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You’re looking for a new knife in a certain style – we’ve got recommendations on the best blades for every price point.

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New Knives February 2025

BLADE Staff
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New Knives February 2025

A whole passel of knew knives that will set you wish list to overflow.

Eyes always peeled, we’re on the look out for the latest and the greatest. We think we’ve found a bevvy of them this February. So, with out further adieu, here’s our latest round of new knives.

Cowboy Szymanski M4 bayonet

Cowboy Szymanski M4 bayonet

Blade length: 6.75”
Blade material: Battleship blister-plated 15N20 nickel alloy steel
Blade grind: Flat double edge
Scales: Turned deck wood (long leaf pine) from the USS Texas BB-35 World War I dreadnought class battleship
Bolster: Same material as blade
Overall length: 11.75”
Sheath: Standard leather
Knife to know: Cowboy Szymanski donated the knife to the Battleship Texas Foundation through the Battleship Texas Artisans project to raise funds to refurbish the USS Texas.
Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $1,997
Maker: Cowboy Szymanski (SharpByCoop image)

Robert Appleby Tillotson-Inspired Sheffield Bowie

Robert Appleby Tillotson-inspired

Blade length: 10”
Blade steel: CPM 154 stainless
Blade grind: Hollow (36” radius)
Blade finish: 2,000-grit satin
Blade pattern: Clip point
Scales: Mother-of-pearl
Handle frame, guard & front bolster: 410 stainless
Overall length: 14.5”
Sheath (not shown): Wet-molded leather w/410 stainless throat and tip
Knife to know: The half-horse/half-alligator rear bolster cast in white bronze is in a style made famous on classic 19th-century bowies; Robert Appleby is no longer accepting custom orders
Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $3,200
Maker: Robert Appleby, applebyknives.com (SharpByCoop image)

Randy Caston Bowie No. 1

Randy Caston Bowie No. 1

Blade length: 13.5”
Blade material: 1075 carbon steel
Scales: Walnut burl
Furniture: Sterling silver
Overall length: 19”
Knife to know: Randy Caston’s Bowie No. 1 is a reproduction of a 19th-century bowie some believe was made by James Black; Randy is a past Forged in Fire champ (season six, episode 16)
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,750
Maker: Randy Caston (SharpByCoop image)

Jordan Danz Nessmuk

Jordan Danz Nessmuk

Blade length: 4.5”
Blade steel: AEB-L stainless
Blade grind: Scandi Scales: Butterscotch Micarta® w/Maple Valley Richlite
Spacers: G-10
Lanyard: Leather w/bead of butterscotch maple and G-10 spacer
Overall length: 9.75”
Sheath: Leather w/belt loop
Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $400
Maker: Jordan Danz, jdcustomknives.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Lee Parsons Texas Republic Bowie

Lee Parsons Texas Republic Bowie

Blade length: 12”
Blade material: 1095 carbon steel w/hamon made via the clay method
Blade grind: Flat
Blade finish: Hand sanded to mirror polish
Blade pattern: Clip point
Scales: Bog oak w/blue and yellow Micarta®
Fittings: Brass
Overall length: 17.5”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $2,500
Knife to know: The knife was made for a collector who is a huge fan of Texas; lettering is hand engraved and the hand-inlaid Republic star is 24k gold; March 2, 1836, is the date Texas formally declared its independence from Mexico; Lee Parsons is an ABS apprentice smith
Maker: Lee Parsons, skmoknives.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Larry Chew/TiKnives Covert Dual Action

Larry Chew/TiKnives Covert dual action

Blade length: 3.5”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Blade grind: Hollow on first run
Blade finish: Satin or bead blasted
Scales: Laser-engraved titanium & carbon fiber
Handle frame: Titanium
Pocket clip: Laser-engraved titanium & carbon fiber
Closed length: 4.5”
Makers’ price for a similar knife: $975 and up
Knife to know: Features the Covert Lockout mechanism in which the upper left-hand gimping slides forward to release the spring-loaded release button; dual thumb studs; options include Chad Nichols damascus blade steel and titanium, Timascus™ and ironwood scales, and a 3D-machined damascus clip (check w/makers for pricing on options); a collaboration between Larry Chew and Scott Self of TiKnives
Makers: Larry Chew/TiKnives, tinivesoriginal.com (SharpByCoop image)

Levi Graham Ancient Woolly Frontier Field Knife

Levi Graham Ancient Woolly Frontier Field Knife

Pattern: Camp knife
Blade length: 6”
Blade material: 1084 carbon steel w/copper cladding forged by Adam Deville
Blade grind: High flat
Scales: Mammoth ivory
Construction: Full-tapered tang
Bolster: Copper textured wrap and rawhide
Overall length: 11.25”
Sheath: Deer rawhide w/braintan fringe, mammoth bark center dangler w/copper tacks, cones, beads, rattlesnake vertebrae and horsehair
Maker: Levi Graham, levigrahamknives.com (SharpByCoop image)

