Boycott Benchmade Knives

[The Real Hawkeye]

In the state of Florida, anyone with a concealed weapons license is authorized by the state to carry not only handguns, but also knives, including automatic knives. Benchmade, however, bars retailers from selling their automatic knives to concealed weapons permit holders, allowing sales only to police and military. I think that this warrents a boycot of all Benchmade products. Apparently, they are opposed to a citizen's right to keep and bear arms, even after they've gone through the process of acquiring a concealed weapons permit. They do not deserve our financial support if they oppose our right to keep and bear arms. Please do not buy their products until they have changed their policy, and let them know you are doing so. Thank you.

 

[Preacherman]

Can you provide a citation or online reference to prove Benchmade's policy? I don't find any reference to it with a quick look at their Web site. I don't think we can call for or support a boycott without hard evidence...

 

[Wildalaska]

Boycott every gun or knife company that doesnt please every one of us


WildnooneleftAlaska

 

[Phantom Warrior]

I thought that policy had to do with the federal law restricting interstate commerce in automatic knives to police/military/EMTs only. Does the fact that Benchmades are made in Oregon and the issue is in Florida fall under that law?

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

All I know is that this afternoon I was ready to plunk down cash to buy one, and the store owner said that although he can legally sell automatic knives to concealed weapons license holders, he is barred by Benchmade from selling them to non-law enforcement and non-military. I own a couple of Benchmade knives, but will not buy another until this policy is changed. If you want confirmation, do what I plan to do tomorrow, and call a Benchmade rep.

 

[Zundfolge]

and the store owner said...

Before organizing a boycott, I'd call Benchmade and ask them to clarify their position.

Many a line of Bovine Scat has been uttered by many a shop keeper (and most often out of misunderstanding or ignorance). Benchmade may have this policy with all its dealers nationwide because in most places in the US its illegal for us serfs to have automatic knives, so their policy is a blanket that can be ignored where its legal.

Or they're fascists ... either way I'd get their side first.

 

[Telperion]

It's a federal law. Benchmade's policy, in this case, is to obey the law.

Phone your Congresscritter, not Benchmade!

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

Well, maybe I was a little hot-headed. Hold off on the boycott till I or someone else gets the straight story from Benchmade. Just really got me hot under the collar when the guy refused my money like that, and said that it was Benchmade's policy. I moved to Florida partly to get away from ridiculous nanny state laws like that, and then to have a knife maker do the same thing just burned me.

 

[azrael]

Yo dude,
Buy your Benchmade online...Is what most of us do anyway...

 

[bj426]

I respect the Benchmade name and am a loyal customer. I hope they don't cut our relationship short...

 

[artherd]

Unless and untill benchmade opens a satalite office in Florida, federal law may still prohibit them.

 

[45R]

Hold off on the boycott till I or someone else gets the straight story from Benchmade.

This is straight from the BM webpage.



LEGAL ISSUES

Q. How do I, as a private citizen purchase an Automatic knife from Benchmadeâ„¢? I don't agree with Benchmade's Automatic knife policy and repair policy.

A. Benchmade Knife Company, Inc. follows guidelines outlined in the Federal Codes, which prohibit us to ship Automatic knife(s) to anyone other than Active Military and Law Enforcement. To qualify, you must submit via Fax, Mailed, or Scanned Email Attachment, your active duty photo ID. We do not make any exceptions to this Law, which is not applicable to Oregon Residents.




So as per your comment

Apparently, they are opposed to a citizen's right to keep and bear arms, even after they've gone through the process of acquiring a concealed weapons permit.

It is not BM that opposes your right to bear an automatic knive...its the Feds.

 

[PMDW]

Why would you get a carry permit, and then go out and buy a knife instead of a gun?

 

[45R]

Here is more reading for you....


Federal regulations (see below) restrict the sale of automatic knives to anyone other than active military or law-enforcement with proof of photo identification. There are exceptions for those that live in the state of Oregon.

