The original Cargo Company was founded in Cambria California (near Hearst Castle) in the early 1990s. Our original store was a simple gift shop that began selling jewelry, sunglasses, watches and cameras. Part of our watch line came from The Swiss Army. Swiss Army suggested that we carry a few of their pockets knives along with the line of watches. Knives started selling quite well and it was not long before we began to carry numerous lines of knives and swords. In fact, we were early on one of Benchmade’s first dealers in California. Knives took over the small store which allowed us to move to a larger and then larger location over the years.

The Cargo Company/The Benchmade Store ventured into more lines, such as cigars, clothing, binoculars and even a coffee and bulk candy bar in one of our stores! In the end we had numerous stores on the Central coast of California until we sold them around the year 2000.

At that point, we took a short break from retail. During that time we sold knives and other custom related product on Ebay and other web sites. In 2004, with a move to Oregon, we opened up our newest store in Florence Oregon, just west of Eugene Oregon on the coast.

We soon realized in order to expand our sales and increase our purchasing power; we would have to expand greatly on the internet with our own web site and new warehouse operation.

Our newest website is run out of a central Oregon location and our warehouse has been relocated to San Diego, CA to take advantage of other business relationships to handle our pick, pack and ship as they say in the business. We may open a new store location in the San Diego market later in 2008 or early 2009. That will be announced here on our web site.

The Cargo Company/The Benchmade Store, has one basic philosophy. That is, to provide the best possible product available on the market today and sell it for a price we would be willing to pay for it ourselves! Everyone on the internet can "nickel and dime" you on prices, but you can be assured The Cargo Company/The Benchmade Store, sells all products at the best possible price, all the time. If we find great buys and specials, you can be sure the savings is passed along. New products and informational pages will constantly be added.

The Cargo Company/The Benchmae Store respects and adheres to all manufacturers MAP (minimum advertised pricing) pricing on our web site. Be assured, we purchase our entire product direct so that all warranties are honored by each manufacturer. No gray market products here!

The Cargo Company/The Benchmade Store is very easy to do business with, just tell us on the phone or via email what you need; your expectations and we will do our best to service your requests. We have not been able to read minds, yet! So, please call or write and we will help in any way possible.