Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on March 20, 2012 at 16:27

The Georgia House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee hearing on SB432, a bill that would establish Knife Law Pre-emption in the state, will conclude today, Tuesday, March 20, Knife Rights reported.

Knife Law Preemption would protect all law-abiding citizens who carry knives from the patchwork of inconsistent knife laws from jurisdiction to jurisdiction while traveling through the state, including those who will be traveling to the BLADE Show (www.bladeshow.com) June 8-10 at the Cobb Galleria Centre outside Atlanta.

Once again, we need your help to get this bill passed. Your calls and emails made a big impact passing SB432 in the Georgia Senate. Now, please call or email and ask the members of the Committee to vote YES on SB432 when it is before them for consideration today.

If you are a Georgia resident it is best that you call ALL the committee members below. If you can't call, at least email.

If you are a BLADE Show attendee from outside of Georgia, please email ALL of the committee members (listed below) and ask them to vote YES on SB432.

IMPORTANT: In your email or when you talk to each Representative's secretary, tell them that that you are a BLADE Show attendee or exhibitor and that the BLADE Show represents MILLIONS of dollars to the Georgia economy. It also represents many hundreds of JOBS in Georgia. All those hotels and restaurants we stay at and eat in during BLADE Show employ many hundreds of people, and SB432 will help support the BLADE Show! You deserve to not have to worry about local knife restrictions when traveling to and attending the BLADE Show, and even a single unjustified and highly publicized arrest could adversely affect BLADE Show attendance!

Use Email SUBJECT: Please Vote Yes on SB432

Ann Purcell - Chairman Dist 159 - ann.purcell@house.ga.gov Phone: 404-656-5139

Willie Talton - Vice Chairman Dist 145 - willie.talton@house.ga.gov Phone: 404-656-5116

Bob Hanner - Dist 148 - bob.hanner@house.ga.gov Phone: 404-656-7859

Bill Maddox - Dist 127 - billy.maddox@house.ga.gov Phone: 404-656-3947

Jay Neal - Dist 1 - jay.neal@house.ga.gov Phone: 404-656-5138

Billy Horne - Dist 71 - gahouse71@yahoo.com Phone: 404-656-0287

Scott Holcomb - Dist 82 - scott.holcomb@house.ga.gov Phone: 404-656-6372

Gloria Frazier -Dist 123 - frazier26@comcast.net Phone: 404-656-0265

Kevin Cooke -Dist 18 - kevin.cooke@house.ga.gov Phone: 404-656-0325

Darlene Taylor - Dist 173 - darlene@rose.net Phone: 404-656- 0177

Yasmin Neal -Dist 75 - yasmin.neal@house.ga.gov Phone: 404-656-0265

Doug Collins -Dist 27 - doug.collins@house.ga.gov Phone: 404-656-7737

Tim Bearden -Dist 68 - tim.bearden@house.ga.gov Phone: 404-656-0287

It is much, much better to email each member individually, but if you cannot, below are all the email addresses which you can copy and paste into your email:

ann.purcell@house.ga.gov; willie.talton@house.ga.gov; bob.hanner@house.ga.gov; billy.maddox@house.ga.gov; jay.neal@house.ga.gov; gahouse71@yahoo.com; scott.holcomb@house.ga.gov; frazier26@comcast.net; kevin.cooke@house.ga.gov; darlene@rose.net; yasmin.neal@house.ga.gov; doug.collins@house.ga.gov; tim.bearden@house.ga.gov

CALL or EMAIL TODAY!

For more click on www.KnifeRights.org.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on March 30, 2012 at 9:43

Exciting AKTI Knife Legislation Moving Forward

Several of the states where we have been working to introduce bills to remove restrictions
for law-abiding knife owners are moving forward. There's exciting things happening
in several states. Take action TODAY to tell your legislators to vote YES.

LOUISIANA KNIFE BILL WILL PROVIDE CLEAR DEFINITION OF SWITCHBLADES

SB 78 sponsored by Senator Dan "Blade" Morrish will clearly separate utility, work
and hunting knives from being classified as illegal switchblades. Incorporating
our "bias toward closure" language will align Louisiana knife law with the 2009
definition amended to the Federal Switchblade Act.

Dan Lawson, AKTI's Legal Contributing Counsel, championed this effort and worked
with Senator Morrish's office to draft the legislation.

Read more [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109609847733&s=3916&e=001c_oM...]

Learn more about Bias Toward Closure [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109609847733&s=3916&e=001c_oM...]

