The sub-hilt is at once belligerent and beautiful, adding a strange allure to the knives that sport it.
There is no consensus as to the origin of the sub-hilt knife, though most agree the sub-hilt fighter was popularized by BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Bob Loveless in the 1970s, if not earlier. Some believe the sub-hilt design was for hunting, and that the main purpose for the added hilt was for greater leverage when a surer grip was needed. A few have even postulated the additional hilt was for use as a brace in pulling the knife out after being stabbed into bone or another hard material, a use that it would no doubt accommodate most effectively.
Gary Langley: Gentleman’s Fixed Blade
Custom maker Gary Langley’s sub-hilt fighter may be small at 9 inches overall but makes up for its size in sleek blade grinds, exquisite mother-of-pearl scales and gold inlay. Blade and overall lengths: 4.5 and 9 inches. Alice Carter did the engraving. (SharpByCoop knife image)
Many knife enthusiasts think of a sub-hilt fighter as being a heavier-edged companion—and in many cases it is—but custom knifemaker Gary Langley’s iteration is a little gem of a knife.
“The small Loveless-style sub-hilt fighter is 3/16-inch CPM 154 steel with a double hollow grind on a 3-inch wheel,” the Dumas, Texas, maker notes. “The heat treatment is by [Cutlery Hall-of-Famer] Paul Bos. I originally designed the knife without the rear bolster. I added it when I couldn’t source the mother-of-pearl scales long enough—and I believe it turned out even better.”
It has what might be called a 19th-century Michael Price San Francisco knife look that makes it a prime candidate for a true gentleman’s fixed blade.
Andrew Blomfield: Sub-Hilt Bowie
ABS master smith Andrew Blomfield’s sub-hilt bowie is a tour de force of explosive mosaic damascus, salt-blackened steel, brass spacers, and exquisite Australian ringed gidgee wood. Blade and overall lengths: 11 and 16 inches. (SharpByCoop knife image)
An ABS master smith from New South Wales, Australia, Andrew Blomfield enjoys building large knives such as bowies and daggers. “The bigger the knife the better,” he states. An example is his sub-hilt bowie.
“I feel that this knife has great flow and balance,” he begins. “The blade is an explosion mosaic pattern damascus hardened to 59 HRC. The guards and pommel are salt-blackened steel with brass spacers and the handle is a beautiful piece of Australian ringed gidgee.”
The guard’s bottom quillon curves back toward the sub-hilt to partially enclose the user’s hand a la a D-guard, but also has hints of both a C- and an S-guard to it. Very unusual!
Andrew Meers: Rose of Sharon
ABS master smith Andrew Meers calls his 16.5-inch sub-hilt fighter Bees and Flowers, due in no small part to the Rose of Sharon and bees engraving. The 12-inch blade is a damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels in a mosaic pattern. Guard and furniture are 416 stainless steel. Overall length: 16.5 inches. (SharpByCoop knife image)
ABS master smith Andrew Meers of Raleigh, North Carolina, says, “I started with the sub-hilt in mind, which is a departure for me.” To say his deviation from the norm worked out well is an understatement.
“I like to incorporate Japanese influences wherever I can, and I wound up adding an integral habaki into the guard design as well,” he explains. “I wanted a blade that was able to feature a mosaic pattern, so I chose a broader shape that expands towards the point rather than tapers. The handle is a simple design to contrast the visual complexity of the guard.”
The engraving theme is of the Rose of Sharon and bees.
“The client had requested a floral theme, and we worked on the rest of the design and layout from there,” Andrew says. “The engraving was meant to complement the layout of the guard and furniture.”
Justin Harrington: A-Team
Built for an Army buddy, Justin Harrington’s superb sub-hilt fighter incorporates a masterful balance of random pattern damascus, mokumé gané and African blackwood. Blade and overall lengths: 8.5 and 13.5 inches. (SharpByCoop knife image)
Justin Harrington of Clemmons, North Carolina, began smithing 18 years ago and is the owner of Cyclops Forge. Of the sub-hilt he says, “It’s the racecar of fighting knives—weight, balance, curvature, tip control and placement all are important variables to be employed to reach a harmony which is felt right away when correctly done.
