[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 158 (Thursday, September 29, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E997]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING MONTANA KNIFE COMPANY OWNER, MR. JOSH SMITH

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                     HON. MATTHEW M. ROSENDALE, SR.

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 29, 2022

  Mr. ROSENDALE. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize the outstanding 
work of Mr. Josh Smith, owner of Montana Knife Company in Frenchtown, 
Montana.
  Growing up in Lincoln, Montana, Mr. Smith began his journey as a 
bladesmith at the early age of eleven when he would work at knife-
making before and after school. At the age of twelve, Mr. Smith joined 
the American Bladesmith Society, and the next few years saw Mr. Smith 
honing his craft of blade smithing. His talents in the art are such 
that at the age of fifteen years old, Mr. Smith passed the Journeyman 
bladesmith test--becoming the youngest to ever do so. An impressive 
feat, Mr. Smith went on to earn his Master Smith rating from the 
American Bladesmith Society at the age of nineteen. In this too, Mr. 
Smith was the youngest to ever pass the rigorous Master Smith test.
  Mr. Smith turned his dream of starting a custom knife-making business 
into a reality when he officially launched Montana Knife Company in 
2020 as its co-founder and Master Bladesmith. During the pandemic when 
most businesses were closing, Montana Knife Company started 
flourishing. Hoping for one hundred thousand sales in 2020 and two 
million in 2021, they met and then surpassed their goals--with over 
four million in sales in just over three quarters for 2022.
  Starting out in a garage with only two employees, the company has 
grown into a twelve-person team with a ten thousand square foot 
building project underway to expand their business.
  Montana Knife Company has been gaining recognition nationwide for its 
high-quality, American-made knives. Its growth and success are 
certainly a testament to Mr. Smith's exceptional craftmanship and 
entrepreneurial leadership.
  I thank Josh for serving the people of Montana and his commitment to 
Montana values and traditions.

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