Oregon City, Oregon – In a highly controversial “I support the Second Amendment, but” move, Benchmade Knife Company found itself in hot water recently when it was discovered they were helping their local police destroy firearms.
The news spread like wildfire when the Oregon City, OR Police Department posted a series of photos on Facebook showing a pump shotgun and an SKS being chopped into pieces.
The caption read, “Thank you Benchmade Knife Company for assisting us today by cutting up guns that are ready to be destroyed.”
Social media and gun forums exploded with outrage over the news, leading the Oregon City Police Department to flush the post down the memory hole.
Scrambling to shield the relationship between Benchmade and his department, the police chief and major dug Benchmade’s grave even deeper with this follow-up post:
At 1:22am this morning, Benchmade issued the following official statement on Blade Forums:
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.”
-Benchmade
Making things far worse for Benchmade, however, was an investigation into their political activities.
According to OpenSecrets.org, Benchmade has been heavily favoring anti-gun Democrats in recent elections.
Most notorious amongst gun owners to receive political donations from Benchmade is US Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR).
Schrader is widely despised by the gun rights community for cosponsoring H.R. 8, the “Universal Background Checks” bill that Nancy Pelosi is advancing in Congress for Michael Bloomberg.
Also notable amongst Benchmade’s political contribution recipients was former Senator Mark Udall (D-CO), whose anti-gun voting record was so bad he earned a rare “F” rating from the NRA.
Many in the gun-rights community liken Benchmade’s actions and response to that of Dick’s Sporting Goods, with one commenter posting this photo on Benchmade’s Facebook page:
Gun buy-backs, confiscation, and destruction just aren’t going to fly with gun owners.
Gun owners are encouraged to contact Benchmade Knife Company to let them know of your displeasure with their political alliances.