“This knife started its life as a phone call from an Army A-team member who wanted a special combat retirement gift for his buddy. The three of us got together and forged a damascus billet for the knife over three days in my shop. The 8-inch recurve blade is a random-pattern damascus of 1084 and 15N20 carbon steels. The guard and sub-hilt are made from a copper-and-nickel mokumé gané I make in my shop. The handle is around 5 inches of sculpted African blackwood with a bronze pin.”
The sub-hilt has a forward lean and spoon-cupped quillon that slants toward the guard to capture the user’s index finger. The result is a handle that seems to want to grab your hand.
Cool & Sexy
Whether fighter, bowie or what have you, the sub-hilt-knife genre may be more recognizably custom than any other. From the classic Loveless Big Bear fighter to the wide array of today’s renditions, top sub-hilts are cool, sexy and in harmony with the best custom knives extant.
The Boker Gnome Is A Fun Little Fixed Blade That’s An Excellent Neck Knife And Can Serve You Well As An EDC.
Sometimes bigger isn’t necessarily better. The new Boker Gnome fixed blade is a little gem that can be your trusty sidekick in the home and elsewhere.
It starts with a 2.2-inch wharncliffe blade of D2 tool steel. The knife comes in two different handle types. The one featured above is made from olivewood, and there is a slightly more expensive green Micarta® version. The big lanyard hole at the butt of the handle comes in handy if you want to lash the Gnome to your pack or hang it around your neck. Everything is kept safe thanks to the included leather belt sheath.
Even though it’s small, the handle is rounded in such a way that the knife is easy to grip. It weighs just 1.6 ounces so is light and simple to use. So many neck knives trade quality for convenience. The Boker Gnome is high quality as it is convenient.
Hunting and outdoor endeavors, these blades are a cut above the rest.
Looking to kit up for the next hunting season? Need to start thinking about filleting this summer’s catch? Or maybe you just require a little summer to make camp life a little easier. We’ve got you covered! From stunning custom creations to workhorse production models, we’ve gathered up top-not hunting knives, camp knives and about every other blade to tackle your outdoor adventures.
Paul DiStefano: Hunter
BLADE LENGTH: 5” BLADE STEEL: Mosaic damascus BLADE GRIND: Flat HANDLE: Ivory Micarta® carved w/Japanese maple leaves and birds native to Japan; bird’s-beak butt design HANDLE CARVED BY: Paul DiStefano GUARD: Mosaic damascus OVERALL LENGTH: 9.5” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $2,200 KNIFE TO KNOW: Paul DiStefano is an American Bladesmith Society journeyman smith MAKER: Paul DiStefano
Jacob Gaetz: Hunter
BLADE LENGTH: 4.5” BLADE MATERIAL: Mosaic damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels ROCKWELL HARDNESS: 61 HRC BLADE GRIND: Full flat, .01”-thick BTE (behind the edge) HANDLE: Stabilized redwood burl HANDLE PIN: Argentium silver SPACER: Heat-colored damascus GUARD STEEL: Heat-colored 416 stainless OVERALL LENGTH: 9 5/8” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $2,000 KNIFE TO KNOW: Jacob Gaetz is an American Bladesmith Society journeyman smith MAKER: Jacob Gaetz (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Tanner Couch: Rabbit Skinner
BLADE LENGTH: 3” BLADE STEEL: CPM 154 stainless BLADE GRIND: Hollow HANDLE FRAME: 410 stainless steel HANDLE MATERIAL: Ivory BOLSTER: 416 stainless CLOSED LENGTH: 37/8” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,600 KNIFE TO KNOW: Tanner Couch is a card-carrying member of the South Texas Slipjoint Cartel MAKER: Tanner Couch (SharpByCoop image)
