AllOutdoor Historical Review – A Brief History of Benchmade Knives
Patrik Orcutt 09.11.23
Benchmade’s journey into crafting quality knives begins with a deep family connection. Les de Asis, the founder and a skilled craftsman, was introduced to the world of knives when his uncle gifted him a Bali-Song knife during his childhood near Los Angeles. This knife held a special place in Philippine culture and left a lasting impression on Les. He was drawn to its unique design and the ease with which it could be operated with just one hand. However, Les noticed that these exceptional knives were not being manufactured in the United States. This absence was attributed to the negative connotations associated with traditional butterfly knives. Determined to change this, Les, who had attended USC, decided to partner with a local machine shop in the late 1970s. His goal was to create the finest quality knives right here in the U.S., providing a domestic alternative to the Bali-Song knives he cherished. His efforts bore fruit, successfully establishing Benchmade Knives as a renowned American brand committed to producing top-tier knives.
Benchmade Knives Coverage on AllOutdoor
- AllOutdoor Review: Benchmade 940 Osborne – “A True Classic”
- AllOutdoor 1 Year Review: Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter Fixed Blade
- AllOutdoor Review: Benchmade Casbah AutoKnife
- Introducing the 430BK and 430SBK Redoubt EDC Benchmade Knives
In his quest to introduce his new knife to the market, Les de Asis brought his Bali-Song to a local outdoor shop. The shop owner was so impressed with the knife that he immediately requested an additional 100 units. This pivotal moment marked the birth of Bali-Song Inc., which served as a precursor to the renowned brand we now know as Benchmade Knives. Today, Benchmade Knives are celebrated for its production of some of the highest-quality knives in the world.
After the transformation of Bali-Song into Pacific Cutlery Corp., the company faced significant challenges due to market instability and the frustrations associated with importing parts. These difficulties ultimately led to the downfall of the fledgling company. However, Les de Asis, characterized by his unwavering determination and deep entrepreneurial roots in California, refused to give up on his dream.
Les decided to relaunch the company under a new name that symbolized the commitment to quality in the product’s creation. Thus, “Benchmade” was born, signifying the meticulous craftsmanship that went into each knife. This new iteration of the company focused on producing precision parts, combined with hand assembly for the finished products. With a strategic move to a new factory in Clackamas, Oregon, Benchmade Knives made a resolute pledge to manufacture everything in America. They embarked on a quest to source the finest steels and metals to craft knives designed for rugged outdoor use.
During this period, Benchmade embraced numerous technological advancements. Notably, they became the first company to own and utilize a high-powered laser cutter, enabling them to work with steels that were too hard to be stamped. Additionally, Benchmade established itself as the global leader in automatic knife manufacturing, a distinction that continues to hold true to this day. They also began supplying military units with their exceptional knives, solidifying their reputation for producing high-quality, reliable tools.
As demand for their knives soared, Benchmade recognized the need to collaborate with some of the world’s most renowned knife designers, such as Mel Pardue and Warren Osborne. These collaborations allowed them to diversify and expand their product offerings, catering to a wide range of needs. Concurrently, they made a significant move into a new 144,000-square-foot facility located in Oregon City, Oregon, which continues to serve as the company’s headquarters.
Today, Benchmade has evolved to produce knives that fulfill various aspects of American life, from serving military needs to home cutlery and outdoor products that have become indispensable tools for activities like hunting, backpacking, and fishing. Every Benchmade knife undergoes the most rigorous testing processes in the world, showcasing the company’s commitment to quality and performance. Benchmade remains at the forefront of manufacturing, incorporating cutting-edge materials like the latest steels and carbon fibers into their products.
Benchmade demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship by supporting outdoor conservation groups. This reflects the company’s dedication not only to producing top-quality products but also to preserving the natural environments where these products are used. It’s a testament to Benchmade’s unwavering commitment to creating the best products right here in the United States.
Personally, I now own 3 Benchmade Knives to include the 940 Osborne, Griptillan and the Propper. My first blade was the 940 Osborn and I have owned that knife for a number of years now. Their knives certainly have a very high-quality feel to them and is hard to come by from other blades in my collection. This is also in due to the price of their knives. While certainly not being the most expensive knife company on the market, they do make some very premium blades. I do appreciate their Life-sharp program and I will be going a small piece on said program as one of my blades has just come back from the factory with a new edge and cleaning. If you found this to be an interesting read please let me know in the comments.
