Tom Talks with Benchmade on Gun Destruction, Dem Donations, and ITA Failures | GTR Spotlight

Published on February 26, 2019
Duration: 16:01

This discussion centers on Benchmade Knives' controversial involvement with the Oregon City Police Department in destroying firearms, and the subsequent backlash fueled by the company's political donations. Benchmade's Director of Marketing, Matt Elliott, clarifies the context of the gun destruction, stating it was a multi-year agreement to assist with firearms that could not be returned to owners, and that the police department made a policy decision not to sell them back into the legal trade. The conversation then shifts to Benchmade's political contributions, primarily to Democrats, which are explained as efforts to support manufacturing jobs and advance legislation like the Interstate Transportation Act (ITA) for knives. However, the ITA is critically examined by the interviewer, who argues it's a dangerous bill that could lead to knife owners being arrested without recourse, drawing parallels to the flawed Firearms Owners Protection Act of 1986.

Quick Summary

Benchmade Knives assisted the Oregon City Police Department in destroying firearms as part of a multi-year agreement. The company also explained its political donations, primarily to Democrats, as efforts to support manufacturing and advance knife legislation like the Interstate Transportation Act (ITA), which critics argue is flawed.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Benchmade & Oregon City PD Gun Destruction
  2. 01:18Benchmade's Role in Gun Destruction Explained
  3. 03:07Oregon PD's Policy on Gun Sales
  4. 04:00Public Backlash and Political Donations
  5. 08:00Benchmade's Political Contributions Explained
  6. 09:30The Interstate Transportation Act (ITA) for Knives
  7. 11:00Criticism of the ITA: 'Right of Action' Concerns
  8. 12:00ITA Compared to Firearms Owners Protection Act
  9. 13:30Benchmade's Stance on Automatic Knives Sales
  10. 14:30Lobbying Firm and Political Alignment Concerns
  11. 16:00Benchmade's Long-Term Support for Gun Rights

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Benchmade Knives destroy guns with the Oregon City Police Department?

Benchmade Knives assisted the Oregon City Police Department in destroying firearms that could not be returned to owners. This was part of a multi-year agreement where Benchmade would cut the guns to a specific size for incineration, a process initiated by the police department.

What is the Interstate Transportation Act (ITA) and why is it controversial?

The Interstate Transportation Act (ITA) aims to allow easier interstate transport of knives. It's controversial because critics argue it removes the 'right of action,' potentially leaving knife owners arrested in restrictive states without legal recourse, similar to issues with the Firearms Owners Protection Act of 1986.

Why did Benchmade Knives donate to Democrats, and how does it relate to gun rights?

Benchmade's political donations, primarily to Democrats, are explained as efforts to support manufacturing jobs in Oregon and to gain bipartisan support for legislation like the Interstate Transportation Act (ITA). They claim a long history of supporting gun rights through various means.

Can Benchmade Knives sell automatic knives (switchblades) to civilians?

Due to federal regulations, Benchmade Knives cannot directly ship automatic knives to civilians across state lines. They sell these knives to licensed dealers or directly to law enforcement and military personnel.

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