SHOT Show may be all about the guns, but knives certainly have their share of the show floor as well. Even with four days of the show, I didn’t get to cover every company as I traversed the multiple levels and numerous rooms of the show. But I did hit a bunch of them. Let’s take a look at some of the best knives from each one.
32 of the Best Knives from SHOT Show 2024
1. 5.11 Tactical Peacemaker
5.11 Tactical makes all sorts of gear, including EDC knives and tools. The Peacemaker isn’t brand new, but it hasn’t been available for some time. It’s a sturdy fixed-blade knife designed in partnership with Gingrich Tactical. The Peacemaker could serve in a tactical role or as a heavy camp knife.
It has a stout, full tang 7-inch blade of SCM 435 with a black electro coat finish. Likewise, it has removable FRN handles that I would call FDE, but 5.11 probably calls the color Kangaroo. It comes with a molded sheath with MOLLE/web clip.
MSRP: $125.00.
For more information, please visit 511Tactical.com.
2. Artisan Cutlery Weyden
Artisan Cutlery’s knives are always sleek and extremely well made, and the new Nick Roger’s designed Weyden is no exception. Its sweeping lines and titanium frame construction are quite modern. However, the leaf-shaped, drop-point blade is reminiscent of a Nessmuk or maybe a Canadian belt knife.
The Weyden is a frame lock design and opens smoothly—by means of a front flipper—on ceramic ball bearings. Its blade is S90V with a flat grind, and the frame has a subtle but effective “Micro Milling” texture and a deep carry pocket clip. A ti-damascus inset in the handle adds a touch of elegance to an already sleek folder.
MSRP: $199.99.
For more information, please visit ArtisanCutlery.net.
3. Acta Non Verba M500 KAMBA
Acta Non Verba (ANV) Knives out of the Czech Republic has a whole line of hard-use knives for outdoor, military, and tactical use. One of the models that caught my eye was the M500 Kamba. The KAMBA is the compact version of the M500 ANTHROPOID, a knife inspired by the classic Fairbairn Sykes dagger.
The reduced size KAMBA came about from suggestions by Czech Military Police officers. They act as diplomatic protection for the Czech Embassy in Kabul and were looking for an easier-to-carry blade. While more compact than its big brother, it still sports a 4.5-inch blade of Elmax steel and machined G10 handles. Additionally, the KAMBA comes with a Kydex sheath.
MSRP: $345.00.
For more information, please visit ANVKnives.com.
4. ASP PDK
ASP may be best known for its collapsible batons and handcuffs. However, the company just dropped a line of knives so folks can include a solid cutting tool in their kit. The PDK is designated as a duty knife for law enforcement and security. However, the new PDK folders will make a solid EDC choice for anyone.
They have a 3.5-inch AUS8 stainless blade, and G10 handles with steel liners and a blue accent line. The blades come in either stonewashed or black finish. Likewise, you have your choice of either flat scales or ones with milled finger grooves.
The PDKs use a flipper opening system and a liner lock. They have a deep carry pocket clip that is reversible by using the double lock pin on a handcuff key. The PDKs should be shipping in May.
MSRP: $99.00.
For more information, please visit ASP-USA.com.
5. Benchmade Water Line
Benchmade is another company that always has a healthy selection of new products, but the Water Line really stood out. This is a selection of knives designed for fishermen, boaters, and folks who spend a lot of time near water. It consists of two sizes of fillet knives, two folders, and two fixed blades.
Benchmade used Magnacut steel across the line for maximum corrosion resistance. Handles are all in a color they call Depth Blue. The Adira and Mini Adira Folders have orange accents and lanyards and use Grivory handles and an Axis Lock.
The Intersect and Undercurrent fixed blades use Santoprene handles and, once again, orange lanyards. Additionally, the Intersect has a slick pocket carry sheath, and the Undercurrent has a molded high retention sheath with a slick thumb release. The 9-inch and 7-inch Fishcrafters have Santoprene handles and molded sheaths as well.
MSRP: $200.00 to $260.00 (depending on model).
For more information, please visit Benchmade.com.
