Portland’s top knife manufacturers have announced the creation of the Portland Knife Center of Excellence (PKCoE), a collaborative initiative aimed at establishing Portland as a central hub for the knife industry. The founding members of this initiative include five prominent knife brands based in Portland: Benchmade, CRKT, Gerber Gear, Leatherman, and STEELPORT Knife Co. These companies represent a significant portion of the knife manufacturing industry in the United States, with over 50 percent of domestically sold knives being produced in the Portland Metro area.
The PKCoE is intended to celebrate and promote the craft of knife making, while also fostering a sense of community among both manufacturers and consumers. The initiative underscores Portland’s role as a leader in American craftsmanship, innovation, and education in the knife industry. The founding members bring together more than 200 years of combined experience in knife design and manufacturing, marking an unprecedented level of collaboration in the industry.
Congressman Earl Blumenauer, representing Oregon’s 3rd District, expressed his support for the initiative, highlighting Portland’s status as the nation’s center for knife manufacturing and the potential to showcase this industry alongside the city’s renowned culinary scene.
The PKCoE’s first public event will be the Portland Knifemaker Showcase, scheduled for National Knife Day on August 24. The event will take place at the STEELPORT Knife Co. Factory and will feature a proclamation from Portland government officials, declaring the date as the Portland Day of Excellence in Knife Manufacturing. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the founding brands, view live knife forging demonstrations, and explore exhibits on the history of knifemaking in Portland, along with enjoying local food and drink.