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AKOA (Automatic Knife Opening Agreement) Explained

Updated

Sending in or ordering an automatic (auto) knife from Benchmade? Due to U.S. federal law, there are specific requirements and limitations for shipping these knives.

Although owning or carrying an auto knife may be legal in your state, Benchmade, as the manufacturer, is prohibited from shipping automatic knives across state lines to most individuals. This restriction applies whether you are:

  • Sending a knife in for service, or

  • Purchasing an automatic knife directly from our website

This is due to the Federal Switchblade Act of 1958, which limits the shipment of automatic knives in interstate commerce.

Commonly referred to as the “Federal Switchblade Act,” it was passed by Congress on August 12, 1958, enacted as Public Law 85-623, an “act to prohibit the introduction, or manufacture for introduction, into interstate commerce of switchblade knives, and for other purposes.

Who Can Receive an Auto Knife Directly?

We can legally ship an automatic knife directly to you only if you are:

  • Active-duty military

  • Law enforcement

  • A first responder

  • A resident of Oregon

If you meet one of these criteria, you may complete a purchase or receive a serviced knife directly by:

  1. Selecting “Yes” to the AKOA question during checkout or the Service Request Form

  2. Signing the Automatic Knife Opening Agreement (AKOA) to confirm eligibility under federal law

What If I’m Not Eligible?

You can still own, purchase, use, and service an automatic knife (where legal in your state), but we can’t ship it directly to your home or business address. Instead, you’ll need to have your order or serviced knife shipped to a participating Benchmade dealer.

Find a Dealer Near You

Why This Matters

The Federal Switchblade Act prohibits manufacturers from introducing automatic knives into interstate commerce for sale or shipment to individuals who are not federally exempt. This includes:

  • Online orders placed through Benchmade.com

  • Return shipments after service

These restrictions do not apply to in-person purchases made at retail locations, nor do they impact your ability to own or carry an auto knife where legal in your state.

While enforcement is rare, the law is active, and Benchmade complies fully to protect both our customers and our team.

Read more about the Federal Switchblade Act

Questions?

If you're unsure about your eligibility or need help coordinating a dealer shipment, we’re here to help.

1-833-557-2526
info@benchmade.com
Contact Us Online

Full Text of the AKOA Form

Automatic Knife Opening Acknowledgement Form

In compliance with federal statutes, Benchmade Knife Company requests that you read carefully the requirements set forth below, and sign this acknowledgement form prior to your purchase or receipt of any automatic opening knife from our company. By placing an order or receiving a Product Service (Lifesharp Service, Lasermark Service, warranty or repair) from us for any automatic opening knife product, you agree that you meet any or all of the following criteria established by Federal law:

Federal law prohibits shipment of automatic knives across state lines, with the following exceptions:

  1. To civilian or Armed Forces supply or procurement officers and employees of the Federal Government ordering, procuring, or purchasing such knives in connection with the activities of the Federal Government;
  2. An active Armed Forces member or employee acting in the performance of his or her duty;
  3. To supply or procurement officers of the National Guard, the Air National Guard, or militia of a State, Territory or the District of Columbia ordering, procuring, or purchasing such knives in the connection with the activities of such organization;
  4. To supply or procurement officers or employees of the municipal government of the District of Columbia or the government of an State or Territory, or any county, city or other political subdivision of a State or Territory;
  5. To manufacturers of such knives or bona fide dealers therein in connection with any shipment made pursuant of an order from any person designated in paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 4.
  6. Benchmade Knife Company will not sell automatic opening knives to any customer unless such sale or receipt of Product Service return is made in compliance with one or more of the above conditions.

(Benchmade Customer/Owner) recognizes and acknowledges that it is our responsibility as the owner, buyer to ascertain and obey all applicable laws (local, state, federal and international) in regard to the possession or purchase of any item from Benchmade Knife Company. We hereby represent and certify that our purchase or ownership of automatic opening knives from Benchmade Knife Company meets one or more of the criteria set forth above and agree to use these knives in connection of duties as described above in sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

IF your AKOA form is expired or not agreed to, Benchmade Knife Company will not sell or ship any automatic opening knives to any customer unless such sale or receipt of Product Service return is made in compliance with our Automatic Knife Opening Acknowledgement form. Please read the form, type your full name and then check the box stating you have read and agreed to the terms.:

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