Chris Hamelin: Saratoga Hunter
BLADE LENGTH: 4” BLADE STEEL: 440C stainless BLADE GRIND: Flat HANDLE: Maple Valley Richlite w/copper pin and lanyard tube, natural Micarta® BOLSTER: Copper; engraved by Wolfgang Loerchner OVERALL LENGTH: 8.5” SHEATH (not shown): Belt model w/snap closure of leather and alligator skin inlay by Buffalo Bones MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,300 MAKER: Chris Hamelin (Jocelyn Frasier image edit)
Charlie Lloyd: Crushed W’s hunter
BLADE LENGTH: 5” BLADE MATERIAL: Crushed W’s damascus of 1080 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels BLADE GRIND: Flat GUARD: Damascus OVERALL LENGTH: 10” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,200 KNIFE TO KNOW: Charlie Lloyd is a journeyman smith in the American Bladesmith Society MAKER: Charlie Lloyd (SharpByCoop image)
CAS Iberia: Modern Tanto
BLADE LENGTH: 10.5” BLADE MATERIAL: 1566 carbon steel w/hamon BLADE THICKNESS @ GUARD: .21” BLADE THICKNESS @ TIP: .157” TSUKA (handle): G-10 HABAKI (collar): Copper MENUKI (handle ornaments): Silver shi shi (lion dogs) SAYA (scabbard; not shown): Textured black WEIGHT: 15 ozs. OVERALL LENGTH: 16” MSRP: $259 COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China COMPANY: CAS Iberia
Russell Roosevelt: Hunter
BLADE LENGTH: 5.5” BLADE MATERIAL: Ladder-pattern damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels BLADE GRIND: Flat HANDLE: Amboyna burl GUARD: 416 stainless steel w/spacers OVERALL LENGTH: 10.75” KNIFE TO KNOW: Russell Roosevelt is a journeyman smith in the American Bladesmith Society MAKER: Russell Roosevelt (SharpByCoop image)
Josh Hults: Skinner/camp knife
BLADE LENGTH: 3.5” BLADE MATERIAL: Twisted ‘W’s’ damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels BLADE GRIND: Flat HANDLE: Stabilized black ash HANDLE SPACERS: Copper and G-10 OVERALL LENGTH: 9.5” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $800 KNIFE TO KNOW: Josh Hults is a journeyman smith in the American Bladesmith Society MAKER: Josh Hults (Jocelyn Frasier image edit)
Outdoor Edge: Razor VX 4
BLADE LENGTH: 3” BLADE STEEL: 420J2 stainless BLADE FINISH: Black oxide coated HANDLE MATERIAL: Forged carbon fiber LOCK: Linerlock LINERS: Vented stainless steel PIVOT: Ceramic ball bearing CLOSED LENGTH: 4.25” KNIFE TO KNOW: The Razor VX 4 is a replaceable-blade model; also available in handle materials of green Micarta® ($54.99) and Black G-10 w/spring assist $44.95) COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China MSRP: $69.99 COMPANY: Outdoor Edge
Spyderco: Spyder Thrower, Small
DESIGNER: Harald Moeller BLADE LENGTH: 5.3” BLADE STEEL: 8Cr13MoV stainless BLADE GRIND: Dagger BLADE @ THICKEST: .217” BLADE FINISH: Two-tone black oxide and satin finish WEIGHT: 7 ozs. OVERALL LENGTH: 9” SHEATH: Leather KNIFE TO KNOW: Comes in a set of three w/three-tiered leather sheath and a copy of the instructional booklet, Knife Throwing: The Knives and Throwing Technique of Harald Moeller; designed to be thrown by either the blade tip or handle butt COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China MSRP: $144 for the set Company: Spyderco
BLADE LENGTH: 7” BLADE STEEL: 400 series stainless BLADE FINISH: Corrosion-resistant coating HANDLE: Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) w/non-slip soft grips and hole for a lanyard SHEATH (not shown): Breathable TPE KNIFE TO KNOW: Designed for cleaning small-to-medium-size fish like speckled trout or yellowtail snapper COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China MSRP: $12.99 COMPANY: Smith’s Consumer Products Inc.
