History of Benchmade Knives

Benchmade was originally founded in 1979 as Bali-Song when Les de Asis began making knives out of a second-story shop in California. Using second-hand equipment, Les de Asis began making custom Bali-Songs with Jody Samson, producing their first Bali-Song, the model 68. Over the following years, Bali-Song expanded its product line to include folding and fixed-blade knives, changing their name to Pacific Cutlery Corp. Unfortunately, with the expansion of the product line, Les was unable to control the quality of his knives, and Pacific Cutlery closed its doors.

In 1988, Les returned to knife-making with a strong commitment to producing high-quality, American-made knives, naming his new company “Benchmade” to represent both precision parts and hand assembly. This marriage of manufactured and custom knives still defines Benchmade today.

In 1988, Les de Asis reentered the world of knife crafting with a firm dedication to manufacturing top-tier, American-made knives. Naming his new company Benchmade, chose to symbolize the union of precision manufactured parts with hand assembly. This union remains the defining characteristic of Benchmade to this day.

- Founded in 1979 as Bali-Song

- Founded by Les de Asis

- Founded in California

- Originally made custom knives under the Bali-Song brand.

- Changed name from Bali-Song to Pacific Cutlery Corp in early 1980s

- Became Benchmade in 1988 to represent marriage of manufactured and custom knives.

In 1990, Benchmade moved from California to Clackamas, Oregon, putting them at the epicenter of knife manufacturing. With Oregon being home to many other knife brands, this allowed Benchmade to become a major innovator in the knife industry. Becoming the first knife makers to own and operate a high-powered cutting laser, allowing them to use steels that were too hard to stamp.

In 1996, Benchmade made yet another move, this time to Oregon City, Oregon, establishing a 144,000-square-foot facility. Here, the brand's unwavering dedication to quality and innovation continued to flourish. In 1998, Benchmade’s innovation led to the introduction of the AXIS lock, this design allows easier ambidextrous opening and closing of folding knives. The AXIS lock quickly found its way into some of Benchmade’s best-selling models, including the Osborne and Bugout.

- Moved from California to Clackmas Oregon in 1990.

- Moved to Oregon City in 1996