AKTI's Mission
The American Knife and Tool Institute is a non-profit organization (501(c)6) representing the
combined efforts of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, custom knife artisans, journalists,
and concerned citizens united to educate, promote, and inform the American public about
various types of knives and folding multi-tools.
Formed in 1997 after considerable discussion among industry leaders for the need for a
unifying organization to represent the knife-using and knife-making community. AKTI's four
goals were adopted to specifically define its mission to:
1. Provide a unified voice representing the knife-making and knife-using community.
2. Promote the public awareness of the history and utility of knives as tools.
3. Encourage sensible knife legislation and responsible law enforcement.
4. Educate young people about proper knife safety and the responsible use of knives.
combined efforts of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, custom knife artisans, journalists,
and concerned citizens united to educate, promote, and inform the American public about
various types of knives and folding multi-tools.
Formed in 1997 after considerable discussion among industry leaders for the need for a
unifying organization to represent the knife-using and knife-making community. AKTI's four
goals were adopted to specifically define its mission to:
1. Provide a unified voice representing the knife-making and knife-using community.
2. Promote the public awareness of the history and utility of knives as tools.
3. Encourage sensible knife legislation and responsible law enforcement.
4. Educate young people about proper knife safety and the responsible use of knives.
AKTI's Organization
Industry leaders participate on the Board of Regents of the American Knife & Tool Industry.
Together with Advisory Board Members, they comprise the "Executive Committee" of the
organization which meet jointly to determine direction and association programs. Executive
Committee members provide broad input from across the entire knife and tool industry. A
President and Vice President/Treasurer are selected from the Executive Committee.
No member receives compensation or reimbursement for their participation and all members
of the Executive Committee pay any expenses related to attending meetings.
An Executive Director is responsible for the administrative details of the organization. A
Communications Director coordinates AKTI's public relations and programs.
Together with Advisory Board Members, they comprise the "Executive Committee" of the
organization which meet jointly to determine direction and association programs. Executive
Committee members provide broad input from across the entire knife and tool industry. A
President and Vice President/Treasurer are selected from the Executive Committee.
No member receives compensation or reimbursement for their participation and all members
of the Executive Committee pay any expenses related to attending meetings.
An Executive Director is responsible for the administrative details of the organization. A
Communications Director coordinates AKTI's public relations and programs.
AKTI Executive Committee
Board of Regents
A.G. Russell, Chairman
Goldie Russell, President & CEO (AKTI President)
A.G. Russell Knives
Les de Asis, President
Benchmade Knife Co.
CJ Buck, President
Buck Knives Inc.
Jason Landmark, President
Gerber Legendary Blades, Inc.
Jack Igarashi, Executive Vice President
Jeff Goddard, Director Sales & Marketing (AKTI
Vice President)
Kershaw Knives
Gil Hibben, President
Knifemakers Guild
A.G. Russell, Chairman
Goldie Russell, President & CEO (AKTI President)
A.G. Russell Knives
Les de Asis, President
Benchmade Knife Co.
CJ Buck, President
Buck Knives Inc.
Jason Landmark, President
Gerber Legendary Blades, Inc.
Jack Igarashi, Executive Vice President
Jeff Goddard, Director Sales & Marketing (AKTI
Vice President)
Kershaw Knives
Gil Hibben, President
Knifemakers Guild
Advisory Board Members
Les Edelstein, President
Moteng, Inc.
Spencer Frazer, President
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools, Inc.
Les Edelstein, President
Moteng, Inc.
Spencer Frazer, President
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools, Inc.
AKTI Premier Members
Blue Ridge Knives
Boker USA
Chris Reeve Knives
Columbia River Knife & Tool
International Assn Machinists & Aerospace Workers
Jantz Supply
Ka-Bar Knives
Meyerco
Swiss Army Brans
Taylor Cutlery
Valor Corp
W. R. Case & Sons
William Henry Knives
Support Your
Knife Organization
Knife Organization
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We invite you to join the
American Knife and
Tool Institute. Help us
accomplish these
important goals. Show
your commitment to the
future of knives and
tools by joining AKTI
today!
American Knife and
Tool Institute. Help us
accomplish these
important goals. Show
your commitment to the
future of knives and
tools by joining AKTI
today!
| | | | | |
About the American Knife & Tool Institute
A sincere thank you to all of the supporting corporations - and especially to the many individuals,
stores, collectors and others who faithfully have supported AKTI as members for many years. We
respect all members privacy and do not publish names and never supply our membership list for
use or resale.
stores, collectors and others who faithfully have supported AKTI as members for many years. We
respect all members privacy and do not publish names and never supply our membership list for
use or resale.