6. Black Triangle G10 Knives
We’ll be looking at a lot of steel in this roundup, but not from Black Triangle. Black Triangle makes completely nonmetallic knives made from G10. They’re designed to be “point driven,” meaning that they’re for stabbing and not cutting. They’re lightweight and discrete and come with thermoplastic sheaths, so the entire system is nonmetallic. A series of blunt trainers is also available.
MSRP: $95.00 to $110.00 (depending on model).
For more information, please visit BlkTriangle.com.
7. Boker Plus Collection 2024
Boker always has a huge release of knives every year. So, it’s sometimes hard to pick a couple to cover, let alone one. The Les George Boker Plus Collection 2024 really stood out to me, though. This is a collector’s edition, limited to 500 pieces worldwide, based upon his custom FM-1 folder.
The 2024 is made in Italy and has a satin-finished, 3.66-inch drop-point blade made from CPM MagnaCut. It opens smoothly on ball bearings with a removable thumb stud on both sides and is locked open by a titanium frame lock. It has gorgeous carbon scales, with the bolsters using a “Black Dunes” pattern. The rest of the scale is a “Space Coral” pattern.
The ring around the pivot screw and the handle screws are blue anodized titanium. Likewise, the clip is also milled from a solid piece of titanium. It’s a gorgeous but functional knife.
MSRP: $499.00.
For more information, please visit BokerUSA.com.
8. Case Bridgeline Series
Case is best known for its traditional slipjoints. However, the new Bridgeline series takes that traditional style and brings it into the 21st century. The Bridgeline consists of the Longhouse and Highbanks models. They are made of aluminum frames and bolsters for durability while minimizing weight.
Both models are available with composite and wood handle materials like Micarta® and rosewood. In addition, they use CPM20CV blades and a steel deep-carry pocket clip. The Bridgeline knives have a lot of the classic Barlow look to them but are precision-made.
The Highbanks is a slipjoint with a modified Wharncliffe blade with an elongated nail nick hole that makes it easy to open. The Longhouse is a front flipper with a clip-point blade and liner lock. Weight is less than 3 ounces. Both knives are made in Case’s factory in Bradford, Pennsylvania.
MSRP: $189.99.
For more information, please visit CaseKnives.com.
9. CIVIVI Sendy
CIVIVI Knives had a number of new models, but one that grabbed my attention was the Sendy, which was designed by Ben Petersen of Knaf’s Knives. It’s kind of a mix of modern Barlow and Swiss Army Knife and looks like a great choice for everyday carry. They had two models on display, one with a satin-finished blade with a green G10 handle and an all-blacked-out model.
The Sendy has a 2.83-inch spey point blade of Nitro-V stainless and is opened with a front flipper mechanism. It’s a liner lock design and has a deep carry pocket clip. It opens smoothly and quickly and has a positive lockup.
You can see some Barlow influence in the lines of the knife. But the Swiss Army part comes in with the inclusion of a set of tweezers and a toothpick, adding to the EDC function.
MSRP: $74.70.
For more information, please visit Civivi.com.
10. CJRB Revel
The Revel, designed by Ray Laconico, was my favorite of the CJRB new releases. It’s a sleek, clean folder with a large clip-point blade. Additionally, it has a large elongated opening hole and a frame-long lock handle with a deep carry pocket clip. It’s still a prototype, so the final details and price are fixed. However, if it’s even close to the prototype, I already want one.
MSRP: TBD.
For more information, please visit ArtisanCutlery.net/collections/CJRB-Cutlery.
11. COAST 1919 Reserve Shift
COAST is probably best known for its flashlights, but it has a decent line of knives as well. While the company had some higher-end models, what caught my eye was the 1919 Reserve Shift. This is a knife that uses replaceable utility knife blades but in a form factor much more typical of a one-hand opening EDC knife.
It uses a patented blade swap system that lets you use either standard razor-style utility blades or COAST’s drop point or gut hook replaceable blades. Handles have either gray or red Thermo Plastic Rubber (TPR) handle inserts.
The 1919 opens with dual thumb studs and uses a liner lock mechanism. It has a secondary manual lock you can engage as well if you need it. It comes with a belt sheath that holds extra blades or you can pocket carry it with the stainless steel pocket clip.
