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.
Formed in 1997 after considerable discussion among industry leaders for the need for a
unifying organization to represent the knife-using and knife-making community. AKTI's four
goals were adopted to specifically define its mission to:
1. Provide a unified voice representing the knife-making and knife-using community.
2. Promote the public awareness of the history and utility of knives as tools.
3. Encourage sensible knife legislation and responsible law enforcement.
4. Educate young people about proper knife safety and the responsible use of knives.