2026 BLADE Show Knife Drops: Hot In Atlanta

Get a look at the new knives released at BLADE Show, the world’s largest knife show.

More than simply the foremost industry event and knife axis mundi, BLADE Show is also the preferred venue to launch knives. Makes sense, when for three days straight, Atlanta’s Cobb Convention Center sees a steady stream of thousands of knife fanatics. We’ll have more down the road, but here is some of what was dropped at the world’s largest knife show.


Bradford Knives Guardian 3.5XL

Bradford Knives Guardian 3.5XL profile

RARE BREED GUARDIAN—Bradford Knives’ fan asked for it and at BLADE Show they’ll get the shot to own the Guardian 3.5XL with a 4-inch MagnaCut blade. This limited run comes with a new sheath design, offering both vertical and horizontal carry options. Overall Length: 8.25 inches. Blade Profile: Sabre. Weight: 4.7 ounces. MSRP: TBD. Available: June


Ansø of Denmark Mudtrack Exoframe

Ansø of Denmark Mudtrack Exoframe

FRAME JOB—Stripped down in material, the Toko features Ansø of Denmark’s skeletonized black titanium Mudtrack Exoframe, stripping the flipper’s weight to a scant 2.86 ounces. Outfitted with a do-all drop-point blade of RWL34 steel, the build had versatile built in. Lock: Button. Blade Length: 3.35 inches. MSRP: $995. Available: June


McNees Knives Mini Dixon

McNees Knives Mini Dixon profile

MIGHTY MITE—A scaled-down version of a McNees classic, the Mini Dixon boasts a compact 3.35-inch MagnaCut blade matted to a Grade 5 titanium handle. The modified clip point has a hollow grind and comes in a very svelte 4.5 ounces. Lock: Framelock. Overall Length: 7.75 inches. MSRP: $549. Available: June


UG Tools EKM Fighting Knife Set

UG Tools EKM Fighting Knife Set profile

DOUBLE TROUBLE—The UG Tools EKM Fighting Knife Set was developed Special Mission Units and is already being supplied to a German Tier 1 unit. The set comes with a 2.4-inch blade dagger and 4.7-inch blade drop point, highly modular sheath, attachment system and full contact training knives. Blade Material: CPM MagnaCut. Weight: Dagger 1.6 ounces, Drop Point 4.6 ounces. Country of Origin: German. MSRP: ~$1,000 Available: Autumn 2026


Spartan Blades Pandia

Spartan Blades Pandia

MOONLIT PRECISION—Named for the Greek goddess of the full moon, the Spartan Blades Pandia features a 3.25-inch CPM MagnaCut spear-point blade optimized via a proprietary double deep cryogenic treatment. The 8.25-inch Curtis Iovito design utilizes an IKBS bearing system for fluid flipper deployment. Handle Material: Titanium. Clip: Titanium. Weight: 4 ounces. Country of Origin: USA. MSRP: $495. Available: Now


Maserin Outback

Maserin Outback

BUILT FOR THE BUSH—Featuring a Böhler N690 steel blade and paired with an ergonomic G10 handle, the Maserin Outback is available in three colours: black, gray, and orange. It comes with a black Italian cordura sheath, and a sharpener and a survival saw. Blade Length: 5.51 inches. Overall Length: 10.9 inches. Country of Origin: Italy. MSRP: $239. Available: Now


Scorpion 6 Jörmungandr

Scorpion 6 Jörmungandr

SHARP LEVIATHAN—Named for a sea serpent of Norse mythology, the Jörmungandr from Scorpion 6 is made completely without any CNC machining and features 5.3-inch a double hollow grind freehanded by Shane Magnussen. Blade Steel: CPM S90V. Overall Length: 8.82 inches. Clip: Titanium. Internals: Delrin Caged Ceramic Bearings. MSRP: Starts at $1,500. Available: Now


QSP Badger

QSP Badger

BRIDGING OVER—The QSP Badger gives a reason for righties and lefties to cheer with the company’s Bridgelock. Essentially a crossbar lock, it features a saddle that runs on the back of the handle for an oversized and ambidextrous release. Blade Pattern: Wharncliff. Blade Steel: Nitro V. Handle Material: G10. Blade Length: 3.35 inches. MSRP: TBD. Available: September


Opinel No. 8 Horizon

Opinel No. 8 Horizon

MODERNIZED CLASSIC—Designed to brave the outdoors, Opinel’s No. 8 Horizon features several element-resistant features, including a stainless steel Yatagan blade, fiberglass-reinforced polymer handle and a light 2.2-ounce weight. Blade Length: 3.15 inches. Lock: Friction, Virobloc Safety Ring. Grind: Convex. MSRP: $40. Available: June.


