In today’s culture, when it comes to brands and their resonance with consumers, two major factors determine success: the product, which is paramount, and the people behind it, which in our transparency-focused age, is almost as important. Yes, you make a cool jacket/knife/shoe, but modern customers often want more: we want to know who we’re supporting, and what the vision is.
When it comes to brands in the EDC space, origin stories run rampant; some authentic, some forced. But one that’s stood out to me for some time is that of one of the fastest-growing brands in the world of knives — . It all starts with the brand’s founder, Josh Smith, and, yes, his mom.
When I first heard mention of MKC on episode , I was intrigued. Montana Knife Company launched in late 2020, and in the ensuing three-and-a-half years, it has grown to be one of the most popular new brands in knife culture. Its fixed blade knives routinely sell out, and fans include esteemed outdoorsmen such as Cameron Hanes and Steven Rinella.
I have heard of them, but not much more than that. I can forgive myself for not keeping up with the latest import startup, but I need to be on top of new USA companies for sure.
Read the whole thing at GearPatrol: