The American Knife and Tool Institute (AKTI) proudly announces that TOPS Knives of Ucon, Idaho, has joined the nonprofit organization as a new member. Tops will support AKTI at the Premier Membership level.
Founded in 1998 as a manufacturer of knives with specific military and law enforcement applications, knives and tools by TOPS are designed by military and police veterans with real-world experience. Leo Espinoza, who’s been with the company since 1999, oversees a team of 65 people at the production facility.
“Being part of AKTI is about working jointly with other companies in the knife industry as a group,” said Craig Powell, General Manager of TOPS. “There is a lot of camaraderie in the knife world, and AKTI provides us all the opportunity to work together in unison.”
Jan Billeb, Executive Director of AKTI, said the organization is pleased to have TOPS join as it tackles issues like intellectual property protection and advocates at the state and national levels for reasonable, responsible knife laws.
“We’ve had several new members recently join AKTI at a time when economic, social, and political forces all bring different pressures to the knife industry,” Billeb said. “We appreciate that TOPS recognizes the best way to ensure we address those issues is by working together. ”
