The annual awards by Blade Magazine at the BLADE Show are recognized as the pinnacle of achievement in the knife industry. BLADE Show is the largest cutlery show in the world held every year in Atlanta, Georgia. Georgia represented one of Knife Rights’ successes this year with Knife Law Preemption becoming the law on July 1, protecting future BLADE Show attendees from onerous restrictive knife regulations that have existed in Atlanta.
Knife Rights’ legislative successes this year to date include the Knife Law Preemption bill in Georgia, clarification of the switchblade law that legalized assisted-opening knives and the manufacture of assisted-opening and switchblade knives in Washington and the passage of a bill repealing Missouri’s switchblade ban, currently awaiting the Governor’s signature.
In addition, Knife Rights made real progress on bills in Alaska, Indiana and Kansas that passed by super majorities in one house of the legislature and which would have been on track to pass into law except for election year and redistricting politics. Knife Rights expects to be back in these states next year to finish the job. In addition, Knife Rights has switchblade ban repeal and preemption legislation pending in Pennsylvania, as well as efforts in additional states.
Ritter said, “this is a long term effort. Our rights weren’t lost overnight and they won’t be restored overnight. Knife Rights is committed to passing pro-knife legislation throughout these United States and sooner rather than later. With support from our members, supporters and industry partners, it is only a matter of time.”
Knife Rights’ Ultimate Steel™ Spectacular supports its legislative initiatives. This year donors can win from $63,000 in prizes, including extraordinary custom knives by leading knifemakers, firearms and an African safari.; Go to: www.KnifeRights.org/UltimateSteel