ALASKA H 55 HAS PASSED THE HOUSE

Owners of everyday pocket and utility knives stand to gain greater legal protection
under a bill passed by the Alaska House on March 8th. Alaskans - tell your Senators
to vote Yes on H55. Rep. Mark Neuman sponsored this bill to clarify that spring-loaded
and one-handed knives are not illegal. H 55 adds Bias Toward Closure [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109609847733&s=3916&e=001c_oM...]
language to the definition of gravity knives and switchblade knives.

Alaskans, be sure to read more [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109609847733&s=3916&e=001c_oM...]

SOUTH CAROLINA

After hearing a presentation by CJ Buck, AKTI Legislative Chair, AKTI President
Bill Raczkowski and Dan Lawson, AKTI Legal Contributing Counsel, last fall about
the importance of knives in the outdoors and the problems inconsistent laws create
for individuals, South Carolina Rep. Mike Pitts offered to introduce knife legislation
to help the residents of his state. H4609 will prevent any governing body of any
county, municipality or other political subdivision in South Carolina from enacting
or enforcing any local ordinance that regulates knives.

Dan Lawson, AKTI Legal Contributing Counsel, provided the technical assist in support
of Rep. Pitts' efforts.

More on the South Carolina pro knife legislation [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109609847733&s=3916&e=001c_oM...]

PENNSYLVANIA REPEAL OF SWITCHBLADES

Since fall of 2010, Dan Lawson, AKTI's Legal Contributing Counsel, has been working
with legislators in his home state of Pennsylvania on the elimination of all knife
laws that are problematic for law-abiding citizens in Pennsylvania. Dan has been
working with Rep. Jeff Pyle and Rep. Marc Gergely, who are leaders in the Pennsylvania
Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus, to identify support and guidance for positive knife
legislation in PA. At the same Rep. Michele Brooks introduced similar legislation
that would achieve the goals of AKTI. Dan has been working Rep. Brooks and other
members of the Pennsylvania legislature to advance this important legislation.

WASHINGTON STATE

Mike Vellekamp, FOX USA and AKTI member, championed Washington State legislation
that clearly defines ambiguous laws and enables assisted opening knife manufacturing
in his home state. This effort was a win for knife owners and knife manufacturers
in Washington. AKTI was pleased to provide letters of support and the expert testimony
of AKTI Advisory Member SOG Specialty Knives & Tools.

Read more about Washington H2347 [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109609847733&s=3916&e=001c_oM...]

BENCHMADE 581 BARRAGE ONLINE AUCTION ENDS MIDNIGHT 3/31

Thanks to Benchmade Knives someone is going to own a 581 Barrage and support the
AKTI Legislative Fund. All proceeds go directly to our efforts to change knife
laws.

The current bid for the Barrage is only $175. Bid Now! [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109609847733&s=3916&e=001c_oM...]

THANK YOU

A special thanks to a generous supporter! $300 was added to the Legislative Fund
by the purchaser of our February online auction knife, a Sowbelly Trapper donated
by A.G. Russell.

STARTING APRIL 1ST

Taylor Brands has donated the April online auction knife - don't miss your chance
to own a Schrade Trail of Tears knife SCTOT. Check out details starting April 1st!
[http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109609847733&s=3916&e=001c_oM...]

Let your customers, friends and family know that AKTI is the responsible, reliable
source for knife law information. Share this email and ask them to join.

Jan Billeb

AKTI Executive Director

American Knife & Tool Institute

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on April 22, 2012 at 12:11

Michigan Bill Will Remove Switchblade Prohibition

Lansing, MI (April 20, 2012) – Urgent – Michigan residents ask your legislators to support HB 5544. This important piece of legislation will repeal the switchblade prohibition in the State of Michigan and reduce the current prohibition on fixed blade knives. This will be a HUGE win for knife owners because it means the utility of one-handed knives will never be in jeopardy of being targeted as switchblades.

Passage of HB 5544 will add the Wolverine State to the growing number of states that do not outlaw switchblades and keep its over 10 million residents plus visitors from potential criminal charges. It will also add Michigan to the states where AKTI has successfully eliminated or clarified terms that are not defined or are too confusing for consistent enforcement.

“We’ve heard from a lot of Michigan residents concerned about the restrictions to their knife rights over the years and now Rep. Frank Foster has offered to sponsor this key piece of knife legislation,” announced CJ Buck, Buck Knives, AKTI Legislative Chair. “Thanks to the tremendous efforts of AKTI’s Legal Contributing Counsel, Dan Lawson, working with Michigan Attorney Peter O’Rourke, along with Rep. Foster and his aide Michael Krombeen, HB 5544 was introduced yesterday and we look forward to working to see that this legislation becomes law.”

