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Is Benchmade the latest Dick’s Sporting Goods, or did they make a forgivable error?
Recently, Oregon knife manufacturer Benchmade hit the pro-gun-rights news thanks to a highly controversial social-media post created—and then later deleted—by the Oregon City Police. (There’s a good precis of the series of events, along with screenshots of the posts, here.)
The post featured images of firearms being destroyed using Benchmade’s specialty factory equipment, which the post explained was done at the request of the Oregon City P.D. Within just a few hours, however, Benchmade was facing accusations of anti-Second Amendment leanings. Those flames were then fanned when it came to light that Benchmade had given significant political contributions to local and state Democrats. It certainly doesn’t help that there have been a number of very recent and similar events involving outdoors companies Dick’s and Yeti Coolers. (And we’ve had quite a bit of fun with that here at GGD.) But does Benchmade deserve the social-media frenzy hitting them right now? The arguments pro and con can be pretty much summed up as follows. Which makes the most sense to you?
Pro: Benchmade Has it Coming
The folks who are getting out the Tannerite to give their Benchmade knives the ol’ Yeti Send-Off have an argument along these lines that they would direct to Benchmade:
Of all the things to do to ingratiate yourselves to the local constabulary, why did you go with this one? Don’t you realize that the Second Amendment can and does protect the ownership and manufacture of some edged weapons (although, hilariously, not the ones made specifically for cooking)? You must be aware of just how this looks—like you’re willing to cooperate with seizure and destruction of civilian arms at the .gov’s request. Our pro-Second Amendment community is very, very tired of being sold down the river by the same companies whose existence they owe to us, their customers. We’re simply not going to tolerate it any more.
Worse, why are you donating money to anti-gun politicians when a significant portion of your customers are hunters and shooters? Yes, those are the people in power where you are…so why are you making it easier for them to stay in power with money that we gave you? If you feel that you must contribute to local politicians to make sure your business gets a “seat at the table,” then maybe you should pick up stakes and go somewhere the politicians are worth supporting.
Benchmade Made a Mistake, But Learned Their Lesson
On the other hand, there are those who think that Benchmade’s primary sin here is ignorance of the optics of the situation. Gun owners have a visceral reaction to seeing firearms being destroyed at the behest of the government, and Benchmade absolutely should have recognized that. However, most companies find it in their best interests to foster a friendly and cooperative relationship with the local police—and everyone involved here agrees that the destruction of the guns happened at the Oregon City P.D.’s request. Those who put forth this argument ask if, as business owners, they would have refused that request were they in Benchmade’s shoes.
As far as the campaign donations, no, that doesn’t look great. But the reality of operating a business in a blue or purple state is that campaign contributions will at least get you an audience with your local government officials when, for example, the street in front of your business is a hellscape of potholes.
What’s more, Yeti and Dick’s made their anti-gun moves in reaction to the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last year. Benchmade’s public-relations boo-boo seems to have been motivated by little more than a request from the local cops—it doesn’t appear that Benchmade was trying to signal any virtues.
So, readers, what’s your call? Tell us in the comments!
Trace, a proud Special Farces who goes commando, is dedicated to pubic service. Although he’s a legend among YouTube commenters, he actually began life as a humble dingleberry farmer. Now, no subject is too moist or sensitive for his incisive odor and scintillating lymph nodes.
Bones4442 says
This is another of those scorpion and the frog stories we see from morally ambivalent businesses who would sting their own customer’s interests to score points with folks who do not support them. Why? Because it’s who they are. First Dick’s, then Yeti, now Benchmade. Sadly, they won’t be the last. But they’ve seen the last of my support. Cold Steel, Spyderco and Kershaw for me, thank you.
Cliff says
I won’t ever buy any of their knives period !
Kenny says
Kershaw and Buck for me from now on.
Mike Lucov says
Give them an inch and they will want a mile is exactly what Benchmade did by contributing to the Democrats. I will stay with my 110.
Regards
Mike
Ed Klein says
Sorry a company like Benchmade whose products are heavily purchased by hunters and shooters alike, along with military and LE, could not claim ignorance of the optics. They are not a small local store front that would feel the need to comply w a request from local PD. They also have their own PR / Media team that would also have been involved in the decision to participate. If they want to curry favor with the NW tree huggers then let them. I say, vote with your dollars, just as countless have and continue to do with Dicks and Yeti. The decision for 2nd Amendment defenders seems pretty easy to me. I’m sure some of BM’s (purposeful) products will go the way of my now defunct nike clothing..
