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New Knives of the Week: January 16th, 2026
Published: January 16th, 2026
January is still picking up speed, and this week’s releases keep the momentum going. Victorinox opens the week with its 2026 Limited Edition Glacial Blue lineup, applying a clean Alox finish to three familiar platforms that balance everyday usefulness with restrained, modern styling. Kershaw and Zero Tolerance follow with a heavy showing built around MagnaCut, updated lock designs, and a mix of manual and automatic folders that stay focused on real-world pocket carry. Hogue adds an SMKW-exclusive that leans into utility with a purpose-driven blade shape, while GiantMouse contributes a refined, Italian-made folder that keeps things clean and work-ready. Pro-Tech rounds out the American-made side with an SMKW-exclusive that delivers fast, controlled automatic action. And for Spyderco’s 50th anniversary year, the brand kicks things off with a wide range of releases that span sprint-run steels, lightweight staples, and more refined builds that underline just how broad their lineup remains.
Victorinox
2026 Limited Edition "Glacial Blue" Classic SD
The Victorinox 2026 Limited Edition “Glacial Blue” Classic SD is a compact Swiss Army Knife built around everyday usefulness rather than excess. At its core is a 1.5-inch pen blade made from Victorinox stainless steel, using a traditional nail nick and slipjoint construction that favors simplicity and reliability. The Classic SD’s supporting tools include scissors for controlled cutting, a nail file with integrated screwdriver tip for small adjustments, and the familiar tweezers and toothpick that add practical convenience during everyday carry. The 2.52-inch 2026 Glacial Blue Alox handle scales are aluminum, offering improved durability and a slim, pocket-friendly profile with a crisp, modern finish unique to this limited edition. Made in Switzerland.
2026 Limited Edition "Glacial Blue" Pioneer
The Victorinox 2026 Limited Edition “Glacial Blue” Pioneer is the Pioneer you know, finished in a colder, modern Alox color. The 2.75-inch spear-point blade is made from Victorinox stainless steel with a mirror-polished finish and a plain edge, opening with a traditional nail nick on a slip-joint frame. Supporting tools include a can opener with a 3 mm screwdriver, a bottle opener with a 7 mm screwdriver and wire stripper, and a reamer and punch for drilling or widening holes in tougher materials. This eight-function layout keeps the tool set focused and efficient, while the 3.75” Glacial Blue Alox aluminum scales provide a textured grip and a slim, work-ready profile. It measures 6.5 inches open and weighs about 2.5 ounces. Made in Switzerland.
2026 Limited Edition "Glacial Blue" Evoke
The Victorinox 2026 Limited Edition “Glacial Blue” Evoke is a full-size lockback folder built around straightforward daily utility and confident pocket carry. It uses a 3.87-inch drop point blade of Victorinox stainless steel with a plain edge, giving a strong tip and a broad cutting belly for controlled slicing and general work. Thumb stud deployment keeps opening simple and one-handed, while the lockback provides steady, reliable lockup during use. The 5.25-inch Glacial Blue Alox aluminum scales add a grippy texture and a clean finish that looks at home on the job or off the clock. Overall length is 9.12 inches, and weight is 6.7 ounces, with a tip-up pocket clip for secure carry. Made in Switzerland.
Kershaw
Iridium (Button Lock)
The Kershaw Iridium Button Lock updates the Iridium platform by leading with a button lock that keeps operation simple and fingers clear during closing. The 3.45-inch CPM MagnaCut drop point blade has a plain edge and a .12-inch thickness, giving it a strong tip and a stable cutting belly for daily utility. A thumb stud and KVT ball bearings provide smooth, consistent one-handed deployment, while the lock offers steady, confidence-inspiring engagement in use. Black G-10 handle scales form a 4.55-inch handle with inset liners that maintain a slim, supportive profile in hand, finished with an olive backspacer for subtle contrast. Overall length is 8 inches, paired with a deep-carry pocket clip that is reversible for left or right-hand carry. Made in the USA.