Buck Knives Heritage Slim Elite 110

Buck Knives Heritage Slim Elite 110

CLIPPING CALL—A refined evolution of Buck Knives’ classic 110 Folding Hunter, the Heritage Slim Elite is nearly .25-inch slimmer, 3-ounces lighter and featuring a deep carry pocket clip and BOS heat-treated MagnaCut steel blade. Blade Pattern: Clip Point. Blade Length: 3.75 inches. Scale: Ebony. MSRP: $250. Available: May


Crescent Edges Celestial Entity

Crescent Knives Profile

STAR STRUCK—A 3.5-inch tanto blade of MagnaCut steel, milled titanium scale, satin DLC blade finish and a solid frame lock, the Crescent Edges Celestial Entity is an otherworldly EDC option. Overall Length: 8.23 inches. Weight: 4.5 ounces. Country of Origin: China. MSRP: $375 Available: Now


CRKT Grvitic Flip

CRKT Grvitic Flip

FIDGET FACTOR—Not your typical OTF, the CRKT Garvitic Flip utilizes a vintage-inspired flip-insert mechanism to deploy its 3.18-inch blade. Once out, tabs on the blade insert into recesses to keep the blade in place. Blade Steel: 5Cr13MoV. Blade Pattern: Spearpoint. Overall Length: 7.5 inches. MSRP: $50. Available: Now


Lionsteel Emmet

Lionsteel Emmet

INTREPID INTEGRAL—Gentlemanly in appearance, the 2.83-inch LionSteel Emmet features a solid integral handle in either titanium or aluminum. The titanium model comes with carbon fiber inlayed scale, the aluminum with a hammertone texture. Blade Material: MagnaCut. Blade Pattern: Drop Point. Overall Length: 6.73 inches. Country of Origin: Italy. MSRP: Ti $225; Al: $130. Available: Now


NortoriousEDC Dirty Deed Pry Bar

NortoriousEDC Dirty Deed Pry Bar

DOWN AND DIRTY—Constructed from Grade 5 titanium and a solid 3.5 inches in length, the NotoriousEDC Dirty Deed Pry Bar is ready every day for jimmying chores. The tool ships with a deep carry clip installed and includes an optional filler tab. Thickness: 3/16 inch. Width: 5/8 inch. Finish: Stonewashed. MSRP: $75. Available: Now


Vero Engineering Slip Joint

Vero Engineering Slip Joint

UNKNOWN SOLIDER—Vero Engineering’s new Wharncliffe is so recent that at writing it was yet have a name. What is known is that the slip joint will have a 2.75-inch MagnaMax blade, with the Vero trademark rectangular milling serving as the nail nick. Overall Length: 6 inches. Weight: 2.6 ounces. Handle Material: Titanium. Country of Origin: U.S.A. MSRP: $198. Available: June


GiantMouse ACE Pontius

GiantMouse ACE Pontius

HARPOONS AWAY—Designed with input from Chris Pontius, the GiantMouse ACE Pontius features a 3.2-inch harpoon-inspired clip point blade and titanium scale. The linerlock will also be available in Green G10 or Black Canvas Micarta. Blade Steel: Elmax. Overall Length: 7.7 inches. Liners: Hardened 420 Stainless Steel. MSRP: $325. Available: June


Shirogorov F95 Ursus

Shirogorov F95 Ursus

BEAR OF THE NORTH—The Shirogorov F95 Ursus offers a rugged, work-oriented take on the refined F95 pattern, featuring a 3.74-inch Elmax stainless steel blade with a 5/6ths grind. This iteration utilizes a Multi-Row Bearing System (MRBS) for smooth deployment and a dependable liner lock. Scale: Micarta. Overall Length: 8.66 inches. Weight: 4.69 ounces. MSRP: $650–$700. Available: June


StraightLine EDC Bigger Digger

StraightLine EDC Bigger Digger

GOLDEN DIGGER—The StraightLine EDC Bigger Digger is a purpose-built fixed blade designed for daily carry, featuring a 3.74-inch drop-point blade of 14C28N stainless steel. Ensuring a secure grip in all conditions, the 7.52-inch profile is outfitted with green canvas Micarta scales and a flat grind for efficient slicing. Weight: 3.17 ounces. Grind: Flat. Sheath: Kydex. MSRP: $80. Available: June.