GiantMouse: ACE Iona V2
BLADE LENGTH: 3” BLADE STEEL: CPM MagnaCut stainless BLADE @ THICKEST: .115” BLADE FINISH: Stonewash HANDLE MATERIAL: Green canvas Micarta® POCKET CLIP: Wire, reversible PIVOT: Washer LOCK: Linerlock WEIGHT: 3.4 ozs. CLOSED LENGTH: 4.34” COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Italy MSRP: $195 KNIFE TO KNOW: The knife is named after the Iona Bar, “a beloved establishment” in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York COMPANY: GiantMouse
B. Goode H.U.T. 4 high steps its way through the author’s test drills
The H.U.T. 4 by Brian Goode of B. Goode Knives reminds me of my military days—it just needs the “2, 3” before the “4.” The acronym and number stand for Hunter, Utility, Trail, 4 inch. An all-around edged tool that can be used for multiple tasks, it’s the one knife you always grab for when cutting needs to be done. How well it cut I’ll let you know.
Light Duty Cutting
There was no difference between the first paper cut test and the last one. The H.U.T. 4 stayed sharp.
I began with a simple yet effective test—the paper slice. I grabbed the H.U.T. 4 with my thumb and index finger and slid the edge into the paper. It kept slicing for the entire blade length. I could hear each slice, so it’s very aggressive in the 20-pound bond paper. You really have to watch closely so you don’t skin a flap from your finger.
Single-walled cardboard was next. I used a push cut and the knife didn’t fail. I felt no resistance while cutting. The H.U.T. 4 zipped through quickly. The blade did get some wipe marks on the acid finish.
Medium Duty Cutting
The knife sliced the 8-ounce leather quite forcefully. Each time the edge hit leather, the author heard it slice.
Grabbing some scrap 8-ounce leather, I did some skiving and slicing. The knife sliced quite forcefully once more. Each time the edge hit the leather, you could hear it cut. This is a very cool test to do. Brian’s knife is light and fast, so you must be quick and get your fingers out of harm’s way.
Heavy Duty Cutting
The H.U.T. 4 was a whittling beast on a ¾-inch dowel rod, providing extremely smooth cuts with nice curlicues at the end. The handle is very comfortable with no hot spots. I went from fine cuts to deep cuts with a slight movement of my wrist. The knife is easy to control.
Using a chunk of wood railing as a baton, the author beat the H.U.T. 4 into another piece of railing. The wood split very fast and no shock carried up the author’s arm.
Even though the knife has only a 4-inch blade, it can handle larger trail chores like splitting wood. Using a chunk of wood railing as a baton, I beat the H.U.T. 4 into another piece of railing. The wood split very fast and no shock carried up my arm. I split both with the grain and across the grain with no difference. The edge was still perfect and I gave it some wood smears for character. It is a fun knife to use.
It was on to my favorite medium: sisal rope using push cuts. The H.U.T. 4 didn’t let me down. Two-hundred sweet crunching cuts happened very quickly. This is one smooth slicing, sharp knife. As fast as I could move the knife it was cutting. The handle is contoured for control and comfort.
In what could be construed as abuse, I gave the fixed blade 30 whacks into a deer antler. After scattering antler chips all over the workbench, the knife passed with flying colors—no damage and still very sharp. Excellent heat treat!
It was back to the 20-pound bond paper for the final cut. There was no difference between the first paper cut and the last one. The H.U.T. 4 stayed sharp.
Bottom Line
This is a great knife to have on you all the time—not too big, not too small and extremely sharp. Any changes? Maybe some thumb notches.
H.U.T. 4 Specs Maker: Brian Goode, B. Goode Knives Blade length: 4” Blade material: 8670 carbon steel on the test knife; other steels available Blade grind: Full flat Blade @thickest: .125” Blade finish: Acid dipped Scales: Red and black canvas Micarta® Handle pins: G-10 Weight: 4.5 ozs. Overall length: 8.5” Sheath: Leather pouch/belt model Weight w/sheath: 6 ozs. Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $350
Get an edge on your cutting needs with the latest production knives.
