Ontario Knife Company Marine Bayonet

American Knife & Tool Institute

WASHINGTON, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Special Ontario Knife Company Marine Bayonet will be won by a current AKTI member during a drawing at the Ontario booth on Tuesday during the SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

In the midst of the busy SHOT Show schedule in Las Vegas, industry leader members of the American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) will gather at the Ontario Booth #20305 on Tuesday, January 17th at 2 p.m. for a special event.

Individual members who renewed or joined AKTI between January 1 and December 30,2011 are eligible to win the special bayonet and private factory tour, including a one-night stay in western New York.

The bayonet was taken from the Ontario Cutlery archives. It is one of the first 200 OKC3s Marine Corps Bayonets produced and set aside in the company’s vault. Of those originally archived 200 knives, 52 were used to fill urgent requests from deploying Marines, when the company did not have regular production run bayonets immediately available.

The reverse side of the 8″ proprietary carbon steel clip point blade is laser engraved with the AKTI logo and the obverse side with a quote from Ronald Reagan, the Marine Corp logo and the serial #001 of 001. This one-of-a-kind knife with sheath ships with a glass top walnut display case, and includes a Certificate of Authenticity attesting to its rarity, and a certificate for a one night stay in western New York and private tour of the Ontario Cutlery facility.

“Ontario Knife Company, Franklinville, New York, has been a long-time member and supporter of AKTI, actively serving on the Advisory Members board as well as being an important asset on the Legislative Committee. They have been invaluable dealing with knife issues in their region of the country,” noted Jan Billeb, AKTI Executive Director.

The American Knife & Tool has been actively changing restrictive knife legislation since 1998, working on a state-by-state basis promoting reasonable and responsible knife laws and enforcement to benefit all knife and edged tool users.

“AKTI is laying the groundwork for more knife law changes in various states to ensure that law-abiding citizens are not considered de facto criminals for carrying a tool they use every day,” reported Jan Billeb, AKTI Executive Director. “We are looking forward to an exciting year working with legislators for the benefit of the entire knife community.”

A photo and details about the Ontario Marine Bayonet, as well as information about membership in AKTI can be found at www.AKTI.org.

ABOUT:
The American Knife & Tool Institute (www.AKTI.org) has been the advocacy voice of the entire knife community since 1998, ensuring that Americans will always be able to make, buy, sell, own, carry and use knives and edged tools. AKTI is recognized worldwide as a respected, credible and accurate source of knife legislation information, legislative input, and industry information with a successful, proven record of accomplishments in making effective changes to restrictive knife laws and promoting reasonable and responsible laws and enforcement.

Darrel Ralph Madd Maxx Knife in DLC black

American Knife & Tool Institute

WASHINGTON, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Thanks to the generous donation of Meyerco, a Board of Regent member of the American Knife & Tool Institute, AKTI members will be entered in a giveaway drawing for a Darrel Ralph knife.

The Hand Tech Made Darrel Ralph Madd Maxx is a DLC black assisted model, with a rigid titanium frame. It is a bayonet style knife of CPM 530V blade steel with a false edge on the top. The handle top side is 3D machined carbon fiber and all wear parts are hardened. This made in the U.S.A. knife is a very popular Meyerco product.

According to the MeyercoUSA.com website, “Darrel Ralph is one of the true geniuses in the modern knife industry. He is also an accomplished custom knife maker whose work is among the most sought-after in history. His innovation and engineering is among the top designers today. In addition to his own Custom Knife Designs, Darrel has provided technical insights into the mechanical designs and engineering for many knife companies around the world.

Darrel Ralph’s knives combine both high-tech and artistic styling. Each one has excellent design but is also fully functional.”

Meyerco President Mike Manrose, chairman of the AKTI’s Education Committee, noted “Meyerco is very pleased to support our organization with the opportunity for a member to own one of Darrel’s knives.”

Anyone joining or renewing the nonprofit organization during 2012 will be entered in the drawing to be held in 2013 at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

The winner of the 2011 AKTI Membership Giveaway Knife donated by Ontario will be drawn Tuesday, January 17 at 2 p.m. at the SHOT Show in the Ontario booth #20305. This project is a special Ontario Knife Company OKC3S Marine Bayonet and the lucky AKTI member will also have a private factory tour and one night stay in western New York State. Visit: www.akti.org

American Knife & Tool Institute

WASHINGTON, DC --(Ammoland.com)- A public hearing is scheduled by the Boston City Council for Friday, November 18, 2011 and AKTI will have representatives there to attend and provide expert testimony against a proposal that would require convenience stores that sell knives to obtain a license.

While new language to the current proposal is expected prior to the meeting, it is anticipated to still target convenience stores in an effort that Boston City Council members mistakenly believe would improve public safety.

“AKTI is aggressively fighting this proposal, but we need help getting word out to the small convenience store owners about this proposed restriction and potential penalty for not complying,” noted Jan Billeb, AKTI Executive Director, “and to individuals that their ability to purchase a knife where they prefer could be affected.”

AKTI is asking people in Boston to contact their City Councilperson (617) 635-4500 and Mayor Menino’s Office (617) 635-4500 and voice their concerns. Anyone that sells knives in the city of Boston, does business in Boston, or is a concerned Bostonian should make that call TODAY.