Henry says
I might buy the “We have to donate to local politicians” argument, if the dollars were equal..
9:1 democrat shows me that you do favor gun control prone candidates, more than you do pro 2A,
5:5 shows me that you don’t fall on either side, and are indeed just “donating to local politicians”.
I hope BM takes a huge market hit, and I would never buy one of their knives now. They may change their donation habits to appear neutral, for business reasons, but the damage is done with me.
Steve Hughes says
ANYONE who accepts ANY excuse for these anti-gun TURD-ROLLERS is just as stupid as THEY BELIEVE we are…!
Donate to democrats on someone else’s dime… BITCHES.
Chad says
Wow I was about to buy a be BM knife. Perfect timing. I’ll look elsewhere. Anyone know if they own other company’s?
Alan says
See how they survive when they also want to ban knifes. In the UK they took away the guns and they also banning some knifes.
Jim G says
I love the Kersaw advertisement just before the Benchmade article! Does G&G Daily get a percentage of sales from their advertisers? Just a thought…since EVERYONE is driven by the almighty dollar! EVERYONE! Myself included! Benchmade was asked to destroy what I am going to presume were firearms taking up space in the evidence room of the local LE agency…guns confiscated from criminals more than likely! Cops destroy this crap all the time. So what if Benchmade was asked to do it! And as far as the donations…How much? If it wasn’t LIFE CHANGING money and they gave it to incumbents (who usually get reelected) who cares?! Now, if it was HUGE money that provided the means of a liberal to unseat a conservative that’s different, but with the information given I don’t what the facts are. So quit whining like a bunch of social justice warriors and wait until someone provides ALL the facts…and hopefully it will be Benchmade!!
Jason Love says
Maybe Benchmade would find a political environment more friendly for their company in China or Russia. Just blowtorches my 2002 issued benchmade I carried everyday until today. Company failed its product and the troops they made millions on supplying the military during almost 20 years of war.
They’ll never get another dime from me.
Keep donating benchmade! Hopefully your future democratic socialist masters will continue to allow you to manufacture knives. I just wouldn’t count on any more military contacts for their will be no more military.
RIP BENCHMADE 2019
Tom Mann says
Down here in Texas, where the Real West was won, we have a saying that is real simple?
DANCE WITH THE ONE THAT BRUNG YA!
If you don’t go by this simple rule, you may very well go home alone?
Brad says
The bigger issue is that they donated money to anti-gun democrats, that is reason enough to not support their business. It really is the same thing Dicks did – Destroy guns and donate to anti-gunners.
Irwin Langewisch says
If Benchmade feels it is necessary to pay for political protection maybe they should relocate or just go into the paperclip manufacturing business. Their past performance does not seem to be great for growing a business.
Stephen M says
Yet another company in the sporting goods industry who does not respect individual rights. As far as I am concerned, they got their 3 strikes and they’re out,
1) Disregard for their customer base (sportsmen)
2) Anti 2nd amendment activity
3) Financially supporting an anti 2nd Amendment politically
What??? Didn’t you think we wouldn’t notice!!! Dicks, Yeti and now Benchmade. Whose next to step up to the hangman’s noose?
John Domings says
Yet another company to add to my list of companies I will not do business with. I guess like Dick’s they can survive without gun owners business, GUESS WHAT? You can go down the tubes with Dick’s!
LEE FINO says
I think what bothers me the most is telling me because we have specialty equipment ( metal cutoff saw, o xy/acet torch, hacksaw, band saw, maybe plasma cutter) most of the tools a city yard would have. So please explain what specialty tools are required to cut up guns ? Or maybe you needed quality steel to make knives.
ronald says
I would think that the barrels would make great knives. I hope you are right.
