THE STORY: BENCHMADE
Benchmade the American knife maker
(Benchmade headquarters in 2022)
A company with modest beginnings
It all started on a mezzanine in California, the founder THE of Asis begins manufacturing balisong , being convinced to remain in the niche of the famous butterfly knife, Les de Asis named his company BALI-SONG® INC, it was only 7 years later in 1987 that Benchmade appears with a vision of a craft business producing quality products with a strong brand image. A brand image that Benchmade to keep until today producing knives that are still as well finished, pleasant to use and very effective on a daily basis.
The Balisong knife model 68, one of the first models. (Source Arizona custom knives)
Moving to America's Cutlery Capital
Benchmade marks a turning point in American knife manufacturing. Benchmade Knife Company , Inc. is now located in the American epicenter of knife manufacturing, Clackamas , Oregon. Benchmade is able to take advantage of a variety of technological advances that were not available when the company was founded in California. Thanks to these advances, Benchmade is now able to produce knives more efficiently and with a higher degree of precision than ever before. Additionally, the move to Oregon allowed Benchmade to tap into a new pool of skilled workers, resulting in an overall improvement in quality. The commitment of Benchmade towards quality and innovation has always been evident in its products, and the move to Oregon can only strengthen the company's reputation. It is at this time that the partnership with the US Army begins, and Benchmade begins supplying the military. It is also at this time that it specializes in automatic knives, becoming the undisputed leader.
One Last Move to Oregon City
Another turnaround in 1996 Benchmade decides to move to Oregon City due to high demand and lack of space. The production workshop goes from 1400 m2 to more than 13,000 m2. To this day, the company is still present in Oregon. City . With 6 years of experience in Clackamas , Benchmade has been able to gain experience and expertise being able to offer products constantly pushed towards excellence. Thanks to some collaborations with big names in cutlery such as Mel Forgotten or Warren Osborne. All of these collaborations have borne fruit since today the models Osborne and the griptilian by Mel P arduous are distributed throughout the world in thousands of copies.
Benchmade Griptilian designer by Mel Pardue
Benchmade Osborne designer by Warren Osborne
Benchmade in 2022
The company continues its development and innovation is always at the heart of the company's projects. More than ever, Benchmade is one of the leaders in its market and will continue to work to stay there and make us dream with constantly elegant pieces with incredible design.
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