MSRP: $29.99.
For more information, please visit CoastPortland.com.
12. Condor Tool & Knife Kambo Puukko
Condor always has a lot of ethnically influenced knives and the Kambo is one of them. The Kambo was designed by Goran Mihajlovic, an Amazon jungle guide who grew up in Serbia and Germany. The knife’s name comes from a hunting ceremony performed by indigenous local tribes near where Goran lives in Columbia.
A puukko-style knife, the Kambo uses a 1075 carbon steel blade with a Scandinavian grind that’s just under 3 inches. Likewise, it has a full tang with natural micarta handles. It comes with a fully welted sheath and a Scandinavian grind.
MSRP: $89.98.
For more information, please visit CondorTK.com.
13. CRKT Padawan Frame Lock
CRKT is another company that always has strong releases every year. The Padawan frame lock from Pedro Buzetti’s was a standout, though. It has a 3-inch drop point blade made from 14C28N steel, with a flipper opener and IKBS ball-bearing pivot. The stainless handle has a micarta overlay, and there’s a deep carry pocket clip set up for tip-up, right-hand carry.
MSRP: $75.00.
For more information, please visit CRKT.com.
14. Demko Shark Cub
Demko Knives was showing the new Shark Cub. The Shark Cub came about due to requests for a smaller folder using their excellent Shark-Lock. It has a 2.5-inch blade of CPM20CV steel and comes in three blade profiles. They include Clip, Shark Foot, and Slicer Shark. It features black Peel Ply G10 scales and an ambidextrous deep carry pocket clip.
MSRP: $190.00.
For more information, please visit DemkoKnives.com.
15. Eikonic Chaves RCK9
Eikonic was a new brand to me, and one that some of my buddies suggested I check out. I’m glad I did. They debuted at SHOT last year, so they are pretty new. But they’ve got a great corral of designers and some nicely made knives at very reasonable prices.
There were a few new 2024 offerings, but one that caught my eye was the RCK9, designed by Ramon Chavez. The RCK9 has a 3.06-inch blade of D2 steel with either a black or stonewashed finish. The G10 handles are available in blue, olive, or black. Overall length is 7.10 inches, and weight is 3.8 ounces.
It has a tip-up pocket clip, and the blade locks up via a liner lock. In addition, it has clean, usable lines, which Chaves is famous for.
MSRP: $89.99.
For more information, please visit EikonicKnifeCo.com.
16. ESEE Knives Sencillo
The Sencillo has been out for a while, and the first version was made with Jeff Randall’s favorite steel A2. A2 is great steel, but people being people, some folks wanted a stainless version. ESEE didn’t mess around when it came to stainless and went straight to Magncut on the new Sencillo.
The new version is being made in the USA by White River Knives. This is because ESEE’s usual manufacturer, Rowen Manufacturing, doesn’t work with Magnacut. The Sencillo has a 3-inch drop-point blade and a chubby, comfortable handle of 3D machined natural burlap micarta. The overall length is 7.25 inches, and the weight is just 3.88 ounces without the included Kydex sheath.
MSRP: $276.19.
For more information, please visit EseeKnives.com.
17. Hogue Ballista XL
Hogue’s latest in the HK branded lineup is a bigger version of the popular Ballista automatic, aptly named the Ballista XL. It has a 3.75-inch blade of CPM S30V steel and a tanto profile. It uses an automatic ABLE (Ambidextrous Bar Lock Enhanced) lock and Red/Black ChromaCut G10 scales with Peel Ply texture. The Ballista XL is 5 inches closed and weighs 5.8 ounces. It has a lanyard hole and a deep carry pocket clip.
MSRP: $279.95.
For more information, please visit HogueInc.com.
18. KA-BAR EK Folder
KA-BAR has been manufacturing the EK line of fixed-blade knives for a while now. This year, the company came out with the first-ever folding EK. It’s a trim flipper design using caged ball bearings. The 4-inch drop point blade is made of premium S35VN steel, and it uses black glass-filled nylon handle scales with distinct “Ek” hardware. It’s a liner lock system and has a reversible pocket clip. Standard models are basic black, but they had a neat version in Space Force Blue on display as well.
