New Knives of the Week: August 8th, 2025

New Knives of the Week: August 8th, 2025

Published: August 8th, 2025

New knives of the week, August 8th, 2025, featuring various knife designs.

August kicks off strong with a fresh wave of standout releases from Benchmade, Case, Heretic Knives, and Vero Engineering. This week’s lineup brings together iconic reissues, bold exclusives, and inventive styling across a variety of blade types and mechanisms. From Benchmade’s long-awaited revival of the legendary 710 to Heretic’s cel-shaded Manticore-S variants, there’s no shortage of design innovation and high-performance steel. Case delivers a colorful coastal twist on the RussLock, while Vero rounds things out with sleek new takes on the Avid 1. Whether you’re into refined tradition, modern function, or something more eye-catching, these new knives offer something fresh for every pocket.

Benchmade

Seven | Ten

Released: August 5th, 2025

The Benchmade 710-25 Seven | Ten is a modern reissue of the knife that first introduced the iconic AXIS Lock. Designed by Bill McHenry and Jason Williams, the original 710 set a new standard when it launched 25 years ago. In 2024, Benchmade brought the design back to showcase an updated version of the AXIS mechanism, built for increased durability and long-term reliability. It features a 4-inch satin-finished recurve drop point blade made from Bohler M390 steel, a wear-resistant alloy with excellent edge retention.

The blade opens manually using dual thumb studs and locks in place with an upgraded AXIS Lock. The handle is machined from black 6061-T6 aluminum and fitted with Flat Dark Earth accents and black oxide hardware. Its shape remains close to the original, offering a natural grip and solid hand feel. The knife measures 4.98 inches closed and 8.95 inches open, with a weight of 4.85 ounces. Proudly made in the USA.


Case

SMKW Exclusive Sea Dragon RussLock

Released: August 5th, 2025

The Case XX SMKW Exclusive Sea Dragon RussLock draws its name and inspiration from the vibrant coastal waters where the elusive leafy sea dragon lives. The jigged bone handle is dyed in layered shades of deep blue, sea green, and warm gold, capturing the movement and color of sunlit shallows and drifting kelp beds. Each handle is unique, with natural variation that reflects the changing hues of the ocean environment. Nickel silver bolsters and pins add a clean contrast to the fluid color pattern.

The knife features a 2.7-inch clip point blade crafted from TruSharp Surgical Steel, offering dependable edge retention and corrosion resistance. The extended tang allows for easy one-handed opening, while a linerlock secures the blade in place during use. Measuring 4.25 inches closed, the Case Sea Dragon RussLock is compact, practical, and lightweight in the pocket. Proudly made in the USA and available only through Smoky Mountain Knife Works.


Heretic Knives

Hydra V4 (Battleworn)

Released: August 5th, 2025

The Heretic Knives Hydra V4 (Battleworn) is a purpose-built out-the-front automatic designed for users who prioritize speed, control, and rugged performance. It features a 3.625-inch CPM MagnaCut blade with a battleworn finish that gives it a broken-in look while helping to conceal use over time. MagnaCut steel offers an excellent combination of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance, making it a solid choice for demanding everyday tasks or heavy-duty field use.

The single-action blade deploys with authority via an oversized front-facing button, which is paired with a rotating safety switch for added security. Retraction is controlled manually through a hidden pull release located at the bottom of the handle. The black hard-anodized aluminum handle is contoured for a secure grip, with jimping along the spine and edges to improve traction. A black DLC-coated titanium pocket clip allows for tip-down carry, while the integrated glass breaker at the pommel adds functional versatility. Made in the USA, the Hydra V4 delivers high-performance mechanics in a streamlined, hard-use design.

Hydra V4 (Two-Tone)

Released: August 5th, 2025

The Heretic Knives Hydra V4 Two-Tone is an out-of-the-front automatic designed with serious use in mind. This version features a 3.625-inch CPM MagnaCut blade with a two-tone finish, combining black coated flats with satin grinds for a sharp, high-contrast look. MagnaCut offers an impressive mix of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance, making it reliable for both daily carry and demanding environments.

The single-action blade deploys with authority using Heretic’s front lever system, activated by an oversized firing button with a rotating safety collar. A manual pull release at the bottom of the handle allows for smooth, controlled retraction without compromising security. The handle is machined from black hard-anodized aluminum and shaped for a sure grip, with jimping along the spine for added traction. A black DLC-coated titanium pocket clip supports tip-down carry, while a hardened steel glass breaker at the pommel adds extra functionality. Built in the USA, the Hydra V4 is precise, tough, and ready to work.

Manticore S Cel Shaded (Turquoise)

Released: August 5th, 2025

The Heretic Knives Manticore-S Cel-Shaded Turquoise looks like it stepped off the page of a comic and straight into your pocket. With its turquoise cel-shaded finish, bold linework, and angular tanto blade, this compact out-the-front automatic brings a flash of graphic style to a fully functional tool. The blade measures 2.625 inches and is made from CPM MagnaCut stainless steel, a high-performance alloy known for edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. The blade’s two-tone finish plays off the stylized look, giving it both character and capability.