Bareknuckle (DuraLock)
The Kershaw Bareknuckle DuraLock leans into the updated design with DuraLock engagement and a smooth, controlled manual action. The 3.5-inch CPM MagnaCut modified sheepsfoot blade is finished with a black PVD coating to reduce glare and hide wear, offering toughness and corrosion resistance suited for daily cutting. Thumb stud deployment runs on KVT ball bearings for consistent one-handed opening, while the DuraLock with omega springs provides steady, reliable lockup during use. The 4.74-inch OD green anodized aluminum handle keeps the knife slim in a pocket while offering a solid, balanced feel in hand. Overall length is 8.2 inches, paired with a deep-carry pocket clip that is reversible for left or right-hand carry. Made in the USA.
Bel Air XL EMT
The Kershaw Bel Air XL EMT is built for fast, controlled cutting with a blunt-tipped 3.25-inch CPM MagnaCut sheepsfoot blade and partial serrations that bite into webbing and rope without risking accidental puncture. Blade thickness measures .125 inches to keep the edge stable under pressure while staying quick in hand. Thumb stud deployment runs on KVT ball bearings for smooth, reliable opening, and the DuraLock mechanism provides steady lockup with easy release. The Bel Air XL EMT is offered in two versions: a blackwash finished blade with a black G-10 handle, or a stonewash finished blade with an orange G-10 handle for higher visibility. A carbide glass breaker adds emergency utility, and the extra-deep-carry pocket clip supports tip-up carry. Overall length is 7.86 inches, and weight is 3.2 ounces. Made in the USA.
Leek "King's Camo"
The Kershaw Leek “King’s Camo” is an iconic Ken Onion design that's been updated in collaboration with King’s Camo to give it a field-ready look without changing the knife’s familiar feel. The 3-inch blade is made from Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel and finished with a BlackWash finish that keeps glare down and wear to a minimum. Assisted opening via thumb studs or a flipper tab delivers quick, decisive one-handed deployment, while the liner lock provides secure lockup without adding bulk. The 4-inch 6061-T6 aluminum handle is finished with a CCI coating that applies an XK7 camo pattern through an IAC Image process, keeping the handle profile slim and comfortable in the hand. Overall length is 7 inches, and weight is 2.6 ounces, making it light enough for daily carry. A reversible pocket clip supports right-hand, tip-up, or tip-down carry. Made in the USA.
Blur "King's Camo"
The Kershaw Blur “King’s Camo” takes Ken Onion’s fast, ergonomic Blur platform and updates it with a battle-tested finish in collaboration with King’s Camo. The 3.4-inch drop point blade is Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel with a stonewash finish that helps hide wear and reduce glare, opening quickly with assisted thumb studs for reliable one-handed use. An inset liner lock provides secure lockup without added bulk. The 4.5-inch 6061-T6 aluminum handle uses a CCI coating with the XK7 camo pattern applied through an IAC Image process, paired with clear Trac-Tec inserts for added grip. Overall length is 7.9 inches, and weight is 4 ounces, with a reversible pocket clip for right-hand tip-up or tip-down carry. Made in the USA.
Proximal
The Kershaw Proximal is an everyday carry folder that emphasizes control and stability without feeling oversized. The 3.15-inch drop point blade is made from D2 tool steel with a stonewashed finish and a plain edge, offering strong edge retention and a work-ready surface that hides wear well. Thumb stud deployment runs on KVT ball bearings for smooth, predictable opening, and the DuraLock mechanism provides secure lockup while keeping fingers clear during closing. The 4.4-inch olive G-10 handle is contoured to fill the hand comfortably, accented by gold-anodized aluminum trim rings and a matching backspacer for subtle contrast. Overall length is 7.55 inches, and weight is 3.1 ounces, finished with a deep-carry pocket clip reversible for left or right-hand carry.
