Proposed Statute Amendment

June 13, 2008

Should California law enforcement be allowed to carry automatic knives on duty?

As I travel to shows and visit our dealers, I am frequently asked about law enforcement being able to carry switchblades or automatics while on duty in California. The current California Penal Code Section 653k makes it a misdemeanor to sell or possess a switchblade or automatic knife with a blade longer than two inches.

We are willing to support an exemption for law enforcement. This process must start with finding a Senate or Assembly sponsor. That’s where you are important. If you will take an active stand, we can help you. Step 1 is to make your opinions known to both your supervisors and to key California lawmakers.

We have drafted model letters to Assemblyman Jose Solorio and Senator Gloria Romero who are the chairpersons of the two Public Safety Committees in the California legislature. Your letters to both of them would convince them to consider proposed legislation.

Let your Voice be heard - Send your letters Today!

Please use the model letters as a sample. Modify them to fit your situation. Finally, identify yourself by rank and department. Sign your letters and mail them to these two lawmakers.

By sending several hundred letters to these key lawmakers very quickly, we may be able to get a bill introduced on your behalf in this year’s legislative calendar. It will be a tight timetable but possible. However, we must have letters from you and others in your department ASAP.

Once your letter is sent, please let us know you’ve done so by emailing us at CABill@benchmade.com. We will put you on our mailing list to keep you informed of progress. If this bill gets introduced, we will ask you to write more letters or emails before important committee votes.

Click on proposed statute to see how an exemption might read. If you want to get email updates on this effort, sign up on CA Bill subscribe page and choose "Proposed CA Statute Amendment Updates" check box.

Sincerely,

Les de Asis,
CEO, Founder & Owner
Benchmade Knife Co., Inc.
T-503-655-6004
F-503-655-6223
www.benchmade.com