THE MINDSET
It all starts with a commitment to innovation. And for us, it goes beyond simply being innovatively different' Benchmade Knife Company continually strives to be innovatively better. We believe that when a customer chooses to purchase a Benchmade, they don't do so just to be different; they do so because they want the best. This mindset of innovating for improvement is alive and well throughout Benchmade, it goes into every design, and comes out of every product. Admittedly, it's definitely not the easiest way to make knives, but it's the only way we know how. ENGINEERING Rocket science? Ok, well almost. It all starts with a dedicated Engineering department hell bent on getting it right' before a milling machine ever starts. It means taking an often times custom design concept and unique designer personality, and then translating it into computer renderings and programs for a multitude of individual manufacturing processes. Our engineers are continually checking and rechecking for perfection, and we are fully integrated with our outside manufacturing partners to ensure our Benchmade quality standards are adhered to. From the latest computer aided design (CAD) software and 3-D modeling technologies to just plain knife-know-how gained from years of experience, it's a test of wills. And when the final prototype is signed off on, the customer always wins.
MANUFACTURING
The Benchmade manufacturing arsenal contains ultra-modern laser cutters and machining centers dialed in for spot-on tolerances of 0.0005' on command. Our computerized machining centers offer the precision and control usually found only in the aerospace industry. Most of our products are hand assembled for a 'go together' fit and finish typically seen only in a custom knife. But it's more than just having modern equipment, for Benchmade, it's having a workforce of dedicated and professionally skilled people knowing how to make it all work together. We also work with a specially selected group of outside manufacturing partners, who are willing to go beyond working for us' they work with us to deliver the best product regardless of price point. It's a lot of effort for just a knife, which is why Benchmade knives aren't 'just a knife'' they're engineered cutting tools founded on function, built for performance and recognized for both.
BENCHMADE HISTORY
Benchmade Knife Company, Inc. set-up shop in Clackamas, Oregon in 1990 (originally founded in California in 1988). The initial knives primarily consisted of the Bali-Song® knives, using a combination of outside vendors and inside processing to build finished products. And like most companies, starting out meant scarce money and big plans, using second hand equipment and limited resources.
Soon, a natural born fortitude and an undying passion to make it right and make it Benchmade, prospered into significant growth. As the product line grew so did the in-house capabilities. We began to acquire new machines and technologies including the first of several lasers, making Benchmade the first knife manufacturer to have such equipment in-house. Open minds and positive attitudes would lead to several more industry firsts over the course of the next several years.
This was only the beginning of Benchmade's breaking of new ground in the manufactured knife markets by using non-traditional materials and modern manufacturing methods in not only building knives better but, inevitably building better knives. The Designer Series was first introduced in 1991 with several custom designs being manufactured. By tapping into the custom knife makers' knowledge and combining it with our manufacturing expertise we were more readily able to offer more contemporary knife designs and innovations to the knife users.
Consecutive years of aggressive growth led to the next logical step in 1996 when Benchmade moved into its own 35,000 sq. ft. facility. A contemporary styled building complete with all of the modern equipment and amenities necessary to manufacture what has become recognized as a higher standard of specialty cutlery.
Today, Benchmade Knife Company, Inc. manufactures knives for a loyal and ever growing following of knife users. As we move into the 21st century we are poised for even more exciting opportunities, innovations and ongoing total world-class quality. Here at Benchmade we employ a simple philosophy- "Make it cool, make it solid, make it happen and definitely make it Benchmade."
Knife Care
Benchmade knives are high-performance cutting tools made from some of the finest materials in the world. Even though we use these select materials it is still important to use proper care and maintenance to ensure optimum performance levels. Always keep your knife blade sharp. A dull knife requires additional force to use and is potentially more dangerous to use than a sharp one. There are a variety of products available when it comes to sharpening your knife. Benchmade also offers a LifeSharp™ service to its customers, which is a nice convenience. As for which one is best, it pretty much comes down to choosing the one you're most comfortable with using. Never sharpen your knife on a power-grinding wheel as this can burn the temper out of the blade and weaken its integrity.
