Knife Standards

• Introduction to AKTI Approved Knife Definitions
• AKTI Approved Knife Definitions
• Diagrams of Knife Mechanisms
• AKTI Approved Knife Definitions – PDF version
• AKTI Protocol for Measuring Knife Blade Length | (PDF version)

Knife Laws

• Federal Switchblade Law
• Finding Knife Laws

Knife Statistics

• Knife User Data – statistics on knives and knife owners.

Traveling with a Knife

• Airline Prohibited Items – Knives are allowed in your checked baggage.
• Amtrak Prohibited Items – Knives are not specifically listed, but apparently are banned.

If the Police Stop You With a Knife

1. Remain calm and polite.
2. Do NOT resist a policeman physically.
3. Give your name and address information only.
4. You do NOT have to answer any other questions.
5. You do NOT have to consent to a search without a warrant.
6. Do not refer to your knife as a weapon.

If the Police Arrest You With a Knife

1. Ask for an attorney. Do not say anything else.
2. Expect that you will be handcuffed and searched.
3. Expect that you will be fingerprinted and photographed.
4. Do not talk to anyone else in the jail or any law enforcement officers about your case.

Defense Attorneys

AKTI is developing a growing list of defense attorneys who will consult with a defendant’s attorney on knife cases. Any fee involved after the referral is the responsibility of the defense attorney. Contact AKTI.

If you are a defense attorney who would like to participate, please contact us. Please indicate the states where you are licensed to practice.

Expert Witnesses

When a case goes to trial, your defense attorney may need an expert witness for a pre-trial hearing or for the trial itself. AKTI maintains a list of knife experts who may be qualified to testify. AKTI is also soliciting additional knife industry figures who may be available locally or regionally to appear on behalf of clients.

Fees for the expert witness are the responsibility of the defense attorney. If you either need an expert witness or would like to become one, contact AKTI.

Publications

AKTI thanks the industry knife publications for their support by supplying complimentary advertisements and printing AKTI news.

• AmmoLand and Shooting Sports News
• Blade Magazine (Krause Publications) and book knife publisher
• Tactical Knives (Harris Publications) and specialty magazines
• Knife World (Knife World Publications) and knife book publisher
• Knives Illustrated Magazine (APG Media)

Organizations

• Knife Collectors’ Clubs – can be reached by contacting specific manufacturers or doing an internet search.
• Knifemakers’ Guild – a professional association representing knifemakers throughout the world.
• American Bladesmith Society – an organization dedicated to the teaching and promotion of the forged blade.

Internet Resources

• Knife Glossary – provided by A. G. Russell on his website.
• Steel Guide – properties of stainless and non-stainless steel provided by A. G. Russell on his website.
• Find out if Switchblades are Legal in your State

Also see our sources on Contacting Legislators or Finding Knife Laws for more information.

Looking for a Knife?

If you are searching for information on products, there are several knife magazines serving the industry that publish information and advertising. Many industry manufacturers and suppliers maintain websites where they describe their products.

If you are searching for the value of a knife, information on knifemaking, or historical information, there are numerous books available at local libraries or from publishers plus collectors’ associations and other organizations who specialize in this information.