Rothman Knives Fabricator Series Gentlemen’s Trapper

Rothman Knives Fabricator Series Gentlemen's Trapper

BLUE-COLLAR GENTLEMAN—The Rothman Knives Fabricator Series Gentlemen’s Trapper is a modern, lightweight take on the classic slip joint, weighing in at just 1.6 ounces. The 2 7/8-inch Nitro-V stainless steel blade features a deep 14-inch hollow grind for exceptional slicing geometry. Overall Length: 7 inches. Scale: Carbon Fiber. MSRP: $400. Available: June


Browning Stormy Pass Trapper

Browning Stormy Pass Trapper

STORM A BREWIN’—The Browning Stormy Pass Trapper is a traditional slip joint built with an emphasis on longevity and classic aesthetics. It features a 3-inch damascus steel blade with a hollow grind, paired with stainless steel liners and wood scales. Overall Length: 6.25 inches. Weight: 2.4 ounces. Blade Pattern: Trapper. MSRP: $100. Available: September


Bestech IKA Dagger

Besttech IKA Dagger

FRANKISH FLARE—Bestech’s IKA Dagger is the first integral handle design from French designer Tashi Bharucha. This folder features a 3.9-inch M390 stainless steel blade and ceramic ball bearings for fluid deployment. Overall Length: 8.85. Frame Material: Titanium. Blade Pattern: Dagger. Blade Thickness: 0.16 inch. Closed Length: 4.95 inches. MSRP: $580. Available: June


More On BLADE Show:

First Look: GiantMouse Ace Pontius Collaboration Knife

Jackass star and knife fanatic teams up with GiantMouse on tactical-style folder.

Chris Pontius is known for many things—his stunt work, crazy pranks, often appearing in little more than his underwear. With a collaboration with GiantMouse, it’s likely the former Jackass and Wildboyz star will be known for more. A life-long knife fanatic—he does a ton of knife content on his social media channels—Pontius teamed up with GiantMouse co-founder Jesper Voxnaes to create a fairly unique knife—the ACE Pontius. The project was two years in the making, as the Pontius and Voxnaes worked out the details of the knife. And the pair put some high design bars up for themselves.

In a blog post at GiantMouse, Pontius said rather than leaning into standard production aesthetics, he wanted a tool that mirrored the functional art of a musical instrument. He drew design cues from a vast array of historical and functional blade styles, weaving subtle elements of upswept hunters, classic skinners, Scandinavian puukkos, Nessmuks and harpoon-style blades into a single cohesive outline.

The result is a highly distinct silhouette that Voxnaes notes looks like something a futuristic space marine would carry into a culture that hasn’t happened yet. Built for everything from tactical applications to bushcraft, the blade features a strong piercing point matched with a generous, sweeping curved belly to maximize the usable cutting edge.

Giant Mouse Pontius - Titanium

Mechanically, the folder is balanced for reliable utility, intentionally keeping the choil small to ensure the lines remain fluid when closed. The 3.2-inch Elmax steel blade is housed in an ergonomic 4.5-inch handle, making it highly pocketable for daily carry. It features a secure liner lock mechanism for solid lockup during heavy use, an ambidextrous reversible steel wire pocket clip and distinctive brass backspacers that add a splash of ornamentation to the build.

The knife is debuting in three specific material configurations to match different preferences. The premium titanium model (MSRP $335) pairs a sleek satin blade finish with full titanium handle scales, coming in at a solid 4.7 ounces. For those tracking a lighter pocket presence, the Green G10 version ($285) features OD green G10 scales, a rugged stonewash blade finish and weighs 4 ounces flat. Rounding out the trio is the Black Micarta model ($285), which matches a satin blade finish with black canvas Micarta scales for a classic tactile feel, tipping the scales at a nimble 3.7 ounces.

Giant Mouse Pontius Challenge Coin

The ACE Pontius marks a significant operational shift for the company, launching exclusively through a Kickstarter campaign that coincided with the opening day of BLADE Show Atlanta. Fans who back the project early gain access to exclusive launch-day add-ons that ship alongside their orders later this year, plus a discount on final pricing. At time of writing, the campaign had 185 backers and had $57,729 of pledges.

Knife Reviews:

Pull Of The Push Dagger

Master smiths explore the symmetry, skill and survivalist roots of a classic.

It’s part adventure with a bit of notoriety and a dash of creativity. For the modern custom knifemaker, several styles are brought to life with history in mind. And the push dagger is one of them.

Maybe seldom seen, but always intriguing, push daggers trace their lineage to a bygone era when self-defense at the card table or on the street meant quick deployment from a vest pocket. For sure, that perspective spurs some custom makers to insert the push dagger into their repertoire while the stylized and subtle blend of blade and handle combine for a unique test of shop skill.

