Boycott Benchmade Knives
- Thread starter The Real Hawkeye
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mtnbkr
Member
For general utility, yes, but they are fun to "play" with. I have a stag handled Hubertus leverlock that I love to fiddle with while watching TV or sitting at the PC.
Chris
ctdonath
Member
The State of Florida says it's ok for me to possess and carry concealed an auto knife. (I have a ccw).
But the Feds say that you cannot ship then inter-state to non-leo civilians.
So I can only legally purchase auto knives manufactured in Florida, but LEO can purchase autos made anywhere?
Yes. That is exactly right.
Or would a shipment to a florida wholesaler, then to a retailer get around this, as the shipment from manufacturer to wholesaler isn't (neccessarily) for a non-leo civilian?
No. That is exactly wrong.
Switchblades cannot legally be sold to anyone (except police/military) outside the state of manufacture, period.
The law is not strongly enforced - but it is occasionally enforced, to the serious pain of someone who thought they could ignore the law.
But the Feds say that you cannot ship then inter-state to non-leo civilians.
So I can only legally purchase auto knives manufactured in Florida, but LEO can purchase autos made anywhere?
Yes. That is exactly right.
Or would a shipment to a florida wholesaler, then to a retailer get around this, as the shipment from manufacturer to wholesaler isn't (neccessarily) for a non-leo civilian?
No. That is exactly wrong.
Switchblades cannot legally be sold to anyone (except police/military) outside the state of manufacture, period.
The law is not strongly enforced - but it is occasionally enforced, to the serious pain of someone who thought they could ignore the law.
armedcitizen
Member
I'm with Deavis....
Bought my BM Mel Pardue auto at a gun show and carried it illegally for a couple of years. I also have BM's AFCK which is a killer knife. Now, I carry a Kershaw Ken Onion. It's just a fast as the switch and perfectly legal, but it still widen's some eyes when I snap it open. What's not to love about that?
Bought my BM Mel Pardue auto at a gun show and carried it illegally for a couple of years. I also have BM's AFCK which is a killer knife. Now, I carry a Kershaw Ken Onion. It's just a fast as the switch and perfectly legal, but it still widen's some eyes when I snap it open. What's not to love about that?
Aguila Blanca
Member
Great!
Now we're advocating straw purchases for automatic knives? Given the law and the potential fine, any EMT who would actually participate in this would have to be a complete idiot.
The appropriate response to a stupid law is not to ask other people to help you break it, but to enlist other people to help you REPEAL it.
JMHO
Chaz
Member
Strange. I am looking at my Benchmade auto now that I bought in Florida just this summer when they became legal to possess here. The dealer did not even ask about a CCW. (Which I have)
The Real Hawkeye
member
I think we should start a movement to rid ourselves of the distinction between super citizens (i.e., government agents and the like) and semi citizens (i.e., just regular old Americans like myself). There should once again be only one kind of American, all enjoying equal rights under the law.
carebear
Member
Already been started. Mostly involves this thing called "voting". Pick a candidate who agrees with you or take the time and trouble to become one yourself and start campaigning.
Alternately, join one of the many fine organizations that already advocate for unencumbered exercise of 2nd Amendment rights and join and contribute (time and money) to them.
Alternately, start writing guest editorials or letters to the editor to every publication you can think of, from the New York Times to your local rag to everyone else in between, including the the Costco newsletter and "Auto Trader", propounding your views and drumming up community support.
Alternately, join one of the many fine organizations that already advocate for unencumbered exercise of 2nd Amendment rights and join and contribute (time and money) to them.
Alternately, start writing guest editorials or letters to the editor to every publication you can think of, from the New York Times to your local rag to everyone else in between, including the the Costco newsletter and "Auto Trader", propounding your views and drumming up community support.
The Real Hawkeye
member
Cute, Carebear.
Good news. I just got off the phone with a Benchmade Rep and was informed emphatically that they have no such policy, and that once the retailer has legally acquired the auto knives from them, the retailer is only required to comply with their state law in distributing the knives. Since Florida allows sale to CCW holders, no law is violated by sales to them. Benchmade suggested to me that it might be the store's policy, and that they might have just wanted to take the heat off themselves by blaming Benchmade for it. Comments?
