Any one still a fan of Benchmade?

[Colonel26]

This was posted on the BM Facebook page:

Benchmade is aware of the recent post from our local Oregon City Police Department.
-
We apologize for the confusion and concern that this post created. These were firearms that the Oregon City Police Department had to destroy in alignment with their policies. Oregon City Police requested the use of specialty equipment within the Benchmade facility to follow these requirements, and as a supporting partner of our local police force, we obliged the request.
-
Benchmade is a proud and unwavering supporter of both law enforcement and Second Amendment rights. These are commitments that we do not take lightly and will continue to support well into the future.
-
When asked for clarity from Oregon City Police Department, Chief Jim Band made the following statement: “When property is to be destroyed, it is the policy of the Oregon City Police Department to destroy property, including firearms, in accordance to our procedures and ORS. The Oregon City Police Department does not sell firearms.”
-Benchmade

That’s the issue that I was speaking to earlier. It doesn’t pass the smell test. The specialized equipment stipulated by the ATF is an oxy Acetylene torch. So evidently the entire city infrastructure does not have an A/O torch?

Even if Benchmade is 100% on board with the 2A, it is really bad optics for a company like Benchmade to assist a government entity in destroying firearms.

I don’t own a Benchmade knife. But I know a guy who has several, who just bought a new one the other day. He told me today that he’ll never buy another, and all the ones he owns now may wind up on eBay. I believe him too, he had a lot of YETTI stuff and when they pulled their stupid stunt he got rid of all of it.

This just looks bad to a big segment of Benchmade users. They should have thought this one through.

[knife7knut]

I've read about this situation with Benchmade on a couple of different forums and will now offer my twopence into the discussion.Probably not a wise idea on my part as I have a slightly different take but what the hell;I'm too old to try an impress people with my wisdom(or lack thereof).
I would equate this with General Motors position on manufacturing many of their vehicles in China.I don't believe it is good for the USA but would that stop me from buying a new GM vehicle should I decide to do so? Probably not.
It has been said that Benchmade contributes politically to the Democrats.Does anyone know exactly whom within the company does so? Is it one person or everyone? I know many people I consider friends who are staunch Democrats and we have had many lively discussions of our political views. Does this mean that I should stop seeing them as friends? Is the political slant of someone cause to dismiss them as a friend?
My take on their assisting the police department in disposing of the guns is that they thought they were being cooperative with their local law enforcement and maybe getting a little good P.R. out of it. Whether this was a wise decision or not is open to discussion and is probably being discussed within the company today.
I don't buy many(any)new knives so the decision to boycott Benchmade knives on my part is moot. I have several older Benchmade knives and I don't plan on selling them or cutting them up with a plasma torch either. In my humble opinion it is this type of rationale that is the root cause of the divisiveness we are experiencing in this country today.
Rant over. I'll put on the popcorn and sit back now.

[KnifeSlinger#81]

K7K you make a good point and I agree with you.

[Doc B]

ken98k, Thanks for that information. BM states they are strong supporters of the 2nd ammendment. I'm thinking their political contributions speak much louder than their words.

Your're right, like the saying goes, "money talks, bs walks."

I too am a life member of the NRA and I certainly would never give a penny to a democrat...although I don't give money to politicians, anyway. It's also hard to see how any business owner would contribute to the democratic side.
But, my personal opinion, is a lot of this doesn't add up, in the way it is being perceived. In retrospect, BM probably wouldn't be cutting up legally confiscated guns, if they had to do it again. Second, the one or two (Total approx $7K) donation to a democratic incumbent? It's not hard to envision that BM would like some token of help from "the other side". People who know BM's history, know they packed up and moved from California, because all of the crazy, knife laws, were closing in on their manufacturing and sales...so they moved to Oregon. Additionally it's not hard to see why a small (in BM total $) contribution, to have an incumbent ...see you as a friend...and protect your workers...would be made. Lord knows that the Northwest is becoming more and more liberal. It's not hard to envision laws that would restrict knives...especially ones that you can open with one hand, would literally kill BM.

[mrwatch]

correct me if wrong, but I have seen pictures and story of Kansas taking their guns to be melted down in a blast furnaces. fully wittiness and documented. It may have been the Honolulu Hawaii not the whole state that bought new side arms. Refused to sell the used ones period. Collectors said the money could have saved on buying them. No way they said, not getting on the streets. Tax $$$ at work.

[Doc B]

correct me if wrong, but I have seen pictures and story of Kansas taking their guns to be melted down in a blast furnaces. fully wittiness and documented. It may have been the Honolulu Hawaii not the whole state that bought new side arms. Refused to sell the used ones period. Collectors said the money could have saved on buying them. No way they said, not getting on the streets. Tax $$$ at work.

Agreed...they should auction them on some site like Gunbroker.com or sites like where TSA auctions their confiscated things. Instead of paying out $...they could be earning $$$. Never-the-less the government has never been about being profitable.

[colin.p]

Yup and if I didn't already have all the BMs that I wanted and certainly do not need nor can justify any more, I'd gleefully run out and buy another one. I also don't give a rats @$$ about guns or what is done to them so what BM did for the Portlandia cops, couldn't possibly care any less.

[Doc B]

My last post, on this subject...but this was just posted on the BM Facebook page and Les...the owner, specifically addresses what the political contributions were directed toward...
"The last 48 hours have been busy fielding calls from our customers and speaking with media. We appreciate all those who have reached out to us seeking further information or in support of the Benchmade team. It was important for owner Les de Asis to address our community directly, and to deliver the Benchmade stance first hand.
When asked specifically, Les stated, “Our recent political contributions have been in favor of state-level legislation supporting a strong manufacturing and business environment here in Oregon while protecting knife owners across the United States in the form of the Interstate Transport Act.” The Interstate Transport Act would have created a federal protection for knife owners, to learn more, see comments.
Thank you to our loyal customers for your continued support. We hope this brings clarity to the situation, and we look forward to serving you.
The Interstate Transport Act would have created a federal protection for knife owners, allowing legal interstate travel with knives, provided the knives are transported to and from states where the law allows possession of said knives, and they are transported in locked containers. This is an act we’ve been trying to see into law over the last five years. While it did not pass in 2018, we hope to see it through into law when it is reintroduced this year. https://www.congress.gov/bi…/115th-cong ... -bill/1092"

[Colonel26]

I’m done after this too. But imo, either the owner is being dishonest, or he’s extremely deluded. Knife folks better care about firearms and what politicians are being supported by whom. The same people that would like to take our guns will come after the knives next. Just look at Great Brittan.

[garddogg56]

You are spot on Colonel