AKTI leads the way as the responsible, credible voice of the knife community, advocating for the sporting knife and tool industry and all knife owners, promoting knives as critically essential and valuable tools in our daily work and recreational lives.
Not in the Knife Industry? See our individual membership options and protect your ability to own and carry the edged tool of your choice.
Renewing Your Membership? Please log in so you do not have to re-enter all your information or make a second membership. If you need to make any changes, you can do so on your account page. Review your information and then select Subscriptions to renew.
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We appreciate your membership and look forward to
- Providing Resources Exclusive for Your Business – with information on accurate, up-to-date knife laws, intellectual property protection, fighting counterfeits, knife standards, and current industry-wide issues. Resources
- Working to Solve Common Industry Problems – by sharing issues and solutions, gathering data, and working with experts and other organizations or businesses.
- Advocating for Your Business – on Capitol Hill and in state capitals nationwide, resulting in many key legislative successes for our industry, repealing restrictions to knife manufacture, sale, and ownership. History and Successes
- Increasing the Market by Encouraging New Knife Owners – providing valuable information so they feel confident buying and carrying their knives. Knife Owner Resources
All Industry Members
- Receive two monthly emails: AKTI News & Updates and The Leading Edge Industry News
- Can access all website information, including the state knife law database, valuable business and brand protection information
- Can choose whether or not to be sent a membership card, a certificate suitable for framing, and an AKTI logo item
Which Membership is Right for You?
- There are two main membership categories – Associate and Premier – with additional options for choosing the membership that best suits your business.
- Different payment schedules and methods are available.
- Memberships are listed under your business name, and the number of persons listed and who receive the Industry News email depends on the membership level.
- All members are encouraged to use the AKTI member logo on their websites, social media, and print materials.
Associate Memberships
Associate Members are invited to participate in the annual membership meeting (held during the Blade Show) but are not eligible to vote.
Bronze Associate Annual Dues: $150. One name is listed in the membership record.
Silver Associate Annual Dues: $300. One name is listed in the membership record.
Gold Associate Annual Dues: $600. Two people can be listed in the membership record.
Platinum Associate Annual Dues: $1200 (or $100/month). Three people can be listed in the membership record. Platinum Associates are eligible to participate in various marketing collaboration programs and informational sessions.
Please note that multi-brand entities can either join with an Associate Membership for each brand or join at the Premier level and above to include all brands in their membership.
Premier Memberships
Premier Members are encouraged to attend the annual membership meeting and are eligible to vote. There are three levels of Premier Membership: Premier, Advisory, and Supporting Advisory. All Premier Members also:
- Have marketing opportunities through AKTI’s email list and other avenues
- Company logo and website are linked from AKTI’s website
- Are invited to participate in educational sessions, webinars, discussions, and industry presentations
- Have limited to pro bono access to expert legal advice
- Press releases shared in Industry News and AKTI’s social media
- Jobs can be posted in the AKTI Career Center
- Can participate in AKTI committees – Industry Support, Legislative, Marketing/Membership
- Can list five people in the membership record and receive AKTI’s Industry News emails
- Receive a wooden membership plaque
Premier Member Annual Dues: $2,500 (or $625/quarter or $209/month)
Advisory Member Annual Dues: $5,000 (or $416.67/month)
- Advisory members are active Premier Members who are involved with the Board of Regents in decisions regarding AKTI’s efforts and programs.
- They can participate in two meetings per year with the Regents, usually held during the Blade Show and the SHOT Show.
- Advisory members cover their own expenses to attend meetings and frequently donate their services to the organization.
Supporting Advisory Member Annual Dues: $10,000
Supporting Advisory Members serve as Advisory members (see above) who also provide committed additional annual financial support. Please contact the Executive Director regarding Supporting Advisory memberships or your interest in being nominated to the Board of Regents.
AKTI is a 501(c)6 nonprofit association, Federal I.D. 42-1472615. Dues are not deductible as charitable contributions for Federal income tax purposes, but may be deductible as a business expense, subject to restrictions imposed due to lobbying activities. The IRS requires that nonprofits inform you of the estimated non-deductible amount. Dues or contributions to AKTI are not refundable.
When selecting your username, please have the principal person use the business name or an abbreviation of it.
Contact us if you have questions about industry membership levels. You can also download the AKTI Industry Membership Application to mail or email to join or renew.