Tanner Couch Saddlehorn Trapper

Tanner Couch Saddlehorn trapper

Blade length: 2 7/8”
Blade material: Vegas Forge stainless steel Virus damascus
Blade grind: Hollow
Scales: Stag
Bolster: Chad Nichols Wasp Nest damascus
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $3,000
Knife to know: The saddlehorn trapper was one of the favorite patterns of BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Tony Bose, iconic American custom knifemaker
Maker: Tanner Couch, Tilden, (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Marc Josef Knives Pizza Cutter

Marc Josef Knives Pizza cutter

Blade diameter: 2.76”
Blade material: 52100 carbon and 410 stainless nickel alloy steels forged in a san-mai construction by Brook Turner
Scales: Ebony
Overall length: 9.1”
Maker’s price for a similar piece: $750 at press-time exchange rate
Maker: Marc Josef Knives, marcjosefknives.com.au (Rod Hoare image)

Nicholas Orr Coffin-Handle Bowie

Nicholas Orr Coffin-handle bowie

Blade length: 8.5”
Blade material: Feather-pattern mosaic damascus
Blade grind: Full flat w/a double clip
Blade pattern: Clip point
Scales: African blackwood
Handle frame & spacer: Twisted & blued mosaic damascus
Guard & pommel: Mosaic damascus
Construction: Full tang
Overall length: 13.5”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $4,000
Knife to know: Nicholas Orr is an ABS journeyman smith
Maker: Nicholas Orr, (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Sam Roddy Bowie

Sam Roddy Bowie

Blade length: 10”
Blade material: Mosaic damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
Blade grind: Flat
Blade pattern: Clip point
Scales: Ironwood w/nickel silver and brass spacers
Guard: Stainless steel
Overall length: 15.5”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $2,400
Knife to know: Sam Roddy is an ABS apprentice smith
Maker: Sam Roddy (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Jacco VandeBruinhorst San Francisco Gentleman’s Knife

Jacco VandeBruinhorst San Francisco

Knife type: 19th-century dress bowie
Blade length: 5.5”
Blade material: Mosaic damascus
Blade grind: Flat
Scales: Mother-of-pearl
Handle frame: Mosaic damascus
Overall length: 12”
Knife to know: Full takedown construction; engraving by Wolfgang Loerchner
Maker: Jacco VandeBruinhorst, jvbknives.ca (SharpByCoop image)

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Damascus Folders: New Custom Examples

BLADE Staff
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Damascus Folders: New Custom Examples

These damascus folders have the stuff to wow.

If your knife is a damascus folder, all eyes are on it when you pull it from your pocket and deploy the blade. Is that damascus? Is it sharp? Who forged it? What’s the pattern? The questions flood in and the conversation starts. Enjoy the discussion!

Bob Hook: Dress Locking Folder

Bob Hook: Dress Locking Folder

ABS journeyman smith Bob Hook employs a damascus of 1080 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels forged by Salem Straub for the clip-point blade of his dress locking folder. The scales are Alaskan mammoth ivory and the bolsters are mokume gane. Blade and closed lengths: 2.75 and 3.25 inches.

David Kramp: Navy Rope Knife

David Kramp: Navy Rope Knife

Rose pattern damascus from Damasteel comprises the sheepsfoot blade of David Kramp’s Navy Rope Knife. The slipjoint is modeled after a Sheffield, England-built U.S. Navy rope knife likely issued around the time of the Spanish American War of 1898. A frame of 410 stainless steel supports the stag scales. Bolster: 416 stainless. Closed length: 4.5 inches.

Dirk Loots: Engraved

Custom Loots

Dirk Loots opts for Fracture pattern damascus by Bertie Rietveld for the 3.5-inch hollow-ground blade of his exotic folder. Scales and liners/bolster: Mammoth ivory and bronze. Inlays: 24k gold and fine silver. Closed length: 5.5 inches. Dirk also did the engraving.

Tom Overeynder: Dagger

Tom Overeynder: Dagger

A 3.62-inch blade and 4.66-inch frame of Gysinge pattern damascus forged by Damasteel highlight Tom Overeynder’s folding dagger. The spanner bolts used in the construction of the knife are Blue Tongue pattern damascus, also by Damasteel.

Ted Moore: Hollow Grind

Ted Moore: Hollow Grind

Larry Donnely forged the damascus for the blued, hollow-ground blade of Ted Moore’s folder engraved by Madeline Crumling. The frame and liners are 416 stainless steel and the inlay is black pen shell. Blade and closed lengths: 2.5 and 3.5 inches.

Manuele Messori: Halo

Manuele Messori: Halo

Damasteel forged the Thor pattern damascus for the 4.13-inch blade of Manuele Messori’s Halo. The blade inlay is white and black-lip mother-of-pearl, and the handle is zirconium, Timascus®, mother-of-pearl and Gibeon meteorite. Liners: Timascus. Closed length: 4.9 inches.

