TLDR: Ordering auto knives from OpticsPlanet is a HUGE joke.
I found a great deal on some Gerber automatic knives on OpticsPlanet and placed an order a week ago. I knew full well that OpticsPlanet restricts the sale of auto knives to only the following, as stated on their website and order confirmation email:
I also knew ahead of time that they are weird about shipping auto knives, so I made sure I was complaint with all federal and state shipping requirements.
They emailed me a few days later asking for the required documentation, so I sent them copies of both my law enforcement and EMS credentials, the address and contact information of my employer, and the signed waiver.
In addition to my qualified status, automatic knives are legal in my state for ANYONE who can legally purchase a firearm. Same with the state in which OpticsPlanet is located. I also checked, and there are no additional local restrictions.
A few days later I get a cancellation notice and an email indicating I am not qualified to purchase an automatic knife. I replied asking what specifically I was missing and was told “not all personnel with qualifying credentials qualify to purchase automatic knives”. Umm…what?
I asked again, and their response was that automatic knives are restricted to qualified personnel and I should check my local laws and contact the knife manufacturer for more information on eligibility.
As previously stated, my local laws are not an issue and I’ve ordered plenty of autos from Gerber in the past, so no issues with the manufacturer either.
I gave up and bought elsewhere, although not with the great deal. I also regularly order from OpticsPlanet, often expensive items, but I’ll reconsider future purchases.
Way to go OpticsPlanet!
I found a great deal on some Gerber automatic knives on OpticsPlanet and placed an order a week ago. I knew full well that OpticsPlanet restricts the sale of auto knives to only the following, as stated on their website and order confirmation email:
- Qualified military, law enforcement, fire/EMS, and other first responder personnel.
- Either credentials showing qualified status OR a purchase order on company letterhead.
- Company/department address where the knife can be sent.
- Signed auto knife waiver (pretty much the same one all of the places make you agree to when ordering auto knives)
I also knew ahead of time that they are weird about shipping auto knives, so I made sure I was complaint with all federal and state shipping requirements.
They emailed me a few days later asking for the required documentation, so I sent them copies of both my law enforcement and EMS credentials, the address and contact information of my employer, and the signed waiver.
In addition to my qualified status, automatic knives are legal in my state for ANYONE who can legally purchase a firearm. Same with the state in which OpticsPlanet is located. I also checked, and there are no additional local restrictions.
A few days later I get a cancellation notice and an email indicating I am not qualified to purchase an automatic knife. I replied asking what specifically I was missing and was told “not all personnel with qualifying credentials qualify to purchase automatic knives”. Umm…what?
I asked again, and their response was that automatic knives are restricted to qualified personnel and I should check my local laws and contact the knife manufacturer for more information on eligibility.
As previously stated, my local laws are not an issue and I’ve ordered plenty of autos from Gerber in the past, so no issues with the manufacturer either.
I gave up and bought elsewhere, although not with the great deal. I also regularly order from OpticsPlanet, often expensive items, but I’ll reconsider future purchases.
Way to go OpticsPlanet!