Duster
The Kershaw Duster is a compact everyday carry option that keeps things simple, lightweight, and easy to manage. The 2.9-inch modified sheepsfoot blade is made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel with a stonewashed finish and a plain edge, offering good control and an easy-to-maintain working surface for daily utility cuts. Thumb stud deployment runs on KVT ball bearings for smooth, consistent opening, while the DuraLock mechanism provides secure lockup and keeps fingers clear during closing. The 3.85-inch charcoal gray glass-filled nylon handle keeps weight low at just 2 ounces, offering a comfortable grip without excess bulk and finished with a black aluminum backspacer for subtle contrast. Overall length is 6.75 inches, with a deep-carry pocket clip that is reversible for left or right-hand carry and a lanyard hole for added flexibility.
Airspace
The Kershaw Airspace takes a stripped-down approach to everyday carry, prioritizing speed, balance, and minimal weight over unnecessary bulk. The 3-inch clip point blade is made from Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel with a satin finish and a plain edge, giving it clean slicing performance and easy maintenance for routine cutting tasks. Opening is handled by thumb studs riding on KVT ball bearings, delivering smooth action, while the DuraLock mechanism provides secure lockup and safe, controlled closing. The 4.05-inch black glass-filled nylon handle keeps the profile slim and exceptionally light without feeling fragile, reinforced by inset liners and a lightweight backspacer for added rigidity. Overall length measures 7.05 inches, and at just 1.7 ounces, it all but disappears in the pocket. A deep-carry pocket clip is reversible for left or right-hand carry.
Shoreline "Bass"
The Kershaw Shoreline “Bass” brings clear fishing influence to an everyday carry folder, blending practical cutting performance with a bass-inspired design. The 3-inch drop point blade is made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel with a stonewashed finish and a plain edge, offering easy maintenance and dependable cutting for daily tasks. Assisted opening via a flipper provides quick, one-handed deployment, while the liner lock delivers secure lockup during use. The 4.15-inch aluminum handle is shaped and finished using Kershaw’s CCI process, creating a detailed bass pattern that follows the natural curves of the fish while remaining comfortable and secure in hand. Overall length is 7.15 inches, and weight is 3.2 ounces, making it easy to carry with a deep-carry pocket clip that keeps it tucked away until needed.
Zero Tolerance
0117
The Zero Tolerance 0117 is a slim, lightweight folder that focuses on clean cutting performance without feeling fragile or overbuilt. The 3.3-inch drop point blade is made from CPM MagnaCut stainless steel with a dual satin and stonewash finish, using a .09-inch thickness to keep slicing efficient while maintaining toughness and corrosion resistance. Thumb stud deployment runs on KVT ball bearings for smooth, controlled one-handed opening, and the DuraLock mechanism provides secure, confidence-inspiring lockup in use. The 4.57-inch black carbon fiber handle keeps weight down to just 1.9 ounces, offering a rigid, comfortable grip with a refined feel. Overall length is 7.87 inches, paired with an extra-deep-carry pocket clip that keeps the knife discreet in the pocket during daily carry.
0556BLK
The Zero Tolerance 0556BLK is a slim, out-the-side automatic built around precision, speed, and a clean, low-profile design. The 3.35-inch drop point blade is made from CPM MagnaCut steel and finished with a bead-blasted surface under a black PVD coating, giving it strong corrosion resistance and a subdued, work-ready look. With a .09-inch blade thickness, it favors controlled slicing while maintaining durability. Push-button automatic deployment is fast and decisive, locking securely with a push-button lock for confident use. The 4.4-inch titanium handle uses carbon fiber inlays to reduce weight while keeping the frame rigid and balanced in hand. Overall length is 7.75 inches, and weight is 2.4 ounces, finished with an ambidextrous tip-up pocket clip for discreet carry.