AKTI’s Position:
Based on the current language of the proposal before the Boston City Council, the American Knife and Tool Institute is opposed to and does not see that any changes could improve the proposal to a point that it would not continue to have an adverse impact on its members and those entities that its members do business with as well as individuals who desire to purchase knives legally.

Our members produce quality safe products that are part of daily life of people all throughout the world. These products are responsibly sold and purchased at many different retail outlets or through dealers.

AKTI and its members believe that the current regulations around the sale of knives go above and beyond what is needed in the City of Boston. AKTI does not in any way support or endorse the illegal sale of knives or any illegal use of a knife or tool under current law in the City of Boston.

Background information on the Boston situation is available on the AKTI website at AKTI Heads to Boston Again.

This is the second time that AKTI has gone to battle in Boston for the knife community. Details about the 2001 effort to restrict knife carry can be found in the News & Updates section at www.AKTI.org.

American Knife & Tool Institute

BOSTON, MA --(Ammoland.com)- Once again, the City of Boston is in the center of the American Knife & Tool’s efforts to stop anti-knife and anti-business laws from harming the knife community.

AKTI has been monitoring recent discussions in the Boston City Council about issues with knives being illegally sold to minors. A public hearing was held in September, focusing on the idea of licensing retailers to curb knife violence, that heard public comments from concerned individuals, businesses and organizations.

After doing an analysis of the situation and key persons, AKTI hired a Boston firm to represent the interests of the knife industry and knife owners to oppose licensing of knife retailers. We believe that efforts to require additional licenses to retailers would restrict businesses’ ability to sell to Massachusetts citizens and limit what Bostonians could purchase locally.

After receiving a draft of the Knife Licensing Ordinance offered by Councilors Michael Ross and Tito Jackson, AKTI issued a Call to Action October 13, 2011, with AKTI President Bill Raczkowski noting:

“The timing is right to let the Mayor of Boston and the City Council know that this proposal does nothing to improve public safety for the citizens of Boston or stop illegal sales to minors.”

AKTI is aggressively fighting this proposal but, as Raczkowski stated, “we need the people that work on the ground in Boston to contact their City Councilperson (617) 635-4500 and Mayor Menino’s Office (617) 635-4500 and voice their concerns. If you sell knives in the city of Boston, do business in Boston, or are a concerned Bostonian, make that call today.”

“This Call to Action is just the first step in our effort to ensure that this anti-knife proposal does not become a reality,” added Raczkowski. Additional information about this Call to Action and future updates can be found at www.AKTI.org/alerts.

In 2001, a Boston Councilman, introduced a bill that would have banned carrying any knife with a blade longer than 2-1/2 inches. AKTI successfully worked with the Council and after testimony by AKTI members, was able to ensure that individuals could carry the knife of their choice. More details about that 2001 situation can be found at on the AKTI website at www.AKTI.org/news/boston-revised-ordinance-passes.

ABOUT AKTI: The American Knife & Tool Institute has been the advocacy voice of the knife industry and all knife users, protecting individuals who rely on knives on a daily basis from restrictive and unreasonable knife laws, since 1998. AKTI is recognized worldwide as a respected, credible and accurate source of knife legislation information, legislative input, and industry information. We have a successful, proven record of accomplishments in making effective changes to restrictive knife laws and promoting reasonable and responsible laws and enforcement.

Contact Jan Billeb
Executive Director
American Knife & Tool Institute
Phone | 307-587-8296
Email | akti@akti.org

KNIFE CONTROL - Boston Knife Ban - Action Needed

American Knife & Tool Institute

BOSTON, MA --(Ammoland.com)- In response to the Boston City Council’s current interest in further controlling knife sales in their city, the American Knife & Tool Institute has hired a Boston lobby firm to stop any further restrictive control of knives.

The Council has introduced a proposal that would require an additional license of retail stores that sell knives within the city limits.

While the proponents believe such an ordinance would improve public safety for the citizens of Boston, AKTI believes that such a measure would discourage knife sales and limit the individual’s right to purchase responsible and much needed tools. It is an inequitable and misguided effort that we oppose.

If you live in Boston, sell knives, or operate a business there, we need to you act now. Contact Mayor Menino’s Office at (617) 635-4500 and your Boston City Councilperson (617) 635-4500.

When the person answers the phone tell them that you reside, work or own a business at (give them your address) and you would like to speak to the City Council member who represents your district. Express your concern in a polite manner.

This is just our first step to defeat this anti-knife and anti-business proposal.

NEEDED – $10,000
The cost just for this part of our Boston effort is $10,000. AKTI is working on several other legislative initiatives for the upcoming year. We have people effectively working behind the scenes in several states volunteering their efforts on behalf of the entire knife community. In order to keep protecting knife rights for all of the industry and every knife owner, your contributions are needed to fund this fight. Please do what you can and contribute to AKTI’s Legislative Fund today.

For more details on the Boston situation and updates go to www.AKTI.org.

GERBER GATOR
Check out this month’s AKTI online auction knife – a Gerber Gator Folder, “Most Innovative Knife of the Year” at the 1991 Blade Show, donated by Gerber. The current bid is only $25 and the auction ends October 31st. This is a chance to contribute to the AKTI Legislative Fund and own a great knife!

Thanks to CRKT for the donation of an Onion Skinner which added $72 to the AKTI Legislative Fund. We appreciate the generous contributions and membership of CRKT as a member of the Board of Regents.

