Each August 24th, knife enthusiasts pause to celebrate one of humanity’s oldest and most indispensable tools. National Knife Day spotlights the enduring role of knives, from early survival to modern everyday carry. Since its inception in 2011, though its precise beginnings remain unclear, the observance offers a chance to appreciate the craft and innovation shaping today’s knives.
The Historical Connection to August 24th
People chose August 24th for National Knife Day because of its connection to an important moment in American knife history. On this date in 1838, Rezin Bowie wrote a letter to the Planters’ Advocate claiming credit for creating the famous Bowie knife. In his correspondence, Bowie stated: “The first Bowie knife was made by me in the parish of Avoyelles, in this state (Louisiana), as a hunting knife, for which purpose, exclusively, it was used for many years.”
Historical records from Holmesville, Louisiana, show that Bowie's granddaughter later added more details about the knife’s creation. She wrote that her grandfather never intended the instrument for anything but hunting and that a hired white man named Jesse Clift made it from an old file at the plantation blacksmith shop on her grandfather's Bayou Boeuf plantation. Her mother watched Clift craft the knife.
From Stone Tools to Modern Steel
The knife predates recorded history as one of humanity's earliest tools, meeting basic survival needs. Early humans sharpened stones such as flint, obsidian, and chert to make blades. Native American craftsmen expanded the range of materials used for their cutting implements to include bone, antler, and oyster shell.
The Iron Age marked a turning point in knife production. Iron blades offered greater strength and durability than their stone predecessors and maintained sharper edges for extended periods. Steel eventually replaced iron, delivering even better performance. Modern knife makers craft tools from cobalt alloys and titanium, pushing the boundaries of what these tools achieve.
The American Cultural Icon
During the 19th century, knives transcended their practical functions and became cultural symbols in America. Colonial cutlery historians note that knives symbolized the rugged independence and self-sufficiency of early American settlers. The Bowie knife epitomized frontier resilience and resourcefulness. Pioneers, settlers, and frontiersmen used it to hunt, skin game, chop wood, and defend themselves.
This cultural significance persists in modern knife collecting. Knife collectors seek, locate, acquire, organize, catalog, display, store, and maintain knives. Some collectors pursue various types of knives, while others specialize in bayonets, factory-made knives, Bowie knives, pocket knives, or handmade custom pieces.
The Modern Knife Market
The global knife industry continues expanding across multiple segments. Coherent Market Insights estimates the knife market will reach $2.61 billion in 2025 and grow to $3.55 billion by 2032, representing a 4.5% compound annual growth rate. Grand View Research provides slightly different figures, estimating the global knife market at $4.48 billion in 2024 and projecting growth to $7.79 billion by 2033.
Folding knives held 23% of the market share in 2025 as outdoor recreation and survival culture spurred their popularity. North Americans account for 44% of the overall market, driven by strong outdoor and hunting traditions. Consumers drive robust growth in the kitchen knife segment, and Technavio projects a $2.05 billion increase from 2025 to 2029 at a 10.4% compound annual growth rate.
The EDC Revolution
Everyday carry culture is redefining how people own and use knives today. According to Accio’s latest research, 47.89% of Amazon users seek out everyday carry items, while 32.48% turn to knives to boost their sense of self-reliance. More consumers are embracing knives crafted from premium materials, such as titanium, carbon fiber, and advanced steels like S35VN and D2.
Red Label Abrasives’ 2025 knife-making industry survey shows that hunting knives remain the most popular category, with 48% of makers reporting them as their top sellers, a 7% increase from 2024. Makers made EDC knives their second-most-popular category at 18%, surpassing culinary knives at 16%. The survey also reveals that 62% of makers generate most sales through referrals, while 12% rely on social media as their main sales channel.
Material Innovation in 2025
Current knife manufacturers emphasize lightweight yet durable materials. They use carbon fiber, titanium, and aerospace-grade aluminum as standard in premium knife construction. Yanko Design reports that flagship models now feature MagnaCut blade steel. These knives use titanium handles and carbon fiber overlays, combining toughness with corrosion resistance.
WERD EDC notes that manufacturers typically use machined titanium, aerospace-grade aluminum, carbon fiber, or high-grade stainless steel to build their products. These materials deliver the durability needed for daily use and reduce weight for comfortable pocket carry. The blade clip market analysis shows that advanced materials, which enhance durability and aesthetics, are driving market expansion.
The Collector’s Market
The late 1960s marked the beginning of the custom knife-collecting boom, characterized by increased interest in handcrafted knives prized for unique designs and superior quality. Custom knife makers often develop large collector followings, with demand far exceeding supply. Secondary-market prices for custom knives range from 50% to 200% above their original purchase prices.
Antique Bowie knife collecting represents one of the higher-end collecting niches. Rare models can sell for more than $200,000. Mass-produced Sheffield Bowies from the 19th century command prices between $5,000 and $15,000. Collectors rely on publications such as Knives Illustrated, Knife Magazine, European Blades, and Blade Magazine for information on trends, historical pieces, and collection management tips.
Celebrating National Knife Day
National Knife Day offers various ways to appreciate these tools. Days of the Year urges you to purchase the knife set you’ve been considering. You can also visit specialty cooking stores to examine high-quality kitchen knives. Holiday Calendar urges you to sharpen your knives. Sharpening makes cooking easier and faster while extending the lifespan of your knives.
Many retailers offer promotions, giveaways, and sales on August 24th. Maintenance activities like cleaning, oiling, and sharpening knives provide practical ways to observe the day. The Portland Knife Center of Excellence hosts its annual Showcase Event on National Knife Day. It highlights Portland's knifemakers and local manufacturing history. The 2025 event includes the Ultimate Portland Knifemaker Giveaway featuring $9,100 worth of knives.
The Economic Impact
The knife industry drives substantial economic activity in the United States. Food Truck Empire statistics indicate the industry delivers a total economic impact of $5.72 billion on the US economy. Between 2021 and 2025, the consumer kitchen knife market alone will increase by $680.1 million, growing at a 6.88% compound annual growth rate.
Collectors drive personalization trends in 2025 by seeking custom works that display their preferences. This trend boosts small-scale makers and custom shops alongside larger manufacturers, creating a varied marketplace that serves different consumer segments and price points.
Our Approach to Modern Knife Design
We take a contemporary approach to knife manufacturing and distribution. Our company was founded in 2015 by Yong-Soo Chung, who started it in his San Francisco apartment after leaving his software engineering position at Ripple. We focus on premium everyday carry tools and are committed to making high-quality EDC gear accessible to everyone, guided by our tagline: “Grails Within Reach.”
We release new exclusive EDC gear every Wednesday at 12pm PT, including pocket knives, flashlights, lanyard beads, prybars, multitools, fidgets, worry stones, challenge coins, and EDC pens. We’ve since built a following of 166,000 on Instagram with our “Fine Analog Tools for the Future” approach. Our pocket knives serve as the foundation of many EDC collections, as these tools remain the classic staple around which most people build their carry setup.
Looking Forward
Mark your calendar: in 2026, National Knife Day falls on a Monday, but the real action starts the weekend before. Dive into knife shows, connect with fellow enthusiasts, or simply tend to your prized collection. It’s a tradition that keeps growing, inviting you to discover the knife’s storied past and enduring usefulness.
The knife industry’s steady growth, new materials, and expanding collector base show that these tools continue to serve practical purposes. From early stone implements to modern titanium and carbon fiber designs, knives still provide essential utility and represent craftsmanship and innovation.