Five of Portland’s biggest knife companies (Benchmade, CRKT, Gerber, Leatherman, and Steelport Knife Co.) have formed a coalition of sorts called the Portland Knife Center of Excellence (PKCoE).
The stated mission statement is to “bring global awareness to Portland as a destination to connect and celebrate the passionate knife community while building pride in American craft, education, and innovation”.
To start things off, PKCoE is organizing a National Knife Day showcase event and a sweepstakes.
The National Knife Day Showcase
This is happening on August 24 at the Steelport Knife Co. factory parking lot in Portland from 10 AM to 2 PM.
Featured events will include:
- Displays and on-site experts from all five brands;
- An official proclamation by Portland government oficials declaring August 24th , 2024 as “Portland Day of Excellence in Manufacturing”;
- A live knife forging demo;
- A display of historical artifacts showcasing Portland’s knifemaking history;
- Local food and drink, and Westward Whiskey;
- And a chance to enter the Portland Knifemaker Giveaway.
You can learn more here.
The Portland Knifemaker Giveaway
Each company is putting up $1,000 worth of their products up for a single prize. You can enter to win with your email, and get additional entries if you follow each company on Instagram and sign up for their newsletters.
Here’s the prize list:
- A 3-piece Essential set from Steepport Knife Co.;
- Leatherman ARC, Surge, Micra, Skeletool CX, Wave+, Heritage Sheath, Signal, and Charge+ TTi;
- A custom 3-piece set and a Station Knife from Benchmade;
- A Hirin, Monument, and Redemption from CRKT;
- A Savvy. Assert, Fastball Cleaver, Fastball Purple, Centerdrive plus, and a Dual Force from Gerber.
The winner will be announced on August 24, and you can enter here.