“They’re a backup tool,” explained ABS master smith and BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Steve Schwarzer. “They were typically carried in the 1700s and 1800s along with a one-shot pistol. After that shot, the push dagger was the next position. It’s been around for a long time as an extension of your arm with a blade, and it is hard to take away from somebody that is skilled in its use.”

Schwarzer’s featured push dagger with stag handle and evocative faces carved on both ends is 5¾ inches long with a 3¾-inch blade of mosaic damascus steel. He has actually made two push daggers in this style and designed another for Benchmade about 20 years ago. “For me, they’re fun, and that’s why I like to make them,” he commented. “I’ve always had a fascination about them and adapted my martial arts background to training with them. The design traditionally is with a very short blade, and in martial arts, it has to do with the alignment of the hand and arm bones, along with the shape of the blade, which is double-edged traditionally. Everything in nature is curved for an effective cutting surface.”

Harvey Dean Tejas

Why a push dagger? Harvy Dean (inset) puts it succinctly, “They’re just cool.” That certainly holds true for his Tajas push dagger, with an elegant feather damascus blade, 24k gold raised vine work and a fossilized walrus tusk handle. At 16 1/2 inchces in length, Dean gave himself plenty of knife to decorate. (SharpByCoop image)
Why a push dagger? Harvy Dean (inset) puts it succinctly, “They’re just cool.” That certainly holds true for his Tajas push dagger, with an elegant feather damascus blade, 24k gold raised vine work and a fossilized walrus tusk handle. At 16 1/2 inchces in length, Dean gave himself plenty of knife to decorate. (SharpByCoop image)

Legendary master smith and Hall of Famer Harvey Dean enjoys the historical aspect as well. “They’re just cool,” he offered. “A lot of people made them back years ago, and there was the idea of concealing them in the vest. Some were made with nickel-silver scabbards and called lapel knives because they were pinned under the vest or coat lapel.”

Dean’s pictured Tejas push dagger is a departure from standard sizing, with an overall length of 16¼ inches, with an 11-inch ladder pattern damascus blade and handle of fossilized walrus ivory. But then, everything is bigger in Texas.

“I’ve always liked [master smith] Larry Fuegen’s push daggers, and his work has had a lot of influence on mine,” Harvey said. “You really make them like any other knife, and I usually do around two or three a year. I like to use ivory and damascus and a stag handle is next up. I don’t do many plain ones, and most of mine are with two-piece handles. As far as marketing is concerned, you’ve got to have that special person who likes them–but they do usually sell quick.”

Hawks Nest Custom Push Talon

Matt Hunter (inset) has always had a thing for concealed carry knives, but admits his mother-of-pearl handled push daggers were his first crack at the style of knife. Angular and wickedly attractive, the Nichols Slither Armor Core stainless damascus daggers were designed as a matching set with his HawkWing knife, also pictured. (SharpByCoop image)
Matt Hunter (inset) has always had a thing for concealed carry knives, but admits his mother-of-pearl handled push daggers were his first crack at the style of knife. Angular and wickedly attractive, the Nichols Slither Armor Core stainless damascus daggers were designed as a matching set with his HawkWing knife, also pictured. (SharpByCoop image)

Damascus blade, mother-of-pearl handle and variations on the push dagger theme highlight Matt Hunter’s work at Hawks Nest Customs. He is a huge fan of concealed carry knives and started down the road with a boot dagger, neck knife and then his Push Talon.

“I think any dagger is challenging due to the symmetrical grinds that are required,” he noted. “You’ve really got to nail each and every one of them or the entire build needs to be scrapped. These push daggers are made with Nichols Slither Armor Core stainless damascus and mother-of-pearl on Westinghouse black canvas Micarta liners.
“Believe it or not, these were my first push daggers,” Matt added. “These were originally made for a customer to match the HawkWing, which is also in this photo. I told him I was planning on doing a pair of matching push daggers, and he asked if we could do the mother of pearl to match his knife. So, I obliged.”

Zack Jonas Totem

A study in starkness, Zack Jonas’ Totem push dagger grabs the eye with its clean lines and depth of damascus. That’s a san mai steel with laddered W’s and faces in a 1,000-layer laminate with pure nickel. Adding to its Spartan charm are its gold handle accents. (SharpByCoop image)
A study in starkness, Zack Jonas’ Totem push dagger grabs the eye with its clean lines and depth of damascus. That’s a san mai steel with laddered W’s and faces in a 1,000-layer laminate with pure nickel. Adding to its Spartan charm are its gold handle accents. (SharpByCoop image)

The Zack Jonas push dagger featured is his Totem model with a blade length of 4 inches and an overall length of 6½ inches. Its gold handle accents complement a san mai steel with laddered W’s and faces in a 1,000-layer laminate with pure nickel.