MI Rep. Frank Foster (R-107)MI Rep. Frank Foster (R-107)

Rep. Frank Foster explained, “HB 5544 provides clarity and simplicity for citizens of this State, visitors, especially those involved in the outdoor pursuits, as well as law enforcement, with respect to knives. It eliminates archaic terms, such as dirk and stiletto, and makes clear that a violation of the law occurs if a person with criminal intent carries any knife.

At the same time, for those without criminal intent, it eliminates the 1950’s era of
prohibitions on automatic knives and prevents the misapplication of that law to various designs which have emerged in the decades since then.

It also very greatly restricts the existing prohibition on fixed blade knives, which should be especially welcomed by hunters, fishermen, hikers and others who enjoy the outdoors here in Michigan. We appreciate the input from the American Knife & Tool Institute for its technical assistance in putting together HB 5544, which has resulted in wording that will be clearly recognized and understood by everyone,” Rep. Foster added.

In addition to the repeal of Section 750.226a of the Michigan Penal Code, Michigan’s “switchblade prohibition,” HB 5544 will change Section. 227 regarding illegal fixed blade knives. The terms “dirk” and “stiletto” will be removed. Double-edged, non-folding instruments will be illegal if carried concealed except if a person is in their own home, place of business or on property they own or in transit between any of those locations. There is also an exemption if the double-edged, non-folding knife is carried for hunting, fishing, trapping or if used as a tool in the course of the person’s trade, occupation, or hobby. All other fixed blade prohibitions are removed.

“This proposed legislation has been thoughtfully drafted and redrafted to meet the needs of Michigan and its residents and visitors. We appreciated the input of Attorney Peter O’Rourke and the NRA-ILA in this process,” explained Dan Lawson, AKTI Legal Contributing Counsel.

“I carry a knife with me each day. Under the current law, I, and, I believe most of the men who work and spend much time outdoors in northern lower Michigan, are potential felons – just for possessing a knife! As a citizen of Michigan, I thank AKTI for following through on this issue, and Frank Foster and staff for addressing a seriously flawed law.” Michigan Attorney Peter O’Rourke

Everyone who lives, works in or travels to Michigan, ask your legislators to vote YES for HB 5544!
Find your legislator.
Select Legislators under Legislation to find your representatives and senators.
Links are provided to their website and direct email contact.

http://www.akti.org/news/michigan-bill-will-remove-switchblade-proh...

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on April 22, 2012 at 16:14

Excellent information.  Another great example of how AKTI works to preserve and restore for our rights in each and every state

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on April 29, 2012 at 13:05

NEW WEBSITE FEATURE Ever want to know if AKTI was involved in Hawaii or want to find the AKTI Approved Knife Definitions? Now there's a search feature on the website that will allow you to quickly check.   POSITIVE KNIFE BILLS ARE MOVING FORWARD Check out the latest information about our legislative efforts to protect your rights to make, sell, own and carry the knife and edged tool of your choice.  We're working state by state to remove restrictions.   Michigan bill  HB 5544 will remove switchblade prohibition...   Louisiana bill SB 78 will clarify definition of switchblade...   Alaska bill H 55 will add bias toward closure to gravity and switch...    South Carolina bill HB 4609 will add knives to the existing firearm...    Learn more about Bias Toward Closure   TAYLOR BRANDS - SCHRADE TRAIL OF TEARS ONLINE AUCTION ENDS MIDNIGHT 4/30  Limited edition knife generously donated by Taylor Brands. All proceeds go directly to our efforts to change knife laws. The current bid for the Schrade Trail of Tears is only $150. Bid Now!   TRAKKER FROM FOX KNIVES USA Starting May 1st the online auction knife will be a Trakker generously donated by Fox Knives USA. Don't miss your chance to own this one.   THANK YOU A special thanks to a generous member who donated money to place several ads promoting AKTI membership.   MY FIRST KNIFE Introduce a young person or friend to knives.  Ask for copies of AKTI's My First Knife pamphlet or download it from the website as a PDF.   Please share our emails with your customers, family and friends.   Jan Billeb AKTI Executive Director American Knife & Tool Institute akti@akti.org (307) 587-8296 AKTI - Keeping Knives in American Lives Educate | Promote | Inform

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on May 28, 2012 at 12:58

BLADE SHOW COMING SOON

If you'll be in Atlanta June 7-8-9 for the Blade Show at the Cobb Galleria:  

