Mr. Lester DeAsis passes

Sal Glesser

Sal Glesser

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I am sorry to inform you that Mr.Lester DeAsis has passed away. Lester was the founder and owner of Benchmade knife company. He was a passionate, knowledgeable and worthy competitor and we will miss him.

I first met Lester in the late 70's when we were selling our Sharpmakers at consumer shows. We also were selling his Butterfly knives which we used to demonstrate and sell along with our sharpeners. This was before we made knives. We continued to sell his butterfly knives well into the 80's.

At one time, Les and I had considered going into a partnership in a knife factory, but the legality of Butterfly knives was turning and he decided to build his factory on Oregon where switch-blades were legal ( Butterfly knives are considered switch-blades ). We elected to build our factory in Golden.

Lester pioneered the resurrection of Butterfly knives in America. He's in the Cutlery Hall of Fame for his accomplishments.

Our condolences to his family, friends and crew. May he rest in peace.

sal
 
His passing is certainly a loss for those of us who have had the pleasure of his acquaintance and enjoyment of his products. May he R.I.P.
 
So sorry to hear. I spoke with Les times in the early 80’s when he was making the Bali-songs.
 
I enjoy both my spydercos and my Benchmades. I'm carrying one of each now (pm2 and crooked river). Both excellent quality knives and amazing in their designs and engineering. It's sad that he has passed, but he will always be remembered as a force in the industry.
 
Spyderco & Benchmade make up a majority of the knives I own. By whatever circumstance a Benchmade was in my pocket during the birth of both my sons - Benchmade 330 for my oldest & a Benchmade 940 for my youngest. Once they hit 21 I plan on giving them their birth knives. I also carried a Benchmade Emerson CQC-7 during my time in the Army. Saddened to hear of his passing, but he left one hell of a legacy in the knife world.
 
RIP

Oh, and what a classy post from a competitor. Just shows how great this knife community is.
 
Wow. I know he stirred controversy at times, but this marks the passing of a true pioneer in the knife world.
 
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