SDouglas -- Thanks for the response. I'm sure I could have found the URL, but thanks for it. I used it and spent some time on the AKTI website. I'll go back, cause there's more I'm interested in.
I'm not too much of a joiner. Seriously. Left the Cub Scouts after 2 years because I thought the meetings were stupid. Left the Marine Corps when my first tour was up. For awhile participated in a local, kind of unofficial network of people/resources regarding spousal and sexual abuse. Left that when I left my job as Parole Officer. That's it. The entire history of my group participation.
While off the top I can support the goals/mission of AKTI, must admit that I'm not at all impressed by the membership structure. I have trouble stomaching the fact that it costs $2K per year before one has a vote as to what happens in the organization. Appears strongly to me that the major manufacturers are determined to totally control what the organization does. And, that -- not unexpectedly, nor critically -- makes it obvious (to me) that money is the foundation of the formation of AKTI and it's purposes.
I am pretty much a recluse because of health problems. Coupled with my reluctance to participate in groups much, it seems highly unlikely that I could participate in process of educating school kids and civic organizations about knives, tho I believe that if anything will ultimately change the future of knife ownership it is making as many of "them" one of "us" as possible.
I'm sorry, but I don't buy any rants like lose one right and we've lost them all. I just can't believe in any evil-minded cabal determined to remove cutting instruments from all American hands/kitchens, whatever. I am a great believer in twits. I also firmly believe that a great many politicians, especially those toward either end of the spectrum, are twits.
The section on success stories was pretty small. Two items. One of those was handled alone by one knife manufacturer. It appears that a bit of education of 4 twits stopped the problem. I'm pleased to see that AKTI was successful in their efforts in California, in the recent almost goofy legislation. I'd sure like to know though, what participation/effort was made my individuals in California, whether knifeknuts or not. I have a little trouble believing AKTI is entitled to sole ownership of the credit for the changes. Seems to me I've read several times that the Buck Knife Co. was the primary mover in that fight. (Yes, I saw that Chuck Buck is a regent.)
Anyhow, to round all this up, I won't be joining AKTI at present. I'll keep an eye on their site and efforts. I'll look especially for news of individuals making efforts like that of Bruce from BE knives. Only knifemaker by name credited with doing something of the sort. And, unfortunately, that was listed to one presentation to one 2nd Grade class. I'd think that the Knifemakers Guild should be able to produce more evidence of their efforts and effectiveness. But, sounds like most only throw their money to the organization and don't take any personal responsibility for the outcome of the mission.
I must admit that the need to wait 2 days before anyone responded to my post, makes me think that AKTI really has its work cut out for it, in terms of getting forumites to join.
I apologize for the ranting tone of my first post in this thread. Mr. Bienvenue pushed at least a couple of my major buttons, and I wrote in the heat of that moment. On the other hand, I appreciate your candor and helpfulness.
Bugs