Quote:Social media exploded in a flurry of virtual pitchforks and torches last night after the Oregon City Police Department posted three images and a simple statement on Facebook: “Thank you Benchmade Knife Company for assisting us today by cutting up guns that are ready to be destroyed.” Those words, along with the imagery of a pump action shotgun and an SKS being sliced to pieces, enraged both gun and knife owners nationwide. Many supporters of the Oregon-based knife company felt betrayed; after all, guns and knives go together like apple pie and vanilla ice cream.

Quote:The Oregon City Police Department posted a statement a few hours ago on Facebook:

Good evening,

The We understand some of our followers are upset with Benchmade knives because of a recent post we put out. The post did not give everyone the full story on why the guns were required to be destroyed.

We receive guns that are turned in from community members that they no longer want the guns and want them destroyed. We also have guns that are evidence and when a case is adjudicated the guns are ordered by the court to be destroyed. These guns were required to be destroyed. We reached out to Benchmade to do us a favor at our request.

Benchmade is a strong supporter of law enforcement and the Oregon City community. We were present when the guns were cut and we took them for final destruction.We apologize for not informing everyone on the initial post.

Benchmade is an excellent company and we urge everyone that had said they no longer support Benchmade to reconsider once they have all the information. Again, we apologize for not informing everyone with our recent post.

Respectfully, Chief Jim Band and Mayor Dan Holladay

We reached out to Benchmade’s Media Relations late last night, and to their credit, in the middle of what has to be a virtual sh*t storm for them, I received a statement regarding the event:
Benchmade Helps PD Destroy Guns: Official Statement

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.”

There’s no question that Benchmade made a poor business decision: in the current climate, gun owners are on high alert for any company or organization that is not in favor of individual liberties. The bigger question is, is this one event related to a broader anti-gun stance by Benchmade?

Quote:According to opensecrets.com, Benchmade has made political contributions to a number of politicians over the years and they’ve been trending in one particular direction.

(NOTE: chart at link)

Kurt Schrader has a decent record on guns. He voted yes on national reciprocity in 2017. The other major recipients of Benchmade’s contributions, however, are more troubling.

Martin Heinrich (D-NM), is unquestionably anti-gun. He, along with Mark Udall, sponsored the federal universal background check bill in the Senate. Ron Wyden (D-OR) isn’t any better on the Second Amendment. He’s supported UBCs and magazine capacity limits, as well as allowing lawsuits against firearm makers when guns that had been sold legally are later used in crimes.

To the casual observer, gun rights supporters, and potential knife customers, this isn’t a good look. The Venn diagram of gun owners and knife customers shows a lot of overlap and this could give many of them reason to look elsewhere for their next blade.

(02-22-2019 01:10 AM)Kaplony Wrote:  https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/02/21/benchmade-helps-destroy-guns/

Quote:Social media exploded in a flurry of virtual pitchforks and torches last night after the Oregon City Police Department posted three images and a simple statement on Facebook: “Thank you Benchmade Knife Company for assisting us today by cutting up guns that are ready to be destroyed.” Those words, along with the imagery of a pump action shotgun and an SKS being sliced to pieces, enraged both gun and knife owners nationwide. Many supporters of the Oregon-based knife company felt betrayed; after all, guns and knives go together like apple pie and vanilla ice cream.

Quote:The Oregon City Police Department posted a statement a few hours ago on Facebook:

Good evening,

The We understand some of our followers are upset with Benchmade knives because of a recent post we put out. The post did not give everyone the full story on why the guns were required to be destroyed.

We receive guns that are turned in from community members that they no longer want the guns and want them destroyed. We also have guns that are evidence and when a case is adjudicated the guns are ordered by the court to be destroyed. These guns were required to be destroyed. We reached out to Benchmade to do us a favor at our request.

Benchmade is a strong supporter of law enforcement and the Oregon City community. We were present when the guns were cut and we took them for final destruction.We apologize for not informing everyone on the initial post.

Benchmade is an excellent company and we urge everyone that had said they no longer support Benchmade to reconsider once they have all the information. Again, we apologize for not informing everyone with our recent post.

Respectfully, Chief Jim Band and Mayor Dan Holladay

We reached out to Benchmade’s Media Relations late last night, and to their credit, in the middle of what has to be a virtual sh*t storm for them, I received a statement regarding the event:
Benchmade Helps PD Destroy Guns: Official Statement

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.”

There’s no question that Benchmade made a poor business decision: in the current climate, gun owners are on high alert for any company or organization that is not in favor of individual liberties. The bigger question is, is this one event related to a broader anti-gun stance by Benchmade?

More to the story:

https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2019/02/josh-wayner/does-benchmade-knives-support-second-amendment-rights/

Quote:According to opensecrets.com, Benchmade has made political contributions to a number of politicians over the years and they’ve been trending in one particular direction.