Hogue Knives
SMKW Exclusive Deka (Black Tanto | FDE)
The Hogue Knives SMKW Exclusive Deka takes the familiar Deka platform and gives it a more utility-driven edge with a tanto blade exclusive to SMKW. The 3.25-inch CPM MagnaCut tanto blade is finished in black, pairing excellent corrosion resistance and toughness with a reinforced tip and straight cutting edge suited for hard use and precise work. Ambidextrous thumb studs allow smooth, controlled deployment, while Hogue’s ABLE Lock provides secure lockup and safe, one-handed closing without fingers crossing the blade path. The 4.25-inch flat dark earth polymer handle keeps weight low while offering a secure, textured grip that stays comfortable during extended use. Overall length measures 7.5 inches, and a tip-up pocket clip keeps the knife riding discreetly and ready for carry. Made in the USA.
GiantMouse
ACE REO (Black/Bronze)
The GiantMouse ACE REO is a refined everyday carry folder designed by Jens Anso and Jesper Voxnaes, combining clean lines with practical, work-ready construction. The 3.32-inch CPM MagnaCut drop point blade features a black PVD coating and a plain edge, keeping glare down while supporting controlled slicing and daily utility. An ambidextrous thumb hole provides smooth, deliberate opening, and the frame lock delivers solid lockup during use. The 4.61-inch black titanium handle uses subtle diamond-pattern milling for grip without feeling abrasive, finished with brass pivot collars and a matching backspacer for restrained contrast. Overall length is 7.94 inches, and it comes with a reversible wire pocket clip for left or right-hand carry. Made in Maniago, Italy.
Spyderco
Chaparral (Damasteel | Ivory G-10)
The Spyderco Chaparral Damasteel keeps the Chaparral’s slim, back lock format but shifts the focus to a patterned Damascus blade that feels more refined than flashy. The 2.8-inch leaf-shaped DS93X Grabak Damasteel blade has a PlainEdge that is full-flat ground for clean, controlled slicing, with the damascus pattern giving each blade its own character. Spyderco’s round hole keeps opening simple and fully ambidextrous, and the back lock provides steady lockup for everyday cutting. The 3.6-inch ivory G-10 handle stays linerless to keep the knife light, paired with a stainless steel backspacer for added rigidity. Overall length is 6.4 inches, and weight is 2.3 ounces, with a deep-pocket wire clip set up for left or right-side tip-up carry.
Chaparral (CPM Rex 121 | Burnt Orange G-10)
The Spyderco Chaparral Burnt Orange keeps the series’ slim, back lock format and pairs it with a high-wear steel in a lightweight package. The 2.8-inch CPM Rex 121 leaf blade features a PlainEdge, a satin finish, and a full flat grind that favors clean, controlled slicing on everyday materials. Spyderco’s round hole makes opening simple and fully ambidextrous, and the back lock provides steady lockup during use. The 3.6-inch burnt orange G-10 handle stays trim in the pocket while offering a secure, practical grip. Overall length is 6.4 inches, and weight is 2.3 ounces, with an ambidextrous tip-up pocket clip for discreet carry.
Charisma (CTS BD1N | Black)
The Spyderco Charisma is built around a back lock and ultra-thin geometry, giving you a full-size cutting feel with almost no pocket weight. The 2.98-inch CTS BD1N clip point blade has a PlainEdge and a satin finish, and its .05-inch thickness keeps it slicing cleanly with minimal resistance on daily materials. Spyderco’s round hole makes one-handed opening simple and fully ambidextrous, while the back lock provides steady, reliable lockup during use. The 3.82-inch black FRN handle keeps the profile slim and carry-friendly while still feeling secure in hand. Overall length is 6.8 inches, and weight is 0.8 ounces, with an ambidextrous tip-up pocket clip and a lanyard hole. Made in the USA.