The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) is a non-profit organization (501(c)6) representing all segments of the knife industry and all knife users. Formed by concerned industry leaders after considerable discussion with individual knifemakers, knife magazine publishers, and a broad section of the knife community, AKTI has been the reasonable and responsible voice of the knife community since 1998. For more about AKTI, please see our website at www.AKTI.org.

American Knife & Tool Institute

WASHINGTON, DC --(Ammoland.com)- The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) is pleased to announce its support of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) and its programs: the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) and the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC).

AKTI’s Board of Regents recently chose to select the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation as the very first “American Knife & Tool Institute Advocacy Partner.” AKTI recognizes the value CSF brings as an organizing force for federal and state legislation providing bi-partisan access to pro-sportsmen legislators.

“The two organizations worked cooperatively in 2009 when U.S. Customs’ action threatened to classify assisted opening knives as illegal switchblades,” noted AKTI Legislative Chairman CJ Buck, Buck Knives, “and we want to continue a mutually beneficial relationship realizing that when legislators step up to defend your outdoor heritage they must also protect the knives that make those outdoor experiences possible.”

Congressional Sportsmen

For over 20 years, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation has been the voice of the American sportsmen by protecting our interests and traditions in the halls of government. CSF is a non-partisan, non-profit organization with decades of combined public policy and political experience with unprecedented access to one of the largest, oldest and most effective caucuses in the U.S. Congress – the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus. In state capitols throughout the nation, over half of the nation’s chief executives are part of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus and nearly 2,000 state legislators make up the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses.

The American Knife & Tool Institute has been the advocacy voice of the knife industry and all knife users, protecting individuals who rely on knives on a daily basis from restrictive and unreasonable knife laws, since 1998. AKTI is recognized worldwide as a respected, credible and accurate source of knife legislation information, legislative input, and industry information. We have a successful, proven record of accomplishments in making effective changes to restrictive knife laws and promoting reasonable and responsible laws and enforcement.

AKTI’s support of the CSF will help ensure that we can continue to safeguard the outdoor heritage that is so important to many Americans, and safeguard the most essential tool to those activities – the knife.

Please visit the AKTI website www.AKTI.org to learn about AKTI services and efforts. Also visit CSF at www.sportsmenslink.org to learn more about their programs and membership.

Randall Knife Model 5-4 Silent Auction Knife Blade 2011

American Knife & Tool Institute

Cody, WY --(Ammoland.com)- Northern Knives donates Randall Knife for Blade Show Silent Auction, a William Henry E6-5 for an AKTI drawing, and starts an AKTI supporter wristband fundraiser for the American Knife & Tool Institute’s Legislative Fund.

Northern Knives www.northernknives.net, an Anchorage, Alaska retail store and Associate member of the American Knife & Tool Institute, has been thinking hard and working even harder to find ways to help the nonprofit advocacy organization increase AKTI’s Legislative Fund. Recognizing that making effective and reasonable changes to state laws takes a lot of both time and money, the owners of Northern Knives have made some generous donations to help raise funds for the next legislative efforts AKTI has planned to protect the rights of everyone to be able to buy, sell, make, own carry and use knives and edged tools.

A Randall Made knife, Model 5-4, will be shown at the Blade Show in Atlanta June 10-12, 2011 and available by Silent Auction to the highest bidder. Stop by the AKTI booth #162 and place your bid on this very poplar, but not easy to get, 4-inch blade Randall with a stag handle and brass hilt with black, white and red spaces.

Selling for close to $500 when available, you may have to wait over five years to get one directly from the maker. The actual knife will be on display and the winning bidder can take it home after the Silent Auction closes on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Northern Knives also donated a William Henry Model E6-5 Serial number 065, a beautiful little folder. Anyone who joins, renews, signs up as a Grassroots Supporter, buys a wristband, or just wants to enter to win the knife is eligible. The drawing will be held Sunday at Blade at the AKTI booth #162 at 1 p.m. (Georgia law requires that no purchase is necessary to enter any drawing.)

Grassroots Supporters provide an email address so they can be contacted with information about the AKTI’s legislative initiative and calls to action to contact legislators or others when needed. Hearing from voters is very important to legislators and we need numbers to make effective change. Not heading to the Blade Show? Sign up at www.AKTI.org. Even better – make a commitment to ask at least one other knife owner to visit www.AKTI.org and become a free Grassroots Supporter.

Northern Knives is making iy possible to show your support of AKTI’s efforts to Keep Knives in American Lives. Available to purchase at Blade Show and on their website www.northernknives.net are black silicone support wristbands. All proceeds will be donated to AKTI by Northern Knives. Owner Ray Thibault noted, “It’s an excellent way to support an excellent organization for only $3!”

So visit AKTI at Booth #162 at the Blade Show in Atlanta to learn more about how this organization in working for the entire knife community. Or visit www.AKTI.org today and sign up as a free Grassroots Supporter or join as a member.

Thank you Northern Knives for valuable ideas and action to help Keep Knives in American Lives.

The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) is a non-profit organization (501(c)6) representing all segments of the knife industry and all knife users. Formed by concerned industry leaders after considerable discussion with individual knifemakers, knife magazine publishers, and a broad section of the knife community, AKTI has been the reasonable and responsible voice of the knife community since 1998. For more about AKTI, please see our website at www.AKTI.org.