Andrew Takach: Harpoon

Andrew Takach: Harpoon

A damascus blade in a harpoon pattern, crosscut mammoth ivory handle in a bird’s-beak-butt pattern, and a flared damascus bolster with 24k-gold inlay complete a dress locking folder by Andrew Takach.

More On Knife Collecting:

Kronos Knives Gung Ho! Line Designed By Ken Onion

Elwood Shelton
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Kronos Knives Gung Ho! Line Designed By Ken Onion

Big, Brutish and ready for action.

In ancient Greek myth, Kronos (or Cronos) was king of the Titans—the first generation of gods who ruled the cosmos. It’s a pretty weighty title to hang on a knife company, but one the new(ish) upstart affiliated with gunmaker Palmetto State Armory has done a solid job of filling. Since its founding in 2024, Kronos Knives has left its mark on the industry and recently developed a line likely to further solidify its position.

Shake hands with the Gung Ho! line designed by Ken Onion.

Always a head-turner among knife buyers in the know, Onion designs have proved sought after. However, the Kronos knives are a far cry from many of the BLADE Cutlery Hall of Fame member’s recent entries. The four knives comprising the collection are big, brutish and ready for backwoods or tactical action. Honestly, it was more than what Mike Probyn expected when he initially talked with Onion about creating the line.

“I told Ken he had free reign to do whatever he wanted,” the President of Kronos said. “When I saw what he came up with, I told him there wasn’t a thing that needed to be changed.

We’ll look a little closer at each model of the Gung Ho! line in a second, but for the sake of expediency, let’s cover the knives’ commonalities first. Each of the knives is a full-tang fixed blade constructed out of 1095 steel and boasts G10 handles. The scale is held in place by oversized torx screws and the butt of the knife has a lanyard hole. Finally, all the Gung Ho! knives are American-made.

Kronos Truedefender

Truedefender

The knife has perhaps the most unique lines of the collection, boasting a wide belly on the blade and a modified drop-point profile. The knife has a sight rake at the grip, giving the blade an aggressive edge-forward posture when in the hand. While not pegged to any one particular role, the Truedefender certainly would excel as a bushcrafter or fall into any tactical task with ease. MSRP: $228

Kronos Maxhunter

Kronos Maxhunter

Living up to its name, the Maxhunter is a traditional hunting knife profile, with a long clip-point blade. The knife has somewhat of a dual personality. A thick spine towards the rear ensures it’s stout enough for tough chores, such as chopping or battoning. The tip comes to a sender finish, making it deft at more delicate tasks, like skinning. MSRP: $228

Kronos Elitesurvival

Elitesurvival

Aimed at bushcrafting, the Elitesurvival provides a very rugged design for those who thrive in the backwoods looking for. The drop-point blade is meaty and hardy enough to take the abuse commonly doled out in camp and survival tasks. A nice touch, the tapered grind on the spine—near the tip—provides a good striking surface for firecraft. MSRP: $256

Kronos Stiffneck

Kronos Stiffneck

Maybe the wickedest looking one of the bunch, the Stiffneck offers up a dagger profile with a single edge. The false edge on the blade, however, comes down thin enough that it would likely be no issue to grind an actual one onto it—if it’s legal in your neck of the woods. Though, it doesn’t hold like a dagger as the handle is not asymmetrical, with an aggressive rake similar to the Truedefender. MSRP: $220

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American Made Knives: New And Hot Options

BLADE Staff
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American Made Knives: New And Hot Options

Today’s American-made knives embody the latest in the state-of-the-art.

American knifemaking is alive, well and thriving. Certainly over the years the marketplace for cutlery has become more global, despite this native craftsmen and companies have held their ground and remained sharp as ever. Below is a good example. We’ve collected a throng of blades made in good ol’ U.S. of A. that showcase creative prowess of our countrymen.

Talon / Hawk Knife Designs

Talon / Hawk Knife Designs

Knife type: Tactical/EDC
Designer: Gavin Hawk
Blade length: 3.5”
Blade steel: M390 stainless
Rockwell hardness: 63 HRC
Blade grind: Hollow
Blade pattern: Modified drop point
Blade finish: Tumbled
Scale material: Black Dunes (Fatcarbon®)
Frame material: Titanium
Furniture material: Titanium (button, clip, backspacer)
Lock: Hawk Lock, toggle detent
Pivot: Bearings
Weight: 4.4 ozs.
Closed length: 4.8”
MSRP: $2,000
Available: NOW