Frank says
Benchmark has lost any of my future business. There is no excuse for their actions. My interpretation they did this because they are not a gun company and thought no one would notice. Well we did and the optics are absolutely horrible. We are in the fight of our lives for the Second Amendment. No excuses goodbye Benchmark may your business RIP. SPREAD THE WORD!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mike says
Benchmade didn’t make an error, they jumped into an unsavory situation with full knowledge, unaware that their behavior would be made public by the very entity they assisted. Indeed, one wonders if this was the first time the dynamic duo danced the hoplophobia twist together.
Let them eat cake, Benchmade cried.
Benchmade deserves the reaction they received, and anyone who might hope that government agents respect and observe our civil liberties now have a dose of reality to ponder.
David says
The unforgivable sin is the Political contributions…
Douglas Morris says
AMEN, they favor gun grabbers proven with every dime they give them
Richard says
Regardless that the request to destroy the guns was made by the police department (whom we all support), it is still an action cooperative with the anti-gun movement and all second amendment supporters need to stand by their principles (including merchants who cater to 2nd Amendment clients). Cannot, perhaps unfortunately, have some do and some don’t in any show of solid support for the protection of legal gun owners. Those that waiver only strengthen the purpose and resolve of anti-second amendment activists who may be less in number and justification but louder in voice.
Auggie says
I have purchased Benchmade in the past but as of now, I will never do so again!
MICHAEL WIGHTMAN says
You may claim ignorance if you are an outsider who was asked a favor and you responded without checking into it first. Not so with Benchmade. They are very much aware of the political climate when it comes to the 2nd Amendment and anti-gunners. If they are stupid enough to make this decision when their company is supported by the pro-gun community, they deserve the wrath of the people who buys their product. Enough knife makers in America! I don’t need or will I use Benchmade products in the future.
Mike Wightman
Cindi says
You can offer up reasons (excuses) as to why Benchmade was making nice with Oregon PD and liberal dems but if you want an audience with your local public officials then why not give to both parties? Nor do I believe the Oregon PD asked a random business to do this. Whatever you believe or don’t believe, the facts speak loudly for themselves. I will not give money to a company that continues to support politicians that are trying to take away my freedom’s. My husband and I both have been looking at Benchmade knives but both of us vow we will not support them and are canceling our email subscription from them.
B. Werch says
If Benchmade is so ignorant of politics and the liberal extremes, how ignorant might they be at manufacturing their own product? Are they as illinformed on quality as well?
John says
If you give a dime to a Democrat, I will always try to purchase elsewhere.
James says
I’d like to hear Benchmade’s side of the story … On BOTH counts.
Stephen says
Benchmade can operate however they want, sincerely. I will not say it is right or wrong. As a consumer, I have made a personal choice to not consider Benchmade for any future purchase considerations.
mike says
It don’t be lookin’ good.
On the positive side, whenever there is a backlash it gives the less-than-2A-enamored a reason to pay attention, and think twice.
Also, on Benchmade’s web site they state:
https://www.benchmade.com/charitable-contributions
We are unable to support:
Individuals
Political Campaigns
Religious Organizations
General PTO or PTA Groups
Gerald Underwood says
No more Benchmade knives for me. I will recommend same to fellow retired law enforcement.
Benchmade: you crapped in your own nest.
Firfyter says
I am very disappointed in both of these stupid moves. I wont destroy my Benchmade but I can’t give them any more of my money to have them supporting left wing politicians. That is how I feel. Besides there are plenty of excellent knife manufacturers out there.
T Shaw says
Building a machine capable of destroying a firearm isn’t a bad thing. Making political contributions isn’t a bad thing. There is wisdom and profit in both. It’s not the same as those that have actively attacked the 2nd amendment directly calling for it’s repeal. Save your fight for the enemy that openly calls for your rights to be taken away.
Bobo says
A $15 grinder from Harbor Freight is capable of destroying a firearm, no reason for a company to do it.
Masterbrewer says
Benchmade is supporting the politicians that want to take your firearms away. That makes them the enemy!
Bill Daniel says
What does Benchmade have to say for itself?
Wayne Potter says
It doesn’t matter what Benchmade says, actions speak louder than words! You always have two votes; one at the voting booth and one with your pocketbook. Based on Benchmades actions, I will vote with my pocketbook elsewhere. I run a small Texas Shooting Sports Store, Absolute Zero Ordnance, LLC, so anything that damages the 2nd Amendment or supports the anti-gun group(s) potentially affects me personally so unfortunate decisions such as made by Benchmade must be addressed by the pro 2A citizens.
