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New Benchmade Knives S.H.O.T. Show 2026
Benchmade arrived at S.H.O.T. Show 2026 with a focused slate of new knives and updates that build on long-established platforms. Across Black Class, Blue Class, Hunt, Water, and the expanding Cutlery Line, this year’s releases emphasize refined materials, practical size adjustments, and unique colorways. Popular models like the Bugout, Bailout, Osborne, and SOCP return with new steels, finishes, and handle configurations, while the kitchen and field offerings continue Benchmade’s steady push beyond everyday carry. If Benchmade’s SHOT Show 2026...
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Recent Articles
New Knives of the Week: January 30th, 2026
This week’s new releases bring together a wide cross-section of the knife world, with American and international makers showing very different takes on modern carry, fixed blades, and automatic designs. Hogue and SIG Sauer continue their close collaboration with compact, purpose-built tools, while Heretic adds a visually distinctive twist to one of its established platforms. WE Knife Co. and CIVIVI expand their lineups with material-driven folders that balance precision machining with everyday practicality, and Sencut adds another option focused...
New Knives of the Week: January 23rd, 2026
As the weather gets colder, the knife releases are heating up, and this week’s drop comes in with a clear focus on purpose-built designs and smart variations. Jack Wolf Knives leads the charge with a lineup that shows how much personality you can pull from one pattern, shifting the feel from ultralight and modern to more traditional and substantial just by changing materials and finish choices. Zero Tolerance follows with a sprint run that keeps the brand’s hard-use backbone but adds a more refined carry through carbon fiber and a wear-friendly blade finish...
Previous Articles Categories
New Knives of the Week 2026
January 9th, 2026
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January 16th, 2026
January is still picking up speed, and this week’s releases keep the momentum going. Victorinox opens the week with its 2026 Limited Edition Glacial Blue lineup, applying a clean Alox finish to three familiar platforms that balance everyday usefulness with restrained, modern styling. Kershaw and Zero Tolerance follow with a heavy showing built around MagnaCut, updated lock designs, and a mix of manual and automatic folders that stay focused on real-world pocket carry. Hogue adds an SMKW-exclusive that leans into utility with a purpose-driven...
Shopping Guides
2026 Trade Shows
& Expos
The 2026 calendar is packed with trade shows, expos, and in-store events that help drive the knife and outdoor industries forward. For brands and retailers, these gatherings are where new products are introduced, relationships are built, and the direction of the market starts to take shape for the year ahead. For collectors and everyday users, they offer a rare chance to handle upcoming releases, speak directly with makers and company representatives, and get a closer look at the materials, designs, and...
Best Carving Knives
for the Holidays
As the holiday season approaches, the spotlight turns to the dining table, and few moments are more satisfying than carving into a perfectly roasted centerpiece. Whether it’s a golden turkey, glazed ham, or tender prime rib, the right carving set makes all the difference between rough cuts and restaurant-quality slices. This year’s lineup of carving knives and sets brings together trusted names like Victorinox, Wüsthof, Zwilling, Henckels, and Rada Cutlery; brands known for precision, craftsmanship, and lasting quality. Each set is...
Fishing Knives
Whether you are cleaning a string of crappie at the dock, slicing through braided line on a pitching boat, or breaking down a big redfish after a day in the salt, a dependable fishing knife makes all the difference. And with more knife makers turning their attention to water-focused designs, anglers now have more high-performance options than ever before. In this article, we are diving into the fishing knives offered by several of the biggest names in the industry, Benchmade, Buck, Gerber, Kershaw, and Spyderco, to see how each brand approaches life on the water. From rust-resistant steels...
Kitchen
Knife Anatomy
Kitchen knives are indispensable tools in any culinary setting, from professional kitchens to home cooking spaces. Their design is the result of centuries of innovation, combining functionality, craftsmanship, and precision. Understanding the anatomy of a kitchen knife not only helps you use it more effectively but also enables you to choose the right tool for specific tasks. Each part of a kitchen knife, from the handle to the blade, is carefully crafted to contribute to its performance, durability, and comfort. This guide explores the key components of a kitchen knife...
Kitchen Knife
Buying Guide
When it comes to purchasing kitchen knives, understanding the features and differences between knives can help you make an informed choice that complements your cooking style, skill level, and budget. Here, we’ll cover the essential knife types, blade materials, handle options, construction methods, and care tips, along with some brand recommendations. Most kitchen knives feature a blade angle between 15-30 degrees, with Western-style chef’s knives and paring knives typically having a 15-20 DPS...
Sailing Knives
and Tools
Life on the water demands tools that can handle unpredictable conditions, sudden emergencies, and the daily wear of salt and spray. A good sailing knife or multitool is more than just an accessory; it’s a safeguard, a problem-solver, and often the difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous situation. From cutting lines under strain to prying open stubborn fittings or escaping entanglement in rough seas, sailors rely on gear that performs without hesitation. In this article, we take a closer look at knives, rescue tools, and multitools designed...
Shopping and
Gifting Guide
Shopping for or gifting a pocket knife can be a thoughtful and personal experience, reflecting the recipient's style, needs, and hobbies. Whether it's for a seasoned outdoorsman, a handyman who appreciates practical tools, or a collector with an eye for craftsmanship, selecting the right pocket knife requires consideration of several key factors. This guide aims to simplify the process, offering insights and tips to help you choose the perfect pocket knife for yourself or as a gift...
Tools for Camping
Camping has a way of reminding us just how important the right tools can be. Whether you’re out for a weekend getaway in the woods or tackling a backcountry trek miles from the nearest trailhead, the gear you bring often determines how smoothly camp life unfolds. A good knife, hatchet, or multitool doesn’t just make chores easier; it turns challenges into simple tasks and ensures you’re ready for whatever the outdoors throws your way. Building a fire, preparing food, or setting up shelter all become faster and safer when you have dependable tools at hand, and the peace of mind...
Utility & Pocket Knives for Holiday Decorating
Holiday decorating brings out a surprising number of small tasks that are easier with the right tool in hand: trimming ribbon, opening decor boxes, shaping craft materials, tightening hardware, and assembling displays. Whether you prefer the precision of a compact utility knife or the versatility of a traditional pocketknife, the right blade can make these seasonal projects smoother, faster, and far more enjoyable. This guide highlights a selection of dependable utility knives and pocket knives that excel during holiday prep...
Shopping/Gifting Archives
2024 Shopping &
Gifting Archive
2025 New Knives of the Week Archive
2025 Shopping &
Gifting Archive
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.