www.akti.org news&update Official Publication of the American and Institute, Inc. Vol. 7 Issue 3 Fall 2005 Texas DA and Attorney General Declare Assisted-openers NOT As a result of a February, 2005 arrest do not meet the definition of a switch- Morris, got several opinions, of a Texas college student for bringing an blade. including one from the Texas Attorney assisted-opening knife on campus in Bra- According to Jeff Goddard, Director General. They have all stated that these zoria County, TX, we have another ruling of Sales and Marketing at Kershaw assisted-opening do not meet the by a District Attorney that such knives Knives, Tualatin, OR, “The DA, Angie definition of a .” Goddard indicated the parents of the college student “were pretty upset since Jones and Hall Elected AKTI Officers the knives are sold everywhere.” DA Morris acknowledged that the knives “do open fast”, but they have dropped the charges against the student and they have backed off of all issues re- garding these knives, Goddard reports. “She told me they are legal to sell in Bra- zoria County, TX,” Goddard said. The DA also indicated there is a website for the TDCAA (Texas District & County Attorneys Association) where Michael A. Jones - AKTI President David Hall - AKTI Vice President quite a bit of discussion took place re- Michael A. Jones, Vice President, David Hall, the co-founder, President garding the knives. DA Morris said there Operations at , and CEO of United Cutlery Corporation, were postings that informed all DA’s in Portland, OR, was selected as the new Sevierville, TN, has been named the Vice President of AKTI at the 2005 Annual President of AKTI. Under the normal pro- * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Meeting held in conjunction with the gression of officers, he will become the in Atlanta, GA, in June 2005. AKTI President in June 2007. “The DA, Angie Morris, Formerly the Vice President of AKTI, he David Hall was a member of the U.S. got several opinions, will serve as the AKTI President until Army from 1975 to 1978, holding a rank including one from the June 2007. of E5. He joined Blue Ridge Knives in Michael shares the following com- 1979 and remained affiliated with Blue Texas Attorney ments about his interest in knives and Ridge through 1988. In 1984 David, with General.” the future of AKTI. three partners, formed United Cutlery. “I’ve been involved in the knife in- David acquired full ownership of United * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * dustry professionally for almost 10 years in 2000. Texas that the opinions about these now, but have always had a love of pock- He developed a family of companies knives were that they were NOT ILLE- et knives and mechanisms. My dad was that manufacture, sale and distribute a GAL, Goddard adds. one of those rare individuals who could full range of cutlery and fantasy prod- The site is www.tdcaa.com. Go to carve a chain from a piece of wood. He ucts. In 2003, David formed Arrowhead “User Forum” tab and type “assisted taught me how to use a knife safely when Manufacturing & Technologies, LLC. In knives” in the search on the bottom of I was very young. the formation of Arrowhead, the compa- the page. Below is the actual link to some “As an adult, my fascination with ny features state of the art equipment postings by Texas attorneys. http:// the craftsmanship and ingenuity seen in and innovative, highly technical produc- tdcaa.infopop.net/2/OpenTopic?q=Y&a the industry has rekindled my love of tion processes. It is reportedly the most =search&f=157098965&s=347098965& . I have been involved in manufac- modern knife-making facility in the world. reqWords=assisted+knives&submit1=Find Continued Page 3 Continued Page 3 Continued Page 2 Texas (continued) TSA Asks for Comment on Allowing Knives on Airplanes

Editor’s note: The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) requested comment in Editor’s Note: In 2004, we published a August, 2005 on the prospect of allowing passengers to once again carry knives on air- similar report on a court case in Michi- planes. AKTI sent the following letter on August 25, 2005. gan … Mr. Edmund S. Hawley Michigan case declares Kershaw Administrator (TSA – 1) Transportation Security Administration “Speed Safe” not a switchblade 601 So. 12th St. Arlington, VA 22202-4220 Waterford, Michigan — A Michigan jury decided that a defendant arrested for Dear Sir: carrying a Kershaw “Speed Safe” Model #1560 was not in statutory violation of The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) is a non-profit organization that