Joseph Morgan Sr says
BYE-BYE Benchmade Knife Co., I will not buy another item with a Benchmade trademark on it. You have chosen to betray the people and the 2nd amendment by submitting to the liberal socialist communist movement to take our weapons and leave us with out equipment to defend ourselves against a tyrannical demo-rat socialist form of government.
GARY STEMPLE says
What Benchmade could have said: “Gee Mr. Lawman, I cut all my metal with hacksaw blades from Acme Hardware down on the corner. Tell Hank I sent ya, maybe he’ll give you a discount if you buy a gross of them.”
Robert Thomas says
I generally have no issue with them helping out the PD destroying firearms. They will be destroyed anyway, but doing it in a public way is bad press for Benchmade.
Benchmade’s cardinal sin however is contributing to antigun politicians. I understand contributions from a business perspective, however Benchmade has remove support from pro gun politicians and instead supported the antigun. In at least one case supporting antigun politicians that are well outside any sphere of influence, business-wise. Simply put: “Yeti them” and don’t look back. A cooler company “may” survive with pro gun people boycotting them. A knife company? Unlikely. Let them burn.
P Dorigatti says
Benchmade is STUPID for destroying guns at their facility. They could have gave the cops some hacksaws and grinders to go to their PD and do it there. Posting pics of them “helping “ the Police destroy guns was idiotic on their part and they deserve what they get. Also I think the PD can afford a couple chop saws and grinders to do this themselves without involving companies that deal directly with people who like to shoot guns. They probably did it on purpose to give benchmade a bad name. Either way we will see if Benchmade EVER does this again and go from there. As for me I don’t have any Benchmade products and now I sure as HELL won’t go buy any either. Just like I don’t own any Yeti coolers or buy shit from Dicks Sporting goods screw them both as far as I’m concerned and I am glad to see many support me and think just as I do it is nice to see samples of the power we still have as gun owners.
David & Ashley Stonaker says
There is no excuse for stupidity and gutless kowtowing to the pols that have the oft stated objective of ridding citizens of ALL firearms.
Sucking up to and giving money to those who would ultimately turn citizens into subjects inthe hope that they will be spared is foolhardy and doomed to failure. If firearms are confiscated does any sane person not believe knives and such won’t be the next target?
Jeff Schmitz says
The fact that Benchmade makes donations to leftist politicians is enough for me to shop elsewhere. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Sorry, Benchmade…….never again.
Neal Christensen says
Oregon is a blue state, just an extension of California. Benchmade knows this and made their decisions accordingly. There are other high quality knife makers out there who would not have made this mistake. Benchmade deserves whatever consequences their actions produce.
David M. Autrey says
I have been a buyer of Benchmade products and a Cory vocal proponent of their products for years. This story is a bit disturbing, but I would like to hear Benchmade come out in a very loud statement in support of the second amendment. I don’t care if they support the NRA, a lot of gun owners do not, but they need to support the second amendment strongly. I am not to the point of burning my Benchmade cap, or getting rid of their knives., I would like to hear Benchmade’s side of the story first. Supporting the anti gunners would be a slap in the face of the majority of the folks who buy their products.
Russell Edwards says
In today’s news everything is getting shown as a black or white, us or them, yes or no situation. Life is not that simple. There are a lot of gray areas that are being glossed over in the indignation of the moment. We, as members of the gun fraternity should be willing to show some better manners when something is so “blatantly” portrayed. We can express our views in a mature manner that will pass the message along in a form that might be heard.
James Whitley says
What’s damnable for Benchmade is the fact they are contributing to gun crabbing Democrats but indicated there were no contributions to Republicans or Gun Rights organizations. Don’t own a Benchmade and appears I will never own one of their products.
John Foote says
Politics is envoled in everything . I will keep buying products based on personal preference. Quality is what sells to me. Irony have to use your store (Dicks) or your brand (YETI) if I don’t like it or agree with your politics!
Chris says
Won’t buy any more from them unless they take a stance and if they are afraid to do that where they are they should move. Until them no money of mine will go to their appeasment of liberal politicians.
