New Benchmade Knives at Blade Show 2026


New Benchmade Knives at Blade Show 2026

Published: June 17th, 2026

Benchmade logo next to Blade Show logo on contrasting backgrounds.

Benchmade arrived at Blade Show 2026 with a lineup that balances refinements of fan favorites with entirely new designs for hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and everyday carriers. This year's releases span multiple product families, including lightweight evolutions of iconic models like the Bugout, Osborne, and Bailout, new additions to the SOCP series, and the debut of the Slipridge platform in both folding and fixed-blade configurations. Premium steels appear throughout the lineup, paired with updated handle materials, new colorways, and design changes. From ultralight EDC folders and compact tactical tools to dedicated hunting knives, Benchmade's Blade Show 2026 release has a little something for everyone.


Blue Class

Bugout Vapyr

The Benchmade Bugout Vapyr is the next evolution of one of Benchmade’s most popular folding knives, reimagining the lightweight Bugout platform with an even slimmer profile and updated materials. While the original Bugout became a favorite among hikers, backpackers, and the EDC community for its balance of cutting performance and minimal weight, the Vapyr refines that formula by reducing the knife’s thickness by 33 percent. Its 3.25-inch drop-point blade is made from MagnaCut stainless steel and finished with a black Cerakote coating, pairing excellent edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Taiga green dual-thumb studs provide easy one-handed deployment, while the AXIS Lock ensures a smooth, ambidextrous lockup. The 4.24-inch black 6061-T6 anodized aluminum handle features a distinctive milled pattern that complements the knife’s streamlined construction while enhancing grip. Measuring 7.48 inches overall and weighing just 1.72 ounces, the Bugout Vapyr stays true to the Bugout’s lightweight roots while pushing the design in an even more minimalist direction. Made in the USA.

491 Lowden (New Variation)

Black folding knife with Benchmade logo in the background.

The Benchmade 491 Lowden is a compact everyday carry folder that combines modern materials with a streamlined design. This new variant features a 2.79-inch black Cerakote-coated Böhler M390 spear-point blade, offering excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance in a versatile profile. The blade deploys smoothly with an integrated flipper and locks securely with Benchmade’s AXIS Lock, providing fully ambidextrous operation. Black G-10 handle scales complement the coated blade and hardware, giving the knife a clean, understated appearance while maintaining a secure grip. Measuring 6.81 inches overall with a 4.05-inch handle, the Lowden delivers capable cutting performance in a compact package that is easy to carry throughout the day. Made in the USA.

Osborne (New Variation)

Folding knife with green handle against a butterfly logo background.

The Benchmade Osborne continues to be one of Benchmade’s most iconic EDC designs, and this new variant updates the classic profile with premium materials and a fresh color combination. Its 3.4-inch reverse tanto blade is made from CPM S90V and finished with a Flat Dark Earth Battlewash PVD coating, pairing exceptional edge retention with a distinctive look. The blade opens smoothly via dual thumb studs and locks securely with Benchmade’s AXIS Lock, providing the ambidextrous operation that has long been a staple of the Osborne family. Replacing the now-discontinued Taiga Green Grivory scales, this version features Taiga Green 6061-T6 aluminum handles that add rigidity and a more substantial feel while maintaining the model’s slim, pocket-friendly profile. Measuring 7.87 inches overall and weighing 2.9 ounces, the Osborne remains a lightweight, highly capable knife that blends Warren Osborne’s iconic design with upgraded materials and a refined appearance. Made in the USA.


Black Class

Mini SOCP

Butterfly knife with Benchmade logo in the background.

Version Shown: Olive Drab

The Benchmade Mini SOCP distills Greg Thompson’s Special Operations Combatives Program design into an even more compact fixed-blade intended for discreet carry and rapid accessibility. This scaled-down version features a 1.66-inch spear-point blade made from 440C stainless steel and finished with a durable Cerakote coating, available in Tungsten Gray, Desert Sand, or Olive Drab. Despite its compact size, the blade keeps the same geometry and streamlined profile that have defined the SOCP family. The knife’s skeletonized one-piece construction keeps weight to a minimum while maintaining strength, and the oversized finger ring provides a secure grip and enhanced retention. Measuring 6.3 inches overall and weighing just 1.81 ounces, the Mini SOCP is exceptionally lightweight and easy to carry, whether worn as part of a tactical setup or integrated into an everyday carry system. Its compact footprint and minimalist construction make it one of the smallest fixed blades in Benchmade’s lineup. Made in the USA.

