New Knives of the Week: August 14th, 2026


New Knives of the Week: August 14th, 2026

Published: August 14th, 2026

New knives of the week, August 14th, 2026, featuring various knife designs.

As summer 2026 starts to wind down, the new knife releases are showing no signs of slowing, with several manufacturers bringing something different to the table this week. Benchmade adds a darker variation to one of its compact folding platforms, Vosteed follows with a trio of Smoky Mountain Knife Works exclusives, each built around lightweight titanium construction and offered in three noticeably different colorways. Hogue Knives brings a compact automatic into the mix with premium blade steel and a choice of two finishes, while CRKT heads in a more outdoors-oriented direction with a fixed blade designed for backcountry use.


Benchmade

Lowden (New Variant)

Released: August 11th, 2026

This latest version of the Benchmade Lowden takes the compact folder in a darker direction, pairing a black G-10 handle with a black CPM S90V blade and a contrasting bronze-colored AXIS Lock bar. The 2.79-inch spear-point blade is hardened to 59–61 HRC and measures just 0.09 inches thick, giving the Lowden a slim cutting profile while retaining great wear resistance and edge retention. The blade deploys smoothly via the dual thumb studs or a flipper tab, with Benchmade’s ambidextrous AXIS Lock handling blade lockup. Its 4.02-inch G-10 handle keeps the knife narrow and straightforward in hand, while the entire package measures 6.81 inches overall and weighs 2.55 ounces. A reversible tip-up pocket clip rounds out the carry setup. Proudly made in the USA.


Vosteed

SMKW Exclusive Raccoon TiSlim (Satin - Frag Gray)

Knife on an orange background with the Vosteed logo.

Released: August 12th, 2026

The Vosteed SMKW Exclusive Raccoon TiSlim is a streamlined everyday carry folder, and the first Vosteed Smoky Mountain Knife Works exclusive. Its 3.18" drop-point blade is made from CPM S35VN stainless steel, measures 0.08" thick, and features a satin finish with a plain edge. Dual thumb studs and a caged ceramic ball bearing pivot provide smooth manual deployment, while a crossbar lock secures the blade and supports ambidextrous operation. The 4.37" gray titanium handle features a machined frag pattern, a matching titanium backspacer, and subtle blue accents around the thumb studs. Measuring 7.55" overall and weighing 2.69 ounces, the Raccoon TiSlim is equipped with a 3D-milled titanium pocket clip configured for tip-up carry, along with an integrated lanyard hole at the end of the handle.

SMKW Exclusive Raccoon TiSlim
(Copper Dune - Frag Dark Reddish Purple)

Released: August 12th, 2026

The Vosteed SMKW Exclusive Raccoon TiSlim is also available in a darker colorway that keeps the same slim profile and lightweight construction as the satin version. Its 3.18" drop-point blade is made from CPM S35VN stainless steel, measures 0.08" thick, and features a Copper Dune finish with a plain edge. Dual thumb studs and a caged ceramic ball bearing pivot handle deployment, while a crossbar lock secures the blade and supports ambidextrous operation. The 4.37" Dark Reddish Purple titanium handle features a machined frag pattern, matching titanium backspacer, and warm-toned hardware that complements the blade finish. Measuring 7.55" overall and weighing 2.69 ounces, this version includes a dark reddish purple 3D-milled titanium pocket clip configured for tip-up carry, along with a lanyard hole at the end of the handle.

SMKW Exclusive Raccoon TiSlim
(Black Stonewash - Frag Purple)

Released: August 12th, 2026

The Vosteed SMKW Exclusive Raccoon TiSlim continues the exclusive lineup with a more playful look. Its 3.18” drop-point blade is made from CPM S35VN stainless steel, measures 0.08" thick, and has a plain edge with a Black Stonewash finish. Dual thumb studs work with a caged ceramic ball bearing pivot for smooth manual deployment, while a crossbar lock provides secure, ambidextrous operation. The 4.37" purple titanium handle features a machined frag pattern, matching titanium backspacer, and dark hardware that gives this version a distinct appearance. Measuring 7.55" overall and weighing 2.69 ounces, it carries comfortably with a purple 3D-milled titanium pocket clip configured for tip-up carry and includes a lanyard hole at the end of the handle.


Hogue Knives

Micro Counterstrike

Released: August 12th, 2026

The Hogue Knives Micro Counterstrike brings Hogue’s Counterstrike platform into a compact double-action OTF built for discreet everyday carry. Its 1.95-inch double-edged dagger blade is made from MagnaCut stainless steel, cryogenically heat-treated to 62-64 HRC, and hand-sharpened and honed. Two blade finishes are available, giving you a choice between a darker black stonewash or a brighter tumbled finish. A thumb trigger controls both deployment and retraction for true one-handed operation. The 2.925-inch handle combines an ornately milled 6061-T6 anodized aluminum case with a black Polyamide Nylon 12 glass fiber-reinforced polymer cover for a lightweight, textured grip. Measuring 4.875 inches overall and weighing 1.8 ounces, the Micro Counterstrike includes a reversible deep-carry pocket clip configured for right- or left-hand tip-down carry and is made in the USA.


CRKT

Altai

Released: August 13th, 2026

The CRKT Altai is a backcountry fixed blade inspired by Spartan Precision Equipment founder Rob Gearing’s hunt through Mongolia’s Altai Mountains, with high-visibility orange construction intended to make the knife easier to locate outdoors. Its 3.53-inch plain edge blade is made from Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel and protected by an orange ceramic coating for added resistance to corrosion and wear. A notch along the spine is designed to be used with the included ferro rod for fire starting, while the included ceramic rod helps maintain the edge in the field. The glass-reinforced nylon handle features a carbon-fiber-inspired texture, orange accents, and Spartan head details on the handle pins. Measuring 8 inches overall and weighing 3.6 ounces, the Altai comes with a thermoplastic sheath with a lanyard or pocket clip for carry and storage.


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.