“The push dagger is one of the few knives that is actually designed to be folded into a tightly closed fist,” the master smith explained. “That means you have to make sure the handle comfortably conforms to the shape of the human hand in that unusual position. A push dagger is not a particularly functional tool outside the very limited frame of hand-to-hand combat; if you don’t have a secure grip when you need it, you’ve got a real problem.

“There are few makers that come to mind as design influences,” Jonas concluded. “[Master smith] J.D. Smith’s early influence on my career is never far from my hand or eye. I also think of Peter Johnsson’s work as I’m designing. He has never done a push dagger that I’m aware of, but I like to try and channel the way he conducts tension through his lines. Peter and [master smith] Kevin Cashen both come to mind when I think of the functionality in any dagger.”

Andrew Meers Rose Of Sharon

A bold mix of materials, Andrew Meers utilizes carbon fiber, stainless steel,  gold and a splintered mosaic damascus to bring-together this 9-inch push dagger. The centerpiece of the knife is its elegant Rose of Sharron engraving with the gold backing. (SharpByCoop image)
A bold mix of materials, Andrew Meers utilizes carbon fiber, stainless steel,  gold and a splintered mosaic damascus to bring-together this 9-inch push dagger. The centerpiece of the knife is its elegant Rose of Sharron engraving with the gold backing. (SharpByCoop image)

Andrew Meers included a push dagger in his ABS master smith set, which was complete with forged trout iron texture engraved with pangolins. “Push daggers have a place in my childhood memory,” he related. “I remember seeing one at a museum and being fascinated. In retrospect, I think having mostly seen conventionally handled pieces in media and collections, the manner in which the hand engages the handle is what is attractive to me.”

Meers’ featured push dagger is his first with a carbon fiber handle and a groove in the blade. Its 7-inch damascus blade is framed in stainless steel, and the engraving depicts the Rose of Sharon with a gold-plated relief background. The entire push dagger is 9 inches long. Andrew produced his first push dagger in 2014 and has made several since. His longest measured between 23 and 24 inches.

Jean Potvin Romanesque

Since push daggers are illegal in Jean Pierre Potvin’s homeland of Canada, he had to come up with a clever trick to get his his Romanesque push dagger past airport security and to a buyer at a show in Las Vegas. His solution, remove the illicit handle and replace it with a toilet plunger handle. (SharpbyCoop image)
Since push daggers are illegal in Jean Pierre Potvin’s homeland of Canada, he had to come up with a clever trick to get his his Romanesque push dagger past airport security and to a buyer at a show in Las Vegas. His solution, remove the illicit handle and replace it with a toilet plunger handle. (SharpbyCoop image)

“This push dagger is Roman in style,” remarked Jean Pierre Potvin. “It came about quite by chance. I rarely design in advance when I create. I prefer to let my imagination run free and follow new ideas that present themselves during the making process. During the making, I saw that it had a somewhat Roman style, and I continued in that direction with this result.”

Potvin’s push dagger measures 8 inches overall with a 4½-inch blade of damascus in 15N20 and 1084 carbon steel. The handle is fashioned from stabilized walnut burl and brass furniture. He had previously made only one push dagger. That was in 2022, and it was much smaller. “I had a buyer at the Nashville knife show,” he remembered, “and I had packed it in my luggage to take there. But when I got to the Montreal airport, it was confiscated by airport security.”

Since push daggers are illegal in Canada, that experience inspired Jean Pierre to remove the actual handle and replace it with a toilet plunger handle the next time he traveled with a push dagger. He made it to Las Vegas that second time and reattached the original handle after arrival. “It’s really funny because it’s the same dagger, but having a cross handle makes it illegal,” he smiled. “Sometimes you have to use tricks to get what you want.”

Somehow, the push dagger and its adventurous history seem to fit right in with Potvin’s novel experience.

Check Out More Cool Customs:

Swiss Army Knife: One Folder To Rule Them All

From the author’s experience, one folding knife has it all.

Most folks pick a folding knife the same way they pick a favorite coffee mug. They grab the one that feels right and doesn’t complicate life. I’ve handled everything from titanium frame-locks to flippers tuned like race cars, yet one knife keeps drifting back into my pocket. A Victorinox Swiss Army Knife (SAK) Camper.

It carries the friendliest profile in the knife world. TSA agents used to relax when they saw it. Camp kids and parents borrow it without hesitation. Neighbors assume you plan to fix something, not start trouble. That kind of energy matters when you choose a knife for real life. So, while hype is infinite, for me the best folding knife is the one that moves through life without causing friction—and that’s where the SAK shines.

Simplicity Succeeds

The Swiss Army Knife survived more trends than any other pocket tool. Bearings exploded onto the scene. Super steels rose and fell. Pocket clips multiplied. Through all of that noise, the SAK kept its shape, its purpose and its quiet confidence. It solves real problems without drama. It tightens screws, trims campfire sticks, opens packages and handles small woodworking tasks with steady control. It never alarms anyone. It never begs for maintenance. It shrugs off grit, pocket lint, and weather. It stays relevant because it never chases trends, delivering honest function through simple mechanics. That kind of timeless design sets up the story of its enduring legacy.

In Bora Bora's jungle, the author navigated with a sturdy Swiss Camper, ideal for both hotels and outdoor adventures.
In Bora Bora’s jungle, the author navigated with a sturdy Swiss Camper, ideal for both hotels and outdoor adventures.

The history of the Swiss Army Knife and company can fill the entire pages of this issue. So, I’ll save it, as BLADE® Magazine has put out a wealth of useful SAK information over the years.

Always Prepared

It’s true, the Swiss Camp was my first love of the Victorinox collection. It served me well for three decades and was my consummate companion throughout the world in all environments.

The Victorinox Camper packs a tight set of working parts into a pocket-friendly 3.5-inch frame. The large (2.75-inch) and small (1.398-inch) blades handle most cutting tasks with steady control. Meanwhile, the wood saw chews through branches far bigger than the knife’s size suggests. The can opener, bottle opener and built-in screwdrivers tackle camp, urban chores and quick fixes without hesitation. The reamer punches clean holes in leather and wood, and the corkscrew earns its keep on knots and party saving. The tweezers, toothpick and key ring round out the toolset, keeping the knife welcoming of everyday surprises!

The author relied solely on a Swiss Army Camper during his trip above 9,000 feet in the Eastern Sierra Mountains.
The author relied solely on a Swiss Army Camper during his trip above 9,000 feet in the Eastern Sierra Mountains.

Knife For All Season

Consider how many knives you can take to a wedding, an office meeting or a fishing trip? How many might you present to overseas officials, use in a restaurant, take camping and fix the odds and ends in our lives? Maybe all. However, they wouldn’t be appropriately accepted. The SAK teeters on multi-tool territory. It is a knife-based multitool, yet a knife at heart.

The question, “Do I need something more tactical or bushcrafty for the woods?” is often raised in my head. Woodsy is the answer. When I need more grip, cutting power, and blade length, along with faster deployment, the One-Handed Trekker (known as the Trailfinder in Europe) is the answer.

Hidden Talents

The Camper model's main blade excels in crafting feather sticks for tinder and kindling, thanks to its thin V-grind edge.
The Camper model’s main blade excels in crafting feather sticks for tinder and kindling, thanks to its thin V-grind edge.

I hate sticky blades, yet I get a lot of packages in the mail. Some have an alternative surface to slice through, but most use tape. The can opener opens boxes, as does the awl. Even the combo tool on other models that open cans and lift bottle lids will do an excellent job on packages. However, when it’s time to slice and slash through heavy nylon strapping, twine and cardboard, it’s hard to beat the sharp main blade.

I always need a saw on a SAK that’s going into the woods for a day hike, bushcraft or any camping trip. It’s one of the best saws in business—sharp and tough. It does an excellent job on the obvious—sawing. I learned about 20 years ago that it excels at a ferro rod striker. The spine is a true 90-degree angle and shaves thin curls on fatwood, bamboo, rivercane and softer woods like poplar easily.

Slow But Steady

The One-Handed Trekker, utilized by the author on various Amazon Jungle and backpacking excursions, includes a locking screwdriver and blade.
The One-Handed Trekker, utilized by the author on various Amazon Jungle and backpacking excursions, includes a locking screwdriver and blade.

I love me a good flipper. Fast, safer than a thumb stud and simpler. Let’s not forget the cool snap factor. That’s my opinion solely. However, the near maintenance-free action of the standard slip joint wins in my book. I understand it may not be a crowd favorite in the current high-tech, super-trendy EDC culture. But it suits me fine.

The deployment speed is slow—I’m not in a rush to slice much. I don’t work in an environment where I need super-slick deployment for attackers or emergencies. If so, I have a Trekker that has a smooth one-handed opening system. Although I like to sit and fondle a SAK like most do their high-speed folders, others may not think it has that cool factor. I do!

Metal Winner

The One-Handed Trekker SAK boasts an exceptional 3½-inch wood saw that serves as a fire steel striker on its spine.
The One-Handed Trekker SAK boasts an exceptional 3½-inch wood saw that serves as a fire steel striker on its spine.

