June 28, 2024

Evolve facilitated a series of workshops with knife-industry leaders. 

These past few months, Team Evolve has been facilitating a series of discussions and workshops around one key question: How will we establish Portland as a globally recognized Knife-Making capital? Creating a "Knife Center of Excellence"—an exciting and challenging brief! 

Fun fact: Portland is home to more knife companies than any other U.S. city. But to those outside the industry, many don't know this. We were honored to be tapped to help craft this story and articulate the collective vision.

These conversations culminated in a recent worksession attended by various knife category leaders: brands and manufacturers, supply chain specialists, regional tourism agencies, government officials, R&D interests, and more. We anticipate this is only the beginning of many conversations to come. 

Special thanks to everyone involved: State of Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer. Ron Khormaei of STEELPORT Knife Co. Keith Carrato of GERBER. Jon deAsis of BENCHMADE. Ben Rivera + Melissa McClary of Leatherman Tool Group. Mark Schreiber of CRKT (Columbia River Knife & Tool). Todd Davidson of Travel Oregon. And many more...