Zero Tolerance 0044

Zero Tolerance 0044

Knife type: EDC flipper folder
Designer: ZT original
Blade length: 3.2”
Blade steel: CPM S45VN stainless
Rockwell hardness: 59-61 HRC
Blade finish: Two-tone
Scale material: Titanium w/bead blast finish
Lock: Button lock
Pivot: Ceramic bearings
Weight: 3.4 ozs.
Closed length: 4.35”
MSRP: $425
Available: NOW

Kershaw Launch Iridium

Kershaw Launch Iridium

Knife type: Automatic
Designer: Kershaw original
Blade length: 3.45”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Rockwell hardness: 62-64 HRC
Blade finish: Working finish
Scale material: Aluminum anodized black
Lock: Button lock
Pivot: Washers
Weight: 3.1 ozs.
Closed length: 4.55”
MSRP: $279.99
Available: NOW

Spyderco Lil’ Native Lightweight

Spyderco Lil’ Native Lightweight

Designer: Eric Glesser
Blade length: 2.42”
Blade steel: CTS BD1N stainless
Blade grind: Full-flat
Blade finish: Satin
Scale material: FRN
Lock: Back Lock
Weight: 1.5 ozs.
Closed length: 3.74”
MSRP: $160
Knife to know: This folding knife takes the company’s Lil’ Native Back Lock platform and lightens it by 40 percent with fiberglass-reinforced-nylon scales.
Available: March

TOPS Knives Wood Nymph

TOPS Knives Wood Nymph

Knife type: EDC/bushcraft
Designer: Bushcraft Kelso
Blade length: 2.25”
Blade material: 1095 carbon steel
Rockwell hardness: 56-58 HRC
Blade grind: TOPS’ modified Scandi
Blade finish: Tumble
Scale material: Tan/black G-10
Weight: 1.8 ozs. (3.2 ozs. w/sheath)
Overall length: 5.75”
Sheath type and material: Brown leather
MSRP: $190
Knife to know: Thick for its size, the handle is well-rounded and longer than the blade for a solid grip. The blade shape is simple and classic. It’s sharp, pointy and a little thinner than most would expect from TOPS at 3/32-inch thick. A simple leather sheath makes this knife one of the easiest to carry. It’s a simple yet effective workingman’s tool.
Available: NOW

Rick Hinderer Knive XM-18 3.5” Bowie Automatic Aluminum

Rick Hinderer Knive XM-18 3.5” Bowie Automatic Aluminum

Knife type: EDC
Designer: Rick Hinderer
Blade length: 3.5”
Blade steel: CPM S45VN stainless
Rockwell hardness: 60-62 HRC
Blade pattern: Bowie
Blade finish: Stonewash
Liners: Patent pending titanium half liners
Scale material: Two options: anodized blue aluminum w/inlay and Arctic Storm w/FCF inlay
Frame material: Aluminum anodized blue
Furniture material: Stainless steel black nitride hardware (add on) and matte black Holey Clip (add on)
Lock: Button lock
Pivot: Phosphor bronze washers
Weight: 5.12 ozs.
Closed length: 4.75”
MSRP: $495
Knife to know: Featuring a lightweight yet durable aluminum handle with patent-pending titanium half liners, this knife offers enhanced strength and stability without compromising on weight. Designed with the EDC enthusiast in mind, it blends innovation, practicality and cutting performance, making it a trusted companion for any daily task or adventure.
Available: 2025

Bear Forest Knives Stumpy

Bear Forest Knives Stumpy

Blade length: 2 1/8”
Blade steel: Nitro V stainless
Blade thickness: 1/8” w/90-degree spine
Grind: Full flat
Finish: Raw matte 
Scale materials: Various Micarta®/wood/Bearcarta (check availability)
Overall Length: 5 7/8”
Sheath: Kydex® black (.08” thick)
MSRP: $239.99
Knife to know: The Stumpy checks all the boxes; it defines what is needed in a small utility fixed-blade knife while in the shop or outdoors. At the same time, you aren’t giving up comfort.
Available: NOW

Bradford USA Guardian 3.2

Bradford USA Guardian 3.2

Knife type: Fixed-blade EDC
Blade length: 3.5”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut High Hardness stainless
Rockwell hardness: 63-64 HRC
Blade grind: Sabre, false edge, full height flat
Blade thickness: .14”
Scale options: Micarta®, G-10 and carbon fiber
Overall length: 7.125”
Sheath: Horizontal leather
MSRP: $229
Knife to know: Blade also available in a choice of ELMAX and M390 stainless steels
Available: NOW

A.G. Russell Knives California Bowie Knife

A.G. Russell Knives California Bowie Knife

Designer: BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member A.G. Russell
Blade length: 8.5”
Blade steel: 154CM stainless
Rockwell hardness: 59-61 HRC
Blade grind: Flat 
Blade finish: Satin
Scale material: Premium India stag
Furniture material: 410 stainless steel
Weight: 10.6 ozs.
Overall length: 13.25”
Sheath type and material: Handmade of leather
Special feature: Long California clip point blade
MSRP: $595
Available: NOW

