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New Knives of the Week: October 17th, 2025
Published: October 17th, 2025
This week’s arrivals at Smoky Mountain Knife Works bring a mix of precision craftsmanship and modern design from some of the most trusted names in the knife world. Hogue sharpens its focus on premium detail with two new Collector Series automatics built for performance and style. Case continues its ocean-inspired Sea Dragon series with another American-made SMKW exclusive that blends artistry and tradition. Leatherman upgrades a longtime favorite with new materials and finishes, while Benchmade adds sleek, compact variations that balance everyday usability with refined construction. From bold reworks to timeless designs, this week’s lineup shows just how far great craftsmanship can go.
Hogue
Collectors Series Micro Counterstike
(Tumble | Carbon Fiber)
The Hogue Collector Series Micro Counterstrike refines the OTF automatic platform with premium materials and precise craftsmanship. Its 1.95-inch double-edge dagger blade is crafted from CPM MagnaCut stainless steel with a stonewashed finish that enhances durability, reduces glare, and complements the knife’s rugged design. The double-action thumb slide operates with smooth, reliable precision, allowing fast deployment and retraction of the blade. The 6061-T6 aluminum frame provides strength without weight, paired with a carbon fiber front handle scale for added rigidity and balance. Blue anodized hardware, a reversible deep-carry pocket clip, and a removable carbide glass breaker complete the build. Measuring 4.875 inches overall and weighing just 1.9 ounces, the Micro Counterstrike delivers compact performance with unmistakable Hogue precision. Proudly made in the USA.
Collectors Series Micro Counterstrike (Tumble | Coco Bolo)
The Hogue Collector Series Micro Counterstrike elevates the OTF automatic platform with natural materials and precise engineering. Its 1.95-inch double-edge dagger blade is made from CPM MagnaCut stainless steel with a stonewashed finish that enhances durability and reduces glare. The dual-action thumb slide operates cleanly and consistently, allowing the blade to deploy and retract with effortless control. The 6061-T6 aluminum frame keeps the build light yet sturdy, complemented by a Cocobolo wood front scale that adds warmth and distinction to the design. Black hardware, a reversible deep-carry pocket clip, and a removable carbide glass breaker round out its functional details. Measuring 4.875 inches overall and weighing just 1.9 ounces, the Micro Counterstrike pairs precision performance with timeless style. Proudly made in the USA.
Case
SMKW Exclusive Sea Dragon Baby Butterbean
The Case XX SMKW Exclusive Sea Dragon Baby Butterbean captures the vibrant motion and color of the ocean depths, inspired by the graceful beauty of the leafy sea dragon’s home. Its jigged bone handles are dyed in layered shades of blue and green that shift like sunlight through water, creating a living reflection of its namesake’s habitat. Polished nickel silver bolsters, brass pins, and the Case arrowhead shield frame the handle with timeless detail. Inside, mirror-polished Tru-Sharp Surgical Steel spear and pen blades offer sharp, dependable performance with a clean, reflective finish. Measuring 2.75 inches closed and weighing just 1.4 ounces, this compact pocket knife embodies both artistry and precision. Proudly made in the USA and available only through Smoky Mountain Knife Works.
Benchmade
Successor (Satin | Crater Blue)
The Benchmade Successor blends precision craftsmanship with understated style, creating a compact folder that feels as refined as it looks. Its 2.56-inch drop point blade is made from Böhler M390 stainless steel, delivering exceptional edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. The satin finish adds a smooth, clean look while reducing glare and enhancing wear resistance. The blade opens manually with a traditional nail nick, keeping operation simple and reliable. Measuring 6.26 inches overall and just 2.28 ounces, it’s lightweight, balanced, and easy to carry. The 6061-T6 aluminum handle pairs Crater Blue scales with anodized Ash Gray bolsters for a bold, modern contrast that still feels classic in hand. It includes a premium black leather slip sheath with an integrated metal clip for secure pocket or belt carry. Proudly made in the USA, the Successor embodies Benchmade’s hallmark precision and quality in every detail.
Successor (Satin | Burnt Brass)
The Benchmade Successor brings a modern twist to classic pocketknife design, combining precision machining with a warm, refined finish. Its 2.56-inch drop point blade is crafted from M390 stainless steel, offering exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance with a satin finish that balances durability and elegance. The 6061-T6 aluminum handle pairs anodized Ash Gray bolsters with Burnt Brass scales, creating a striking contrast that feels both contemporary and timeless. Subtle contouring ensures a comfortable, controlled grip, while the nail nick allows for smooth, manual blade deployment. Measuring 6.26 inches overall and weighing just 2.28 ounces, it’s compact, balanced, and built for everyday carry. Complete with a premium black leather slip sheath, the Successor blends functional craftsmanship with visual sophistication. Proudly made in the USA.
Leatherman
Wave Alpha (Cascadia)
Released: October 14th, 2025
The Leatherman Wave Alpha Cascadia is a modern evolution of the company’s most popular multi-tool, engineered for those who demand precision, versatility, and strength in every task. Its 2.88-inch CPM MagnaCut stainless steel blade delivers outstanding edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance, finished in black oxide for added durability. The tool’s 420 stainless steel frame is accented with textured Cascadia G10 handle scales, providing a secure grip and a touch of refined style, while orange Tequila Sunrise accent rings add subtle contrast. A full lineup of locking tools includes needlenose and regular pliers, replaceable wire cutters, scissors, files, saw, awl, screwdrivers, and bit drivers; all accessible with smooth, confident action. Measuring 4.04 inches closed and 6.25 inches open, the Wave Alpha combines the trusted Leatherman build with upgraded materials and modern aesthetics. Proudly made in the USA and backed by Leatherman’s 25-year warranty.
Wave Alpha (Obsidian)
Released: October 14th, 2025
The Leatherman Wave Alpha Obsidian takes the multi-tool standard to a new level of refinement, pairing upgraded materials with a sleek, tactical look. Its 2.88-inch CPM MagnaCut stainless steel blade provides exceptional edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance, finished in Better Black Oxide for improved durability and low glare. The 420 stainless steel frame houses a full lineup of locking tools, including pliers, replaceable wire cutters, scissors, files, saw, awl, screwdrivers, and bit drivers; each engineered for smooth, reliable performance. Textured Obsidian G10 handle scales offer a solid grip with a modern, understated profile, while polished brass pivot rings add a subtle contrast against the deep black finish. Compact and practical at 4.04 inches closed, the Wave Alpha delivers unmatched functionality in a streamlined design. Made in the USA and backed by Leatherman’s 25-year warranty.
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.









