Top photo credit: Zorin Denu
A recent spat involving Benchmade Knife Company, the Oregon City Police Department, and incensed Second Amendment advocates put the American-made knife manufacturer in the political crosshairs.
People are vowing to throw away their Benchmade knives, pointing fingers and calling for boycotts of the brand following a seemingly innocuous Facebook post made by the Oregon City Police.
Much like the YETI and NRA explosion of yesteryear, Benchmade Knife Company is currently in the crosshairs of gun rights advocates.
Here’s the story.
Benchmade Knives, Oregon Police Destroy Firearms
The police department Oregon City, Ore., where Benchmade is based, went to Benchmade asking for help in the legal destruction of seized firearms. Benchmade assisted.
For context, the way police departments deal with guns in their possession varies. In Ohio, law enforcement destroys seized guns. In Kentucky, by law, the police department is required to sell them. For the Oregon City department, however, selling guns in possession is off the table; they’re required by law to destroy them.
What Happened Next
“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.”