A side-mounted thumb slide controls the fast and responsive dual-action mechanism. The aircraft-grade aluminum handle is shaped for control and comfort, with grenade-style texturing for grip and a finish that resists wear while standing out with color. It is compact enough to carry every day, but built to work when it counts. A lanyard hole and hardened steel glass breaker add utility, while the deep carry clip keeps it secure and low in the pocket. Made in the USA, the Manticore-S delivers comic book flair without losing any of its edge.

Manticore S Cel Shaded (Yellow)

Released: August 5th, 2025

The Heretic Knives Manticore-S Cel-Shaded Yellow looks like it leapt straight from the panels of a graphic novel into the real world. This bold variant of Heretic’s compact out-the-front automatic features a 2.625-inch tanto blade made from CPM MagnaCut stainless steel, finished in a vivid yellow cel-shade pattern that gives the illusion of hand-drawn edges and inked shadows. It is fast, functional, and full of attitude.

The blade rides on a smooth dual-action mechanism controlled by a side-mounted thumb slide, offering quick deployment and retraction with a satisfying snap. The handle is made from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum with grenade-style milling for grip and control, finished in matching yellow with comic-style line work that plays up the visual punch. Lightweight and pocket-friendly, it includes a hardened steel glass breaker, a lanyard hole, and a deep carry pocket clip for secure transport. Proudly made in the USA.


Vero Engineering

Avid 1 (Blackwash | Red/Black)

Released: August 8th, 2025

The Vero Engineering Avid 1 is a modern, purpose-built folder designed for everyday use with premium materials and refined styling. The 3.25-inch drop point blade is crafted from CPM S45VN stainless steel, offering excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and overall toughness. A blackwash finish gives it a rugged, low-profile look while helping to hide wear from daily use. The blade deploys smoothly and quickly using a flipper tab, locking into place with a reliable linerlock mechanism that ensures safe and consistent performance.

The handle features a bold red and black G10 construction, offering lightweight strength and a secure grip with subtle contouring that sits well in the hand. Its clean, angular lines give it a distinctive profile without sacrificing ergonomics. Closed, the knife measures 4.25 inches, and it opens to a full 7.7 inches overall, providing balanced control in use without taking up excess pocket space. At 3.8 ounces, it remains easy to carry, and a black tip-up deep-carry pocket clip keeps it secure and discreet. The Avid 1 reflects Vero Engineering’s signature blend of precision, simplicity, and utility, built for everyday reliability with a striking visual edge.

Avid 1 (Machine Belt | Marbled Carbon Fiber)

Released: August 8th, 2025

The Vero Engineering Avid 1 Marbled is a refined folding knife that blends everyday utility with upscale materials and finish. At the center is a 3.25-inch drop point blade crafted from CPM S45VN stainless steel, a premium alloy known for its edge retention, corrosion resistance, and overall toughness. The blade’s satin finish gives it a clean, high-end look while still holding up to regular use. A low-profile flipper tab ensures smooth, one-handed deployment with satisfying, consistent action.

Lockup is handled by a linerlock mechanism that keeps the blade secure during use. The handle scales are made from marbled black carbon fiber, offering both lightweight durability and a striking visual texture. The ergonomic shape provides a comfortable, stable grip whether you're handling daily tasks or working in the field. Closed, the knife measures 4.25 inches, and it stretches to 7.77 inches overall. At just 3.8 ounces, it stays light in the pocket while delivering full-size capability. A black tip-up deep carry clip allows for discreet and secure transport. The Avid 1 Marbled is built with precision and meant for everyday performance without sacrificing style.

Avid 1 (Stonewash | Black/Gray)

Released: August 8th, 2025

The Vero Engineering Avid 1 is a sleek and capable folding knife that brings together modern styling, dependable performance, and premium materials. Its 3.25-inch drop point blade is made from CPM S45VN stainless steel, a high-performance alloy known for edge retention, corrosion resistance, and durability. Finished in a rugged stonewash, the blade has a worn-in look that helps hide scratches and reduces reflectivity. A low-profile flipper tab ensures smooth, one-handed deployment with consistent, controlled action.

Lockup is handled by a solid linerlock, keeping the blade secure during use. The handle features layered gray and black G10 scales, offering lightweight strength and a clean, understated look. Subtle contouring and texturing provide a comfortable, confident grip, whether in daily tasks or more demanding use. Closed, the knife measures 4.25 inches and opens to 7.7 inches overall, with a weight of just 3.8 ounces for pocket-friendly carry. A black tip-up deep-carry clip allows for secure transport and easy access. Built with Vero Engineering’s signature attention to detail, the Avid 1 offers everyday utility with a streamlined, tactical feel.


Written By

Drew Clifton

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

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.