The American Knife & Tool Institute filed companion bills in the Texas Senate and House on March 13, 2009 to allow knife owners to carry knives used for hunting, fishing and on the job. The bills clarify that folding knives are legal to possess and carry in the state.

AKTI wrote to Hawaii State Senator Les Ihara, Jr., concerning his introduction of a bill in the Hawaii legislature that could have called into question the kinds of knives that were legal for legitimate recreational purposes in the state.

AKTI decides to introduce legislation in Texas after the Texas 4th Appellate District Court made a decision putting folding knives in the “illegal” category. This misapplication of the Texas switchblade statute should be clarified to permit knife users to utilize assisted openers, one-hand openers and folding knives for hunting, fishing and on the job.

AKTI’s bill S968 cleared its final hurdle when both houses of the South Carolina legislature voted to overturn the veto of Governor Mark Sanford. A 2/3 majority vote of members present in both houses was required for the override.

In 2008, AKTI took on the South Carolina weapons statute that was even more restrictive than an Arkansas weapons statute that the organization helped repeal in 2007.