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New Knives of the Week: July 3rd, 2026
Published: July 3rd, 2026
This week's new releases offer a little bit of everything, from lighthearted Swiss Army Knives and traditional American slip joints to premium collaborations, limited editions, and the debut of an exciting new knife maker. Victorinox adds some personality to two of its most popular multitools with exclusive SMKW artwork, while Case reaches into the Vault to revive a fan-favorite pattern in an exclusive handle treatment. Benchmade expands its lineup with a collectible collaboration and new variations of one of its lightest out-the-front automatics. Bear & Son commemorates America's 250th anniversary with a contest-winning design, and Hogue Knives introduces two new Collector’s Series knives. Rounding out the week is Gecko Customz, a new brand to Smoky Mountain Knife Works, making an impressive first appearance with the Dune, a modern everyday carry folder offered in an array of premium materials and striking configurations.
Victorinox
SMKW Exclusive "Trash Panda Can't" Classic SD
The Victorinox SMKW Exclusive "Trash Panda Can't" Classic SD packs Swiss-made utility into a compact multitool with a sense of humor that's hard to ignore. This playful edition features custom synthetic handles showcasing an adorable raccoon peeking out of a trash can on one side, while the reverse reminds you, "It's Called Trash Can, Not Trash Can't." Beneath the exclusive artwork is the same dependable Classic SD that has earned a place on countless keychains around the world. Its 1.5" mirror-polished pen blade, made from Victorinox proprietary stainless steel, handles everyday cutting tasks with ease, while the integrated scissors, nail file with screwdriver tip, tweezers, toothpick, and key ring provide practical solutions for countless daily chores. Measuring just 2.25" closed, this slip joint multitool disappears into a pocket or onto a keychain, making it an easy companion for everyday carry while adding a little personality to every task.
SMKW Exclusive "Trash Panda Can't" Tinker
The Victorinox SMKW Exclusive "Trash Panda Can't" Tinker brings together the everyday versatility of one of Victorinox's most popular Swiss Army Knives with artwork that's guaranteed to draw a smile. This special edition features handle scales with a mischievous raccoon peeking out of a trash can on one side, while the reverse reminds everyone, "It's Called Trash Can, Not Trash Can't." Built around the trusted Tinker platform, it offers a mirror-polished large blade and small blade made from Victorinox proprietary stainless steel, along with a Phillips screwdriver, a can opener with a small screwdriver, a bottle opener with a large screwdriver and wire stripper, a reamer, a sewing awl, a toothpick, tweezers, and a key ring. At just 3.58" closed, this Swiss-made slip-joint multitool is compact enough for everyday carry while providing the dependable performance and practical functionality that have made Victorinox a favorite for generations.
Gecko Customz
Dune (Belt Satin)
The Gecko Customz Dune combines premium materials, clean contemporary styling, and practical everyday performance into a refined folder. Its 3.25" Böhler M390 trailing point blade features a belt satin finish that highlights the blade profile while delivering exceptional edge retention, corrosion resistance, and long-term cutting performance. The blade opens smoothly with dual thumb studs and locks securely with a button lock for fast, intuitive one-handed operation. The Dune is offered in four distinctive configurations, pairing stonewashed bolsters with either Black Marble Carbon Fiber or Titanium handles, or DLC-coated bolsters with Tan Canvas Micarta or Silver Twill Carbon Fiber handles. Measuring 7.75" overall and 4.375" closed with a tip-up pocket clip, the Dune blends premium materials and understated design into a sophisticated EDC that's as comfortable in the pocket as it is on display.
Dune (Black DLC Belt Satin)
The Gecko Customz Dune takes on a more tactical personality in this configuration, pairing premium materials with a sleek, understated design built for everyday carry. Its 3.25" Böhler M390 trailing point blade features a black DLC coating over a belt satin finish, creating a distinctive two-tone appearance while adding another layer of wear and corrosion resistance. The blade deploys smoothly with dual thumb studs and is secured by a responsive button lock, offering fast, one-handed operation with a clean, minimalist profile. Matching black DLC-coated bolsters complement the blade and are paired with either Black Shred Carbon Fiber or Silver Twill Carbon Fiber handle scales, each providing its own take on lightweight strength and modern style. Measuring 7.75" overall and 4.375" closed, the Dune carries comfortably with a tip-up pocket clip, delivering premium performance in a streamlined package with a more aggressive look.
Dune (Stonewash)
This version of the Gecko Customz Dune is a lighter, more vibrant take on the modern EDC folder, combining premium materials with eye-catching handle options and clean design. Its 3.25" Böhler M390 trailing point blade features a rugged stonewashed finish that complements the matching stonewashed bolster while providing the outstanding edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness expected from this premium steel. The blade deploys smoothly with dual thumb studs and locks securely with a button lock, offering fast, intuitive one-handed operation. Available with striking Blue Gmascus or Orange Gmascus handle scales, each version brings a distinctive pattern and bold personality to the Dune while maintaining its slim, ergonomic profile. Measuring 7.75" overall and 4.375" closed with a tip-up pocket clip, this version balances premium performance with standout styling, making it equally suited for daily carry or display.