The 2026 production knives are defined by an impressive range of styles and sizes, spanning from 1.5-inch neck knives to massive 12-inch folders. This year’s buyer’s guide highlights a sophisticated move toward premium materials, with CPM MagnaCut and M390 appearing across diverse price points, alongside traditional touches like India Stag Bone and Damascus. From task-specific hunter sets and tactical folders to “fidget-friendly” button locks and US-made fixed blades, these releases represent the cutting edge of modern manufacturing and designer collaboration.
GiantMouse The Redington
Knife Type: Fixed Blade Blade Length: 5.1″ Overall Length: 9.7″ Blade Grind: Stonewash Scale: Double Black Canvas Micarta Blade Material: CPM MagnaCut Sheath: Black Kydex Date Available: Now Inside Edge: Designed with input from the instructors at SERE East. Limited-Run of CPM MagnaCut. MSRP: $425
Demko Knives AD22
Knife Type: Folding Blade Length: 3.0″ Blade Shape: Shark Foot Overall Length: 7.5″ Weight: 5.4 oz. Scale: Titanium (Smooth or Milled) Blade Material: CPM MagnaCut Date Available: Currently and throughout 2026 Inside Edge: Made in the USA at Demkp headquarters in New Castle, PA. Also available with G10 scale in multiple colors. MSRP: $700
Pattern: Cleaver Designer: Fabian Hobbelen Lock Type: Button‑Operated Frame Lock Blade Length: 3.09” Overall Length: 7.04” Blade Grind: Hollow Scale: Titanium Blade Material: M390 Date Available: August Inside Edge: Designed by Fabian Hobbelen, the Nyrrdreki hides a small surprise in its blade. The hole allows the knife to be flipped open with the pinky finger, turning a traditional opening feature into a playful and highly addictive fidget action. MSRP: Approx. $350
Dagger Trading Begemot
Pattern: Modified Cleaver Knife Type: Folding Blade Length: 3.88″ Overall Length: 8.625″ Liners: Steel Blade Grind: Flat Scale: G10 with 3D print Blade Material: VG10 Date Available: Now MSRP: $71
Vero Engineering Aura
Knife Type: Folding Blade Length: 3.3” Overall Length: 7.7” Liners: Steel Blade Finish: Machine Belt Satin/Stonewash Scale: Aluminum Blade Material: 14C28N Date Available: Summer 2026 Inside Edge: The Aura has a reversible wire pocket clip. MSRP: Approx. $100
Bear & Son Cutlery Locking Farmhand w/clip
Pattern: Drop Point Knife Type: Pocketknife Blade Length: 2.75” Overall Length: 6.375” Closed Length: 3.625” Locking Mechanism: Lockback Handle: Genuine India Stag Bone Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel Date Available: Now Inside Edge: Made in Alabama MSRP: $56
Knife Type: Fixed Blade Blade Length: 3.6″ Overall Length: 7.48″ Pattern: Drop Point Scale: Textured Black G10 Blade Material: 154CM Sheath: Black Custom-Fitted Kydex Date Available: Now Inside Edge: Handcrafted by Boker USA in Denver, Colorado. Perfect for bushcraft, hunting, survival, trekking, camping & EDC. Also available in a high-visibility orange G10, MagnaCut version. MSRP: $200
Maserin 917 Woodsman
Pattern: Bushcraft Knife Type: Fixed Blade Blade Length: 4.01” Overall Length: 9.21” Weight: 6.35 oz. Blade Grind: Flat Scale: Brown Paper Stone Micarta (Also Available In Green Jute Micarta and Black Denim Jeans Micarta) Blade Material: Nitro X7 Blade Finish: Stone Washed Sheath: Black Italian leather sheath with removable dual belt loop position and hook. Date Available: Now MSRP: $ 215
CRKT Orochi