repre- statute MCL 750.226a which prohibits sents knife owners and all segments of the United States knife industry. A recent Wash- carrying a “switchblade.” The defendant ington Post news item, which indicated you and your staff were re-evaluating had all charges dismissed and the knife regulations that prohibit passengers from carrying knives on board commercial aircraft, returned to him. has generated considerable positive interest among our members. The case was in the Michigan District AKTI emphatically supports a revision of the Code provisions, which now prohibit st Court for the 51 Judicial District, Case passengers from carrying small knives or having such items in their carry-on bags. 020062SM, decision rendered on January There is widespread sentiment that prohibitions relating to small knives and other 21, 2003, in Waterford, MI. such items do no promote legitimate aviation security interests. Moreover, the American “We’re pleased with the court deci- knife industry has experienced considerable harm. For example, the largest company in sion,” Kershaw national sales manager the United States knife industry, , celebrated its 100th anniversary last Doug Flagg said. “Switchblades, by defi- year by going out of business. Among other things, alienated travelers whose pocket- nition, are opened by pressing a button knives were confiscated have simply stopped buying them. in the handle. Our ‘Speed Safe’ knives re- We are also not unmindful of reports of confiscated personal items that include fam- quire that blade opening is started by fin- ily heirlooms, gifts and other items with emotional value. The majority of these became gers on the blade or on a thumb stud.” TSA property through passenger forgetfulness, inattentive flight packing and igno- rance. For example, to download the TSA Prohibited and Permitted Items List from your Thanks to Gerber... website requires a preliminary one-hour-and-22-minute download of the Adobe Acrobat program. and congratulions to new AKTI We do note that the recent news item regarding your proposed re-evaluation also member Mark Wesesky. Mark attended mentioned other items such as bows and arrows, ice picks and “throwing stars.” AKTI Blade Show West in Portland and was takes no position on these non-knife items. the winner of the Gerber LMF 11 Infantry We do, however, suggest that and other small knives have long been knife with sheath graciously donated by recognized and used as everyday tools by millions of ordinary citizens; by home gar- Gerber Legendary Blades. deners; by tradesmen such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, emergency personnel, and law enforcement officers; and by sportsmen such as campers, mountain climbers, hikers, bikers, fishermen, hunters, and boaters. AKTI Honored Attorney We suggest that a revised regulation, which would permit airline passengers to car- ry (on their persons or in carry-on baggage) knives with a blade length of five inches (as Daniel C. Lawson for his you propose), would minimize the current negative impact of knife users in the above valuable contributions to categories. It should also reduce the anxiety of those persons concerned about the re- all knife-users laxation of the current restrictive rules. I have enclosed copies of AKTI’s Protocol for Measuring Knife Blade Length. Daniel C. Lawson Esquire, of Meyer, We also applaud the efforts of TSA and the airlines to focus on explosives and Darragh, Bucker, Bebenek & Eck, P.L.L.C, cockpit assaults, both significant threats to airline security. TSA and the airlines have Pittsburgh, PA, was presented with a addressed those issues with hardened cockpit doors. Such TSA programs as the Crew plaque by AKTI’s Executive Committee Member Self Defense Program, the Armed Security Officer Program, the Federal Flight in appreciation of his expertise and dedi- Deck Officer Program, the National Explosives Detection Canine Program, and Explo- cation on the Guide to Knife Laws, the sives Detection Trace Portals will further reduce significant threats when we fly. Blade Length Protocol and Knife Defini- AKTI would welcome any inquiry you may have about this issue. tions. The American Knife & Tool Institute Sincerely, says, “thank you and job well done.” Jan Billeb, Executive Director Michael Jones, President Jones (continued) Hall (continued) Knives Taken From Katrina Refugees turing and engineering for most of my ca- Arrowhead is an OEM manufacturer for reer. I feel fortunate to be at Gerber Leg- the cutlery industry. Also in 2003, David Reports following the devastation of endary Blades. formed Trading