• Stop by our booth #162 for a free gift.
• Visit with AKTI Board members to discuss your concerns regarding knife issues.
• Meet South Carolina Rep. Mike Pitts on Saturday from 2 pm - 4 pm AKTI Booth #162
• Join us Sunday 10 am Room 103 for an AKTI Legislative Update and talk "How to Communicate with your State Legislators" by SC Representative Mike Pitts

GOOD NEWS FOR KNIFE OWNERS

Several pieces of legislation clarifying definitions, preventing more restrictive laws than exist at the state level, or eliminating vague terms are getting passed around the country.  Check out AKTI's News & Updatesfor the latest progress on the legislation that AKTI is actively involved in moving forward. Also thanks are due to the many members and individuals that are championing efforts in their states that AKTI is encouraging with testimony and letters.   

 

FOX KNIVES USA TRAKKER

Time is running out to bid on the Fox Knives USA Trakker! Current bid is $150 and all proceeds help us make changes that benefit the entire knife community.  Thanks Fox Knives USA for your support of the American Knife & Tool Institute. Auction ends midnight May 31st. 

 

Coming soon...

The June online auction knife is an outstanding opportunity thanks to Boker USA! The Boker Haddock designed by Jens Anso features a unique torsion Damascus pattern. Check out your chance to own serial #007 starting June 1st.

 

Please share our emails with your customers, family and friends.

 

Jan Billeb

AKTI Executive Director

American Knife & Tool Institute

akti@akti.org

(307) 587-8296

AKTI - Keeping Knives in American Lives

Educate | Promote | Inform

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on July 8, 2012 at 18:09

AKTI News

AKTI continually monitors legislation and regulations at the federal level and all 50 states to
watch for issues that need action. Check the Action Alert section for Calls to Action.

Pennsylvania Bill Will Remove ALL Knife Restrictions

Jul. 5, 2012

Pennsylvania bill would add the Keystone State to the list of those state that do not make individuals criminals for the type of knife or length of blade of knife they may own or carry.

AKTI Receives 2012 Blade Magazine Industry Achievement Award

Jun. 25, 2012

Blade Magazine recognizes AKTI’s legislative accomplishments.

SC Rep. Mike Pitts to Speak at AKTI Legislative Update

Jun. 4, 2012

Rrep. Pitts to let Blade attendees know “How to Communicate with your State Legislators.”

Louisiana Knife Bill Provides Clear Definition of Switchblades

Jun. 4, 2012

Thanks to Senator Dan “Blade” Morrish, for introducing legislation to clarify that one-hand opening and assisted-opening knives are NOT switchblades.

Michigan Bill Will Remove Switchblade Prohibition

Apr. 20, 2012

Michigan legislation will repeal switchblade ban and reduce fixed blade knife prohibitions.

Alaska Knife Legislation Moves to Next Session

Apr. 16, 2012

Alaska Rep. works to clarify that one-hand opening and assisted-opening knives are NOT gravity knives or switchblades.

Washington State Knife Manufacturers Work with Legislators

Mar. 30, 2012

Legislation will allow manufacture of switchblade knives, subject to certain restrictions, legalizes use by more public safety personnel of switchblades, and adds bias toward closure language to definition of switchblade (swing blade) to eliminate potential confusion with one-handed opening knives.

AKTI Works Again for Knife Owners in South Carolina

Mar. 26, 2012

South Carolina Bill H 5609 Adds Knives to Statewide Firearms Preemption

Alaska Knife Bill Moves Forward to Clarify Definitions

Mar. 8, 2012

Alaska bill passes House and moves to Senate.

AKTI Member Edward Weeren Wins Ontario Knife Company Marine Bayonet

Feb. 8, 2012

“I joined AKTI because of the respect I have for those who set it up and for the work AKTI is doing to allow citizens like me to continue to enjoy knives and to carry my pocket knives without fear of being arrested.”

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on August 30, 2012 at 21:34

Breaking news ---Colorado

After going on a camping trip this spring, the youngest Eagle Scout in the state
of Colorado headed to school and forgot about his knife in his backpack. He was
charged with having a weapon. This was a serious and scary situation for the entire
family. AKTI was pleased to work with his public defender, providing guidance and
expertise. The primary issue was the length of the knife. After reviewing the AKTI
Knife Measuring Protocol, the police agreed that the knife was not more than 3.5
inches and all charges were dropped.

Once again, AKTI was recognized as the credible, reliable and accurate source of
information about knife issues.

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on August 31, 2012 at 5:43

WONDERFUL NEWS!!! I love this group

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on November 30, 2012 at 9:32

Legislative Supporters Re-elected | Chris Reeve Sebenza auction ends soon
www.AKTI.org

Latest News & Updates

Some things staying the same is good.

