Home / Knife Business / CJ Buck Takes up Role of AKTI President Once Again

CJ Buck Takes up Role of AKTI President Once Again

August 2, 2023

CJ Buck has been reelected president of the American Knife and Tool Institute. Buck has a long history with AKTI, going back to the very beginnings of the organization.

AKTI was founded in 1998, formed by knife industry insiders with the intention of becoming an advocate for custom makers, production manufacturers, and users/enthusiasts in a world that is constantly changing with regards to state and national knife legislation. AKTI takes a tripartite approach built around three keywords: Educate, Promote, and Inform. Buck was there on day one, a founding member of the Board of Regents, the governing body behind the organization. He took his first term as president in 2001, and came up for it again for two more terms, 2015 – 2019; he has also been the vice president.

“I’ve been a staunch supporter of AKTI since the organization’s earliest days, and I’m proud of
the remarkable record of success we have of leading tangible change,” Buck says in the official AKTI press release about the prospects for his fourth term. “There is much more to do, and I’m eager to tackle the emerging issues we face.”

Buck takes the helm from Mark Schreiber, who was elected in 2021, and who you may know as the current president of Columbia River Knife and Tool. Jan Billeb, the executive director at AKTI, said the following about these two knife world heavyweights: “Both are committed to solving some of the most pressing issues facing all industry segments – from knife manufacturers, distributors, custom makers, retailers, and individual knife owners.”

It probably goes without saying but CJ Buck is a member of the Buck family, as in, y’know, the Buck Knives – one of the major dynasties in the knife world. In addition to his work with AKTI, CJ Buck moonlights as the CEO of the venerable Idaho knife company. He was also inducted into the Cutlery Hall of Fame back in 2016.

The information provided by KnifeNews.com (the “Site”) is for general recreational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed on the Site are those of the author or those quoted and do not necessarily reflect the views of any entities they represent. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of the information on the Site. Under no circumstance shall we have any liability to you for any loss or damage as the result of the use of the Site or reliance on any information provided. Your use of the Site and your reliance on any information on the Site is solely at your own risk.

Related Items