For Immediate Release:

Benchmade Announces Three Sales Management Additions

January 6, 2009, OREGON CITY, Ore. – Benchmade Knife Company has promoted Charles Darby to National Sales Manager and Mike Nack to Military/Federal Government Sales Manager. Chris Crabill has also been hired as Sales Manager for the Hardware/Industrial segment. All three positions are effective immediately and will report to Doug Pettis, Director of Sales.

Mr. Darby has been a valued member of Benchmade’s Commercial Sales force for over four years. During his time at Benchmade, Mr. Darby has been instrumental in increasing sales. Eager to accept his new responsibilities, Mr. Darby says “I am excited to take on these new roles as National Sales Manager. I look forward to the continued expansion of Benchmade’s commercial business and working towards achieving our company goals.” His responsibilities will include managing all of Benchmade’s commercial cutlery offerings including efforts for Heckler-Koch Knives and Harley-Davidson Knives. He will also manage Benchmade’s sales representative agencies.

Mr. Nack is a retired Marine Corps Master Sergeant. He served over 22 years in the Marines and has extensive experience in the fields of personnel management, training schedules, budgets, and personnel administration. At Benchmade, Mr. Nack has served as Sales Operations Coordinator where he was responsible for scheduling, coordinating, and attending numerous trade shows. “I look forward to my new responsibilities” says Mr. Nack. “I want to continue to spread the Benchmade name and help achieve our sales goals within the military and public safety markets.”

Finally, Benchmade has hired Chris Crabill as the new Sales Manager for the Hardware/Industrial segment. His responsibilities include managing sales and brand expansion within the Hardware, Industrial, Automotive and Farm/Agriculture channels of distribution. Mr. Crabill brings more than 15 years of sales experience within the Hardware and Industrial channels of distribution to Benchmade. Prior to joining Benchmade, Mr. Crabill was the Director of Sales at Ames True Temper, where he managed growth in sales with over fifty major customers across the US including Lowes, Home Depot, Target, and Costco. Chris received a Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Administration and Economics from Indiana University.

“We look forward to the contributions that Charles, Mike, and Chris will make as we continue our expansion in the marketplace” says Benchmade’s Director of Sales, Doug Pettis.

Alicia Hunt - Public Relations | Benchmade | 503.655.6004 | pr@benchmade.com