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Best Hiking Knives
When you're miles into the backcountry, every ounce in your pack is an investment, and no tool pays higher dividends than a dependable blade. The best hiking knives are a delicate balance between featherweight portability, extreme corrosion resistance, and the rugged durability required to handle everything from gear repairs to emergency fire prep. Whether you are an ultralight minimalist counting every gram, a weekend trekker who values multi-tool versatility, or a traditionalist who trusts the unbreakable nature of...
Recent Articles
New Knives of the Week:
June 19th, 2026
This week's new releases highlight just how diverse the modern knife market has become. Vosteed brings a fresh dose of creativity to everyday carry, while CIVIVI and SMKW continue their collaboration with a pair of exclusives featuring an unusual handle material that stands out both day and night. Kizer leans into premium steels and limited-edition styling with two eye-catching releases, and Jack Wolf Knives expands beyond its traditional-inspired folders with a compact fixed blade offered in several distinctive handle options. Vero Engineering...
Blade Show 2026
Award Winners
Every year, the BLADE Magazine Knife of the Year Awards recognize the knives, makers, and companies that stand above an already crowded field of new releases at BLADE Show. The BLADE Show 2026 awards contained everything from innovative locking mechanisms and groundbreaking carry systems to premium production folders, standout fixed blades, and a new category for traditional slip joints. Several established manufacturers added new honors to their resumes, while others earned recognition for innovating on knife design...
New Benchmade Knives
at Blade Show 2026
Benchmade arrived at Blade Show 2026 with a lineup that balances refinements of fan favorites with entirely new designs for hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and everyday carriers. This year's releases span multiple product families, including lightweight evolutions of iconic models like the Bugout, Osborne, and Bailout, new additions to the SOCP series, and the debut of the Slipridge platform in both folding and fixed-blade configurations. Premium steels appear throughout the lineup, paired with updated handle materials...
New Knives at
Blade Show 2026
Blade Show 2026 brought another wave of new knives from across the industry, with manufacturers using the event to unveil everything from new handle materials and traditional patterns to entirely new platforms and collaborations. Case expanded its lineup with several new distinctive handle options across classic American pocketknife patterns, while companies like Microtech and Toor introduced new directions for established product lines. Fixed blades remained a major focus throughout the show, with...
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.