Always keep the locking areas of your knife clean- accumulation of dirt or debris could adversely affect the locking mechanism creating a potential safety hazard. To clean these areas we recommend using compressed air and lubricating with the specialty lubricant, BlueLube.
Most of our blade steels have a very high carbon content which enables them to hold a superior cutting edge. Unfortunately, carbon is also the element that causes rust so, preventive care is required if the knife is used in humid or marine environments. To aid in the cleaning of rust on the blades, we recommend using a fine grade, semi-chrome polish. A product such as marine Tuf-Cloth™ works well to not only wipe down the blade for cleaning but, also adds an invisible coating for added corrosion protection without leaving any oily film which may attract dirt and debris. Lightly lubricate the pivot of the blade periodically to keep it operating smoothly.
Never attempt to use your knife as a screwdriver, pry-bar, chisel, or punch. Never throw your knife. It was not designed for those purposes. Use for any purpose other than cutting is considered abuse and is not covered under the Benchmade Warranty. DO NOT disassemble your Benchmade knife. Disassembly by anyone other than the Benchmade Knife Company, Inc. Warranty/Repair Department will void the warranty! Minimum charge to reassemble your knife is $20.00 plus parts.
Most of all please enjoy your new knife and always remember to use it in a safe, responsible manner. Thank you for choosing Benchmade.
LifeSharp®
There's never a dull moment with a Benchmade... That's right! We will gladly re-sharpen your Benchmade knife to a factory razor sharp edge (service does not apply to any serrated portion of the blade). If you prefer us to sharpen your blade, or if you may have neglected to maintain your edge for a while, simply ship your knife to us. We'll not only sharpen it, but we will also inspect the knife for any warranted repairs and "tune" the knife for optimum performance. Simply ship the knife to the Benchmade address, postage paid and insured. Please enclose your return shipping address with $5.00 for first knife and $2.50 for each additional knife, to cover handling and return shipping charges.
Note: Any automatic knife returned for Warranty or LifeSharp service from outside of Oregon must also include either a signed copy of the Auto Knife Opening Acknowledgement Form, your web account username if you have already accepted the AKO Acknowledgement, or be returned through an authorized Benchmade dealer. No exceptions will be made.
MAIL TO
LifeSharp
300 Beavercreek Rd
Oregon City, OR 97045
Questions can be directed to 800.800.7427.
Print and send with your knife: LifeSharp Service Form
If an automatic knife, also include: AKO Acknowledgement Form
Warranty
Each new knife is packaged with written documentation of the Benchmade Warranty. Benchmade Knife Company, Inc. warrants to the original owner that the knife will be free from defects in materials and workmanship. Benchmade will without charge, repair or replace at our (Benchmade's) option, any knife returned for Warranty work and found to be defective by Benchmade.
WHAT IS COVERED
This Warranty covers replacement parts and labor.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED
This Warranty does not cover normal wear, resharpening of the blade, damage caused by neglect, misuse or the failure to perform normal or necessary maintenance, disassembly of any knife by any person other than Benchmade’s Warranty department, or shipping costs for returned knives.
Do not use your new knife as a screwdriver, prybar, chisel or punch. Do not throw your knife or use it for any purpose other than cutting. Do not disassemble your knife. Do not sharpen your knife on a power grinding wheel. Any of these acts will void your Warranty. MINIMUM CHARGE TO REASSEMBLE A KNIFE WHEN THE WARRANTY HAS BEEN VOIDED IS $20 PLUS PARTS.
Repair or replacement as provided under this Warranty is the exclusive remedy of the consumer. Benchmade shall not be liable for any incidental, reliance, or consequential damages or breach of implied Warranty on this product, including any damage to person or property. Benchmade’s liability under any circumstances is limited to the purchase price. Some states do not allow exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
This knife has only one use, as a cutting tool. Benchmade’s knives carry no warranty except as expressly contained herein. Benchmade disclaims all warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose other than for use as a cutting tool. There are no warranties which extend beyond the description contained herein. Please review the Warranty information and proper knife care instructions provided with each knife.
Information is from Benchmade.