Knife Type: Folding Knife Lock Type: Frame Lock Blade: Clip Point Blade Length: 3.55″ Overall Length: 8.16″ Liners: Titanium Blade Grind: Flat Scale: Titanium With Damascus Bolster Blade Material: Damascus Date Available: Now Inside Edge: Named after the legendary Japanese serpent and its presence in anime, the Orochi features flowing lines, including a clip point, recurve blade, for balance and precise handling. The knife can be deployed either with discreet flipper tab, mirroring the custom knife its inspired by, or by its dual thumbstuds. MSRP: $200
Big Idea Design Ti Manu
Designer: Ken Onion Jr. Overall Length: 7.5” Blade Length: 3.25” Blade Steel: S90V Blade Shape: Modified Drop Point Handles: Grade 5 Titanium Opening: Dual Thumbstuds Date Available: August Inside Edge: All Big Idea Design knives only have 2 screws, The pivot and a screw in the back for the reversible pocket clips. The Ti Manu also was designed to work with both Phosphor bronze washers and bearings. Both options will be included so people can swap them out at will. The lock face is an integrated ceramic ball bearings in lieu of an insert, so it has a super smooth travel and lockup. MSRP: $250
Civivi Knives Kitefin
Knife Type: Folding Lock Type: Button Lock Blade Length: 3.22″ Overall Length: 7.52″ Blade Grind: Hollow Scale: Aluminum Blade Material: Damascus (14C28N option also available) Date Available: Now MSRP: $110
Halfbreed Blades MILF-05
Action: Flipper Folder Carry: Pocket Clip Designer: Jonathan Loftes Lock Type: Frame Lock Blade Steel: CPM S35VN Blade Grind: V Blade Edge: Plain Edge & Partially Serrated options Blade & Handle Finish: PVD Coated Blade Style: Spear Point Blade Length: 3.54″ Handle Material: 420J2 Stainless Steel frame, liner, spacers; G10 scale Washers: Phosphor Bronze Overall Length Open: 8.26″ Date Available: Now Inside Edge: The MILF-05 comes pre-set with a firm action; this can be adjusted for speed via the Torx head pivot point. MSRP: $240
Bear OPS Load Out
Pattern: Drop Point Knife Type: Folder Blade Length: 3.5” Overall Length: 8” Closed Length: 4.5” Lock Type: Liner Lock Handle: Aluminum Blade Material: 14C28N Sandvik Date Available: Now Inside Edge: Made in Alabama with assisted opening, reversible pocket clip and ball bearing washers. MSRP: $110
Liong Mah Design SFD-Small Field Duty
Pattern: Drop Point Knife Type: Folder Blade Length: 3” (2.6” cutting edge) Overall Length: 6.75” Liners: Steel Blade Grind: Flat Scale: Titanium Blade Material: CPM MagnaCut Date Available: August Inside Edge: Hand rubbed satin finish on the blade. MSRP: $278
Browning Knives Stormy Pass Fixed Small
Pattern: Drop Point Knife Type: Fixed Blade Blade Length: 3.5” Overall Length: 7.75” Blade Grind: Hollow Scale: Hidden Tang Wood Blade Material: Damascus Sheath: Leather Date Available: Now Knife To Know: Stainless Guard with black Micarta spacer. MSRP: $140
Bear Edge Light Grey Aluminum Folder
Pattern: Drop Point Knife Type: Folder Blade Length: 3” Overall Length: 7” Lock Type: Liner Lock Handle: Aluminum Blade Material: 440 Stainless Steel Weight: 3.2 oz. Date Available: Now MSRP: $43
Straightline EDC Ally
Knife Type: Fixed Blade Blade Length: 2.68” Overall Length: 5.98” Blade Grind: Flat Scale: 3D Milled Bronze Anodized Gr. 5 Titanium Blade Material: M390 Blade Finish: Black PVD + Stonewash Sheath: Black Leather Sheath With Magnets Inside Edge: Igor Bortolussi, founder of the company, named the knife after his daughter Allegra and its design is based on a drawing she made when she was 4 years old. She’s 9 now. Date Available: Now MSRP: $249
SOG Specialty Knife & Tool Kiku XR
Pattern: Tanto Knife Type: Folder Blade Length: 3.03” Closed Length: 4.30” Lock Type: XR Lock Handle: Fatcarbon Carbon Fiber Blade Material: CTS XHP Date Available: Now Inside Edge: Reversible low-carry belt clip with XR Lock, thumb hole, kick opening mechanism. MSRP: $400
