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New Knives at S.H.O.T. Show 2026
Published: February 18th, 2026
SHOT Show always brings a flood of new gear, but a few releases this year feel especially worth a closer look. Pro-Tech expands its lineup with standout new variations like the full-size Avalon, a clean, modern folder designed for extra reach and real everyday utility, while CRKT continues to refine its lightweight EDC offerings with Ken Onion’s Counterpart Crossbar platform. Alongside those highlights, there are plenty of other fresh designs making their debut, from compact autos and updated button locks to new takes on familiar classics, all built with the kind of practical details that matter once the knives leave the display case and hit the pocket.
Pro-Tech
Avalon
The Pro-Tech Avalon, designed by Peace Neighbor, is a full-size folder built for users who want a clean, modern carry with extra reach and a confident in-hand feel. It features a 4.25-inch MagnaCut stainless steel drop point blade with a stonewash finish and a plain edge, offering excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance while keeping glare down and hiding wear from use. A button lock keeps operation simple and secure, while the thumb stud opener delivers fast, controlled deployment without relying on aggressive action. The 5.25-inch black 6061 aluminum handle provides a rigid, lightweight frame with a standard texture and blasted hardware for a cohesive, understated look. Overall length is 9.25 inches, and weight is 3.69 ounces. It carries right-hand tip-up with a long, deep-carry pocket clip and is made in the USA.
Scapegoat
The Pro-Tech Scapegoat, designed in collaboration with Ramon Chaves, pairs his distinctive design language with Pro-Tech’s rapid automatic action in a compact, pocket-friendly folder. It features a 3.15-inch MagnaMax stainless steel clip point blade with a stonewash finish and a plain edge that keeps glare down and helps hide wear from daily use. This automatic fires cleanly and consistently, via a blasted button that keeps lockup and deployment simple and reliable in hand. A 4-inch black 6061 aluminum handle keeps the profile slim and rigid, with matching blasted hardware for a cohesive, understated look. Overall length is 7 inches, and weight is 2.85 ounces, and it carries right-hand tip-up with a short deep-carry pocket clip. Made in the USA.
Mordax
The Pro-Tech Mordax is a full-size button lock folder built around a clean, work-ready profile and Pro-Tech’s fast, precise action. It features a 3.5-inch MagnaCut stainless steel drop point blade with a Tan PVD finish and a plain edge, giving it excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance in a durable coated finish that holds up well to daily carry. The button flipper mechanism provides quick deployment and a secure lockup, keeping operation simple and consistent. A 4.63-inch black 6061 aluminum handle keeps the knife lightweight and secure in hand, with black hardware for a matched, low-profile look and a black lip pearl button for a subtle accent. It measures 8.13 inches overall and weighs 3.84 ounces, and it carries right-hand tip-up with a black deep-carry pocket clip. Made in the USA.
CRKT
Counterpart Crossbar (Drop Point)
Version Shown: Black Oxide | Gray
The CRKT Counterpart Crossbar, designed by Ken Onion, is a lightweight everyday carry folder built around a simple, modern drop-point profile and a smooth, ambidextrous action. It features a 3.38-inch Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel blade with a plain edge, offered in either a satin finish with black handles or a black oxide finish paired with gray or aqua handles. The blade rides on an IKBS ball-bearing pivot for quick, controlled deployment, and the crossbar lock provides secure lockup with easy left or right-hand operation. A 4.42-inch glass-reinforced nylon handle keeps weight low while offering a slim, pocket-friendly shape with subtle texture for grip. Overall length is 7.75 inches, and weight is just 2.1 ounces. It carries tip-up with an ambidextrous deep-carry pocket clip.
Counterpart Crossbar (Tanto)
The CRKT Counterpart Crossbar Tanto, designed by Ken Onion, takes the same lightweight Counterpart platform and gives it a more aggressive cutting profile with a reinforced tanto point. It features a 3.31-inch D2 tool steel blade with a black oxide finish and a plain edge, offering strong wear resistance for daily utility while keeping glare down. A thumb disc provides fast, controlled one-handed deployment, and the IKBS ball-bearing pivot keeps the action smooth. The crossbar lock delivers secure lockup with fully ambidextrous operation, making it easy to run left or right-handed. A 4.42-inch black glass-reinforced nylon handle keeps the knife slim and lightweight without feeling flimsy in the hand. Overall length is 7.75 inches, and weight is 2.1 ounces. It carries tip-up with an ambidextrous deep-carry pocket clip.
M16-02BALI
The CRKT M16-02 Balisong, designed by Kit Carson, takes the classic M16 look and brings it into the balisong world with a compact, carry-ready build. It features a 3.37-inch MagnaCut stainless steel tanto blade with a stonewash finish and a plain edge, giving it excellent edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance in a finish that hides wear well. The blade runs on an IKBS ball-bearing pivot for smooth action, while the balisong construction keeps operation simple and mechanically direct. A 4.56-inch black aluminum handle keeps the knife lightweight and balanced in hand, and a locking latch helps secure it for safer carry. Overall length is 7.75 inches and weight is 2.6 ounces. It carries tip-up with a deep-carry pocket clip. Made by Live Sharp Industries in Colorado.
M16-03BALI
The CRKT M16-03 Balisong, designed by Kit Carson, reimagines the iconic M16 as a compact butterfly knife with a more general-purpose cutting profile. It features a 3.38-inch MagnaCut stainless steel drop-point blade with a stonewash finish and a plain edge, pairing strong edge retention and corrosion resistance with a finish that keeps wear and glare to a minimum. The blade rides on an IKBS ball-bearing pivot for smooth, consistent action, and the balisong construction keeps things mechanically straightforward in the hand. A 4.51-inch black aluminum handle maintains a light, balanced feel without sacrificing rigidity during use, and a locking latch helps keep carry secure. Overall length is 7.75 inches, and weight is 2.5 ounces. It carries tip-up with a deep-carry pocket clip. Made by Live Sharp Industries in Colorado.
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.