"Made in USA" Benchmade Knives Targets Outdoor Consumer With Tailored Functionality at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2013

Media Contact:
Kristen Bujold, CGPR
kristenb@cgprpublicrelations.com
517-404-7539

“MADE IN USA” BENCHMADE KNIVES TARGETS OUTDOOR CONSUMER WITH TAILORED FUNCTIONALITY AT OUTDOOR RETAILER SUMMER MARKET 2013

Heritage Brand Combines Proprietary Technology and Best-in-Class Mechanisms
for Outdoor Activities

OREGON CITY, Ore. (July 31, 2013) – Benchmade (www.benchmade.com), a leading USA manufacturer in world class sports cutlery and edged tools, will refocus its commitment to the outdoor consumer at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2013 with a line of knives specifically engineered for outdoor functionality. In addition to the 162 Bushcrafter™, 551 Griptilian™ and the 530 Pardue ultra Light, Benchmade will showcase its proprietary AXIS® locking mechanism that has been part of its rich history of more than two decades. Benchmade is known for its
industry leading materials, mechanisms, and manufacturing giving consumers best- in- class options. As a salute to their custom knife heritage, Benchmade is providing free custom laser marking to all booth visitors during the show.

“While we have been serving outdoor consumers since our founding, for 2013, we developed a product line that more specifically addresses the needs of the outdoor customer,” said David Fee, vice president of sales and marketing. “Regardless of whether users are camping, hiking or trail running, these particular tools are lightweight and consumer friendly with great care given to specific outdoor functionality.”

Benchmade was one of the first in the industry to provide consumers with the option to customize their products with their laser marking and Custom Griptilian programs. The patented, ambidextrous AXIS® locking mechanism has set the industry standard and continues to lead the category in strength and functionality. AXIS® is available in three configurations: manual, assist lock and automatic and has a one hundred percent ambidextrous design, a strong draw for left handed users. Lastly, Benchmade separates itself from the competition with its use of 15 designers in the U.S. and in Japan that have a specific commitment to Benchmade to create original knife designs.

The 162 Bushcrafter™, new for 2013, is a versatile, no-nonsense survivalist knife with a premium S30V stainless steel hand blended blade designed for any and all outdoor use including camping, fishing, cooking and building shelters. Ideal for planned (or unplanned) adventures, the spine of the blade can be used to produce a spark and ignite fire. The green G10 handles have a smooth finish for easy handling. The knife is encased in a brushed full-grain buckskin leather sheath with retention strap. MSRP is $200.

One of the most popular choices for outdoor consumers is the 551 Griptilian™, an entry-level, reliable choice that offers customizable options including blade type and finish, clip screws and handle color, as well as the opportunity to laser mark text on the front or back of the blade. It features the AXIS® locking mechanism with an ambidextrous dual thumb-stud or thumb hole opener that enables both left and right handed people to easily open the knife. MSRP starts at $110.

“Our goal is to make only the very best products,” said David Fee, vice president of sales and marketing for Benchmade. “A testament to this commitment is our LifeSharp Service where we will gladly re-sharpen anyone’s Benchmade knife to its original condition, as well as inspect and tune the knife for optimum performance — all consumers need to do is send their knife back to us. This complimentary service is something we are proud to be able to offer our customers.”

For a lightweight, convenient option, the 530 Pardue Ultra Light is a solid choice for outdoor devotees. Weighing just 1.88 oz., this minimalist model features a 3.25 inch stainless steel blade with a black, reversible tip-up pocket clip and is light enough to carry in running shorts, or when hiking or walking. It features the AXIS® locking mechanism. MSRP is: $110. 

About Benchmade:

For more than two decades, Benchmade Knife Company, Inc. has been committed to designing world-class sports cutlery and superior edged tools. The company continually strives to provide high quality U.S. made products that delivers unparalleled performance for its customers, many passing their Benchmades down to the next generation. All Benchmade products are covered by a limited lifetime warranty known as the LifeSharp Service. 

###