For nearly 40 years, Benchmade has evolved from a small garage in Southern California to a thriving knife manufacturing business located in Oregon City, OR. Motivated to design a knife that embodied the latest manufacturing technology and material, Les de Asis turned his passion into a family-owned and operated business that continues to set the standards for production knife manufacturing around the world.
Benchmade’s state of the art facility in Oregon City provides convenient access to downtown Portland, the Oregon Coast, and Mt. Hood, making it easy to immerse yourself in the incredible recreational opportunities and the beauty of our home state. Our team of 400+ employees is dedicated to building dependable American products that are capable of serving a wide range of applications and lifestyles, reflected by our diverse product offering.
There is one thing we all have in common: The mastery of our craft. It’s the thing that drives us, consumes our minds, and challenges us to be better. It requires relentless work ethic and tireless innovation. It’s a no-nonsense, no-exception, make-it-right drive for constant betterment. We make knives that are meant to be yours, for life. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Rating Reviews
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Pros: The company culture here is genuinely fantastic. There's a real passion for American-made, high-quality cutlery. Teamwork on the manufacturing floor in Oregon City, OR, is strong, creating a supportive and engaging environment. You truly feel proud of the products we craft.
Cons: While the culture is great, internal career growth paths for a Production Team Lead can feel slow or unclear within this manufacturing industry. Also, communication about wider company initiatives could be more consistent, and some approval processes are a bit bureaucratic.
Advice to Management: Continue fostering the excellent team spirit and passion for quality. Focus on clearer career progression paths for manufacturing roles like Production Team Leads to boost retention. Enhance communication channels for company-wide updates to keep everyone fully informed.
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Pros: It's a stable manufacturing job where you can learn a trade. The team environment on the production floor is often supportive, and there's pride in the quality of the products we make. The company has been around for a while, so job security feels pretty good. It's a great place if you're looking for consistent work in the cutlery industry.
Cons: There's not a lot of upward mobility without specific training or moving into different departments. Sometimes the pace can feel a bit relentless during peak seasons, impacting work-life balance slightly. Communication from higher leadership about company-wide changes could sometimes be clearer.
Advice to Management: Continue fostering the team spirit on the floor and consider more transparent communication channels for upcoming operational changes. Investing in cross-training opportunities could boost employee engagement and skill development.
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Pros: There's a genuine pride in producing American-made, high-quality products that customers love. The benefits package is competitive for the manufacturing sector, and job security has generally been good. The team environment is usually supportive, and you feel like you're part of a real craft.
Cons: While the company offers stable employment, the pace can be demanding, especially during seasonal rushes, which sometimes impacts work-life balance. Opportunities for significant career advancement or cross-departmental moves aren't always clear. Some older equipment could use upgrades.
Advice to Management: Continue fostering team spirit and recognizing employee contributions. Enhancing communication channels regarding future growth and development opportunities would be beneficial.
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How reliable is Benchmade's payroll for manufacturing roles in Oregon?
I've worked in Benchmade's Oregon manufacturing facility for a couple of years, and payroll has always been on time and accurate. They use a standard system, and I've never had an issue with direct deposit or paychecks.
What is the day-to-day like for a Category Manager at Benchmade, a knife manufacturer in Oregon?
As a Category Manager at Benchmade, I spend my days analyzing sales data, developing product strategies, and collaborating with marketing teams to ensure our product lines resonate with outdoor enthusiasts and law enforcement professionals across our medium-sized company.
What's the interview process like for engineering roles at Benchmade in Oregon?
My interview for an engineering position at Benchmade involved a phone screen, an onsite interview with the hiring manager and team members, and a skills test. The process was thorough and focused on my technical abilities and fit with the knife manufacturing company culture in Oregon City.
What is the category management team like at Benchmade Knife Company in Oregon City?
As a Category Manager at Benchmade, I collaborate closely with a talented team in Oregon City, focusing on product assortment and supplier relationships within the cutlery industry.
What is the typical salary range for a manufacturing associate at Benchmade Knife Company in Oregon?
Based on my experience as a manufacturing associate at Benchmade, the salary is competitive for the knife manufacturing industry in the Portland metro area, generally falling between $18-$25 per hour depending on experience and shift.
What's the day-to-day atmosphere like for a manufacturing associate at Benchmade in Oregon?
The manufacturing environment at Benchmade in Oregon is fast-paced and focused on precision. Associates often work in teams, emphasizing collaboration and attention to detail to ensure high-quality knife production.