American Knife & Tool Institute

Cody, WY --(Ammoland.com)- That individuals can make a difference in their communities and states to make sure that our rights to own and use knives are not infringed is exemplified in the story of New Hampshire Representative Jenn Coffey.

“Knives, Lipstick, and Liberty One Woman’s Journey is my story of how my life changed so dramatically in just five short years. It is my hope that by sharing this story, others will join me in the fight for Liberty,” noted Jenn Coffey on the recent release of her first edition 176 page paperback.

Representative Coffey, who moved to New Hampshire with her husband Billy to live in a state with their teenage son where the environment of liberty still exists, had a simple plan to live a simple life. An Emergency Room Technician and a Nationally Certified Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate, Jenn quickly became involved in local government and activities, and is now serving her second term in the New Hampshire House, sitting on the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee and Special Committee on Education Funding Reform.

Her story of involvement and election as the New Hampshire Representative from Merrimack County to being instrumental in important liberty and knife legislation in New Hampshire provides a blueprint for others.

During the Blade Show 2011 in Atlanta, Representative Coffey will share with attendees the lessons she’s learned in the last five years. “Got Liberty? How to Repeal Anti-Knife Laws” will be held Saturday June 11th at 2:15 p.m. in Room 108.

Immediately afterwards Representative Coffey will be in the American Knife & Tool Institute’s booth #162 to autograph copies of “Knives, Lipstick and Liberty” from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Books can be purchased during the Blade Show at the A.G. Russell booth or prior to the book signing in the AKTI booth. Portions of the book proceeds will help send a child to Camp Constitution, an annual summer camp experience of fun outdoor activities, learning about the U.S. government and meeting legislators.

Members of the American Knife & Tool Institute are familiar with Representative Coffey’s success in New Hampshire in 2010 with HB 1665 which removed the archaic ban on certain knives such as switchblades, dirks, daggers and stilettos. In 2011 she sponsored HB 544, a bill assuring cities and counties cannot supersede the state’s laws on knives, “making NH the freest state in the nation,” she declared as the bill headed to Governor Lynch’s desk for signature.

The American Knife & Tool Institute is a proud supporter of the publication of Knives, Lipstick and Liberty and Representative Coffey’s efforts. We applaud her for the accomplishments for New Hampshire knife users and desiring to help others assure liberty and knife rights in their states.

To purchase Knives, Lipstick, and Liberty now, visit www.jenncoffey.com or www.lulu.com.

The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) is a non-profit organization (501(c)6) representing all segments of the knife industry and all knife users. Formed by concerned industry leaders after considerable discussion with individual knifemakers, knife magazine publishers, and a broad section of the knife community, AKTI has been the reasonable and responsible voice of the knife community since 1998. For more about AKTI, please see our website at www.AKTI.org.

American Knife & Tool Institute

CODY, WY --(Ammoland.com)- The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) thanks Washington State Representative Sherry Appleton for hearing the concerns of hunters, fishermen, divers, the American Knife & Tool Institute, our corporate member SOG Specialty Knives and Tools, located in Lynwood, WA and other Washington state businesses; and for agreeing to withdraw her support for HB 1006.

HB 1006 would have amended Washington RCW 9.41.250 by removing the words dagger and dirk and replacing them with “knife having a blade longer than three and one-half inches,” making it a gross misdemeanor for anyone to carry any type of knife concealed with that length of blade or longer.

Representative Appleton had pre-filed the bill, which was referred to the Washington House Committee on Judiciary on January 10, 2011.

Washington residents appealed to Representative Appleton, explaining the infringement on their ability to enjoy the many recreational and sporting opportunities the state provides. In a meeting with Representative Appleton industry representatives expressed the industry’s concerns, including the fact that hunters, fishermen, construction workers and other individuals who use a knife in their daily work and recreation would be guilty of a weapon’s violation when there is no intent to use the tool as a weapon.

These industry representatives also expressed their concern that such a law would affect the economical stability of not only companies who manufacture knives in Washington and the many retail stores who sell knives, but also the many small businesses who are supported by hunting, fishing and other outdoor enthusiasts who make Washington their destination. Such a law would encourage these outdoor enthusiasts to visit states other than Washington to enjoy these recreational activities which require the use of a knife.

We thank Representative Appleton for her time, efforts and understanding on behalf of Washington state knife owners and the knife industry.

The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) is a non-profit organization (501(c)6) representing all segments of the knife industry and all knife users. Formed by concerned industry leaders after considerable discussion with individual knifemakers, knife magazine publishers, and a broad section of the knife community, AKTI has been the reasonable and responsible voice of the knife community since 1998. For more about AKTI, please see our website at www.AKTI.org.

American Knife & Tool Institute

LAS VEGAS, NV --(Ammoland.com)- Learn what knife industry leaders, members of the knife advocacy organization, the American Knife and Tool Institute (AKTI), agree are standard knife definitions to use for legislation and law enforcement purposes in the “AKTI Approved Knife Definitions” document available at www.AKTI.org.

Knife owners, lawmakers and law enforcers will read about the background of knife terms in common and legal use, various states that prohibit specific types of knives, and the standard definitions the AKTI is encouraging be used for interpreting and enforcing knife laws.

