Happy New Year!

This past year we certainly experienced a lot of changes and challenges together; a new administration in our nation’s capital, a difficult economy and a potential change in knife laws restricting sales of assisted opening knives. We were fortunate enough to post record sales again in 2009, due to the great support we received from our dealers and loyal customers. Also, because of your support, as well as the leadership of the American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI), the President signed Homeland Security Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2892) so that any folding knife with a bias toward closure CANNOT be declared a switchblade by U.S. Customs. This was a significant victory.

As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary in Oregon, we’re more committed than ever to designing and manufacturing the world’s best sports cutlery and edged tools. We continually strive to provide high quality products that will deliver superior performance for our customers. It is with this commitment to quality in mind that we are proud to announce beginning in January 2010, all Benchmade branded products will be made in the USA at our factory in Oregon City, Oregon. These products will continue to be offered in our Blue, Black and Gold Classes. We will no longer offer products in our Red Class, although we expect inventory to exist in the marketplace for some time. Also, several of the more popular models from the Red Class will find their way, in one form or another, into our H&K and H-D knife lines. The USA Made models that were in Red Class will now be Blue class models (specifically, the Aphid® and the Rant®).

For new product in 2010, our Blue Class will feature work from custom knife maker Shane Sibert with the model 755 MPR. This rock solid Ti Monolock features M390 super steel, a first for Benchmade. We’re also expanding our H2O line with a family of knives designed specifically for water and marine applications featuring N680 corrosion resistant blade steel (a fixed blade and AXIS® folder will be offered). Other new models in Blue Class include a Ti Monolock Assisted folder designed by Matt Lerch (model 790) and a silky smooth AXIS® folder from legendary designer Bob Lum (model 741).

Our Black Class has several new automatic knives including the Lerch model 3150 Impel™ (sub-2 inch auto), the model 3350 Mini-Infidel® and model 9555 Auto-RIFT®. We’ve also added to our line of rescue hooks and strap cutters with the model 9CB – a molded handled hook with carabineer clip and bottle opener – the perfect safety tool for the outdoors. Finally for Black Class, we’ve partnered with Eddie Killian from K5 Tactical on a Tomahawk design – the model 172.

For our Gold Class, to celebrate our 20th anniversary we will be featuring a different Gold Class knife each month based on one of our classic Benchmade models. We’ll also be continuing with a full year Gold Class offering in model 551BK-101 – a Griptilian® with carbon fiber handles and M4 steel, available only at our Premium dealers.

Finally, we’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector™ brand. The initial product offerings will include two fixed blades, two folders with our AXIS® lock and a gut hook. Get ready to join The Brotherhood!

There has been a lot a talk on this forum regarding pricing changes for 2010. We’re pleased to announce that prices will remain flat for the majority of our models. Very modest increases were taken for the first time in years for models that have had an increase in materials cost. While we will not comment on our confidential pricing policies, it is important to note that we do not dictate the price at which a dealer must sell our product. The ultimate selling price is up to them.

We encourage you to visit your Authorized or Premium Benchmade dealer and check out the new line up of product, the majority of which will be available after SHOT show in mid-January. And stay tuned here for new product announcements and other updates.

Again, thank you for your support.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Benchmade,

Great post, lots of good stuff in there!

Thank you for this post.
Benchmade forever!

Happy New Year!

In many ways I am happy to hear that all products will be made in Oregon!

I always buy American, and when I can buy products made in my home state it's even better!

I buy Benchmade for the design and quality but knowing that it is providing jobs in a state that needs them so much makes it %100 perfect.

the gods have spoken no more ccc..........

Thanks to Team Benchmade for a great 2009, and an even better 2010. Made only in Oregon with only "modest" increases will be music to many of our ears.

I own Benchmades because of the continued superb product and services offered, and hope to keep it that way.

Happy New Year indeed~!

quote:

Originally posted by djsportland:
In many ways I am happy to hear that all products will be made in Oregon!

+1

I'd be glad to hear that they are keeping production of pieces with the BM logo on them in the US, period. More jobs for Americans and better quality products.

Happy New Year BM!

BRING BACK THE ASCENT PUKE ON THE PIKA,BRING IT BACK A KNIFE AROUND $50 TO $70 DOLLARS AMERICAN MADE KNIFE LIKE THE ENDURA.......

quote:

For our Gold Class, to celebrate our 20th anniversary we will be featuring a different Gold Class knife each month based on one of our classic Benchmade models.

!!!!!!!

Can't wait to see a 710 gold! might be my first gold..

Congrats on a record 2009 and may the same good fortune be upon Benchmade for 2010. Now that you have formally announced the new knives I'm sure you are well aware of the excitement of this board. I myself am hoping to find a new knife coming my way soon.