Lil' Native (New Variants)
The Spyderco Lil’ Native Pink Lightweight is a compact back lock folder that pairs easy carry with real cutting control, and it is offered with either a satin blade finish or a black DLC-coated blade finish. The 2.42-inch CTS BD1N leaf-shaped blade uses a PlainEdge and a .09-inch thickness that keeps it slicey for daily utility while still feeling stout in use. Spyderco’s round thumb hole supports smooth, consistent one-handed opening, and the back lock provides steady lockup you can trust. The 3.47-inch pink FRN handles keep weight down while giving a secure, textured grip. Overall length is 5.9 inches, and weight is 1.6 ounces, with an ambidextrous tip-up pocket clip. Made in the USA.
Lil' Native (Sprint Run)
The Spyderco Lil’ Native Sprint Run in brown keeps the Lil’ Native format compact and carry-ready while adding CPM 15V for long-wearing edge stability in a small blade. The 2.42-inch CPM 15V leaf-shaped blade has a satin finish, a PlainEdge, and a .09-inch thickness that keeps cutting clean and controlled for daily tasks. Spyderco’s round hole makes one-handed opening easy, and the back lock provides steady, dependable lockup in use. The 3.47-inch brown FRN handle stays light in the pocket and offers a grippy texture without adding bulk. Overall length is 5.9 inches, and weight is 1.6 ounces, with an ambidextrous tip-up pocket clip and a lanyard hole. Made in the USA.
Meerkat (Sprint Run)
The Spyderco Meerkat Sprint Run revives one of Spyderco’s most unusual designs and leans into what makes it different, the Phantom Lock mechanism. Inspired by old scale-release folders, it unlocks by rotating the butt ends of the handle halves in opposite directions, keeping the lockwork hidden and the profile clean. The 2.02-inch Carpenter Micro-Melt PD#1 leaf-shaped blade is full flat ground with a PlainEdge and finished with a non-reflective titanium carbonitride coating for a dark, hard-wearing look. The 3.38-inch deep burgundy FRN handles keep it light and secure in hand, with black-coated liners, hardware, and a reversible tip-down deep-pocket wire clip to match the theme. Overall length is 5.32 inches, and weight is 2.4 ounces. Made in the USA.
Military 2 (Left Handed)
The Spyderco Military 2 Left-Handed takes the classic Military profile and rebuilds it in a true mirror-image layout for left-handed carry and use. Spyderco’s Compression Lock delivers a strong, controlled lockup while keeping closing simple and safe. The 4-inch CPM S30V clip point blade is full flat ground with a PlainEdge and a satin finish, pairing efficient slicing geometry with a stout .145-inch thickness for added confidence in harder work. The handle uses nested, skeletonized stainless steel liners to keep strength high without unnecessary weight, and the 5.51-inch peel-ply textured G-10 handles provide a secure grip in wet or dry conditions. Overall length is 9.51 inches, and weight is 4.4 ounces. Made in the USA.
Native Chief (Sprint Run)
The Spyderco Native Chief Sprint Run pairs a long, capable profile with a carry weight that stays easy on the pocket. Its 4.02-inch CPM 15V drop point blade is full flat ground with a PlainEdge and a satin finish, and the .12-inch thickness gives it the backbone for harder cuts while still slicing cleanly. Spyderco’s round thumb hole provides smooth, controlled one-handed opening, and the back lock keeps lockup simple and dependable. The 5-inch brown FRN handle keeps things light, offers a secure textured grip, and balances the longer blade well. Overall length is 9.05 inches, and weight is 3.1 ounces. A four-position pocket clip supports flexible carry. Made in the USA.
Para Military 2 (Sprint Run)
The Spyderco Para Military 2 Sprint Run keeps the familiar PM2 feel, but trims weight and pairs it with CPM 15V for a hard-working edge. The 3.47-inch CPM 15V clip point blade is full flat ground with a PlainEdge and a satin finish, opening smoothly with Spyderco’s round thumb hole. A Compression Lock holds the blade securely while keeping your fingers clear during closing. The 4.82-inch brown FRN handle is light in the pocket, secure in the hand, and shaped for the PM2’s proven ergonomics. Overall length is 8.29 inches, and weight is 2.8 ounces. An ambidextrous tip-up pocket clip supports right or left-side carry. Made in the USA.