“AKTI members believe that knives are inanimate objects, regardless of various differences such as length of blade, shape or style, the mechanism for opening, or the name used,” said AKTI President Goldie Russell, A. G. Russell Knives. “As the reasonable voice of the knife community, we have worked to change restrictive and vague knife laws to protect all knife owners.”

Originally adopted in 2005, the “AKTI Approved Knife Definitions” was revised to reflect clarifications to knife definition language that AKTI successfully used in law changes in Texas and the 2009 amendment to the 1958 Federal Switchblade Act. Clarification of the terminology “bias toward closure” and states where certain knives are prohibited were included to make the publication even more informative.

The “AKTI Approved Knife Definitions” has been distributed to lawmakers, police officers, attorneys and judges who recognize the credibility of the industry’s organization and its efforts to promote consistency and clarity. The details and diagrams have been very informative in discussions with legislators.

“We want to build on the work we’ve done and the reputation we have as the organization for those who work with or benefit from knives, and to support those who have questions about legal knife usage,” Russell said. “We encourage everyone to share the document with their legislators and local law enforcement.”

Knife users who wish to support the work of AKTI will find it convenient to become a member or make contributions with online payment options. All knife owners willing to help contact legislators or who want to stay informed about knife issues are encouraged to sign up as Grassroots Supporters of the knife advocacy work that AKTI does; emails detailing the latest legislative and legal issues and updates are free to those who enroll.

The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) is a non-profit organization (501(c)6) representing all segments of the knife industry and all knife users. Formed by concerned industry leaders after considerable discussion with individual knifemakers, knife magazine publishers, and a broad section of the knife community, AKTI has been the reasonable and responsible voice of the knife community since 1998. For more about AKTI, please see our website at www.AKTI.org.

Akti Approved Knife Definitions

AKTI – The American Knife & Tool Institute represents the entire knife community and all knife owners as we have since 1998. We have successfully won every legislative effort so far. AKTI continues its mission to “Keep Knives in American Lives“

American Knife & Tool Institute Website

American Knife & Tool Institute

Cody, WY --(Ammoland.com)- Locate up-to-date information on legal issues that affect knife users, research laws in all 50 states and learn more about the activities of leading knife advocacy organization American Knife and Tool Institute (AKTI) on the redesigned AKTI.org website.

Knife advocates will find extensive legislation updates, educational materials and other current knife information at the new site. While some of the material is available only to members, much of the site caters to all knife users and provides resources for everyone who uses a knife as a tool – whether for work, recreation or as part of their everyday lives.

“For more than a decade, AKTI has used its website to keep the knife advocacy community updated about important issues that affect us all, in all 50 states, and at the federal level,” said AKTI Executive Director Jan Billeb.

“This new design makes it easier for knife users to easily find the information they need, from knife safety resources to legislative updates to stories about how knives have been used in challenging work and recreational situations to save lives.”

Through its new website, the American Knife and Tool Institute shares information about state and federal knife laws and legislation. The organization has also added sections to the AKTI.org website specifically for legislators, law enforcement officers and media.

“We want to build on the work we’ve done and the reputation we have as the organization for those who work with or benefit from knives, and to support those who have questions about legal knife usage,” Billeb said.

Knife users who wish to support the work of AKTI will find it more convenient to become members or make contributions with an online payment option. Visitors to the site are also encouraged to sign up as Grassroots Supporters of the knife advocacy work that AKTI does; newsletters detailing the latest legislative and legal issues and updates are free to those who enroll.

AKTI worked with Visual People Design (www.visualpeople.com) in Corvallis, Oregon, to design and develop the new AKTI.org website.

The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) is a non-profit organization (501(c)6) representing all segments of the knife industry and all knife users. Formed by concerned industry leaders after considerable discussion with individual knifemakers, knife magazine publishers, and a broad section of the knife community, AKTI has been the reasonable and responsible voice of the knife community since 1998. For updates on this issue and more about AKTI, please see our website at http://www.akti.org.

American Knife & Tool Institute

NEW YORK, NY --(AmmoLand.com)- Law-abiding citizens in Manhattan who carry knives for a variety of everyday activities may now find it difficult to purchase those important tools in local retail establishments.

New York City’s Manhattan District Attorney, Cyrus Vance Jr., has been on a campaign to burnish his crime-fighting credentials and replenish the city’s coffers with an attack on retailers who sell pocketknives. In the past two months, companies including Eastern Mountain Sports, Home Depot, Paragon and Orvis have seen their inventories of folding knives confiscated and have been forced to make payments totaling $1.9 million – an estimate of their profits on sales of these knives in the past four years that retailers say is grossly overstated – in exchange for deferred prosecution.

At a press conference on June 17, Vance stood beside tables filled with more than 1,300 confiscated knives, claiming they were outlawed switchblades and “gravity knives” – an overzealous interpretation of a 1950s New York state law that bans such knives.

The American Knife and Tool Institute, a knife advocacy group, has identified many of the knives featured in Vance’s press conference and confirms that they ARE NOT opened by gravity. Instead, they must be opened by a practiced and pronounced movement of the wrist. This is a blatant distortion of the intent of the statute and a total misunderstanding of the knife design mechanisms involved.

“The DA is applying the gravity knife prohibition to a wide variety of knives that can be opened with one hand,” said AKTI president Goldie Russell.