Good news. I just got off the phone with a Benchmade Rep and was informed emphatically that they have no such policy, and that once the retailer has legally acquired the auto knives from them, the retailer is only required to comply with their state law in distributing the knives. Since Florida allows sale to CCW holders, no law is violated by sales to them. Benchmade suggested to me that it might be the store's policy, and that they might have just wanted to take the heat off themselves by blaming Benchmade for it. Comments?
Andrew Rothman
Member
Motoman,
Switchblades are illegal in MN.
Switchblades are illegal in MN.
Double Naught Spy
Sus Venator
So why is it whenever somebody gets their panties in a wad over some activity of a business, in this case, supposed Benchmade policy, that we have to boycott that business.
It is pretty hilarious all of the false bravado about tough guys and gals actively boycotting various companies. It gets really funny when the boycott is for wrong reasons, as with the case here, and with the issue of Target not giving money to some traveling VW memorial. Instead of checking actual facts, hotheads simply act on the notion that the company in question must be doing wrong and must be punished.
You would think that after multiples of examples of people flying off the handle for wrong reasons that some people would learn, but the mistake just keeps happening over and over again.
The really sad part is that 'we,' as patriotic Americans, keep punishing fellow Americans who are employed by the companies that we often wrongly accuse of wrong doing. When we hurt the companies, we hurt the people who work for those companies.
I have news for some of you. The notion of being patriots and having freedom in America becomes crap rhetoric when we band together to punish those that do not share our views or who are not operating in the ways that WE feel they should be operating. It is no wonder so many companies ship jobs outside of the US. Aside from cheaper labor in many cases, they can weather these fly-by-night punitive boycotts much easier and if they do have to put employees on the street, they are lesser paid foreign employees.
It is pretty hilarious all of the false bravado about tough guys and gals actively boycotting various companies. It gets really funny when the boycott is for wrong reasons, as with the case here, and with the issue of Target not giving money to some traveling VW memorial. Instead of checking actual facts, hotheads simply act on the notion that the company in question must be doing wrong and must be punished.
You would think that after multiples of examples of people flying off the handle for wrong reasons that some people would learn, but the mistake just keeps happening over and over again.
The really sad part is that 'we,' as patriotic Americans, keep punishing fellow Americans who are employed by the companies that we often wrongly accuse of wrong doing. When we hurt the companies, we hurt the people who work for those companies.
I have news for some of you. The notion of being patriots and having freedom in America becomes crap rhetoric when we band together to punish those that do not share our views or who are not operating in the ways that WE feel they should be operating. It is no wonder so many companies ship jobs outside of the US. Aside from cheaper labor in many cases, they can weather these fly-by-night punitive boycotts much easier and if they do have to put employees on the street, they are lesser paid foreign employees.
It sounds like we should boycott the gunstore in FL. Since I don't even live in FL., it won't be too hard for me.
Here in Indiana, about the only law about knives is that we can't own switch blades. It has never really bothered me and there is no way that I am going to carry a switch blade when I have a CCW. It would be sad if I got busted for carrying a switch blade and lost my CCW to carry guns!
Anyway, guns are better than knives for self defense. Knives are a last ditch weapon that I would only use if I couldn't find a club of some sort.
I have and carry a knife that could be used for self defense and it is of better quality than any Benchmade I have ever owned. It is an Al Mar Shrike and it makes Benchmade look like Buck if you know what I mean. What is up with Benchmade not even offering a flat ground blade? Benchmade is not "cutting" edge anymore.
Here in Indiana, about the only law about knives is that we can't own switch blades. It has never really bothered me and there is no way that I am going to carry a switch blade when I have a CCW. It would be sad if I got busted for carrying a switch blade and lost my CCW to carry guns!
Anyway, guns are better than knives for self defense. Knives are a last ditch weapon that I would only use if I couldn't find a club of some sort.I have and carry a knife that could be used for self defense and it is of better quality than any Benchmade I have ever owned. It is an Al Mar Shrike and it makes Benchmade look like Buck if you know what I mean. What is up with Benchmade not even offering a flat ground blade? Benchmade is not "cutting" edge anymore.
Graystar
Member
Hey, that butterfly is a chick-magnet!
