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New Knives of the Week: March 27th, 2026
Published: March 27th, 2026
This week’s lineup leans heavily into variety, with a mix of traditional patterns, modern EDC designs, and purpose-built kitchen tools all hitting at once. Jack Wolf Knives continues refining classic slipjoint patterns with a range of new Gateway Barlow variations, while Victorinox adds a commemorative twist to one of its most trusted multitools. Benchmade shifts into the kitchen with a full spread of culinary blades and sets built around premium materials and practical design. SOG brings a bold automatic into the mix with an SMKW Exclusive, and Spyderco rounds things out with an exclusive Sage 5 that blends proven ergonomics with upgraded materials.
Jack Wolf Knives
SMKW Exclusive Gateway Barlow (Smooth Red Bone)
The Jack Wolf SMKW Exclusive Gateway Barlow is a modern take on a legendary pocketknife pattern. This exclusive version retains the classic Barlow look while utilizing a 2.98-inch clip-point blade made from Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel. The satin-finished blade offers a fine, controllable edge suitable for both detailed slicing and heavier daily tasks, deployed via a traditional nail nick. The 3.87-inch handle features smooth red bone scales, providing a rich, classic look that mimics the heritage of vintage American cutlery. Reinforced by ringed stainless steel bolsters and a nickel silver badge shield, the construction is both durable and balanced. At 3.1 ounces, this slip joint remains a substantial yet pocket-friendly tool for any collector.
Gateway Barlow (New Variations)
Released: March 20th, 2026
Version Shown: Goddess Kirinite
The Jack Wolf Gateway Barlow is a modern take on the traditional Barlow pattern, keeping the familiar profile while updating it with more refined materials. Each new model in the series features a 2.98-inch clip point blade made from Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel. The satin-finished blade opens with a traditional nail nick and delivers a fine, controllable edge that handles precise cuts and everyday tasks with ease. This steel holds an edge well through regular use and is easy to maintain. While the blade and frame remain consistent, the 3.87-inch handles are offered in a range of materials, including Abalone, Goddess Kirinite, Miami CamoCarbon, Purple Sawcut G-10, and Yellow Jigged Bone. Built around stainless steel liners, ringed bolsters, and a nickel silver badge shield, it measures 6.85 inches overall and weighs 3.1 ounces, giving it a solid, comfortable presence without feeling bulky in your pocket.
Victorinox
SMKW Exclusive America's 250th Anniversary Tinker
The Victorinox SMKW Exclusive America’s 250th Anniversary Tinker is a versatile multi-tool that combines traditional Swiss craftsmanship with a special commemorative design. This edition features two blades, a 2.62-inch spear point and a 1.5-inch pen blade, crafted from Victorinox stainless steel known for its toughness and corrosion resistance. Both blades utilize classic nail nicks for manual deployment. The Tinker is also equipped with a functional toolset including a Phillips screwdriver, flathead screwdrivers, a can opener, a bottle opener, and a wire stripper. The handle is finished with a unique 250th Anniversary Eagle design, exclusive to Smoky Mountain Knife Works, while retaining the standard toothpick and tweezers. Measuring 3.58 inches closed and weighing only 2.1 ounces, it remains a lightweight, dependable tool for daily carry.
Benchmade
8" Chef Knife (Maple Valley Richlite)
The Benchmade 8-inch Chef Knife is a purpose-built kitchen knife designed to handle a wide range of culinary prep work. The 8.04-inch drop-point blade is crafted from CPM-154 stainless steel, providing a balance of high corrosion resistance and edge toughness. Using Benchmade’s SelectEdge technology, the blade is ground for maximum sharpness to ensure efficient slicing and chopping. The handle features a combination of Maple Valley Richlite and a black G-10 bolster, creating a moisture-resistant and durable grip that maintains comfort during long sessions at the cutting board. Measuring 13.02 inches overall and weighing 7.37 ounces, the knife offers a balanced, professional feel. It comes equipped with a protective sheath, serving as a dependable, well-constructed primary knife for any serious kitchen. Made in the USA.