BLACKHAWK Garra Fixed Karambit
Pattern: Karambit Knife Type: Fixed-Blade Blade Length: 3.25” Overall Length: 8” Handle: Black Zytel Blade Material: D2 Tool Sheath: Kydex Date Available: Now Inside Edge: Comes with conceal carry holster, removable Kydex sheath. MSRP: $160
Camillus Knives Heater Mini
Pattern: Drop Point Knife Type: Neck Knife Blade Length: 1.5” Overall Length: 3” Blade Grind: Plain Handle: G10 Blade Material: 3CR13 Sheath: Kydex Date Available: Now MSRP: $19
Pattern: American Tanto Lock Type: Button Lock Blade Length: 3.25″ Overall Length: 7.75″ Liners: Brass Bearing With Ceramic Ball Blade Grind: Flat Scale: Titanium Scales & Clip Blade Material: VG10/Copper Damascus, With Copper Pivot Date Available: Now MSRP: $170
Winkler Knives Drop Point Hunter
Pattern: Drop Point Knife Type: Fixed Blade Blade Length: 4” Overall Length: 8.625” Blade Grind: Flat Scale: Walnut Blade Material: 80CrV2 Sheath: Lined Boltaron with leather cover Date Available: Limited Availability at BLADE Texas 2026 and BLADE Show Atlanta 2026. Publicly Available June. Inside Edge: This knife was designed by combining popular features from several models to create an all-in-one blade tough enough for the hardest tasks yet aesthetically appealing enough for everyday enjoyment. MSRP: $375
Case Knives XR Sod Buster Jr.
Knife Type: Slip-Joint Folder Blade Length: 2.8” Overall Length: 3.625” Weight: 2.1 oz. Blade Grind: Flat Blade Finish: Stonewash Satin Scale: Red, White & Blue Burl G-10 Blade Material: S35VN (Stainless) Inside Edge: This knife will be made in limited quantities. “USA” is lasered into the G-10 on one end. Date Available: Now MSRP: $125
White River Knives S&S 3 Knife Chef Set
Pattern: Chef Set Knife Type: Chef, Boning, Paring set Designer: Smith & Sons Blade Length: 7.5″, 5.8″, 3.4″ Overall Length: 12.5″, 9.9″, 7.25″ Blade Grind: Flat Scale: G10 (Richlite) Blade Material: CMP MagnaCut Available: Now Inside Edge: Designed by Smith & Sons and crafted in the U.S.A. by White River Knives, this premium kitchen set includes three essential blades: a 7.5″ Chef Knife, a 5.8″ Boning Knife, and a 3.4″ Paring Knife. Together, they cover nearly every task in the kitchen—from precision prep work to heavier slicing and trimming. Each knife is built from ultra‑durable, highly corrosion‑resistant MagnaCut steel, heat-treated to a remarkable 63–64 HRC for exceptional edge retention and long‑lasting performance. MSRP: $600
Puma Knife Trophy Car Set
Blade Length: 2.8″ (Gut Hook), 2.5” (Caping, Fleshing) Blade Grind: Hollow Ground, Satin Finished Scale: POM Commando Stag (Synthetic Material) Blade Material: 1.4116 German Cutlery Sheath: Rugged Leather Sheath (Holds All Three Knives) Date Available: Now Inside Edge: Purpose-built trophy care kit for hunters—includes a gut hook skinner, caping knife, and fleshing knife with a premium leather sheath to keep the full set organized. Designed to handle skinning, caping, and hide prep cleanly whether you’re in camp or at home, and ideal for getting a trophy ready for the taxidermist. MSRP: $175
DPx HEST F Urban Ti Redeye
Knife Type: Folding Blade Length: 2.9” Overall Length: 6.7” Blade Grind: High Saber Scale: Titanium Blade Material: M390 Date Available: Now Inside Edge: Flipper with red aluminum pivot ring and red backspacer. MSRP: $425
New Kitchen Knife Set From Imarku Looks Spectacular And Is Packed With Features That Any Home Chef Would Want.
