POST FALLS — Among the dozens of people that gathered to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Buck Knives’ arrival in north Idaho on Friday afternoon, there was one commonality that threaded the group together.

“You’re here because we’re celebrating those who helped Buck Knives succeed,” said Human Resources Manager Tim Keaty.

As Jacklin Land Company CEO Tom Stoeser put it, everyone has a Buck Knives story — Stoeser himself even recalled finding one in his schoolyard years ago, which led to a vast collection many years later.

For C.J. Buck, the fourth generation of the Buck family to run the company, his Buck Knives story runs a bit deeper than most.

Buck described how Buck Knives was started by his grandfather as a “little family garage side hustle” that ultimately evolved into his family legacy.

“It was up to my father and I not to screw it up,” Buck said.

Having started out in Southern California, Buck Knives saw its fair share of financial difficulties, particularly after the 9/11 terror attacks.

Though they touted the idea of moving the company to several western states, the family was ultimately drawn to what Buck described as “the promise of Idaho” and relocated the company to Post Falls in 2005.

“Twenty years later, we still have that,” Buck said.

Still, Buck Knives continues to evolve: It recently opened a new retail store at its main factory location in Post Falls, and over 250 people are working daily in manufacturing roles.

Buck Knives contributes $20 million annually to the local economy, according to Buck Knives President Lane Tobiassen.

“You can just see the impact of a company with longevity here,” Tobiassen said.

Buck and other company leaders ushered in the next 20 years of Buck Knives with a symbolic ribbon cutting — fittingly completed with a sword.

“We talk about a family legacy, and how close we flirted with losing it,” Buck said. “(It’s amazing), just how much of a role Idaho has played in it.”