“Even the federal government amended the 1958 Switchblade Act last year to confine the gravity knife prohibition to the intent of legislators.”

Instead of understanding that such knives are used daily for activities including hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities as well as by electricians, construction workers and emergency personnel, New York is presuming all knives are carried only as weapons for unlawful use against another person.

“The DA’s office claims homicides and knife use in non-fatal stabbings to be a serious problem in Manhattan,” Russell said.

“Yet according to the National Safety Council – in your lifetime you have a greater chance [1 in 81,701] of getting killed by lightning than residents of Manhattan had last year of getting killed with a knife [1 in 90,503].”

While knives are being removed from the shelves of lawful retail establishments, and thus not available to law-abiding consumers for purchase, the district attorney’s office is profiting handsomely from the issue.

“As part of the agreements and Office policy, nearly $1.9 million will be distributed to the City and State: 10 percent will be given to the State ($190K); 51 percent will be given to the City ($969,000); and the remainder ($741,000) set aside for our law enforcement partners,” reads a press release sent by Vance’s office.

“Those funds will be available to other DA’s offices who want to partner with the Manhattan DA’s Office to continue this fight against illegal (sic) knives.”

(Quote from Cyrus Vance Jr.’s press release dated June 17, 2010.) Review entire press release available at http://www.manhattanda.org/whatsnew/press/2010-06-17.shtml)

According to retailers in New York and even in other states who have contacted AKTI, Vance’s office has given them the choice of making a heavy “contribution” to the DA’s office or face being reported to the federal government for possible violation of interstate commerce laws.

“It is obvious that Mr. Vance intends to make up for the city’s short fall of funds and at the same time build his political career on the backs of companies who make available to the citizens of New York a common everyday tool that is no more dangerous as a weapon than a ball bat, an ink pen or a brick that can picked up on almost any street in New York City,” Russell said.

“Even an automobile can easily be used to intentionally kill someone. When do we stop making the object the criminal and not the person using the object? Disarming law-abiding citizens never results in a decreased crime level.”

One notable concern voiced by retailers is that the DA’s office has not shown the kind of good faith that would be evident if their only desire were to remove “illegal” knives from the marketplace. The DA should have notified retailers that they believed were selling illegal merchandise so those stores could remove the offending items without having them seized or having to pay six-figure “contributions.”

The American Knife & Tool Institute is actively seeking methods to counter-act these actions by the Manhattan DA. The organization is currently seeking sponsors for a legislative solution in New York that is more along the lines of other states and the 2009 Federal Switchblade Amendment.

“We hope that citizens of New York will flood the offices of the Manhattan District Attorney with letters, emails and phone calls of protest and outrage,” Russell said.

“Protest that government resources are being used against legitimate businesses that sell knives to law-abiding citizens who need them as a useful tool, instead of finding fiscally responsible ways to solve their financial problems.”

The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) is a non-profit organization (501(c)6) representing all segments of the knife industry and all knife users. Formed by concerned industry leaders after considerable discussion with individual knifemakers, knife magazine publishers, and a broad section of the knife community, AKTI has been the reasonable and responsible voice of the knife community since 1998. For updates on this issue and more about AKTI, please see our website at http://www.akti.org.

Jan Billeb Executive Director American Knife & Tool Institute akti@AKTI.org www.AKTI.org

American Knife & Tool Institute

Rochester, MN --(Ammoland.com)- One of the founding members of the American Knife & Tool Institute (www.AKTI.org) will speak at the Outdoor Writers Association of America’s annual conference in Minnesota.C.J. Buck, who is a current member of the AKTI Board of Regents and the CEO of Buck Knives, will talk about the non-profit organization’s efforts “to clarify state and federal knife law.”

C.J. Buck, the CEO of Buck Knives, will be among the featured speakers at the Outdoor Writers Association of America’s annual conference June 10-13 at the Kahler Grand Hotel in Rochester, MN. The association’s membership includes outdoor writers, editors, authors, broadcasters, producers, photographers and artists.

Buck, one of the founders of the American Knife & Tool Institute (www.AKTI.org) and a member of its Board of Regents, will talk about “AKTI and our efforts to clarify state and federal knife law.” He is scheduled to speak Thursday, June 10, 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.

C.J. Buck of Buck Knives

A fourth-generation knife-maker, Buck’s great-grandfather Hoyt planted the seed for the family business more than a century ago. He described Hoyt as “a guy with an anvil, forge and a grinder” who eventually moved to San Diego and taught his oldest son, Al, the art of knife-making. That legacy was passed onto to Buck’s father, Chuck.

In the 1950s the company grew steadily, but it was the introduction of the Model 110 Folding Hunter in 1964 with its innovative “lockblade” mechanism that put the company on the map. It became popular with hunters, ranchers, farmers and the military. Model 110 is still “extremely popular and a huge seller,” Buck said.

With success came responsibility, so Buck, along with Les de Asis of Benchmade Knife Company, met with industry leaders and others at a number of knife-related events in 1997 to discuss forming a national advocacy and education organization embracing every segment of the knife industry. American Knife & Tool Institute, Inc., was formed the following year.

According to its Executive Director, Jan, Billeb, AKTI’s goal are to:

• Educate the public, legislators and law enforcement about knives.
• Promote reasonable, responsible and consistent knife legislation.
• Inform with accurate industry, historical and technical information.

