Major global supplier of cutting and safety products joins other industry leaders on board of knife community’s top advocacy organization
(January 12, 2015) – The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) has announced the appointment of Acme United Corporation to its Board of Regents. The global company has facilities in the United States, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong and China. Representing Acme on the Board will be Rick Constantine, Vice President of Marketing and Global Business Unit Leader.
Constantine is responsible for the Clauss®, Camillus®, Cuda® and Western Brands and has been with Acme for 10 years. Known for his “strong leadership, commitment and passion,” he is credited with obtaining numerous industry accolades including Good Design® and IDEA awards as well as multiple issued and pending U.S. Patents.
“We are very excited to have Rick join the AKTI team and value his participation as we work collectively to represent our industry and the entire knife community,” said AKTI President Rod Bremer, CRKT. “Rick’s marketing experience and interest in counterfeiting issues will complement the expertise of other Board members.”
Constantine joins Board members CJ Buck, Buck Knives, Les de Asis, Benchmade Knife Co., Rod Bremer, CRKT, Rob Kass, Gerber, Kenneth Trbovich, Ontario Knife Company, Morgan Taylor, Taylor Brands, Jerry Heinlen, SOG and John Sullivan, W.R. Case & Sons in directing the association’s initiatives and programs. AKTI is recognized worldwide as the most respected source of knife legislation input and industry information.
“I’m very eager to join the AKTI in order to align with other industry leaders. Camillus Knives is honored to be part of this prestigious organization,” Constantine said. “As the oldest knife brand in the USA, Camillus is passionate about knife rights and is eager to participate and assist in the defense of our freedoms.”
Constantine is an avid hunter and nationally sponsored offshore fisherman, commercial fisherman and a licensed Charter Captain, competing in many offshore fishing competitions annually. Camillus is based in Fairfield, CT, and has been producing reliable, innovative and quality-made knives since 1876.