RMJ Tactical Gym Rat

RMJ Tactical Gym Rat

Designer: Bryan Schellenger
Knife type: Fixed-blade EDC
Blade length: 2 3/8”
Blade thickness: 1/8”
Weight: 2.3 ozs.
Blade steel: Nitro V stainless
Rockwell hardness: 59-60 HRC
Blade finish: Tungsten Cerakote®
Scale material: Three G-10 options: black, dirty olive, hyena brown
Handle fasteners: Torx Grade 5 titanium anodized a bronze color
Barbell bead: Grade 5 titanium
Overall length: 5 1/8”
Sheath: Kydex w/ball chain & ambidextrous clip adapter suitable for pocket and outside the waistband carry
Knife to know: Designer Bryan Schellenger wanted to come up with a small, light but effective blade that could be easily concealed with minimal clothing, and that idea was spawned at the gym; also carries as a necker
MSRP: $185
Available: NOW

Tactile Knife Maraner 2

Tactile Knife Maraner 2

Knife type: EDC
Designer: BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Bob Terzuola
Blade length: 2.985”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Rockwell hardness: 63-64 HRC
Blade pattern: Sheepsfoot
Blade finish: Tumbled
Liner material: Hardened stainless lock-bar insert
Scale material: Titanium & G-10
Furniture material: Titanium backspacer
Lock: Insert linerlock
Pivot: Ceramic bearings
Closed length: 4.175”
Knife to know: Designed in 1987; first production variant
MSRP: $399
Available: NOW

Hogue Knives Ballista II

Hogue Knives Ballista II

Knife type: EDC automatic
Designer: Scott Bruhns 
Blade length: 3.4”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Rockwell hardness: 62-64 HRC
Blade grind: Flat
Blade finish: Two-tone: stone tumbled and black PVD
Scale material: Carbon fiber inserts
Frame material: Matte black 6061-T6 anodized aluminum
Pocket clip: Deep carry, right-hand carry
Weight: 2 ozs.
Closed length: 3.8”
Special features: Titanium accents anodized blue
MSRP: $239.95
Available: NOW

CRKT Twist Tighe Compact Automatic

CRKT Twist Tighe Compact Automatic

Designer: Brian Tighe
Knife type: EDC OTF automatic
Blade length: 2.69”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Blade thickness: .09”
Blade finish: Stonewash
Scale material: Green carbon fiber
Weight: 1.6 ozs.
Closed length: 4.01”
MSRP: $300
Available: NOW

Heretic Knives Wraith Auto

Heretic Knives Wraith Auto

Designer: Anthony Marfione Jr.
Blade length: 3.62”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Blade pattern: Bowie 
Blade finish: Bronze              
Scale material: 6061 aircraft aluminum
Furniture material: Stainless steel
Lock: Button lock
Pivot: Caged ceramic bearings
Weight: 6.07 ozs.
Closed length: 5.07”
Special features: Ambidextrous pocket clip, rubber inlays, snappy action
MSRP: $295
Available: NOW

Utica Critical Hit I and II MagnaCut series

Utica Critical Hit I and II MagnaCut series

Knife type: Tactical, EDC, survival
Designers: Bill Harris, Stephen Schook and Utica team
Blade lengths: 3 and 2.5”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Rockwell hardness: 61-62 HRC
Blade grind: Flat
Blade finish: Red powder coat
Scale material: Black textured Micarta®
Liner material: G-10
Overall lengths: 8 and 5.25”
Sheath type and material: Critical Hit I ABS sheath w/built-in sharpener and fire striker and reversible belt clip and paracord; Critical Hit II ABS sheath w/belt clip and paracord
MSRP: $170
Available: NOW

Bear & Son 4 ¼” Rancher Sideliner

Utica Critical Hit I and II MagnaCut series

Knife type: EDC
Designer: Bear & Son
Blade length: 3 3/8”
Blade material: D2 tool steel
Rockwell hardness: 59-61 HRC
Blade grind: Taper
Blade finish: High polished
Liner material: Stainless steel
Scale material: Cocobolo
Frame material: Stainless steel
Lock: Linerlock
Pivot: Ball bearing washers
Weight: 3 ozs.
Closed length: 4 ¼”
Overall length: 7 5/8”
MSRP: $95.99
Available: NOW

Benchmade Bailout

Benchmade Bailout

Knife type: Tactical folder
Blade length: 3.38”
Blade steel: CPM S30V stainless
Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC
Blade thickness: .09”
Blade pattern: Tanto
Blade finish: Graphite black Cerakote®
Scale material: Grivory® in ranger green
Handle thickness: .41”
Lock: AXIS®
Pommel lanyard: Anodized aluminum
Weight: 2.5 ozs.
Closed length: 4.72”
MSRP: $200
Knife to know: Maintaining its tactical hard-use prowess with a piercing tanto blade, this slim and easily pocketable folder features ultralight Grivory handle scales with highly textured grip zones and CPM S30V steel for superb edge qualities and corrosion resistance.
Available: February

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New Auto Knives: Three Standouts Of The Boom

Dexter Ewing
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New Auto Knives: Three Standouts Of The Boom

Three new models are but a smattering of the boom in factory-made automatics.