I know most people got pretty tired of the campaigning and hearing about the recent elections. Good news is that the legislators that AKTI has actively been working with for changes in Pennsylvania, Michigan, South Carolina, and other states were all re-elected. It is good that those positions did not change. Now that the elections are over we can all get back to the work of maintaining and assuring our knife liberties.

This week AKTI representatives are attending a national meeting for state legislators and making more contacts to expand on our efforts. More information as it is available.

For the latest available on Knife Legislation Efforts check out AKTI's News & Updates.

November Online Auction for Sebenza 21 Ends Tomorrow

The current bid on a Small Sebenza 21 with a Unique Graphic is $375. Wouldn't this make a great Christmas gift for a good friend or yourself? Thank you Chris Reeve Knives for supporting AKTI's legislative fund with this contribution.

A Browning Escalade Skinner will be the December online auction knife. Thanks Browning for your support and membership as a Premier member.

Facebook Contest

Have you liked AKTI on Facebook at www.facebook.com/saveourknives? We have a contest going on...check it out.

Best wishes for the Holiday Season. Christmas offers a great opportunity for a knife gift for your children or grandchildren. Print out our My First Knife pamphlet online to include with it or request printed copies.

Share our emails with your customers, family and friends and ask them to sign up as free Grassroots Supporters.

Jan Billeb

AKTI Executive Director

American Knife & Tool Institute

akti@akti.org

(307) 587-8296

AKTI - Keeping Knives in American Lives
Educate | Promote | Inform

American Knife & Tool Institute | 22 Vista View Ln | Cody | WY | 82414

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on December 1, 2012 at 18:31

This is probably the most important group of knife folks there are in the USA.  They fight for the preservation of our right to collect and own

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on December 28, 2012 at 17:16

AKTI Meets with State Legislators at National Summit

Myrtle Beach, SC (December 7, 2012) – Representatives from the American Knife & Tool Institute met with state legislative and other sportsmen’s leaders from around the country last week to discuss the issues sportsmen face due to knife restrictions. Attending the 9th Annual National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses Sportsman Legislator Summit were AKTI President Bill Raczkowski, Gerber, and John Larkin, AKTI Legislative Consultant.

John Larkin with Craig Miner, State Rep from Connecticut. Photo courtesy CSF Staff.

The Summit is the largest gathering of state sportsmen and women legislators in the United States and provides a unique opportunity to present concerns to legislators who value a pro-sportsmen agenda. Panel discussions and presentations covered several topics including federal and state policy issues dealing with recreational fishing and current challenges facing recreational shooting. Held this year in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, participants were able to take some time off for shooting, fishing and other activities that they all care passionately about.

“We realize, as an organization, the vital importance of outdoor activities in the United States and how difficult it would be to participate in most of them without a knife,” noted Bill Raczkowski, AKTI President. “Discussing knife law restrictions to legislators who are sportsmen and women and appreciate a valuable tool can be eye-opening for them.”

“We had several productive conversations with legislators about their specific state’s knife laws and the issues facing the industry,” reported John Larkin, “and it was good to get updates from both past and future sponsors of legislation we are interested in. We appreciate the efforts of Rep. Mike Pitts, South Carolina, Rep. Mark Neumann, Alaska, and others who have introduced changes in their states that will benefit all knife owners.”

Jeff Crane, President of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation stated, “The NASC Annual Sportsman-Legislator Summit provides an opportunity for state legislators, sportsmen organizations and industry-allies to gather and exchange ideas on pro-sportsmen legislation, and other related issues. I want to thank groups like AKTI for their participation and continued support of the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses and their commitment towards protecting our sportsmen’s heritage. Without them, this conference could not be made possible.”

William Henry Limited Edition

Thanks to A.G. Russell Knives, Benchmade, Buck Knives, Blade Magazine, Columbia River Knife & Tool, Gerber, Meyerco, SOG, Taylor Brands, and W.R. Case for providing information that was distributed to everyone in attendance. A special thank you to William Henry for the generous donation of a gentleman’s knife provided for the NASC silent auction and continued support.

NASC 2012 Registration with AKTI information. Photo courtesy CSF staff.

The National Assembly Sportsmen’s Caucus is a network of state legislative caucuses with over 2,000 state legislators who are members, representing 39 state legislative caucuses. The caucus is managed by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, working with Congress, governors, and state legislatures to protect and advance hunting, recreational shooting, fishing and trapping.

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