The American Knife and Tool Institute (AKTI) is gearing up for its most important annual fundraiser, the Free to Carry online auction, being held from October 10 to 13, 2025. Bidder registration is now open, and the auction catalog is being updated periodically.
From factory favorites to one-of-a-kind custom knives, Free to Carry auctions off a wide variety of knives and tools, along with other amazing outdoor gear.
“Free to Carry is AKTI’s most important fundraiser of the year,” said CJ Buck, CEO of Buck Knives and president of AKTI. “Participants can get great deals on some fantastic knives and other equipment, all while helping AKTI continue advocacy efforts for reasonable knife laws across the country.”
On the legislative front, AKTI has had a successful year. Both Delaware and Vermont restrictions on automatic knives were repealed, and the federal Interstate Transport Act gained momentum in Washington, D.C. But the work is far from done, and proceeds from Free to Carry are vital to ensure AKTI continues to make progress on knife laws.
Companies, collectors, or custom knifemakers interested in contributing items for the Free to Carry 2025 auction are encouraged to contact Jan Billeb at akti@akti.org.
Chris Reeves Knives is the official 2025 Free to Carry Auction sponsor, with additional support coming from AKTI’s 2025 Contributing Sponsors: American Outdoor Brands, Boker, Buck Knives, Case, CRKT, GSM Outdoors, and Lansky Sharpeners.