Benchmade Knives president Jon deAsis has been named CEO, effective immediately, replacing Roberta deAsis, who filled the role after the sudden death of her husband and company founder, Les deAsis.

Roberta deAsis will assume the position of Chairwoman of the Board.

“This is a big moment for our family as Jon takes on the mantle of president and CEO”, said Roberta deAsis. “Jon had been filling many of the CEO duties prior to the sudden passing of Les and it was our longstanding goal to always be good stewards for Benchmade. I am proud to see Jon continuing to uphold the hallmark reputation that his father started.”

Jon grew up in the business. He spent time working in China, honing his skills in supply chain and manufacturing management, and earning a Master of Business Administration in 2015. His innate knowledge of the family business and global perspective within the knife industry drives him to continue to lead and evolve the brand.

“My immediate focus is to ensure that Benchmade continues to produce the finest cutlery in the world while increasing efforts to drive our technological edge,” he said. “I now have the opportunity to guide this mission, while continuing to uphold my father’s memory and contributions to the knife industry in our core values.

"As we move forward, I am committed to elevating our brand around the world. We will have a laser-like focus on creating new opportunities for growth while continuing to elevate Benchmade’s commitment to our community, culture and product excellence.”

Riton Optics Available at Marine, Coast Guard Exchanges

Marine and Coast Guard members, as well as their families and other eligible patrons, are now able purchase Riton Optics products at the Marine Corps Exchange and the Coast Guard Exchange.

The exchanges have long provided full-line retail stores offering the latest in everyday consumables for active military members, retirees and their families. Both provide service members with access to affordable items. Beyond cuisine and household items, the exchanges also carry sporting products, such as hunting and shooting equipment.

Law enforcement and military veteran Brady Speth and his wife, Carrie, formed Riton Optics in 2013. For veteran-owned company, the arrangement with these two Military Exchanges is particularly exciting.

“Since the beginning of Riton, our core focus has been to provide high quality products at the best possible value to all consumers, especially those who serve," Brady Speth said. "Providing products to our nation’s past and present servicemen and women through these exchanges is an honor for us.”

Michigan Approves Use of Benjamin Air-Powered Bow

The Michigan Legislature approved the use of air-powered bows Sept. 30 following sponsorship of House Bill 4332 by Rep. Beau LaFave (R) of Iron Mountain.

LaFave is advocating for the change, hoping it will keep hunters active longer and get new hunters with disabilities into the field. The technology of an air-powered bow allows users to handle the weapon safely with one hand, which helps those who have birth defects like himself, along with handicapped hunters and military service members who were wounded in combat.

“We are extremely proud of LaFave and his motivation to get this passed”, said Steve Upham, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing for Velocity Outdoor. “Air powered bows such as the Benjamin Airbow are great options to help increase the number of hunters that have been declining over the last few years.”

LaFave’s plan received overwhelming bipartisan support from the House and the Senate. The bill awaits a signature or veto from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Steyr Arms Taps Bangers LP for Distribution

Bangers LP has signed a distribution partnership with Steyr Arms.

Notably among its rifles and pistols, the Steyr AUG (Universal Army Rifle) a 5.56x45mm NATO bullpup rifle still in production today, has been in service by militaries in more than 30 countries for the past 60 years.

Praised for their reliability, craftsmanship, and precision, Steyr Arms’ extensive portfolio of rimfire and centerfire rifle platforms also include th the Zephyr II, Scout, Pro Hunter II, SSG and THB. Steyr products now can be sourced through Bangers wholesale by independent retailers nationwide.

“The addition of a high-quality brand such as Steyr Arms to our extensive catalog of firearms products reinforces our desire to provide independent firearms retailers with a one stop shopping experience," said Jared Long, Bangers' Director of Merchandising. "At a time when retailers are experiencing unprecedented demand while simultaneously having difficulty finding product availability, we at Bangers remain steadfast in our commitment to expanding our product offerings in order to remain the independent retailer’s shooting sports source."

Fiocchi Acquires Ammunition Manufacturer Baschieri & Pellagri

Fiocchi has acquired premium shotgun ammunition manufacturer Baschieri & Pellagri.

Baschieri & Pellagri is known throughout Europe and the U.S. for its ultra-premium shotshells and technologically advanced components, including powders, wads, and the innovative "Gordon case," developed to significantly reduce recoil in hunting and competition shotgun applications. Established in Bologna, Italy, in 1885, Baschieri & Pellagri, as with Fiocchi, combines a rich heritage and Old-World craftsmanship tradition with focused R&D and technological innovation that delivers the highest-quality ammunition on the market today.

Fiocchi is known globally for its defensive, target, and hunting ammunition. It has manufacturing facilities in Lecco, Italy, and Ozark, Missouri.

This union is anticipated to significantly expand the production capabilities and diversify the product offerings across the Fiocchi and Baschieri & Pellagri portfolios. With this incorporation of Baschieri & Pellagri, Fiocchi will have four manufacturing plants on two continents: the historical manufacturing plant of Fiocchi in Lecco, the Baschieri & Pellagri operation in Marano di Castenaso, the state-of-the-art production facility in Ozark, Missouri and the recently acquired Little Rock, Arkansas, facility.

Havoc Tactical Partners with Lucas Oil Outdoor Line

Havoc Tactical Solutions, a veteran-owned firearms accessory company and maker of the patented Deflector Brake, has reached a promotional partnership with Lucas Oil Outdoor Line.

With every Deflector Brake kit sale from its website, Havoc Tactical Solutions is including free samples of Lucas Oil Outdoor Line's Extreme Duty Gun Oil. In addition, Havoc Tactical Solutions is selling Lucas Oil Outdoor Line products directly from its website.

"This partnership offers a mutually beneficial opportunity for our brands to support each other, while our customers get to enjoy the perks," said Donnie Hayes of Havoc Tactical Solutions.

Galls Hires Laura Burgess Marketing for PR, Media

Galls, a leading distributor of uniforms and equipment to public safety agencies, announced signing Laura Burgess Marketing (LBM) as its public and media relations agency.

The partnership will support Galls’ renewed commitment to world-class quality and service led by Mike Fadden, the company’s new CEO.

LBM is a public relations and marketing company founded in 2003 serving primarily the law enforcement, public safety, military, outdoor, and forensic communities.

“We are looking forward to working with the team at Galls and developing a strong marketing and communication plan that will demonstrate Galls commitment to quality and customer service through its many brands and services for the public safety community,” Laura Burgess, president of LBM, said.

Mike Fadden took over the helm of the 53-year old company in June 2020 as part of a long-term succession plan. Fadden has deep experience in customer service and distribution, having built a 25-year career at Aramark, where he most recently served as President of its Uniform Division. At Aramark, he was responsible for rental and direct sale uniform operations with nearly 17,000 employees and revenues in excess of $2.5 billion