When it comes to a truly original American knife, it’s hard to top the auto.

Unfairly maligned over the decades as the “weapon of street gangs” and other inaccurate smears, the knife still known to many as the switchblade is enjoying a renaissance in popularity due to the reversals of many statewide auto bans spearheaded in large part by the two leading pro-knife legislative action groups: Knife Rights and the American Knife & Tool Institute.

With autos now legal to many thousands of enthusiasts in dozens of states, one of the results has been a boom in factory-made autos by a growing number of knife companies.

CobraTec FS-3 Molon Labe

The handle of the CobraTec OTF has a Cerakote® finish and graphics with the Molon Labe—Latin for “come and take it”—text.  A ramped thumb slide switch actuates the blade, which deploys and retracts with quick, crisp action.
The handle of the CobraTec OTF has a Cerakote® finish and graphics with the Molon Labe—Latin for “come and take it”—text.  A ramped thumb slide switch actuates the blade, which deploys and retracts with quick, crisp action.

FS-3 Molon Labe Specs
Overall Length: 8″
Blade Length: 3″
Weight: 6.3 oz.
Blade Steel: D2
MSRP: $160

Pros

  • Durable D2 Tool Steel Blade
  • Smooth and Reliable OTF Deployment
  • Relatively Affordable

Cons

  • D2 Requires Maintenance

If you’re into OTF (Out The Front) autos, Texas-based CobraTec Knives should be of interest. The small, family-owned operation offers entry-level, midgrade and high-end automatic and manual opening knives, as well as fixed blades. 

Its OTFs* are a great bang for the buck. The medium FS-3 Molon Labe edition features a 3-inch clip-point blade of satin-finished D2 tool steel paired with a 4.5-inch aluminum handle. Available in either a plain or partially serrated edge, the test model is the latter. The serrations give extra cutting power through thick or fibrous materials. 

The knife is sized just right to handle most cutting tasks and still be compact enough for comfortable carry. The handle has a Cerakote® finish and graphics with the Molon Labe—Ancient Greek for “come and take it”—text. A deep carry, reversible/ambidextrous pocket clip held by a large screw doubles as a glass breaker. A ramped thumb slide switch actuates the blade, which deploys and retracts with quick, crisp action.

A ramped thumb slide switch actuates the blade, which deploys and retracts with quick, crisp action.
A ramped thumb slide switch actuates the blade, which deploys and retracts with quick, crisp action.

D2 is known for toughness, edge holding and ease of resharpening. It’s been a popular choice for custom knifemakers for years and has become widely adopted in the production industry as an alternative to low-grade stainless steel, offering the enhanced edge retention at a nominal price increase, if any.  The belly of the modified clip point blade has excellent slicing abilities. 

Medford Knife & Tool MERC-1

The MERC-1 has a symmetrical dagger-style blade of CPM S45VN stainless for enhanced edge holding. 
The MERC-1 has a symmetrical dagger-style blade of CPM S45VN stainless for enhanced edge holding. 

MERC-1 Specs
Overall Length: 8.75″
Blade Length: 3.75″
Weight: 4.5 oz.
Blade Steel: S45VN
MSRP: $600

Pros

  • Premium Blade Steel
  • Innovative No-Screw Handle Design
  • Secure and Intentional OTF Deployment

Cons

  • Expensive

If you think the Medford Knife & Tool MERC-1 is like all the other OTFs on the market, you’re wrong. The 3.75-inch blade comes in either a double-edge dagger style or Medford’s single-edge Praetorian-style drop point, each in CPM S45VN stainless.

Sporting two sets of fullers, the dagger test blade is loaded with attitude. The 5-inch handle is hard anodized aluminum. A sturdy, wide, deep-carry pocket clip is affixed to the end of the handle by a large screw and has a glassbreaker point.

One of the more interesting facts about the MERC-1 is there are no handle assembly screws. How is this done? The top handle cover slides onto the body via a tongue and channel system. The large clip screw fastens the two together, preventing unwanted movement of the top cover. The no-screws approach provides a visually streamlined, cleaner look than most.

Note the MERC-1 blade’s dual fullers (page 44), reducing weight as well as giving the knife a double dose of attitude.   
Note the MERC-1 blade’s dual fullers (page 44), reducing weight as well as giving the knife a double dose of attitude.   

The MERC-1 is a solid performer. Blade deployment and retraction are quick with a solid feel. The sliding button requires some force to push and pull but once you get used to it, it’s no problem. This is done by design to prevent inadvertent blade movement.

