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New Knives of the Week:
August 28th, 2026
As August winds down, this week’s new releases are anything but quiet. Jack Wolf Knives starts things off with a traditional pattern dressed in enough different materials to suit just about any taste, while Kizer goes tiny, playful, and just a little bit collectible with an SMKW exclusive that feels ready to be caught. Case follows with another exclusive that looks good enough to make breakfast, bringing a smoky twist to one of its most familiar patterns. Victorinox closes out the week with a Tinker that trades the usual Swiss Army styling for something a little...
Recent Articles
Blade Steel: Böhler K340
Böhler K340 ISODUR is a steel some knife users know for its combination of toughness, edge retention, and chipping resistance, but knives were not the reason it was created. K340 was developed as an industrial cold-work tool steel for demanding applications where wear resistance alone was insufficient. The steel had to remain hard and stable while also tolerating repeated mechanical stress without cracking or failing prematurely. K340 ISODUR belongs to a group of tool steels containing approximately eight percent chromium. Böhler developed it for applications where conventional...
Best Traditional Knives
of 2026
Traditional knives continue to hold an important place in the modern knife world, and 2026 has brought a good mix of new patterns, returning designs, and updated classics. Brands like Case, Buck, and Jack Wolf Knives have each taken a different approach to the category, balancing familiar construction and traditional styling with modern steels, refined materials, slimmer profiles, and more practical carry options. Some releases stay close to long-established designs, while others explore new interpretations of what a traditional pocket knife can be...
New Knives of the Week:
August 21st, 2026
As August moves deeper into its second half, this week’s new knife releases lean heavily into exclusives and distinctive materials. Case brings two Smoky Mountain Knife Works exclusives into the mix, giving iconic traditional patterns a modern look through upgraded steels and colorful G-10 construction. White River Knife & Tool follows with another SMKW exclusive that takes a tastier approach, pairing a compact fixed-blade design with one of the most unusual handle materials we have seen this month. Between bright, modern takes on classic...
Best Fixed Blades
of 2026
Fixed blades remain some of the most dependable cutting tools available, offering a level of strength, simplicity, and reliability that's difficult for any folding knife to match. In 2026, manufacturers continue to expand the category with designs that go far beyond traditional hunting and survival knives. Today's fixed blades range from compact everyday carry models and purpose-built hunting knives to rugged bushcraft tools and versatile outdoor companions, with premium blade steels, improved ergonomics, and modern sheath systems...
Written By
Drew Clifton
Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.