The new 9-piece knife set from Imarku has everything a home cook could ask for. The most noticeable thing about it is the color and design. The rich blue hue of the knife block is complemented by the acrylic window that lets you look inside and see the knives while they’re inside the block.
Imarku has made a comprehensive knife set with this new release. The blades are made from high-carbon Japanese stainless steel, and the flat-edge knives are sharpened to a 16-degree edge with a Rockwell hardness of 57-59 HRC.
The set includes an 8.5-inch chef’s knife, 8.5-inch bread knife, 8-inch slicing knife, 7.5-inch Santoku, 6-inch boning knife, 5-inch utility knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, and a honing rod. The ergonomic pakkawood handle and tapered bolsters allow for an easy, firm grip when slicing and matches the bright blue of the solid walnut block.
This knife set is not only an excellent set of tools for your kitchen, but it’s also a great conversation piece and will add a bright splash of color to any countertop.
The TILI Ultralight By Origin Handcrafted Goods Might Be Small But It Packs One Heck Of A Bite.
The TILI Ultralight by Origin Handcrafted Goods is a small fixed blade that can fit in your pocket like a pocketknife with no need to figure out how to open the blade or disengage a safety. Pull it clear of the pocket sheath and you’re ready to cut. Among the things I love about smaller fixed blades is that people don’t give you the evil stink eye when you use the knives in public.
Testing The Ultralight
The TILI Ultralight handled slicing copy paper with ease.
I started with a simple paper slice using 20-pound bond copy paper. The TILI sliced very smoothly using both a draw cut and a push cut. The knife was controllable in making the width of the slices—I just had to move my fingers out of the way fast.
Next up: single-walled cardboard. The handle shape of the TILI Ultralight made for extremely controllable slices in the cardboard as well. I could hear the aggressive edge as it sliced. The edge is very fine and ideal for such a job.
Plastic board was next. There was a little more blade grab in this medium as the TILI’s blade bevel is short—around 3/8 of an inch. The full thickness of the blade engaged the plastic board quickly. It still made quick, clean cuts as fast as I could move my fingers.
The little fixed blade produced beautiful curly-cues in half-inch pine, producing nice, clean cuts. It was easy to control the depth and thickness of the curly-cues. The TILI Ultralight is great for making fire sticks and a handy little knife to put in a pack. It would be excellent at cleaning small game.
Slicing Through Challenges
The author drove the edge through a pine knot twice. He felt some micro chipping on the edge but it still cut great.
Skiving leather strips was next on the menu. The blade made a forceful crunching sound as it parted the 8-ounce leather. The small blade was controllable in making the slices thin. It favored skiving with the tip more than with the blade’s belly. This is a very sharp knife!
To push the fine edge more, I switched to 3/8-inch sisal rope. The TILI crunched to 125 cuts before my hand said “enough!” It’s hard to keep the pressure on a thin knife without your hand getting sore somewhere. The edge was still sharp and ready for more.
I switched to half-inch pine for some baton practice. The knife was easy to hold onto and it split the wood great. I even drove the edge through a knot twice. I felt some micro chipping on the edge but it still cut great. The steel might be a point too hard on the Rockwell hardness scale for heavy work. Keep the use to slicing and you won’t have any issues.
The TILI comes with a leather pouch sheath to protect the blade. I would put stainless steel pins in the holes at the end of the sheath to prevent accidental penetration as this knife is very pointy and razor sharp.
Bottom line: The TILI Ultralight is a handy knife that’s a perfect little backup blade for all-around use.
Changes I’d Make To The TILI Ultralight
I would add a couple of thumb notches on the blade and extra protection on the tip of the sheath to prevent blade penetration. (EDITOR’S NOTE: The latter is especially crucial if you carry the knife sheathed in your pocket.)
TILI Ultralight Specs
Blade Length: 2.38 inches Blade Material: 1095 carbon steel Blade Grind: Hollow Heat Treat: Differentially Hardened with Hamon Handle: Skeletonized Steel with hole for included leather lanyard Weight: 2 ounces Overall Length: 2.75 inches Sheath: Black Veggie Tanned Leather Weight with Sheath: 3 ounces MSRP: $125