The knife does well at general cutting but needs a bit of pushing to get through some tasks. Dagger blades are more for thrusting and penetration. One thing is certain, the MERC-1’s is definitely cool looking! (Author’s note: the knife for this review is an earlier version with a hex-bolt machining pattern on the handle. The pattern has been changed to a series of chevron lines and an engraving of a crossbow.) The MERC-1 is Medford’s first attempt at an OTF and an excellent one at that.

Vero Engineering/Pro-Tech Synapse

The Synapse handle is a half-and-half hybrid construction style, with a black Micarta® presentation side and the opposite side (right) hard-coat-anodized T6-6061 aluminum alloy for strength, light weight and minimal mass. A stylish milled titanium pocket clip carries the closed knife blade tip up in the pocket. 
The Synapse handle is a half-and-half hybrid construction style, with a black Micarta® presentation side and the opposite side (right) hard-coat-anodized T6-6061 aluminum alloy for strength, light weight and minimal mass. A stylish milled titanium pocket clip carries the closed knife blade tip up in the pocket. 

Synapse Specs
Overall Length: 7.3″
Blade Length: 3.2″
Weight: 3.4 oz.
Blade Steel: CPM MagnaCut
MSRP: $400

Pros

  • Ultra-Snappy Opening
  • Premium Blade Steel
  • Recessed Firing Button

Cons

  • Tip-Up Carry Only

Pro-Tech Knives has teamed with Vero Engineering to produce a collaborative auto: the Pro-Tech Synapse. The framelock design features all advanced materials in a no-nonsense folder ideal for EDC. It’s especially notable for the infusion of Pro-Tech’s trademark ultra-snappy automatic opening action. 

The 3.2-inch drop-point blade is flat-ground CPM MagnaCut stainless steel, which is known for its edge holding and corrosion resistance. The drop point shape provides plenty of blade belly. 

The handle is a half-and-half hybrid construction style, with a black Micarta presentation side and the opposite side hard-coat-anodized T6-6061 aluminum alloy for strength, light weight and minimal mass. A stylish milled titanium pocket clip carries the closed knife tip up in the pocket. Another nice touch is the firing button, which sits inside a milled cavity to help prevent accidental blade deployment.

The Synapse’s drop-point blade of CPM MagnaCut stainless is conducive to a wide range of tasks. The blade action is quick and snappy as with all Pro-Tech autos.
The Synapse’s drop-point blade of CPM MagnaCut stainless is conducive to a wide range of tasks. The blade action is quick and snappy as with all Pro-Tech autos.

With a closed length of 4.1 inches, the Synapse is neither too big nor too small. The large finger groove helps lock your grip onto the handle effectively, allowing a more secure grip with or without gloves.

The blade has an aggressive bite to it and the curve of the belly makes slicing almost effortless. The Synapse is a great working folder.

*Editor’s Note: According to CobraTec, its OTFs have a built-in safety feature that prevents the blade from fully deploying if anything is obstructing its path. Once in “safety mode” the blade must be reset by pulling it all the way into its locked position, making it fully functional again.

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Sharps Bros. Meanstreak Review: Keen, Mean Cutting Machine

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)
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Sharps Bros. Meanstreak Review: Keen, Mean Cutting Machine

A somewhat new player, Sharps Bros. makes the cut with the Meanstreak.

Relatively new to the knife arena, Sharps Bros. made its original mark in the gun world. The company team used their machining know-how to produce some well-built fixed blades and folders. The Meanstreak 3-inch Button Lock Folder is one of the latter.

The author said the machining of the Meanstreak’s titanium frame is “superb.”
The author said the machining of the Meanstreak’s titanium frame is “superb.”

It’s a button lock—to unlock the blade, simply depress the logo button on the bolster. The blade opens manually via a flipper. The machine work on the titanium frame is superb. Opening and closing the knife is smooth. Question is, does the blade cut?

Meanstreak Specs

Company: Sharps Bros.
Knife type: Flipper folder
Blade length: 3”
Blade steel: CPM S35VN stainless
Blade grind: Hollow
Blade finish: Non-glare
Pivot: Brass and ceramic bearing system
Lock: Button lock
Handle: Titanium and stainless
Pocket clip: Titanium, deep carry
Hardware: Torx
Weight: 5 ozs.
Closed length: 4.25”
MSRP: $200

Pros

  • Exceptional Blade Performance
  • Smooth Button Lock Mechanism
  • Superb Machining Quality

Cons

  • Potential Hot Spots

Light-Duty Cutting

I used the Meanstreak straight from the box to slice 20-pound bond paper. The knife did so smoothly and aggressively. I could hear every slice. The handle shape aided in positive control. (I had already nicked the meat of my thumb on the blade tip. Ouch.)