8" Chef Knife (OD Green)
The Benchmade 8-inch Chef Knife is a purpose-built kitchen knife designed for durability and high-volume culinary work. The 8.04-inch drop-point blade is crafted from CPM-154 stainless steel, featuring a black DLC coating for added wear resistance. Utilizing Benchmade’s SelectEdge technology, the blade is ground to a fine angle to ensure efficient slicing and chopping across a variety of proteins and vegetables. The handle is constructed from OD Green and black G-10, a moisture-resistant material that provides a secure, non-slip grip in busy kitchen environments. Measuring 13.02 inches overall and weighing 7.37 ounces, the knife offers a balanced, professional feel that reduces fatigue during long prep sessions. It includes a black molded sheath for safe storage. Proudly made in the USA.
3-Piece Set (Maple Valley Richlite)
The Benchmade 3-Piece Maple Valley Richlite Set is a purpose-built collection of kitchen knives designed for high-performance culinary work at home or on the go. Each knife in the set is crafted from CPM-154 stainless steel and features SelectEdge technology, ensuring a sharp, resilient edge across various cutting tasks. The set includes a 4.12-inch True Paring Knife for detailed work, a 6.14-inch Meatcrafter for precise protein slicing, and a 6.83-inch Wildcoast for heavier chopping and prep. Every handle is constructed from Maple Valley Richlite with black G-10 bolsters, providing a moisture-resistant and secure grip that maintains comfort during long sessions. Each knife also comes with an individual black molded sheath for safe storage and transport. This combination of premium steel and durable handle materials results in a versatile, well-balanced set capable of handling the most demanding culinary environments.
3-Piece Set (Black DLC | OD Green)
The Benchmade 3-Piece OD Green Set is a rugged collection of kitchen tools built to handle high-volume kitchen prep and demanding field use. Each blade is crafted from CPM-154 stainless steel with a black DLC finish for increased wear resistance and long-term durability. Featuring Benchmade’s SelectEdge technology, this set provides specialized tools for each kitchen station: a 4.12-inch True Paring Knife for intricate trimming, a 6.14-inch Meatcrafter for processing proteins, and a 6.83-inch Wildcoast for heavy-duty chopping. The handles are made from OD Green and black G-10, a moisture-proof material that ensures a non-slip grip even during heavy use. Each knife is paired with an individual black molded sheath for safe transport and organized storage. This combination of resilient G-10 and coated premium steel results in a tough, low-maintenance set that handles the rigors of a busy kitchen or outdoor camp.
SOG
SMKW Exclusive "Desert Warrior" Auto Spec Elite II
Released: March 25th, 2026
The SOG SMKW Exclusive Auto Spec Elite II is a full-size automatic knife designed for tactical use and demanding daily tasks. This exclusive edition features a 4-inch drop point blade made from AUS-10A stainless steel, finished with a Flat Dark Earth coating for added wear resistance. The blade is deployed quickly via a push-button automatic mechanism, which includes a sliding safety lock to prevent accidental firing. The 4.9-inch handle is constructed from OD Green G-10, providing a high-strength, lightweight grip that remains secure in various environments. Built with a reversible deep-carry pocket clip, the knife measures 8.9 inches overall and weighs 3.6 ounces. It offers a slim profile for its size, making it a dependable, professional-grade tool that balances fast access with a solid, comfortable feel in the hand. Proudly made in the USA.
Spyderco
SMKW Exclusive Sage 5
This Spyderco Sage 5 is an SMKW exclusive that pairs a high-performance blade with upgraded handle materials. The 3-inch spear-point blade is made from Bohler M390 stainless steel, a premium steel selected for its exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance. Featuring a full-flat grind and a satin finish, the blade is designed for efficient slicing and precise daily work. It utilizes the signature Round Hole for deployment and is secured by Spyderco’s Compression Lock mechanism. This version is distinguished by its smooth 4.17” gray titanium scales, which provide a more durable and substantial feel than the standard lightweight FRN or G-10 handles. Measuring 7.13 inches overall, the Sage 5 is finished with a reversible deep-carry wire clip, offering a reliable and low-profile option for professional use. Proudly 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.