Tom says
Benchmade is a fancy, overpriced, overstated product with leadership that blows and sways with the political breeze and makes rash decisions based on profitmindedness and not preserving and participating in Great American traditions and rights earned many times through armed conflict with determined enemies to our way of life and our very existence. Thankful for warriors like you, my uncles and sons who served and fought for freedom. Thank you! I’d rather carry a Buck knife or a Kershaw any day!
Scott P. says
I own several Benchmade knives . The quality of the knives is unquestionable and I feel I could trust my life on that quality . Unfortunately, I no longer have that same level of trust in that company . Unless they find a believable way to regain my trust , I can no longer spend my hard earned money ( & I’ve spent a considerable amount of money on those knives ) to support a company that will choose sides against their customers .
RetroG says
Benchmade is tone deaf. Have you seen the video they put out or the article in Recoil? They seem to be saying we are sorry we got caught doing these thing, but not that we did them. Sure, they operate in a leftist Democrat state, but they gave money to anti-gun politicians who almost never are pro-knife. If they did get some relief from the knife laws, then they should present that as why they contributed to Democrats (although that kinda screams of quid pro quo and buying politicians).
donald martin says
they hung themselves with this one
MICHELLE HARTVIGSEN says
Anybody who is a hunter uses and also carries a knife, and a flashlight. The Oregon City PD could have made better use of the guns by selling them rather than using taxpayer money to have them destroyed.
Darrin Boyd says
With respect to this incident, I could not fathom using my business to destroy guns at the behest of the government’s request – they knew what they were doing.
With respect to local politician campaign donations to the anti-gun party – they should have refrained and never gave to this party. They knew what they were doing.
No more purchases from this 2A, freedom-loving patriot.
Darrin Boyd says
Here in Arizona, we have passed a law making it illegal for governments (local, state) and police to destroy guns. The northwest is quickly becoming more liberal than New York and California. Please don’t move to the state of AZ if you have these liberal socialist values.
Henry F says
I hear all of the for/against arguments, but I would ask Benchmade this question:
If the same politicians were proposing british style anti knife legislation? Would you still be contributing to them under the guise of getting an audience with your local politicians, to get things done? I bet you wouldn’t.
P.S.
I purposely didn’t capitalize the the B in british as a sign of disrespect for them and their contempt for citizens everywhere, who have the right to defend themselves
Nick says
I am strong supporter of local police , but I support the second amendment more !
Benchmade should not have offered to destroy those weapons ! First off they could of loaned tools and let them do it themselves at the most ! ( specialized tools ? What ? Cut off wheel specialized tools ? But if they did agree to assist the local PD in their gun destruction business THEY SHOULD DO IT LEGALLY!!!!!! Notice the picture supplied by local PD of the hunting shotgun that was first converted to a short barrel shotgun I guess prior to destruction of receiver !!!!! Illegal !! The receiver must be destroyed First !!! Their law not mine ! So if your going cut up guns for you friends at the PD at least do it legally! No more Benchmade Knives for me !
Ralph says
Enough is enough. Companies live and die by serving the customers who buy their products. This is a grievous insult to their primary customers.
Chris B says
Every large city has a maintenance department to maintain all city equipment and vehicles. Including OCPD cars and trucks. They have every tool and then some in comparison to Benchmade.
And if you have to donate to a political party of anyone’s to get a pot hole fixed you already have a problem.
Jim says
Should NOT have given $$ to the left and told the cops that the should go elsewhere to destroy the firearms.
Gary says
They haven’t learnt their lesson if they are still giving money to the far left.
Ralph Walters says
They support anti 2nd Ammendment candidates. They build nice stuff but I will go elsewhere
Thomas Doornkaat says
Destroying those guns can be considered a mistake. Sometimes cooperating with local government is a necessary evil. But the inexcusable evil is donating to democrats. Unforgivable. I need to hear from them.
Robert McKee says
How would they like seeing Smith & Wesson cutting up benchmade knives. You don’t like guns? Great I don’t like you, and I will spend my money somewhere else, hay Buck makes a better knife anyway.
KD says
BOYCOTT them!!!! They are hurting us their customers by donating to the anti gun politicians! Then making such a brainless move as to show firearms being distroyed!
How would they like it if there was a post showing their knives being distroyed? They better watch out because the anti gun politicians will be coming for their knives next!
