the same dimensions as the 3550. Start Your Benchmade Career Today. Benchmade uses CNC machining equipment and advanced manufacturing techniques to produce handles that display absolute adherence to specifications, beyond the fidelity that cast parts could accomplish. Compared with the old model, the new button upgraded to increase the width, easy to wear gloves when operating; insurance lock button also increased at the same time, easy to operate; the main knife material and handle . Features of Bench Made 3550 Push-Button Spear Point Knife w/ Integrated Safety: Quick response pocket knife by Benchmade and Pardue Design Push button automatic opening system with integrated safety 2.98-inch spear point blade made from 154CM stainless steel Contoured black anodized 6061-T6 aluminum handle Removable pocket clip for easier carrying Handle Thickness: 0.46 (11.384mm) By using this site, you accept our, Benchmade Pardue Stimulus Automatic Knife (2.99" Satin) 3551, Benchmade Pardue Stimulus Automatic Knife (2.99" Black) 3551BK, Benchmade Mel Pardue 3550 Automatic Knife (2.98" Black Serr) 3550SBK, Benchmade Mel Pardue 3550 Automatic Knife (2.98" Satin) *Collection*, Benchmade Mel Pardue 3550 Automatic Knife (2.98" Black) 3550BK. Backed by Benchmades LifeTime Warranty. While most other finishes are actually changing the blade steel, a coating finish is exactly what it sounds likea layer of finish is applied on top of the steel. Inspect the Knife for Poor Quality Materials, 7. The Benchmade 3551 Stimulus features the lifetime LifeSharp warranty coverage that accompanies all Benchmade products. Its light weight and black stainless steel pocket clip also allow it to be clipped nearly anywhere you need it for maximum access as a back up. Proudly made in America, Hogues OTF line up is often underrated but in our opinion matches up well with similar priced competition. Check out our product page here and pick up one for your collection. The best-selling original Benchmade 3550 Mel Pardue automatic knife was slightly modified in 2016 producing the new and improved Benchmade Stimulus automatic knife. With 4 percent molybdenum, 154 CM gains high-temperature strength and demonstrates improved edge retention. Its lightweight handle and flat blade profile put a versatile tool in your hand without any excess weight or volume. BladeOps, LLC retails blades from many different manufacturers, such as Benchmade, Boker, Buck, CRKT, Kershaw, Gerber, MicroTech, ProTech, Smith & Wesson, and many more. See our Privacy Policy for more details. link to Sharpening a Benchmade Knife (Is It Worth Using LifeSharp? link to Benchmade Knives vs. Microtech Knives: Which Is Better? Almost all popular knife companies, including Benchmade, have fake versions of their knives circulating globally. This type of Benchmade knife is made for military, law enforcement, and public safety workers. Not all Benchmade knives have comparison videos, but the web is a vast place, and most of them do. About this product. Customize this Pardue designed spear-point blade with push-button automatic mechanism. While the size is still small and light, the updated Pardue design still features the small size making it convenient for everyday carry. Creating the handle from billet aluminum produces highly precise fabrication, smooth surfaces finishes, and greater structural strength than a cast part could offer. Benchmade 3551 Stimulus, Black Aluminum / Satin 154CM Benchmade $216.00) (No reviews . That is, if the seller is providing real photos of the knife they are selling and not some stock photo or a picture taken from the Benchmade site. Made in USA. Benchmade 3551 Pardue Stimulus AUTO Folding Knife 2.99" 154CM Satin Plain Blade, Aluminum Handles - 355-1 The original 3550 Pardue auto gets a new name and the upgraded Benchmade automatic package, the Stimulus 3551 is now made with increased reliability and improved access to an enlarged button. If the handle seems like cheap plastic or the blade has a stamp that labels it as a cheap metal, you probably have a fake on your hands. In establishing its product lineups, Benchmade has partnered with numerous master designers, including Mel Pardue of Repton, Alabama, the senior-most custom craftsman associated with Benchmade, with a 40-year career filled with outstanding knives. As the years progressed, the companys fortunes reflected the ups and downs of the industries it served and the world economy as a whole, culminating in the emergence of what had been the Crucible Specialty Metals Division as Crucible Industries in 2009. In 2006 they released the Infidel OTF which has arguably become the gold standard in production OTFs that others try to emulate. Based in Oregon, the epicenter of U.S. knife production, Oregon Citys Benchmade ranked second when Knife News conducted a brand-awareness survey of blade enthusiasts in 2015. I have carried the side auto Benchmades for years. Are you a current employee of Shoot-Straight? Dell Precision 3550 - Intel Core i5-10210U. Along with the chemical composition of this alloy, the nature of the heat treatment applied during production makes or breaks its attributes and determines its suitability as a knife-making material. I like my infidels better than my microtech otf. Over many years, I have become proficient at survival and bushcraft skills through lots of practice and many great teachers. Made in USA. This blade shape is symmetrical in that it is curved the same on either side of the spine which runs down the center. Knife will open and automatically lock in the open position. The 3551 series is an upgraded version of the 3550.