Para Military 2 (New Variants)
The Spyderco Para Military 2 Lightweight is now offered in three fresh variants: a Black DLC PlainEdge, plus a stonewash option in either PlainEdge or SpyderEdge. Each one centers on a 3.47-inch CTS BD1N clip point blade that’s built for everyday cutting and easy upkeep, with Spyderco’s round thumb hole for quick, controlled opening. The Compression Lock delivers strong, confident lockup and keeps your fingers out of the blade’s path when you close it. A 4.82-inch black FRN handle keeps the knife light at 2.8 ounces while still providing a secure, hand-filling grip. Overall length is 8.29 inches with a .14-inch blade thickness, and the ambidextrous tip-up pocket clip supports right or left-side carry. Made in the USA.
Retract
The Spyderco Retract, designed by Ed Schempp, is a dynamic folder built around a dramatically curved blade that hits with extra leverage, especially on draw cuts. The 3.4-inch PlainEdge blade is crafted from 9Cr18MoV stainless steel with a satin finish, and its full flat grind keeps it efficient through cardboard, rope, and other daily cutting jobs. A stout liner lock is machined nearly flush to help prevent unintended release while staying easy to operate. The 4.49-inch peel ply textured G 10 handle is reinforced with full skeletonized stainless steel liners and a partial G 10 backspacer for strength without feeling bulky. Measuring 7.79 inches overall and weighing 4.2 ounces, it carries with an ambidextrous tip-up deep pocket wire clip and includes a lined lanyard hole.
Sage 6 (CPM Rex 121 | Burnt Orange G-10)
The Spyderco Sage 6 Burnt Orange is a compact, high-performance folder that pairs a modern button lock with a steel choice meant for serious edge retention. Its 3-inch CPM Rex 121 drop point blade is full flat ground with a satin finish and a PlainEdge that stays aggressive through long cutting sessions, while the .11-inch thickness keeps it sturdy without feeling clunky. The round thumb hole makes one-handed opening smooth and controlled, and the button lock keeps your fingers clear when closing. A 4.17-inch burnt orange G 10 handle gives steady traction and a secure, neutral feel in the hand. Overall length is 7.13 inches, and weight is 3.3 ounces, with an ambidextrous tip-up clip and a lanyard hole.
UK Penknife Salt (Black DLC | Black Caribbean)
The Spyderco UK Penknife Salt is a purpose-built EDC folder for places where a non-locking design matters, using Spyderco’s SlipIt mechanism for secure, controlled cutting without a traditional lock. It carries a 2.95-inch CPM MagnaCut drop point blade with a black DLC finish, a PlainEdge, and a .09-inch thickness that keeps it lean and slicey while staying tough and highly corrosion resistant. The round thumb hole opens smoothly with deliberate resistance, giving good feedback in the hand. A 3.95-inch black G 10 handle provides steady traction and a comfortable grip, paired with an ambidextrous tip-up pocket clip for easy carry. Overall length is 6.89 inches, and weight is 2.2 ounces, made in the USA.
Pro-Tech
SMKW Exclusive "Smoky Grey" Godson
The Pro-Tech SMKW Exclusive “Smoky Grey” Godson is a streamlined, out-the-side automatic built for fast, clean deployment and practical daily cutting. It features a 3.15-inch 154CM stainless steel spear point blade with a bead blasted finish and a PlainEdge for controlled slicing and detail work. Pro-Tech’s push-button action fires the blade open with a crisp, reliable lockup, then closes easily with the button release. The 4.41-inch aluminum handle wears an exclusive Smoky Grey finish and stays slim at .45 inches thick for comfortable pocket carry. Overall length is 7.56 inches, and weight is 3.20 ounces, supported by a tip-up pocket clip. 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.









