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New Folding Knives at Blade Show Texas 2026
Published: April 15th, 2026
As the doors opened at Blade Show Texas 2026, the floor reflected a clear shift toward refinement in everyday-carry folders. This year’s lineup leaned less on sheer volume and more on focused execution, with makers like CIVIVI delivering a clean, dialed-in example of modern mid-range EDC design. Heretic Knives pushed into new territory with a notable change in locking systems, signaling a broader expansion in their approach to manual folders. At the same time, Tekto entered the conversation with a design featuring rifle-inspired styling, bringing a different perspective to the show floor. Whether you’re looking for a featherweight companion or a mirror-polished manual folder, these standouts from the show floor offer a compelling look at the next generation of blades destined for your EDC rotation.
CIVIVI
Ryson-E
The CIVIVI Ryson-E, designed by Sam Tran, features a 3.32-inch Sandvik 14C28N harpoon blade with a black stonewashed finish and a hollow grind that brings a thin, precise edge suited for controlled slicing and detail work. It opens on a caged ceramic ball-bearing pivot via a dual-thumb stud and locks into place securely with a liner lock, giving it a smooth, consistent action. The 4.33-inch burgundy G-10 handle is slim and lightly contoured to fit the shape of your hand, and is paired with black stainless steel liners to keep the profile balanced and easy to carry. It measures 7.65 inches overall and weighs 3.29 ounces, making it a comfortable everyday option with a tip-up, reversible pocket clip.
Heretic Knives
Koschei
The Heretic Knives Koschei features a 3.5-inch Böhler M390 blade with a mirror-polished finish, giving the broad profile a clean, reflective surface while maintaining strong edge retention and corrosion resistance. It opens using an elongated thumb hole that provides controlled, deliberate deployment, now paired with Heretic’s first-ever crossbar lock, marking a notable shift for the brand into a fully ambidextrous, manually operated platform with a smooth, balanced feel. The 4.5-inch carbon fiber handle keeps the weight down while offering a rigid, lightly textured grip that complements the knife’s modern construction. It measures 8 inches overall, bringing a full-sized presence that remains easy to manage for everyday carry. Made in the USA.
Tekto
F4 Echo (American Walnut G-10)
The Tekto F4 Echo, created in partnership with Zastava Arms USA, is built around a 3.40-inch CPM S35VN reverse tanto blade with a black titanium-coated finish, combining a reinforced tip with a straight, usable edge for precise everyday cutting. It opens via a flipper tab and is secured with a button lock, delivering a smooth, controlled action that emphasizes deliberate movement over speed. The 4.30-inch black aluminum handle is fitted with an American Walnut G-10 inlay, adding a warmer look while maintaining a lightweight, rigid structure. It measures 7.70 inches overall and weighs 2.64 ounces, keeping it slim and easy to carry in daily use. It includes a low-profile pocket clip for easy carry.
F4 Echo (Serbian Red G-10)
The Tekto F4 Echo, developed in collaboration with Zastava Arms USA, features a 3.40-inch CPM S35VN reverse tanto blade with a black titanium-coated finish, offering a strong tip and clean edge geometry suited for controlled, everyday cutting tasks. It deploys with a flipper tab and runs on a button-lock system, giving it a smooth, deliberate action with a secure lockup. The 4.30-inch black aluminum and Serbian Red G-10 handle blends lightweight strength with a structured, rifle-inspired design that keeps the grip stable without adding bulk. It measures 7.70 inches overall and weighs 2.64 ounces, making it easy to carry without sacrificing capability. It rides with a low-profile pocket clip for straightforward everyday carry.
F4 Echo (Tactical Black G-10)
The Tekto F4 Echo, developed alongside Zastava Arms USA, features a 3.40-inch CPM S35VN reverse tanto blade with a black titanium-coated finish, built to deliver a strong tip and straight cutting edge for controlled, everyday use. The flipper tab and button lock combination provides a smooth, steady deployment with a secure, consistent lockup. The 4.30-inch aluminum handle is paired with a Tactical Black G-10 inlay, giving the knife a more subdued look while maintaining a lightweight, durable frame. It measures 7.70 inches overall and weighs 2.64 ounces, keeping the profile slim and easy to carry throughout the day. It comes with a low-profile pocket clip for easy everyday carry.
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.









