New Knives of the Week: July 18th, 2025

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New Knives of the Week: July 18th, 2025

Published: July 18th, 2025

Promotional image for new knives of the week, July 18th, 2025.

This week’s releases bring a strong mix of exclusivity, innovation, and classic design from some of the biggest names in the knife world. From bold, purpose-built tactical folders to compact traditional lockbacks with personality, there’s something here for every kind of user or collector. SMKW continues to expand its line of exclusives, with standout models from Kershaw, Hogue, and Case that showcase distinctive finishes and materials you won’t find anywhere else. Benchmade also steps in with fresh takes on two of its most popular folders, pairing modern MagnaCut performance with updated colorways and finishes. Whether you're after a rugged EDC built for hard use or just looking for something unique to add to the collection, this week’s new knives are worth a closer look.

Benchmade

Crooked River (MagnaCut)

Released: July 15th, 2025

The Benchmade Crooked River is a modern workhorse with a classic silhouette and premium materials throughout. The 4.02-inch clip point blade is made from CPM-MagnaCut, a high-end steel built for edge retention, corrosion resistance, and all-around toughness. Benchmade’s black Battlewash DLC finish gives the blade a subdued, worn-in look that handles wear well without demanding attention. Dual thumb studs allow for smooth, ambidextrous deployment, and the blade is sharpened with Benchmade’s SelectEdge for clean, precise cuts right out of the box.

Built with the Benchmade AXIS Lock for dependable one-handed operation, the knife feels secure in use and simple to close. Black canvas micarta handle scales offer a dry, sure grip, while burnt copper anodized bolsters bring in a pop of color without being flashy. Subtle touches like black hardware and a contoured shape keep it comfortable in hand and in pocket. At 9.29 inches overall and just 3.28 ounces, it’s surprisingly lightweight for a full-size knife. Whether you need a tough tool for daily carry or just appreciate the blend of performance and subtle style, the Benchmade Crooked River gets the details right. Made in the USA.

Mini Crooked River (MagnaCut)

Released: July 15th, 2025

The Benchmade Mini Crooked River takes everything that makes its full-size counterpart so capable and distills it into a compact, pocket-friendly form. With a 3.39-inch CPM-MagnaCut clip point blade and rugged black Battlewash DLC finish, this knife doesn’t skimp on performance or looks. The steel offers an excellent mix of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance, while Benchmade’s SelectEdge sharpening ensures it’s razor-sharp and ready to work right out of the box. Dual thumb studs provide quick, ambidextrous opening, and the AXIS Lock mechanism keeps things secure and easy to operate one-handed.

The handle combines practical materials with refined styling. Black canvas micarta scales offer a dependable grip in wet or dry conditions, and burnt copper anodized aluminum bolsters add just enough color to stand out without being loud. Matching black hardware completes the understated look. At 7.87 inches overall and only 3.21 ounces, the Mini Crooked River is easy to carry all day while still capable of handling serious cutting tasks. Made in the USA.

Kershaw

SMKW Exclusive Bel Air Desert Warrior

Released: July 15th, 2025

The Kershaw Bel Air Desert Warrior is an SMKW exclusive that brings together premium steel, a durable finish, and a clean, straightforward design. The 3.1-inch reverse tanto blade is made from CPM-MagnaCut, a high-performance stainless steel known for its excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness, making it well suited for daily carry or outdoor use. The blade is coated in Flat Dark Earth Cerakote for added protection and a matte, low-glare look. It opens smoothly using dual thumb studs and locks up securely with Kershaw’s DuraLock, a crossbar-style mechanism that is easy to operate with either hand.

The handle is made from lightweight yet strong 6061-T6 aluminum and anodized in OD-Green, giving it a simple, rugged feel without unnecessary flash. At just 2.9 ounces, the Kershaw Bel Air is light and compact, with a closed length of 4.2 inches and an overall open length of 7.3 inches. A lanyard hole and deep-carry pocket clip round out the knife’s practical features. Whether you're after something reliable for everyday use or just like the clean utility of a reverse tanto in quality materials, this exclusive version of the Bel Air stands out for what it does right without overcomplicating the design. Made in the USA.

Case

SMKW Exclusive PB&J Mini CopperLock

Released: July 16th, 2025

The Case XX SMKW Exclusive PB&J Mini CopperLock brings together traditional American knife design and playful, standout style in one compact, hard-working lockback. Its 2.72-inch clip point blade is made from mirror-polished Tru-Sharp surgical steel, offering excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and a clean, classic look. At just 0.06 inches thick, the blade is ideal for detail work and everyday cutting tasks. The mid-lock mechanism ensures a secure, dependable feel while keeping operation simple and familiar.

What truly sets this knife apart is its handle. Made from jigged bone dyed in rich brown and finished with vivid purple swirls, it’s a nod to that childhood favorite, peanut butter and jelly. It’s fun without sacrificing the quality you expect from Case, rounded out with polished nickel silver bolsters, brass liners and pins, and an inlaid Case XX shield. Weighing just 2.1 ounces and measuring 3.63 inches closed, this Mini CopperLock is a joy to carry and easy to pocket. As a Smoky Mountain Knife Works exclusive, it’s a unique addition to any collection and a capable tool you’ll be glad to have on hand. Proudly made in the USA.

Hogue

SMKW Exclusive Deka Tanto Texas Rattlesnake

Released: July 17th, 2025

The Hogue Deka Tanto Texas Rattlesnake is built like it was made for a West Texas rancher with work to do and no time for nonsense. This Smoky Mountain Knife Works exclusive packs a 3.25-inch CPM-MagnaCut tanto blade with a Flat Dark Earth finish that looks like it’s been ridin’ through the dust and sun. That blade steel? Tougher than a two-dollar steak. It holds an edge, resists rust, and doesn’t flinch under pressure. The tanto tip gives it the punch to pierce through stubborn material, while the flat grind makes for clean slices when it’s time to get precise. Thumb studs keep deployment quick, and the ABLE Lock snaps it open and shut with no fuss.

That handle's got just the right kind of attitude, lightweight G-10 layered with Hogue’s Gmascus in a Texas Rattlesnake pattern that ain’t just for show. It’s grippy, weather-ready, and shaped to fit like a well-worn glove. At 2.3 ounces and 4.25 inches closed, it’ll ride in your pocket all day without weighing you down. A reversible clip and open-back construction make carrying and cleaning easy. Built for folks who don’t back down from a hard day’s work. Made in the USA.

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.

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