When it comes to knives, guns, and other weapons, there is always plenty of controversy surrounding their use, and subsequently, over legislation governing their use. What length of knife can be carried on you for various purposes? What type of weapons can be carried legally across borders? What types of permits are needed for these actions? Many of these issues boil down to whether ordinary citizens are free to carry any knives that they wish, or whether knife carrying should be heavily regulated.

As you might expect, multiple organizations have formed on both sides of this line. For those who collect or use knives, the American Knife & Tool Institute is the largest such organization. The American Knife and Tool Institute is a non-profit group representing the knife industry, including manufacturers, retailers, custom knife makers, and those who carry or collect knives. Whether you carry utility knives when hunting, keep a pocketknife in your pocket for everyday needs, or simply collect knives in your home, the American Knife & Tool Institute is an organization formed to support your right to do so freely.

The AKTI works to support sensible legislation when it comes to knifes. Their mission is to provide education on safe knife carrying and use, and to support legislation in line with their goals. Founded in 1997, AKTI is a unified voice to represent those in the knife-making and knife-using community. Its purpose is to educate the American public about the various types of knives and related tools that exist, and how to carry and use them properly. Besides education about knife types and the safe and responsible use of knives, the American Knife and Tool Institute also works to encourage knife legislation supporting its goals.

The American Knife and Tool Institute Executive Committee is comprised of industry leaders who meet to provide direction to the Institute programs. AKTI is most well known for its involvement in knife-related legislation throughout the United States, as well as on the federal level. The current and pending legislation monitored by the American Knife and Tool Institute ranges from customs definitions which govern which types of knives can be legally carried across borders to the length of knife that is legal to carry in your pocket. The AKTI website is constantly updated with knife-related legislation and other news events around the country, in addition to the contact information for relevant government officials and knife-rights support groups in your area.

The American Knife and Tool Institute is just one of the many ways for knife owners and enthusiasts to get involved at a grassroots level. It enjoys the support of the National Rifle Association, United States Sportsmen's Alliance, Wildlife Forever, Whitetails Unlimited, and many related outdoorsmen's clubs. If you routinely carry knives or use them when hunting, fishing, or engaging in other outdoor activities, consider supporting your rights through the AKTI and other organizations. Even if you don't belong to such an organization, always carry and use your knives responsibly to set a good example.