TRH,
15 USC 29 is an interstate commerce law making it illegal to sell switchblades across state lines to anyone other than military or governmental purchasing agents or bonafide dealers. Once the knife is shipped to the bonafide dealer 15 USC 29 no longer regulates any further business transactions and state law takes over. FL is one of the states that does not restrict sale or posession of switchblades.
If the retailer told you that it was Benchmade policy to restrict sale of their switchblades to LE/Military they were either mistaken or just didn't want to sell the knife to you and were scapegoating BM to deflect you.
Benchmade's owner is one of the founders of the American Knife and Tool Institute, the knife industry analogue of the RKBA organizations. People like him and Sal Glasser of Spyderco and Rod Bremer of CRKT and CJ Buck have invested their own and their company's money in trying to fight the goofy attitudes and laws that make it illegal to even own some types of knives. The AKTI spends money on lawyers helping with court cases and fighting legislation that would turn having a blunt tipped rescue knife into a "dirk or dagger". Having worked with him in the AKTI I can personally guarantee you that he has not set up a company policy that tells retailers who they may and may not sell knives to.
Let's try not to fire a shot until we identify our target. :banghead:
15 USC 29 is an interstate commerce law making it illegal to sell switchblades across state lines to anyone other than military or governmental purchasing agents or bonafide dealers. Once the knife is shipped to the bonafide dealer 15 USC 29 no longer regulates any further business transactions and state law takes over. FL is one of the states that does not restrict sale or posession of switchblades.
If the retailer told you that it was Benchmade policy to restrict sale of their switchblades to LE/Military they were either mistaken or just didn't want to sell the knife to you and were scapegoating BM to deflect you.
Benchmade's owner is one of the founders of the American Knife and Tool Institute, the knife industry analogue of the RKBA organizations. People like him and Sal Glasser of Spyderco and Rod Bremer of CRKT and CJ Buck have invested their own and their company's money in trying to fight the goofy attitudes and laws that make it illegal to even own some types of knives. The AKTI spends money on lawyers helping with court cases and fighting legislation that would turn having a blunt tipped rescue knife into a "dirk or dagger". Having worked with him in the AKTI I can personally guarantee you that he has not set up a company policy that tells retailers who they may and may not sell knives to.
Let's try not to fire a shot until we identify our target. :banghead:
fistful
member
Ten points to WildannoyingcheapgimmickAlaska for delicious brevity.
Twenty points to ctdonath for skillful use of EXTREMELY HUGE FONT.
Off topic, but when switchblades come up I like to share the pro-autoknife argument that they are better suited for defending than attacking. An attacker has the initiative and element of surprise and therefore enough time to open a two-handed knife. Or he may open it surreptitiously. Someone defending himself, on the other hand, needs a knife that opens as quickly and easily as possible. Am I correct in this?
Twenty points to ctdonath for skillful use of EXTREMELY HUGE FONT.
Off topic, but when switchblades come up I like to share the pro-autoknife argument that they are better suited for defending than attacking. An attacker has the initiative and element of surprise and therefore enough time to open a two-handed knife. Or he may open it surreptitiously. Someone defending himself, on the other hand, needs a knife that opens as quickly and easily as possible. Am I correct in this?
carebear
Member
Pretty good logic at first glance, since action beats reaction, good-guy reaction needs an edge.
<heh, "edge">
<heh, "edge">
Brian Dale
Member
fistful,
Notice nobody arguing.
Notice nobody arguing.
Zach S
Member
Yes. However I can present my sidearm quicker than I can my knife
ryoushi
Member
I love my Benchmade Griptylions. I can't think of any automatic knife being any more useful or practical for anybody other than mall ninjas. That AXIS locking system is the best I've come across.