The edge withstood 30 antler whacks and then cut the paper smoothly to culminate testing. Spot-on heat treatment!
The edge withstood 30 antler whacks and then cut the paper smoothly to culminate testing. Spot-on heat treatment!

Single-walled cardboard was next on the test menu and the Meanstreak made short work of slicing it up. The relatively small blade cut straight with no hangups. From there it was time to slice leather scraps. I cut sideways into the 8-ounce leather and the CPM S35VN blade zipped through the medium as fast as I could move my fingers out of the way. The folder made some very nice crunching noises.

I wanted to hear more crunching, so I started skiving the leather. It was easy to control the Meanstreak, so I didn’t cut all the way through the material. This is a sharp little knife!

Heavy-Duty Cutting

Next up: whittling a fire stick. To get it to curl I used dry wood and shallow cuts. With my thumb on the spine notches, the curls started coming. Controlling depth was easy, though the inside of the frame was a little too sharp on my hand for the grip I was using. The Meanstreak made nice curlicues.

The Meanstreak made nice curlicues. However, the inside of the frame was a tad too sharp on the author’s hand for the the grip he used.
The Meanstreak made nice curlicues. However, the inside of the frame was a tad too sharp on the author’s hand for the the grip he used.

On to my favorite test medium: sisal rope. The Meanstreak produced 225 crunching cuts and was ready for more, but my arm was done. It was very forceful cutting. I wore a thin glove to protect my hand against hot spots as I used more pressure with the cuts. A fine emery board would take care of the unwanted sharp areas.

To check the edge for brittleness, I subjected it to several whacks on my trusty whitetail deer horn. After 30 hard whacks there was no edge damage. Heat treatment is spot on—excellent job! To prove it, I sliced up the other half of the 20-pound bond paper from the initial test. I could not tell the difference in blade performance between the first and last paper slices.

Final Cut


As for changes, soften the inside edges of the handle frame. (Editor’s note: The pivot could use better action as well as the blade is a bit sluggish when opened via the flipper.)

For a factory knife especially, fit and finish is impressive.
For a factory knife especially, fit and finish is impressive.

The Meanstreak is one sharp knife. Since there was no dulling of the blade it seemed like I didn’t cut anything with it at all. Plus, it’s made in the USA!

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SHOT Show 2025: Cutting New Knife Drops

Elwood Shelton
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SHOT Show 2025: Cutting New Knife Drops

Check out a few of the new blades that caught our eye in Las Vegas.

It was a busy week at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas for the outdoor and shooting extravaganza known as the SHOT Show. Of course, there were plenty of factory makers in attendance with plenty of new releases for the coming year.

Sadly, we were unable to make every cutler in the house for the big dance but we did stop by a good number and caught a glimpse of some of the new blades for 2025.

Kronos Knives Gung Ho! Line By Ken Onion

Kronos Knives

Kronos is a new kid on the block, one-year-old as of SHOT Show 2025. The upstart knifemaker had a heck of an anniversary surprise at the home of its launch. The South Carolina-based company unveiled four Ken Onion-designed Gung Ho! line of fixed blades. The four knives that make up the line are all outdoor/tactically angled with 1095 steel blades and G10 handles. The models include the Stiffneck (MSRP $220), Maxhunter ($228), Elitesurvival ($256), and Truedefender ($228, pictured above). Kronos will have them for sale at the end of February.

Case Sculped Ridgeback

Case Ridgeback

Case gives a modern and rugged look to its Ridgeback Hunter line with the introduction of the Sculpted Ridgeback. The fixed blade still has the sexy sweeping stainless steel blade true to the line but is dressed out in a durable and attractive new handle. In this case, canvass Micarta with G10 liners. The texturing is aggressive, making a workhorse that’s not afraid of bad weather but just as attractive as its rosewood predecessor which it is pictured with above. Case has a $128 MSRP on the knife.

Vero Engineering/Pro-Tech Custom Synapse

Vero Pro-Tech

The Custom Synapse Auto is a pretty sweet meeting between two of the knife industry’s heavy hitters. Given the fanbase of both companies, expect these to fly off the shelves with the $525-$700 price points. Jeez, who doesn’t want an auto Synapse? Especially one done up with Pro-Tech’s typical flare—pearl inlay button, an action that snaps like a wet gym towel, etc. Mouths will have to water for a while, the auto Synapse doesn’t go public for another six months or so.

CRKT Provoke X Axe

CRKT

An axe in your pocket? You bet—thanks to the mad geniuses at CRKT. Unveiled at the show, the Provoke X Axe is the latest in the forward-thinking Provoke line. Designed by Joe Caswell, the axe’s head and spike fold flush against the handle, deploying with a flick of the wrist. Built from D2 steel, it’s too light for felling trees but perfect for its tactical role—and it looks like it means business. With an MSRP of $350, the Provoke X Axe is set to drop to the public later this year.

Check Out More Buyer’s Guides:

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