(NOTE: chart at link)

Kurt Schrader has a decent record on guns. He voted yes on national reciprocity in 2017. The other major recipients of Benchmade’s contributions, however, are more troubling.

Martin Heinrich (D-NM), is unquestionably anti-gun. He, along with Mark Udall, sponsored the federal universal background check bill in the Senate. Ron Wyden (D-OR) isn’t any better on the Second Amendment. He’s supported UBCs and magazine capacity limits, as well as allowing lawsuits against firearm makers when guns that had been sold legally are later used in crimes.

To the casual observer, gun rights supporters, and potential knife customers, this isn’t a good look. The Venn diagram of gun owners and knife customers shows a lot of overlap and this could give many of them reason to look elsewhere for their next blade.

Benchmade hasn't donated to any Republican candidate since 2012, and has supported a number of vehemently anti-gun leftist candidates over the years. I dunno about anyone else but that doesn't say " a proud and unwavering supporter of both law enforcement and Second Amendment rights" to me.

Luckily, this hasn't directly bothered me as I've never really been impressed with Benchmade knives because IMO the quality isn't anywhere near it should be for the price. Others I know love them.

My EDC is a Kershaw folder and my favorite fixedblade for normal carry is a SOG SEAL Pup. I have a couple of Old Timer Sharpfingers I use for cleaning deer and hogs, and a bunch of folding knives I've acquired over the years either as gifts or found. There's two knives I own that I carried in my turnout gear from the day I started to the day I retired that are Walmart level Buck folders.

(02-22-2019 01:10 AM)Kaplony Wrote:  https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/02/21/benchmade-helps-destroy-guns/

Quote:Social media exploded in a flurry of virtual pitchforks and torches last night after the Oregon City Police Department posted three images and a simple statement on Facebook: “Thank you Benchmade Knife Company for assisting us today by cutting up guns that are ready to be destroyed.” Those words, along with the imagery of a pump action shotgun and an SKS being sliced to pieces, enraged both gun and knife owners nationwide. Many supporters of the Oregon-based knife company felt betrayed; after all, guns and knives go together like apple pie and vanilla ice cream.

Quote:The Oregon City Police Department posted a statement a few hours ago on Facebook:

Good evening,

The We understand some of our followers are upset with Benchmade knives because of a recent post we put out. The post did not give everyone the full story on why the guns were required to be destroyed.

We receive guns that are turned in from community members that they no longer want the guns and want them destroyed. We also have guns that are evidence and when a case is adjudicated the guns are ordered by the court to be destroyed. These guns were required to be destroyed. We reached out to Benchmade to do us a favor at our request.

Benchmade is a strong supporter of law enforcement and the Oregon City community. We were present when the guns were cut and we took them for final destruction.We apologize for not informing everyone on the initial post.

Benchmade is an excellent company and we urge everyone that had said they no longer support Benchmade to reconsider once they have all the information. Again, we apologize for not informing everyone with our recent post.

Respectfully, Chief Jim Band and Mayor Dan Holladay

We reached out to Benchmade’s Media Relations late last night, and to their credit, in the middle of what has to be a virtual sh*t storm for them, I received a statement regarding the event:
Benchmade Helps PD Destroy Guns: Official Statement

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.”

There’s no question that Benchmade made a poor business decision: in the current climate, gun owners are on high alert for any company or organization that is not in favor of individual liberties. The bigger question is, is this one event related to a broader anti-gun stance by Benchmade?

More to the story:

https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2019/02/josh-wayner/does-benchmade-knives-support-second-amendment-rights/

Quote:According to opensecrets.com, Benchmade has made political contributions to a number of politicians over the years and they’ve been trending in one particular direction.

(NOTE: chart at link)

Kurt Schrader has a decent record on guns. He voted yes on national reciprocity in 2017. The other major recipients of Benchmade’s contributions, however, are more troubling.

Martin Heinrich (D-NM), is unquestionably anti-gun. He, along with Mark Udall, sponsored the federal universal background check bill in the Senate. Ron Wyden (D-OR) isn’t any better on the Second Amendment. He’s supported UBCs and magazine capacity limits, as well as allowing lawsuits against firearm makers when guns that had been sold legally are later used in crimes.

To the casual observer, gun rights supporters, and potential knife customers, this isn’t a good look. The Venn diagram of gun owners and knife customers shows a lot of overlap and this could give many of them reason to look elsewhere for their next blade.

Benchmade hasn't donated to any Republican candidate since 2012, and has supported a number of vehemently anti-gun leftist candidates over the years. I dunno about anyone else but that doesn't say " a proud and unwavering supporter of both law enforcement and Second Amendment rights" to me.

Luckily, this hasn't directly bothered me as I've never really been impressed with Benchmade knives because IMO the quality isn't anywhere near it should be for the price. Others I know love them.

