What started in a Frenchtown garage during the pandemic is now a 115-employee powerhouse with a brand-new facility at the Wye.

If you've driven into Missoula lately, you've probably noticed the striking new building perched on the hill west of town. That's the new home of Montana Knife Company — and this Saturday, they're throwing open the doors for a grand opening celebration that marks one of the most inspiring business success stories to come out of Missoula in years.

The American Dream, Forged in Montana

Founder Josh Smith started making knives at age 11 in Lincoln, Montana. What began as a childhood hobby evolved into a side hustle, then a leap of faith. In January 2021, Smith quit his job at Northwestern Energy, hired his first employees, and set up shop in his garage on a dead-end road in Frenchtown.

"It was just my wife and kids and I in my garage," Smith remembers. "And it started to pick up a little steam."

That might be the understatement of the decade.

115 Employees and Counting

Today, Montana Knife Company employs 115 people — with 25 more positions currently open. The company has grown from a one-man operation to a thriving manufacturer with customers across the country.

The new 50,000-square-foot facility at the Wye isn't just a bigger space. It's a statement. Smith points out that it's the first business travelers see when entering the Missoula Valley, and he wants locals to feel proud of what's been built here.

"I hope, even if you're not a customer of ours, that you're at least proud of what we've built here in the fact that we do contribute to the community in so many different ways, plus the payroll and everything, the careers we're building," Smith says.

More Than Just Knives

Saturday's grand opening isn't just for knife enthusiasts. The facility also features a Black Rifle Coffee shop, making it a destination even if you're not in the market for custom cutlery. It's a space designed for the community to gather, browse, and see firsthand what Montana craftsmanship looks like at scale.

The Secret Sauce: A Partnership That Worked

Smith credits much of the company's growth to meeting Brandon Horoho, who brought marketing savvy and e-commerce expertise to complement Smith's blade-making mastery. Together, they've bootstrapped their way from garage startup to a $19 million facility — without losing the local roots that make the company what it is.

Visit This Weekend

The grand opening runs Saturday, April 11 at the new facility near the Wye (west of Missoula off I-90). Whether you're a knife collector, a coffee lover, or just someone who appreciates a good hometown success story, it's worth stopping by to see what five years of hustle looks like.

Montana Knife Company | montanaknifecompany.com

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