By Kershaw knives.
Sarge says
If the political climate there is so agregious, MOVE! They are anti-2A and their CEO/owner made it worse. Unapologetic, and certainly not forgiven by me!
Nathan Hickson says
Benchmade did not have to do this. They voluntarily sided with the tyrants who are destroying guns. So we can voluntarily decide to buy our knives from someone else.
dredbar77 says
Their knives are top quality, their decision-making skills are not. There are a lot of other manufactures out there who would never do something like this. Support them instead of Benchmade.
Farron Pickar says
add benchmark to your boycott list . bye bye benchmark!
Leslie Jackson says
I think you mean “Benchmade” not “Benchmark”, which is a different company.
Richard McGowan says
Helping out the local PD is one thing, allowing them to turn it into an anti gun publicity stunt is something totally different and when compounded with MULTIPLE significant campaign contributions to liberal anti gun politicians, it is very clear where this companies loyalties lie. Lots of knife makers out there, who aren’t closet liberals.
Steven Miller says
Altho they did make some obvious mistakes, I would say, with and see what they do next. Everyone makes mistakes. It’s how they act to correct them and move on that counts!
JR says
Benchmade wears their Bloomberg well. They made a decision with all the tension of anti 2nd in the air. I sold all mine and will never look back.
ZEKEDOGG3871 says
As a local who knows people within the OCPD and Benchmade, and who has worked with both in no disparaging manner towards the 2A, I can feel certain that this was a request and decision made neighbor to neighbor, and not for political partisanship or statement. literally, the two are down the street from each other. no police department majority I have ever encountered is against the 2A, but more supportive than most. Benchmade’s workforce is a blend of the surrounding community – some like guns, some don’t, some don’t care. My FFL dealer is just another 2 miles up the road, and my range is out about 10 miles from there.
You must realize that Oregon City is a semi rural town south of the left leaning Portland metro area, and quite far North of the severely liberal state capital of Salem. There is a whole lot of Oregon that is still wild west, agricultural, and down-home hard working folks. as with Washington state and Seattle, the big city gets the big vote, leaving the rest of us just shaking our heads.
So, yes, I think Benchmade got the picture. I dont assume Kershaw, Gerber, Leatherman, Sig Optics, Leupold, or any of the other great local companies (some i may have forgot) will follow suit. sorry you had to test the water inadverdantly, Benchmade, but I think the lesson is learned.
Colin Farrell says
It just brought to light who they really are. Funny they don’t donate money to pro gun and hunting groups or candidates. Do I have their knives, yes 3 of them. Am I. Going to get rid of them, no. Will I buy another no. They have lost my business forever. Will they go out of business no. Good luck to them.
Jeff Lines says
If you take the argument that they didn’t understand the optics … even that is bad that they are so out of touch with their customer base that they wouldn’t understand how their customers would feel about this. I know they attend trade shows and all they have to do is pay attention to the people that are visiting their booth. Even though the police requested it, the right thing for them to do was to explain that they would not be able to do that because of the optics. If they truly didn’t understand the optics, I don’t think they deserve my support as a customer. The only way for them to counter this would be to come out with a VERY public statement that they misunderstood the optics and that they promise their customers they will do more to support their lifestyle in the future to include paying attention to the causes they monetarily support. A significant contribution to a pro 2nd amendment organization would also be appropriate.
Dennis Bankhead says
I I have bought my last Benchmade knife. Guns today and knives tomorrow.
Robert Garnick says
Making excuses for stupidity is ridiculous. Benchmade needs to publicly apologize to the Sporting community and never again support any stinking libtard democrats period! We need to start saying a loud “NO” to these scum in a manner they will understand. My Benchmade knives are getting the Tannerite sendoff and I’ll never buy another one.
Mike Quinn says
We are done with benchmade. They have lost my business. Lots of other options out there.
They won’t support me, I won’t support them.
Paul L says
My comments on this is that if asked by your local police dept to destroy court ordered firearms, so be it. Listen, they are in a business to make money and if asked to help the police out, I’m sure they did not do it for free. I see this as something totally different then YETI or Dicks. I will continue to monitor the company to see how they handle other situations that come up. In the meantime, I will continue to purchase Benchmade products and if more dirt comes out, it just might change my money.