 

Mini SOCP Folder

Butterfly knife with a brown blade and Benchmade logo in background.

Version Shown: Desert Sand

The Benchmade Mini SOCP Folder brings the distinctive features of the Special Operations Combatives Program series to a compact folding knife designed for rapid deployment and secure handling. Its 3.76-inch CPM S30V spear-point blade is available with a Cerakote finish in either black or Desert Sand with partial serrations for added versatility when cutting fibrous materials, webbing, and rope. The defining feature of the design is its pocket hook opener, which automatically deploys the blade as the knife is drawn from the pocket, providing exceptionally fast access when needed. Benchmade’s AXIS Lock ensures smooth ambidextrous operation and secure lockup, while matching textured G-10 handle scales provide a secure grip. The 4.91-inch handle also incorporates a removable oversized retention ring that has become synonymous with the SOCP series, enhancing control during use. Measuring 8.67 inches overall, the Mini SOCP Folder is a compact pocket-friendly take on one of Benchmade’s most recognizable tactical designs. Made in the USA.

Bailout (New Variation)

A butterfly logo with a folding knife in the foreground.

The Benchmade Bailout has long been Benchmade’s lightweight answer to people who prefer a more tactical approach to everyday carry, and this latest version improves the design with upgraded materials and a fresh color scheme. Its 3.38-inch tanto blade is made from CPM S90V and finished with a Flat Dark Earth PVD Battlewash coating, combining exceptional edge retention with the reinforced tip strength that has become a trademark of the Bailout. Dual thumb studs provide quick, ambidextrous deployment, while the AXIS Lock delivers smooth operation and secure lockup. Replacing the now-discontinued Taiga Green Grivory scales, this version features Taiga Green 6061-T6 aluminum handles with a custom Benchmade anodized finish. Measuring 8.09 inches overall and weighing just 2.7 ounces, this updated configuration continues to offer an impressive balance of strength, cutting performance, and carry comfort. Made in the USA.


Hunt Class

SlipRidge Folder

Orange-handled folding knife with a silver blade and logo in background.

Version Shown: Rust Orange G-10

The Benchmade SlipRidge Folder is a new addition to Benchmade’s Hunt Class, blending field-ready performance with a design made for customization. Its 3.5-inch MagnaCut clip-point blade measures 0.114 inches thick and offers an excellent balance of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance for hunting, camp chores, and general outdoor use. Green dual thumb studs provide smooth one-handed opening, while Benchmade’s AXIS Lock delivers secure, ambidextrous operation. Available with either dark brown stabilized wood or rust orange G-10 handle scales, the SlipRidge offers two distinct personalities right out of the box, while an interchangeable scale system allows users to further personalize the knife with optional carbon fiber, black canvas micarta, and OD green G-10 scales. The 4.75-inch handle’s subtle contouring provides a comfortable grip without unnecessary bulk. Measuring 8.25 inches overall and weighing 4.17 ounces, the SlipRidge is built to transition seamlessly from the field to everyday carry while offering a level of versatility uncommon in a dedicated hunting folder. Made in the USA.

SlipRidge Fixed

A knife with a wooden handle against a blurred nature background.

Version Shown: Dark Stabilized Wood

The SlipRidge Fixed brings the same practical outdoor focus as its folding counterpart to a dedicated fixed-blade platform made for hunting, camp chores, and field use. Its 3.7-inch MagnaCut clip-point blade provides an excellent balance of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance, while the broad profile and generous belly make it well-suited for field processing. Available with either dark brown stabilized wood or rust orange G-10 handle scales, the handle’s ergonomic contours and forward finger guard provide a secure grip during demanding work, while the exposed fasteners allow for easy maintenance. Measuring 8.11 inches overall and weighing 3.61 ounces, the SlipRidge Fixed delivers great cutting capability in a lightweight package that is comfortable to carry throughout the day. Each knife includes an OD Green Boltaron sheath and a rust orange Cerakote-coated 440C guthook, creating a complete field-ready system for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Made in the USA.


Written By

Drew Clifton

Person smiling in front of a garden and traditional building.

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

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.