I like simple steels. I’ve used enough teaching and working with various types. For me, it comes down to what’s easy to sharpen and to show students in a learning situation. Especially when there’s not a lot of time on a break to grind away on something too hard. Or better yet, when it’s time to build swamp beds in the jungle as the sun is setting fast. This is the reason why inexpensive tools from Moraskniv, Tramaontina and Victorinox are excellent performers.

MagnaCut won’t save you here. Getting the work done, sharpening it and going on with camp life is serious business on an extended expedition. Nothing against the super steel, it’s just better suited for a completely different situation. It makes sense to buy a MagnaCut steel knife if all you do is break down boxes or cut mundane materials. However, it’s overkill when something like a SAK has been doing that for decades without the hefty price tag. I’m a fan of what works!

Washers Vs. Bearings

In the desert, a hiker or camper needs just a blade, saw and awl for essential utility and crafting.
In the desert, a hiker or camper needs just a blade, saw and awl for essential utility and crafting.

Knife people love pivot debates, but the truth stays simple enough for any reader. Bearings feel fast and slick. They open with a little thrill and shine in clean environments. They hate dirt, though. Sand and pocket debris grind them down and slow them.

Washers handle the rough stuff better. They tolerate grit, mud and long days outdoors. They deliver smooth, controlled movement under pressure and keep working after hard use. They win when conditions turn unpredictable. That’s why so many outdoor knives still rely on phosphor-bronze washers. It’s the same reason why the Swiss Army Knife’s friction-based slip joint still holds its own. Fewer moving parts mean fewer failure points and more consistency when I need it.

Conclusion

Readers don’t need a metallurgy seminar to pick a good folder. They need clarity. Blade shape guides the job. Lock type guides confidence. Steel choice guides edge life and ease of sharpening. Ergonomics guides comfort. Maintenance guides longevity. The rest comes from real use, not spec sheets. The Victorinox SAK Camper is a gentlemanly woods and EDC folder more in line with my everyday chores!

Camper Specs
Main Blade Length: 2.75”
Secondary Blade Length: 1.4”
Blade Material: Stainless steel
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade @ Thickest: 0.70″
Blade Finish: Satin
Functions: 13
Handle Material: Celidor & Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
Closed Length: 3.58″
Country of Origin: Switzerland
MSRP: $39

Trekker Specs
Blade Length: 3.4″
Blade Material: Stainless wteel
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade @ Thickest: .07″
Blade Finish: Satin
Functions: 12
Handle Material: Polyamide (Nylon)
Closed Length: 4.37″
Country of Origin: Switzerland
MSRP: $64

More On Swiss Army Knives:

First Look: MKC The Montana—Company Launches First Folder

The Missoula-based brand brings its legendary ruggedness, MagnaCut steel, and precision engineering to the everyday carry market.

For nearly six years, Montana Knife Company has been synonymous with hard-use fixed blades. Master Bladesmith Josh Smith—who at one time was the youngest person to earn his master smith stamp from the American Bladesmith Society—started the company in a two-car garage with a single goal: build the best hunting knife on the market. It’s difficult to argue he’s done anything other than exactly that, and in the process has earned the absolute trust of the outdoor community.

While the Missoula-based brand is deeply rooted in its hunting heritage, it has steadily built a full slate of options for hard work and everyday carry. Now, MKC is bringing its uncompromising standards to the EDC world with its first-ever folding knife: The Montana.

MKC Montana clip side profile

This highly versatile liner lock folder features a drop-point blade sized just right to handle everything from stripping wire on the job site to gutting a cutthroat trout at the creek.

“Five years of scaling our manufacturing right here in Montana made our first folder possible,” Smith said. “People will see a liner lock knife that weighs less than three ounces and is engineered to a thousandth of an inch, built to fit in any pocket and operate without service for years. But what matters most is that The Montana is built to be used and handed down just like every other knife we make.”

MKC Montana Thumb Stud

True to the brand’s premium manufacturing ethos, the knife features a working stonewash MagnaCut blade and durable G10 handle scales. Weighing a nimble 2.84 ounces, it delivers workhorse capability in a pocket-friendly footprint.

The Montana drops exclusively on the company’s website on June 4 at 7 p.m. MDT. Quantities will be limited, so expect a fast sellout.

Montana Specifications
Blade Material: MagnaCut
Blade Finish: Stonewash
Handle Material: G10
Mechanism: Liner Lock Folding
Overall Length: 7 5/8 inches
Blade Length: 3 1/4 inches
Blade Thickness: 0.118 inch
Weight: 2.84 ounces
MSRP: $390

Knife Reviews:

First Look: Legendary CRKT M16 Gets Affordable Makeover

Celebrating its 30th birthday, the Kit Carson-designed M16 has an economical crossbar lock option.

