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New Knives of the Week: February 6th, 2026
Published: February 6th, 2026
This week’s new releases keep the focus on practical everyday carry, with a mix of modern builds and familiar patterns getting thoughtful updates. Vero Engineering kicks things off by expanding its Avid line with the new Avid 2, a follow-up to the award-winning original that keeps the same clean, work-ready direction while offering multiple finishes and handle options. Benchmade follows with fresh Taiga Green and Tan colorways across a few proven platforms, plus a new Shootout variation that leans into lightweight carry with a hard-use blade steel choice. Buck Knives rounds out the week with an SMKW-exclusive take on a longtime American staple, updated with modern materials while staying true to the knife’s original character. If these releases are any indication of the year ahead, it is going to be a fun one to follow.
Vero Engineering
Avid 2 (Stonewash)
Released: January 30th, 2026
Version Shown: Black & Blue
The Vero Engineering Avid 2 Folding Knife, designed by Joseph Vero, is offered in three stonewashed variants that keep the same compact, work-ready platform while changing up the look with different G-10 handle colors. Each version features a 3.25-inch CPM S45VN stainless steel cleaver-style blade with a stonewash finish, a plain edge, and a high flat grind for efficient slicing and controlled push cuts. The blade runs on caged ceramic bearings and deploys quickly with a flipper opener, locking up with a titanium liner lock for secure everyday use. It comes with a 4.25-inch G-10 handle in black and blue, OD green, or grey and black. At 7.7 inches overall and 3.8 ounces, it carries tip-up with a deep-carry pocket clip.
Avid 2 (Machine Belt | Marbled Carbon Fiber)
Released: January 30th, 2026
The Vero Engineering Avid 2, designed by Joseph Vero, takes the same compact, cleaver-style EDC platform and dresses it up with marbled carbon fiber handles for a more refined look. It features a 3.25-inch CPM S45VN stainless steel blade with a machine belt finish, a plain edge, and a high flat grind that keeps it efficient on draw cuts and controlled on push cuts. The blade rides on caged ceramic bearings for smooth action, deploying quickly with a flipper opener and locking up with a titanium liner lock for secure everyday use. A 4.25-inch marbled carbon fiber handle keeps weight down while offering a clean profile and comfortable grip. It measures 7.7 inches overall, weighs 3.8 ounces, and carries tip-up with a deep-carry pocket clip.
Avid 2 (Hand Satin | Titanium)
Released: January 30th, 2026
The Vero Engineering Avid 2, designed by Joseph Vero, gives the familiar Avid 2 platform a more premium, stripped-down feel with titanium handles and a hand-satin blade finish. It carries a 3.25-inch CPM S45VN stainless steel blade with a plain edge and a high flat grind that keeps it efficient through cardboard, food prep, and day-to-day utility cuts. The blade rides on caged ceramic bearings for smooth action, deploys fast with a flipper opener, and locks in with a titanium liner lock for secure use. A 4.25-inch titanium handle adds rigidity and corrosion resistance while keeping the profile clean and pocket-friendly. It measures 7.7 inches overall, weighs 3.8 ounces, and carries tip-up with a deep-carry pocket clip.
Avid 2 (Blackwash | Jade)
Released: January 30th, 2026
The Vero Engineering Avid 2 Blackwash, designed by Joseph Vero, rounds out the lineup with a darker, more work-worn look thanks to a 3.25-inch CPM S45VN stainless steel cleaver-style blade finished in blackwash. The plain edge and high flat grind keep it efficient on daily slicing tasks, while the broad blade shape offers steady control on push cuts. It rides on caged ceramic bearings and deploys quickly with a flipper opener, locking in with a titanium liner lock for secure use. A 4.25-inch jade G-10 handle adds grip and a high-contrast look against the black hardware, while staying slim enough for comfortable pocket carry. It measures 7.7 inches overall, weighs 3.8 ounces, and carries tip-up with a deep-carry pocket clip.
Benchmade
Bugout (Elmax | Taiga Green)
Released: February 3rd, 2026
The iconic Benchmade Bugout is now available in Benchmade’s new Taiga Green and Tan colorway, which updates the look without changing the knife’s lightweight, everyday-carry character. A 3.2-inch Bohler Elmax drop-point blade handles general utility with a balanced mix of edge retention and corrosion resistance, and the Tan Cerakote finish keeps glare down while holding up to regular pocket wear. Thumb studs allow simple, consistent deployment, and the AXIS Lock provides secure, fully ambidextrous one-handed operation. A 4.22-inch Taiga Green Grivory handle keeps the Bugout light in a pocket while remaining stable during use, and the knife carries tip-up for familiar access. Overall length is 7.46 inches, and weight is 1.85 ounces. Made in the USA.
Mini Bugout (Elmax | Taiga Green)
Released: February 3rd, 2026
The Benchmade Mini Bugout gets a new update that keeps the beloved Mini Bugout feel while updating the look with Benchmade’s new Taiga Green and Tan colorway. The 2.82-inch drop-point blade is made from Bohler Elmax stainless powder steel for balanced edge retention and corrosion resistance, and the Tan Cerakote finish adds extra protection against wear while keeping the blade low-glare. Thumb studs provide quick, straightforward deployment, and the AXIS Lock delivers secure, fully ambidextrous one-handed operation. A 3.7-inch Taiga Green Grivory handle with burnt copper accents keeps the knife light in a pocket without sacrificing a steady grip in use, and it carries tip-up for easy deployment. Overall length is 6.49 inches, and weight is 1.5 ounces. Made in the USA.
Shootout (Z-Wear | Taiga Green)
Released: February 3rd, 2026
The Benchmade Shootout gets a new variation featuring a Taiga Green Grivory handle and a 3.49-inch Z-Wear drop-point blade finished in Flat Dark Earth PVD. The plain edge and drop-point profile keep it versatile for everyday utility and controlled, precise cutting, while Z-Wear tool steel is chosen for wear resistance and strong edge retention through repeated use. The double-action OTF mechanism allows the blade to extend and retract smoothly with consistent, deliberate operation. A 4.71-inch Grivory handle keeps carry weight low while providing a secure grip, and the deep-carry tip-down pocket clip tucks it close to the pocket line. Overall length is 8.19 inches, and weight is 2.75 ounces. Made in the USA.
Buck Knives
SMKW Exclusive 110 Build Out
Released: February 5th, 2026
The Buck SMKW Exclusive 110 Build Out takes the classic 110 Folding Hunter profile and updates it with materials that make sense for modern everyday carry. It features a 3.75-inch CPM-S30V stainless steel clip point blade with a satin finish and a plain edge, offering strong edge retention and corrosion resistance while keeping the familiar piercing tip and controlled cutting feel the 110 is known for. A secure back lock keeps the blade solid during use, and the traditional nail nick opener preserves the old-school operation. The bright orange G-10 handle adds durability and high visibility, making it easy to spot in a pack or on the ground, and it carries tip-up for convenient access. It measures 8.625 inches overall, weighs 7.75 ounces, and is made in the USA.
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.