Phantom Warrior
Member
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2003
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Mostly. They are legal to possess as a curio or collectable. But they are very much illegal to carry. If you get caught carrying one you'll get busted, handgun carry permit or no.
mstnglx50
Member
off topic
quasi off topic and applicable to a very small percentage of the population i recently had the distinct pleasure of my automatic knife being returned to me by the federal government.
in a search that was ruled illegal in a local court an automatic knife was found in my car. i admitted to having purchased the knife while on active duty in the marine corps. since i took delivery of the knife in california and later transported it to texas as a civilian the local constabulary was kind enough to turn it over to federal authorities after their case was thrown out of court, as speeding doesn't give probable cause to search a bag in the trunk for weapons. without so much as a deposition or hearing the knife was returned to me with a written apology by a federal prosecutor in houston. his reasoning was that since the department of defense had found me 60% disabled for the loss of two fingers and a thumb on my left hand in iraq by an ied i constituted a "one armed person". as such i can legally posess and transport automatic knives across state lines under federal law. his reasoning was supported by a finding from a district court judge.
this won't protect me from state or local laws but i found it encouraging that the federal government went out of their way to avoid prosecuting me. before leo's chime in i am well aware that i broke state law and would have no right to complain had i been convicted. while it is no excuse i honestly didn't remember that the knife was in the car. it was in a bag of junk that had remained in the trunk for the two months since i was medically retired from the marine corps.
the knife was by the way a benchmade, thus making the circle of relevancy. however a benchmade rep gave it to me so i can't really comment on their sales regs.
quasi off topic and applicable to a very small percentage of the population i recently had the distinct pleasure of my automatic knife being returned to me by the federal government.
in a search that was ruled illegal in a local court an automatic knife was found in my car. i admitted to having purchased the knife while on active duty in the marine corps. since i took delivery of the knife in california and later transported it to texas as a civilian the local constabulary was kind enough to turn it over to federal authorities after their case was thrown out of court, as speeding doesn't give probable cause to search a bag in the trunk for weapons. without so much as a deposition or hearing the knife was returned to me with a written apology by a federal prosecutor in houston. his reasoning was that since the department of defense had found me 60% disabled for the loss of two fingers and a thumb on my left hand in iraq by an ied i constituted a "one armed person". as such i can legally posess and transport automatic knives across state lines under federal law. his reasoning was supported by a finding from a district court judge.
this won't protect me from state or local laws but i found it encouraging that the federal government went out of their way to avoid prosecuting me. before leo's chime in i am well aware that i broke state law and would have no right to complain had i been convicted. while it is no excuse i honestly didn't remember that the knife was in the car. it was in a bag of junk that had remained in the trunk for the two months since i was medically retired from the marine corps.
the knife was by the way a benchmade, thus making the circle of relevancy. however a benchmade rep gave it to me so i can't really comment on their sales regs.
redneck2
Member
Auto knives are real cool...'til you own one. Actually, I see them as pretty much worthless.
Yeah, push the button and they flip open. Now, have it in your front pocket and have the button accidentally pushed You don't need to ask how I know. Extremely easy to do
Now you're trying to reach in your pocket fishing around a spring loaded blade that's razor sharp.....without spearing a hole in your pants or ungoing unintended surgery
So now the answer is to carry it in a sheath.
What good is an automatic if you have to unsnap a sheath and fish it out every time?? As above, they're OK for mall ninja's to play with at home or impress their other friends while skate boarding, but that's about it
Yeah, push the button and they flip open. Now, have it in your front pocket and have the button accidentally pushed
You don't need to ask how I know. Extremely easy to doNow you're trying to reach in your pocket fishing around a spring loaded blade that's razor sharp.....without spearing a hole in your pants or ungoing unintended surgery
So now the answer is to carry it in a sheath.
What good is an automatic if you have to unsnap a sheath and fish it out every time?? As above, they're OK for mall ninja's to play with at home or impress their other friends while skate boarding, but that's about it
mstnglx50
Member
redneck2: that's why you purchase something other than 9.99 specials off of ebay. quality autos have a lock on them to prevent unintentional surgery.
i'd also like to point out i'm not quite a mall ninja nor have i been on a skate board in about five years but i found an automatic knife to be highly useful in combat.
i'd also like to point out i'm not quite a mall ninja nor have i been on a skate board in about five years but i found an automatic knife to be highly useful in combat.
Deavis
Member
Put on a pair of winter motorcycle gloves and open up you folder for me like it was an emergency. Open that folder when you can only move a couple fingers. Don't be short-sighted, there is always a use for an object, otherwise it wouldn't exist. An auto knife or speed-safe is the only knife I have found that I can reliably open quickly with my gloves on. I ride every single day of the year, rain or shine. I don't carry a gun with a small trigger guard when I wear large gloves so why would I carry a knife I can't open?
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