“A knife is a valuable tool — and ought not to be used as a weapon,” AKTI Board member Buck said, adding that a simply worded law that said that would be more effective than the sometimes vague and complex laws that can infringe on individual rights.

AKTI has been able to help achieve that clarity in a number of states, including Texas, California, Florida and Arkansas, Buck said, adding that his goal as a speaker to the Outdoor Writers Association of America will be to enlist their help in getting the word out to sportsmen regarding this issue as well as explain “what AKTI is, what we do, and what we plan to do next.”

ABOUT AKTI:
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. It was formed after discussion among industry leaders about the need for a unifying organization to represent the knife-using and knife-making community. For more information, call (307) 587-8296 or visit www.AKTI.org.

American Knife & Tool Institute

New Hampshire --(AmmoLand.com)- Another victory for the entire knife community – as New Hampshire Governor John Lynch today signed HB 1665 introduced by pro-knife (and daily knife user) Representative Jenn Coffey.

Congratulations to Rep. Coffey – and thank you for all your efforts, as well as thank you Senator Bob Letourneau who cosponsored the bill (pictured below).

Below is the now effective New Hampshire Law. No longer illegal are stilettos, switch knives, daggers or dirk-knives.

Senator Bob Letourneau NH

159:16 Carrying or Selling Weapons. – Whoever, except as provided by the laws of this state, sells, has in his possession with intent to sell, or carries on his person any blackjack, slung shot or metallic knuckles shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; and such weapon or articles so carried by him shall be confiscated to the use of the state.

AKTI was pleased to support Rep. Coffey’s efforts and we continue to work state by state to effectively change restrictive knife laws.

We need your support and membership to Keep Knives in American Lives. Please share this email with your suppliers, customers, contacts, and friends.

About:
AKTI – The American Knife & Tool Institute represents the entire knife community and all knife owners as we have since 1997. We have successfully won every legislative effort so far. AKTI continues its mission to “Keep Knives in American Lives” Visit: www.akti.org

American Knife & Tool Institute

New Hampshire --(AmmoLand.com)- Rep. Jennifer Coffey, an EMT and New Hampshire representative, has bipartisan and multi-organizational support for a bill (HB 1665) which she recently introduced in the New Hampshire legislature.

This bill will end the 1955 state ban on the carry of “switch knives”, stilettos, daggers and dirks.

In 1992, New Hampshire legislation ended the ban on gun canes and sword canes that was a part of that same law. HB 1665, if passed, will keep law-abiding citizens from being criminals for carrying knives they use as tools in their everyday lives.

Visit Rep. Coffey’s website www.knifelawonline.com, read her petition, and make a contribution to her efforts if you can, particularly if you live, work or travel in New Hampshire.

AKTI will be providing documentation for her presentation before the New Hampshire Senate in a few weeks.

About:
AKTI – The American Knife & Tool Institute represents the entire knife community and all knife owners as we have since 1997. We have successfully won every legislative effort so far. AKTI continues its mission to “Keep Knives in American Lives” Visit: www.akti.org

American Knife & Tool Institute

Cody, WY --(AmmoLand.com)- We do not want this exciting year of 2009 to end without thanking you for your support of AKTI’s legislative successes.

In Texas we introduced and were instrumental in the passage of a bill which clearly states that folding knives with a bias toward closure are not switchblades.

In June, we challenged U.S. Customs’ attempt to define assisted opening knives, one-hand opening knives and just about any other folding knife, as switchblades. Our success resulted in a change to the 1958 Federal Switchblade Act, keeping most folding knives, particularly assisted-opening and one-hand opening knives from being illegal in interstate commerce.

This tremendous effort could not have happened without the support of many who wrote letters, made calls, met with their legislators, collected signatures and sent in money to help with the substantial legal and legislative expenses. Whatever part you played, Thank You!

The New Year will present new challenges and battles. AKTI will continue to monitor legislation and fight for your knife rights as we have done since 1998. Would you do one more thing to help? Think of five friends, relatives, customers, or suppliers who enjoy their knives and encourage them to become a grassroots member of AKTI free on our website www.akti.org . Email me their contact information and I’ll send them a sample newsletter and information to join as an AKTI member.

American Knife & Tool Institute

Washington, DC --(AmmoLand.com)- It’s Law! The President signed the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2892) for FY 2010 late yesterday (Oct. 28, 2009) that includes a permanent “fix” so that any folding knife with a bias toward closure cannot be declared a switchblade by U.S. Customs.

The significance of the legislative victory that was led by AKTI and supported by several other organizations cannot be overstated.

If U.S. Customs had succeeded in broadly redefining a switchblade, domestic manufacturers and all owners of folding knives would have been in jeopardy.

That’s because an import restriction becomes an issue for interstate commerce. And where local law enforcement might be uncertain about how to correctly apply their state law, they often turn to U.S. Customs to provide guidance.

However, knife owners should realize that they are still bound by the knife laws of their state. And if you travel to another state, you are bound by their state laws.

AKTI continues to monitor federal and state laws and to work to protect knife rights for all, introducing reasonable and responsible changes.