My EDC is a Kershaw folder and my favorite fixedblade for normal carry is a SOG SEAL Pup. I have a couple of Old Timer Sharpfingers I use for cleaning deer and hogs, and a bunch of folding knives I've acquired over the years either as gifts or found. There's two knives I own that I carried in my turnout gear from the day I started to the day I retired that are Walmart level Buck folders.

(02-22-2019 02:48 AM)JRsec Wrote:  I have to wonder how much effort the police department made to see if any of the guns were in fact stolen property and if they were how much effort was made to return them to their rightful owners. Experience says no effort was made. So then how many lawful citizens had the police destroy their weapons without regard to their rights?

(02-23-2019 01:44 AM)Kaplony Wrote:  Here's the "We are really sorry y'all exposed us as full of crap and now it's hurting our business" apology.

(02-24-2019 12:40 PM)q5sys Wrote:  Plot twist... they are secretly Anti-Guns because they want them to be outlawed so that people have to buy knives to defend themselves.

(02-22-2019 01:10 AM)Kaplony Wrote:  https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/02/21/benchmade-helps-destroy-guns/

Quote:Social media exploded in a flurry of virtual pitchforks and torches last night after the Oregon City Police Department posted three images and a simple statement on Facebook: “Thank you Benchmade Knife Company for assisting us today by cutting up guns that are ready to be destroyed.” Those words, along with the imagery of a pump action shotgun and an SKS being sliced to pieces, enraged both gun and knife owners nationwide. Many supporters of the Oregon-based knife company felt betrayed; after all, guns and knives go together like apple pie and vanilla ice cream.

Quote:The Oregon City Police Department posted a statement a few hours ago on Facebook:

Good evening,

The We understand some of our followers are upset with Benchmade knives because of a recent post we put out. The post did not give everyone the full story on why the guns were required to be destroyed.

We receive guns that are turned in from community members that they no longer want the guns and want them destroyed. We also have guns that are evidence and when a case is adjudicated the guns are ordered by the court to be destroyed. These guns were required to be destroyed. We reached out to Benchmade to do us a favor at our request.

Benchmade is a strong supporter of law enforcement and the Oregon City community. We were present when the guns were cut and we took them for final destruction.We apologize for not informing everyone on the initial post.

Benchmade is an excellent company and we urge everyone that had said they no longer support Benchmade to reconsider once they have all the information. Again, we apologize for not informing everyone with our recent post.

Respectfully, Chief Jim Band and Mayor Dan Holladay

We reached out to Benchmade’s Media Relations late last night, and to their credit, in the middle of what has to be a virtual sh*t storm for them, I received a statement regarding the event:
Benchmade Helps PD Destroy Guns: Official Statement

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.”

There’s no question that Benchmade made a poor business decision: in the current climate, gun owners are on high alert for any company or organization that is not in favor of individual liberties. The bigger question is, is this one event related to a broader anti-gun stance by Benchmade?

More to the story:

https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2019/02/josh-wayner/does-benchmade-knives-support-second-amendment-rights/

Quote:According to opensecrets.com, Benchmade has made political contributions to a number of politicians over the years and they’ve been trending in one particular direction.

(NOTE: chart at link)

Kurt Schrader has a decent record on guns. He voted yes on national reciprocity in 2017. The other major recipients of Benchmade’s contributions, however, are more troubling.

Martin Heinrich (D-NM), is unquestionably anti-gun. He, along with Mark Udall, sponsored the federal universal background check bill in the Senate. Ron Wyden (D-OR) isn’t any better on the Second Amendment. He’s supported UBCs and magazine capacity limits, as well as allowing lawsuits against firearm makers when guns that had been sold legally are later used in crimes.

To the casual observer, gun rights supporters, and potential knife customers, this isn’t a good look. The Venn diagram of gun owners and knife customers shows a lot of overlap and this could give many of them reason to look elsewhere for their next blade.

Benchmade hasn't donated to any Republican candidate since 2012, and has supported a number of vehemently anti-gun leftist candidates over the years. I dunno about anyone else but that doesn't say " a proud and unwavering supporter of both law enforcement and Second Amendment rights" to me.

Luckily, this hasn't directly bothered me as I've never really been impressed with Benchmade knives because IMO the quality isn't anywhere near it should be for the price. Others I know love them.

My EDC is a Kershaw folder and my favorite fixedblade for normal carry is a SOG SEAL Pup. I have a couple of Old Timer Sharpfingers I use for cleaning deer and hogs, and a bunch of folding knives I've acquired over the years either as gifts or found. There's two knives I own that I carried in my turnout gear from the day I started to the day I retired that are Walmart level Buck folders.

(02-24-2019 12:57 PM)CrimsonPhantom Wrote:  Here's that Graph:

Quote:We support organizations and activities that emphasize:

Education & Community
Law Enforcement
Hunting & Conservation
Military

We are unable to support:

Individuals
Political Campaigns
Religious Organizations
General PTO or PTA Groups