Rod Bremer’s journey in the knife industry is indicative of a growing trend in Portland, a city rich in knife-making heritage.
After leaving his role as a top salesperson at Kershaw Knives, Bremer founded Columbia River Knife and Tool in 1994, driven by the belief that manufacturers in Taiwan could deliver competitive quality at reduced costs.
This decision mirrored the path taken by Pete Kershaw two decades earlier when he departed from Gerber Gear to launch his knife company.
Despite being competitors now, Bremer fondly notes the connections within the industry, highlighting that Kershaw continues to touch base with former colleagues, maintaining a sense of community.
The city’s reputation as a knife-making hub dates back several decades, yet many remain unaware of the thriving ecosystem beneath the surface, often referred to by insiders as the domain of ‘knife nerds.’
To change this narrative, industry leaders have teamed up to seek national and local recognition.
The Portland Knife Center of Excellence, initiated by Ron Khormaei, founder of Steelport Knife Co., aims to elevate local awareness and attract new talent to the industry.
The center unites big names like Leatherman, Gerber, and CRKT, alongside boutique manufacturers.
Khormaei emphasizes the individual recognition of these companies, noting that many people outside the industry may not be aware of their Portland roots.
Establishing Portland’s identity as “Knife Town, USA” is viewed as a crucial step for communal growth and recognition.
Lane Tobiassen, president of Buck Knives, shares that while Portland’s knife companies are acknowledged individually, they lack visibility as a cohesive group on the national stage.
He points out that the region’s talent pool in design and manufacturing is a significant advantage over other locales, which welcomes innovative growth in the knife industry.
However, Khormaei warns that local talent might remain untapped without increased awareness in Portland itself.
This realization led to the establishment of apprenticeship and internship opportunities through the Portland Knife Center of Excellence, aiming to nurture future industry professionals.
In pursuit of broader community recognition, this center plans events like the upcoming Day of Excellence in Knife Manufacturing, offering giveaways to highlight the industry’s significance.
The roots of Portland’s knife industry stretch back to 1939 when Joe Gerber transitioned from advertising to knife-making, marking the inception of Gerber Gear, which has since evolved into an international powerhouse.
As time passed, more local knife companies emerged, creating a robust infrastructure to support their growth.
Leatherman began in a simple garage in 1982, and has since expanded to 600 employees near Portland International Airport.
CRKT, under Bremer’s guidance, employs 50 staff members at its Tualatin location and collaborates with designers worldwide, including locals from Oregon.
Kershaw Knives, founded in 1974, now boasts a workforce of 300 in close proximity to CRKT.
Knifemaker Lucas Burnley, who works both for CRKT and his venture, BRNLY, expresses gratitude for the opportunities in the Oregon knife scene which support his passion.
The Oregon Employment Department identifies 16 separate knife companies within the Portland metropolitan area, employing nearly 2,000 workers, with an average company size of only six but some firms employing hundreds.
Notably, workers in this sector earn a median salary $6,000 higher than the state’s median wage of $70,000 from the previous year.
The state’s access to diverse outdoor activities is often credited for the knife industry’s success, as noted by Leatherman’s CEO Ben Rivera, who underscores the importance of the scenic location for inspiration and product testing.
Moreover, economic development experts recognize the synergy between the knife sector and outdoor recreation brands, suggesting that various industries in the area thrive off one another’s expertise and resources.
With seven times more people employed per capita in the knife industry compared to the national average, the industry significantly contributes to Portland’s identity as a hub for high-quality manufacturing.
Triska, a business development leader at Greater Portland Inc, articulates that having a knife company in the region is an integral part of Portland’s brand identity, showcasing the production of specialized and high-caliber tools.
Despite the industry’s progress, challenges persist due to rising material costs, particularly high tariffs on imported steel.
Some companies, including The James Brand and Kershaw, are adapting to these challenges by absorbing costs, while others, like CRKT, are exploring international options for production to mitigate expenses.
Historically, CRKT has relied on Chinese manufacturing, but with increased tariffs looming, the company is pushing its suppliers to consider shifting production to Vietnam.
For companies like Leatherman and Steelport, a commitment to domestic manufacturing signifies a point of pride, despite the associated challenges of cost.
Sourcing steel from local producers is becoming increasingly complex, which adds strain to operations despite a dedication to quality.
In Portland, local vendors bolster the knife industry’s growth, providing essential services such as heat treatment and anodizing.
These supportive businesses enhance efficiency in manufacturing and encourage the establishment of new firms within the area.
Burnley observes that having a community of similar businesses streamlines operations and eases the process of product development.
Khormaei is hopeful that a sense of community among knife makers will not only strengthen their ecosystem but will also cement the industry’s future in Portland.
He notes that creating real value from their narrative requires collective efforts and selfless support from within the industry.
This emphasis on connection and collaboration forebodes a promising future for Portland’s knife industry, highlighting the unique relationships that have formed over generations.
As the industry evolves, efforts to raise awareness and attract talent will prove vital to perpetuating its legacy, ensuring the continued growth and recognition of the skills and crafts inherent in knife-making within the City of Roses.
image source from：oregonlive