If you live in the state of Oregon, or are currently active military or law-enforcement and wish to purchase Automatic knife(s) from Benchmade Knife Company, Inc. please call 1-800-800-7427 Ext-400. Be prepared to either fax or email your ID via scanned email attachment. By calling our Customer Service department you can find availability and pricing of specific Automatic Models.

You can Pre-Register for Restricted Knives with this website if you are active duty Military or Law Enforcement personnel. Benchmade requires that you resubmit your ID every thirty (30) days, or where applicable. (Note: The submission of your ID for approval is not related to the registration with this website and does not affect non-restricted product online purchases.)

Thank you for choosing Benchmade.

FEDERAL CODES-
18 USC 1716 (G) (2) (1-4) provides this summary: Switchblade knives can be shipped to civilian and armed forces supply or procurement officers and employees of the Federal government ordering or procuring or purchasing such knives in connection with activities in the Federal government; to supply or procurement officers in the National Guard, the Air National Guard or militia of the state or territory of the District of Columbia ordering, procuring or purchasing such knives in connection with the activities of such organizations; to supply or procurement officers or employees of the municipal government of the District of Columbia or the government of any state or territory of any county, city, or other political subdivision of a state or territory ordering, procuring or purchasing such knives in connection with the activities of such government.
15 USC 1244 provides in summary: Knives can be shipped by common carrier, that sale, transportation or distribution, possession or introduction into interstate commerce of switchblade knives is authorized if it is pursuant to a contract with the armed forces or any member or employee thereof acting in the performance of his or her duty may possess switchblade knives any may have them shipped to him and sold to him or her. The possession and transportation upon his or her person of a switchblade knife or a blade 3 inches or less is authorized to any handicapped individual who has the use of only one arm.

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

Here is some excellent reading on this subject that was just now brought to my attention. http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/swbl-leg.txt

 

[lwsimon]

As a bit of an aside, I love my Benchmade folder. Its my utility knife I carry with me 24/7, and is currently serving as self-defence until I turn 21. Judging by its quality, I woudl recommend Benchmade to anyone - that can stand the girly butterfly on the blade

 

[mbs357]

Boycott every gun or knife company that doesnt please every one of us

Why stop with gun and knife companies?
My keyboard is not molded perfectly to my hands, BOYCOT MEMOREX

 

[Valkman]

Just buy a Strider and get the best - hey WA how about a group buy on Striders?

 

[nico]

What makes automatic knives so evil in the first place?! Can an automatic knife really open that much faster than my kershaw blackout? And if it can, what difference is a fraction of a second going to make?

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/swbl-leg.txt Nico, read the article that this hyperlink takes you to. It will answer your question.

 

[Deavis]

Two Words...

Gun Show.

Got a great deal on mine but I won't buy another one. I actually like my Kershaw better than the Benchmade. The Bench is easier to open with my motorcycle gloves on but the Kershaw is completely legal for me to carry.

 

[DMF]

Auto knives are overrated anyway. I got rid of mine and carry a regular folder now.

 

[ctdonath]

Forget the boycott, it is severely misguided. The applicable law is obnoxious and stupid, but it is the law and the punishments are severe.

Let's make this clear:
Benchmade switchblade knives are made in Oregon. It is a violation of federal law for those knives to be sold to non-military/police citizens outside Oregon. Punishment for doing so is $2,000 fine and 5 years in prison.

Clear enough?
Yes, they can be obtained through *cough* various means which do not include the consent or awareness of Benchmade.
If you wish to argue the point further, or press for a boycott, go consult US Code Title 15 Chapter 29 first.

 

[blackdragon]

Summary...

I guess I'm tired, because this isn't quite sitting right in my head...

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?

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?

Keith

 

[c_yeager]

I hope you werent trying to buy knives direct from benchmade. Noone in their right mind pays full retail!

Seriously, if you look around for awhile you can find ample online retailers who are quite happy to ship autos to wherever you want them.

If, for some reason, you want to stay COMPLETELY within the letter of the law you should bear in mind that Microtech (another manufacture of fine automatic knives) is located in Florida. And purchasing a knife made by them is %100 above the board.