Company, Hurricane Katrina indicate people “With Gerber’s involvement in LLC as a sourcing element to the busi- seeking refuge or assistance were AKTI, I have become more aware of the ness. United, Arrowhead and Tomahawk searched for “weapons,” including legislative and regulatory environment all function as separate business entities. pocketknives. FEMA and various gov- concerning our old friend, the knife. We United® Cutlery Brands — an inde- ernment agencies required pocketknives have been left with a legacy of legislation pendent manufacturer of hunting, camp- to be discarded or the person could not and regulation that have limited our free- ing, fishing, military and utility knives — enter any of the shelters. doms. AKTI is committed to providing also markets fantasy and historical Should homeless people in such sit- resources to develop responsible legisla- swords, knives and collectibles, many of uations, who may have escaped the tion regarding knives and tools. I am these under license. They also offer out- storm with what was on their back and in very proud to serve in an organization door accessories Known in the industry their pockets, be required to give up the dedicated to preserving a certain set of for its creativity and innovative product only “tool” that may be in their posses- values and a way of life. We look for- designs, United Cutlery differentiates it- sion? ward to making AKTI an ever-more-sub- self by offering exclusive designs, pat- What do you think? Send your com- stantial voice and reference for knife ented mechanisms and exclusive brands. ments to Jan Billeb, AKTI Executive Di- enthusiasts and professionals.” rector, and we will include a sample in our next issue. President Bush Signs Historic YES, I will join AKTI and help ‘Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act’ support responsible knife use! Give generously! Your membership dues help … Showing his continued support for 1) Fight for your knife rights...as we did in California, in legal reform to protect America’s law- abiding businesses and its economy, Boston, in Florida, wherever AKTI is needed! President Bush on October 26, 2005, 2) Communicate regularly with knife users and the editors signed into law a bill that will put an end of more than 50 outdoor publications! to “junk” lawsuits against the nations 3) Help lawmakers and law enforcement personnel with firearms industry. information...such as the knife measuring protocol. The ‘Protection of Lawful Commerce Consider supporting AKTI with a Life Membership in Arms Act” will block any future law- suits attempting to hold firerams industry Name______companies liable for the actions of crimi- nals who misuse the industry’s lawful Company______Title______products. “Our industry offers its sincere Address______thanks to the president and Congress for recognizing the importance of this much- City______State______Zip______needed legislation. This law will not only help protect law-abiding businesses and Phone______E-Mail______the jobs of thousands nationwide, but it ? Check here if this is a renewal. will also help ensure a positive future for ? Platinum Associate - $1,000/yr ? Premier Member - $2,000/yr our nation’s hunting and shooting tradi- ? Gold Associate - $500/yr (Voting Membership) tions and our firearms freedoms,” said ? Silver Associate - $200/yr ? Retailer Associate - $100/yr Doug Painter, president of the National ? Annual Ambassador Member (Individual) - $35/yr Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the ? Life Membership (Individual) - $750 trade association representing firearms I support AKTI with an additional contribution of $______and ammunitions manuacturers. Check #______Enclosed for $______President Bush praised Congress for Visa/Mastercard Charge:______Exp:______the bill’s passage adding “...Our laws Signed______Date:______should punish criminals who use guns to ? Check here if you prefer to not receive any possible additional mailings. commit crimes, not law-abiding manufac- turers of lawful products. ...” Note: Since the American Knife and Tool Instititute, Inc. has filed as a 501(c)(6) not for profit tax status, dues may be deductible as a business expense, but not as a charitable contribution. 22 Vista View Ln Cody, WY 82414-9606

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AKTI Thanks Blade Magazine for its continued support of our efforts by providing display space at the October Blade Show West

AKTI Executive Director Jan Billeb sharing knife safety in- formation with a young at- tendee at Blade Show West, Portland, Oregon.