About:
AKTI – The American Knife & Tool Institute represents the entire knife community and all knife owners as we have since 1997. We have successfully won every legislative effort so far. AKTI continues its mission to “Keep Knives in American Lives”

American Knife & Tool Institute

Washington, DC --(AmmoLand.com)-You can keep and use your folding knives permitted in your state! With today’s vote in the U.S. Senate (and the President’s expected signature of H.R. 2892), the American Knife & Tool Institute has accomplished the seemingly impossible.

Thanks to the help of many AKTI members, supporters, lawmakers and supporting organizations, we have turned the proposed U. S. Custom’s proposed re-definition of switchblades into an effective and sweeping clarification of the Federal Switchblade Act of 1958.

As of today (October 20, 2009), the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, with Senate Amendment 1447 language still intact, has passed both the Senate and the House. This bi-partisan amendment was co-sponsored by 20 U.S. Senators, led by John Cornyn of Texas, Mark Pryor of Arkansas, Ron Wyden of Oregon and Orrin Hatch of Utah.

The Senate amendment essentially adopted the switchblade exception language which AKTI sponsored in Texas and that was signed by Texas Governor Perry on June 18, 2009. U.S. Customs, thanks to an outpouring of grassroots support and the intervention of more than 20 U.S. Senators concerned about the potential financial devastation to the entire sporting knife industry, became active supporters of the amendment.

AKTI thanks the following co-sponsors for the bi-partisan statesmanship that clearly saved all folding knives which we estimate are 80 percent of current sales in the nearly $1 billion sporting knife industry.

• John Cornyn (R-TX) Mark Pryor (D-AR)
• Orrin Hatch (R-UT) Ron Wyden (D-OR)
• John Barrasso (R-WY) Robert Bennett (R-UT)
• Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) Susan Collins (R-ME)
• Bob Corker (R-TN) Mike Crapo (R-ID)
• Michael Enzi (R-WY) Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
• James Inhofe (R-OK) Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
• Ben Nelson (D-NE) Jim Risch (R-ID)
• Pat Roberts (R-KS) Jon Tester (D-MT)
• John Thune (R-SD) David Vitter (R-LA)

Prior to the Senate adopting the amendment, U.S. Customs also participated in negotiations on language, which they then supported. AKTI thanks both the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs for their ultimate support.

House support has been strong and broad-based during this effort, going back to more than 80 members of the bi-partisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus sending a letter on June 22nd for the industry position to Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano.

Representative Robert Latta (R-OH) and Walt Minnick (D-ID) were staunch, active supporters of the sporting knife industry throughout the entire process in the Senate and the House.

Finally, as H.R. 2892 came back to the House for work in conference, AKTI wants to recognize the support given by various House committee chairs and their staffers.

• David Obey (D-WI) – Chair House Appropriations
• David Price (D-NC) – Chair House Appropriations (Homeland Security Subcommittee)
• Henry Waxman (D-CA) – Chair House Energy and Commerce Committee
• Bobby Rush (D-IL) – Chair House Energy and Commerce Committee (Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection Subcommittee)
• Charles Rangel (D-NY) – Chair House Ways & Means Committee
• Sander Levin (D-MI) – Chair House Ways & Means Committee (Trade Subcommittee)

As provided in Amendment 1447, U.S. Customs agreed to add a fifth clause to section 1244 of the Federal Switchblade Act that exempts “a knife that contains a spring, detent, or other mechanism designed to create a bias toward closure of the blade and that requires exertion applied to the blade by hand, wrist or arm to overcome the bias toward closure to assist in opening the knife.”

AKTI expects that the President will sign this bill.

Thank you to all those lawmakers, AKTI members, AKTI Grassroots Supporters, the NRA, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, and Knife Rights for their support of a campaign that began with an AKTI call to action at the Blade Show on May 29.

About:
AKTI – The American Knife & Tool Institute represents the entire knife community and all knife owners as we have since 1997. We have successfully won every legislative effort so far. AKTI continues its mission to “Keep Knives in American Lives”

KnifeRights.org

Washington, Dc – -(AmmoLand.com)- The Senate has passed the conference report for the fiscal year 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill with our amendment to the Federal Switchblade Act intact.

The bill will now be sent to the President for signature. There is no indication that he would veto the bill.

This is the culmination of an incredible effort on the part of Knife Rights, American Knife and Tool Institute, NRA, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms and many other organizations who contributed. Each organization made key contributions to the effort, without which the end result might not have turned out so well.

Not many folks gave us much hope of succeeding when Customs first proposed revoking their rulings and redefining what is a switchblade back in May. At a time when bipartisanship is rare as hen’s teeth in Washington, we garnered support from both sides of the aisle.

We succeeded because the coalition of groups that came together to fight Customs represented a broad swath of American industry and grassroots. We succeeded in large part because of YOUR contributions, letters and calls in support of our efforts. You can give yourself a pat on the back for your effort and a job well done against all odds. It is time to pop the cork on that bottle of champagne and celebrate a victory for your knife rights and for all America.

About:
Knife Rights has quickly grown to become America’s largest grassroots knife owners organization. This latest fight against Customs Pocket Knife Grab has validated the power and importance of a dedicated grass roots organization in defending your knife rights. Now we have to finish paying pay for this effort. It took a great deal of money to accomplish all this. Carrying a fight like this to Washington cannot be done without lots of cash. The victory isn’t complete until we pay the bills. PLEASE DONATE TO SUPPORT THIS FIGHT FOR YOUR KNIFE RIGHTS! http://bit.ly/Scvp9