The ingenuity and insight permeating the members of the American Knife and Tool Institute (AKTI) were on full display recently as seven AKTI industry members were bestowed “Knife of the Year” honors at the 2024 Blade Show in Atlanta.
A total of 14 awards were handed out by a panel of 10 judges comprising media members covering the knife industry and the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame members. Fully half the awards went to AKTI members.
“The amount of creativity and drive in the knife industry is astounding. To have so many of our members acknowledged for leading this wave of innovation is remarkable,” said Jan Billeb, AKTI’s Executive Director. “We are proud of the collective work of our members and would like to congratulate the winners for establishing new standards of excellence throughout the industry.”
A Blade Show press release said the competition this year was intense.
“A diverse array of makers entered the contest, filling the display cases outside the main hall to capacity. The sheer number of entries wasn’t the only impressive factor—quality, innovation, and craftsmanship were all at their peak, from knife accessories to the blades vying for the top award,” said the press release.
The AKTI members and the awards they won were:
– Spartan Blades: “Knife of the Year.” For the Harsey Clandestina.
– Spyderco: “Most Innovative American Design.” For the Para Military 2 Salt
– Giant Mouse: “Imported Fixed Blade of the Year.” For the GMF1.
– Lionsteel: “Imported Folding Knife of the Year.” For the Skinny.
– Lionsteel: Manufacturing Quality Award
– CRKT: “Most Innovative Imported Design.” For the Fial.
– CIVIVI: “Best Buy of the Year.” For the Yonder.
– Work Sharp: “Accessory of the Year.” Ken Onion Edition Elite Sharpener.
Congratulations to all of the winners! The Blade Show was held June 7-9, 2024, at the Cobb Galleria.