Case
SMKW Exclusive Smoked Bacon Bone Cheetah Cub
The Case XX SMKW Exclusive Smoked Bacon Bone Cheetah Cub revives one of Case's most distinctive patterns with an exclusive handle treatment that's as mouthwatering as its name. Returning from the Case XX Vault for 2026, this compact folder features the signature swing guard that has made the Cheetah family instantly recognizable for decades while offering a pocket-friendly size suited for everyday carry. Its 2.73" mirror-polished Tru-Sharp surgical steel clip-point blade provides excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and control. A dependable stainless steel back lock keeps the blade securely in place during use, while brass liners and polished nickel-silver bolsters complete the traditional construction. The exclusive Smoked Bacon jigged bone handles feature rich brown tones with bold red highlights that make every knife unique. Measuring 3.5" closed and weighing just 1.9 ounces, this American-made folder delivers timeless Case styling in a highly collectible package.
Benchmade
Benchmade x Abel Mini Adira (Limited Edition)
The Benchmade x Abel Mini Adira unites two American manufacturers known for precision craftsmanship in a collaboration built for anglers and collectors alike. Limited to just 1,000 pieces worldwide, this limited edition pairs the Mini Adira's proven fishing-focused design with a striking handle machined and finished by Abel Reels in Colorado. Its 3.21" plain edge MagnaCut drop point blade features a rugged stonewashed finish, delivering outstanding edge retention, exceptional toughness, and corrosion resistance that excels in wet environments. The blade deploys smoothly via golden anodized dual thumb studs and locks securely with Benchmade's ambidextrous AXIS Lock. The 4.25" lightweight aluminum handle showcases Abel's exclusive "Dark Waters Lightning" anodized finish inspired by stormy waters, while a gray paracord lanyard extends the grip and aids retrieval. Measuring 7.46" overall and weighing just 3.09 ounces, this American-made folder rides comfortably with a reversible tip-up pocket clip, blending premium materials, practical performance, and striking craftsmanship into a truly collectible package.
Shootout (New Variant)
The Benchmade Shootout delivers impressive cutting performance in an exceptionally lightweight out-the-front automatic built for everyday carry and demanding field use. Its 3.51" CPM S30V tanto blade is finished with a durable Flat Dark Earth PVD coating, giving it excellent wear resistance, outstanding toughness, and the edge retention expected from one of today's premier steels. The double-action OTF mechanism provides rapid one-handed deployment and retraction through an ambidextrous thumb slide, making operation smooth and intuitive for both left- and right-handed users. Available with lightweight CF Elite, Crater Blue Grivory, or Cool Gray Grivory 4.71-inch handles, the Shootout offers exceptional strength without unnecessary bulk. Measuring 8.22" overall and weighing just 2.8 ounces, it carries comfortably with a black oxide deep-carry tip-down pocket clip, while an integrated lanyard hole adds another convenient carry option. Proudly made in the USA.
Bear & Son Cutlery
SMKW Exclusive 250th Anniversary Art Contest Winner Nekama II (Limited Edition)
The Bear & Son Cutlery SMKW Exclusive 250th Anniversary Nekama II transforms the winning artwork from a nationwide design contest into a collectible American-made folder to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary. Hosted by Smoky Mountain Knife Works and Bear & Son Cutlery, the contest invited artists across the country to create a design for this historic milestone, with the selected entry being brought to life on this exclusive Nekama II. The 4.25-inch aluminum handle proudly displays the winning full-color illustration of a bald eagle soaring before the American flag alongside a commemorative "250 Years of Freedom" banner, while the satin-finished 3.5" Sandvik 14C28N drop point blade is laser engraved with the artist's signature. The blade opens with dual thumb studs and locks securely with an ambidextrous Crossbar lock. Measuring 7.75" overall and weighing just 3.5 ounces, this exclusive American-made folder carries comfortably with a reversible tip-up pocket clip.
Hogue Knives
Saxum (Kingwood)
The Hogue Knives Collector Series Saxum is a refined EDC folder that combines premium materials, elegant styling in a compact design by custom knifemaker Jim Bruhns of Bruhns Design. As part of Hogue's prestigious Collector Series, it features a 2.8" Damascus drop point blade with a flat grind, individually hand-sharpened to deliver exceptional cutting performance while showcasing the distinctive layered patterns that make Damascus steel so highly sought after. Bronze anodized thumb studs and Hogue's smooth thrust-bearing system provide effortless deployment, while the push-button lock offers secure lockup and easy one-handed operation. The 4-inch black anodized 6061-T6 aluminum handle is accented with rich Kingwood inlays, creating a sophisticated contrast that complements the Damascus blade. Measuring 6.8" overall and weighing just 2.5 ounces, this American-made folder carries discreetly with a black anodized stainless steel tip-up pocket clip.
Saxum (Carbon Fiber)
The Hogue Knives Collectors Series Saxum combines premium American craftsmanship with modern materials to create a compact everyday-carry folder that is equally at home in a pocket or a collection. Designed by custom knifemaker Jim Bruhns of Bruhns Design, this version features a high-performance MagnaMax drop-point blade that delivers exceptional edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance in a practical, everyday package. The blade features a flat grind and opens effortlessly via blue-anodized thumb studs riding on Hogue's smooth thrust bearing system, while a push-button lock provides secure lockup and intuitive one-handed operation. A lightweight 4-inch black anodized 6061-T6 aluminum handle is complemented by sleek carbon fiber inlays, giving the knife a clean, modern appearance without adding unnecessary weight. Measuring 6.8 inches overall and weighing just 2.5 ounces, this American-made folder carries discreetly with a black anodized stainless steel tip-up pocket clip.
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.