It might seem surprising, but CRKT produced one of the most popular military knives of modern times. Here, we aren’t talking about issued blades, but working EDC options, typically purchased at a soldier’s local PX.

Aptly named, the M16 was the wire stripper, rope cutter, lid prier and snack slicer of choice for many a military man and woman from Kandahar to Kubal and Baghdad to Balad, and everywhere in between. And the unexpected warhorse is celebrating its 30th birthday this year.

CRKT isn’t allowing this momentous occasion to slip by, with the Kit Carson-designed folder having a pair of new models added to the series. The black M16-10XK and tan M16-10XD hues aren’t the eye-catching aspect of the new knives, nor are the models’ crossbar lock—it’s available on a few other models. Instead, the M16 model’s price tag should get fans of the folder excited.

Both models come in with a very affordable $48 MSRP, making them among the most reasonably priced options in the family of knives. This is particularly true of the crossbar lock models, which start at $75.

CRKT M16 10XD profile, clip side.

Enthusiasts or veterans looking to replace the blade they lost in the “sandbox” get a solid build out of the new M16s. Both models are outfitted with 3.03-inch 8Cr14MoV modified tanto blades, with titanium nitride finishes and sporting Veff serrations near the heel. The final aspect is wicked, giving the blade a highly aggressive cutting ability.

The blade deploys quickly, thanks to IKBS ball bearings and opens via thumbstuds or with a flick of the wrist, with the crossbar lock actuated. Note, the locking system is ambidextrous, rock solid and allows for single-handed manipulation. The handle is fiber-glass reinforced nylon, keeping the knife’s weight a very manageable 2.1 ounces.  

CRKT has shown plenty of dedication to the M16 design and evolving it over the years. Early this year, the company dropped a balisong version of the knife, possibly the most unique riff of the time-tested design. In all, there are now 36 variations of the storied M16.

A couple of notes on the knife and its legacy. It was included on BLADE® Magazine’s top 10 tactical knives of the past decade in the early 2000s. Further, CRKT has created a video series on the knife’s design and military pedigree, with veterans and experts looking back on their time with the knife.

CRKT M16 10XK blade profile.

M16 10XK & 10 XD Specs
Blade Length: 3.03”
Blade Thickness: .10”
Overall Length: 7.06”
Closed Length: 4.01”
Weight: 2.1 oz.
Blade Material: 8Cr14MoV
Blade Profile: Tanto
Blade Edge: Plain & Veff Serrations
Handle Material: Fiber-Glass Reinforce Polymer
MSRP: $48

Knife Reviews:

New Production Knives: Factory Picks For ’26

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

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

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


Fallkniven BT1 (Bird & Trout)

Fallkniven BT1 (Bird & Trout)

Knife Type: Hunting/All Purpose
Blade Length: 2.68”
Overall Length: 6.69”
Blade Grind: Convex
Scale/Handle: Thermorun
Blade Material: Elmax
Sheath: Zytel
Date Available: 2026
MSRP: TBD


Bestech Nyrrdreki

Bestech Nyrrdreki

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

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

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

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


Emerson Knives Iron Drake

Emerson Knives Iron Drake

Pattern: Compound Recurve
Knife Type: Folding Knife
Blade Length: 3.8″
Overall Length: 8.9”
Liners: Titanium
Blade Grind: Conventional V Grind
Scale: G-10
Blade Material: S35VN
Availability: Now
MSRP: TBA


Boker USA Backcountry Black

Boker USA Backcountry Black

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Utica Cutler Co. Disruption I

Utica Cutler Co. Disruption I

Pattern: Modified Wharncliff
Blade Length: 2.25″
Overall Length: 5.38″
Liners: Steel
Lock Type: Liner Lock
Blade Finish: Black Stonewash
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade Material: D2
Handle Material: G10
Inside Edge: Moveable Pocket Clip
Date Available: Now
MSRP: $70


Cold Steel Knife & Tool RECON 1 XL

Cold Steel Knife & Tool RECON 1 XL

Pattern: Clip Point
Knife Type: Folder
Blade Length: 5.25”
Overall Length: 12.25”
Closed Length: 3.63”
Lock Type: Tri-Ad Lock
Handle: G10
Blade Material: XHP w/ PVC Coating
Date Available: Now
Inside Edge: Ambidextrous Pocket/Belt Clip
MSRP: $330


Sharps Bros Meanstreak

Sharps Bros Meanstreak

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

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.

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

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

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

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


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