MSRP: $160.00.
For more information, please visit Kabar.com.
19. Kronos Knives
I was surprised to find a table full of knives within the Palmetto State Armory booth. However, it turns out that Kronos Knives is a new project from PSA and is being headed by Mike Probyn. Mike ran me through the line, and he’s pretty excited about the quality they’re offering, especially for the price.
He has a full line of tactical fixed blades, EDC folders, Out The Front (OTF) autos, and even a bayonet. Mike has gathered an impressive stable of designers right out of the gate, too. This includes Ken Onion, Justin Gingrich, Chris Stroup, and Allen Arment.
MSRP: $75.00 to $200.00 (depending on model).
For more information, please visit PalmettoStateArmory.com/brands/kronos.html.
20. Liong Mah KUF and Field Knife
Liong Mah had new versions of his KUF, Kitchen Utility Knife, version 3.5, and his Field Duty knife. The KUF has a 3.5-inch blade of CPM Magnacut and a titanium monoblock handle with a frame lock. It features a thin, high, flat grind combined with a cutting edge that is lower than the handle. As a result, it makes for a great folding kitchen knife that’s still perfectly suitable for other EDC tasks. The build is impeccable, and the knife opens, closes, and handles extremely well.
The new Field Duty uses a Crossbar lock and Magnacut steel once again. It has a titanium handle with a reversible pocket clip. I always like the lines of Liong Mah’s designs and the elongated opening hole and smooth bearings make them a joy to open. I didn’t get exact prices while at the booth. However, Liong Mah’s price range is generally in the $300 to $600 range, depending on materials and features.
MSRP: TBD.
For more information, please visit LiongMah.com.
21. Lionsteel Skinny
Lionsteel’s Skinny is a new EDC folder just launched this year. It’s manufactured by milling the frame out of a single solid piece of titanium or aluminum (depending on the model) for strength. Titanium handles use carbon fiber inlays, while aluminum models use micarta. The 3.31-inch blades are once again CPM MagnaCut, with either stonewash or “OldBlack” finishes.
The frame lock bar has a hardened steel insert, and the blade opens using the IKBS ball-bearing system. The Skinny has a removable flipper in case you live somewhere that prohibits flippers or you just don’t care for them. A steel pocket clip is provided with all models.
MSRP: $214.00 to $355.00 (depending on model and options).
For more information, please visit Lionsteel.it/en.
22. MKM Pocket Tango 1 and 2
MKM’s new fixed blade is the Pocket Tango, designed by David C. Andersen of Knifecenter fame. There are two models, the Tango 1 with a Nessmuk-style blade and the Tango 2 with a lambsfoot blade. All knives are made from CPM Magnacut and have a satin finish.
Handle materials include Olive wood, canvas micarta, G10, or carbon fiber. They come with a slick leather pocket sheath that uses a handy and easy-to-use magnetic clip. The Tangos are 6.69 inches overall, with a 2.91-inch blade, and weigh just 2.54 ounces.
MSRP: $219.90 to $239.90 (depending on handle material).
For more information, please visit MKM.it/en.
23. QSP Canary Fixed Blade Knife
QSP had the new Canara fixed blade out for show, and it’d make a great camp or bushcraft blade. It has a 4.25-inch blade of Cr8Mo2VSi steel with a micarta handle, available in brown, black, or green. The weight is just over 7 ounces, with the whole package coming in under 10 ounces with the sheath.
MSRP: $62.00.
For more information, please visit QSPKnife.com.
24. Reate Knives & Tools EXO-U Utility Knife
I’ll confess, I don’t have a lot of details on this one. Only because I think I spent more time playing with it then than doing journalist stuff, like asking questions. What makes the EXO-U so cool? It is a gravity knife that takes standard utility knife blades. This makes for a slick setup that’s fun, fast, and easy to use. It uses a milled aluminum handle and has a locking mechanism that you can easily hit with your thumb to release the blade and then lock it open.
Reate Knives makes very high-end, high-precision knives, and that level of fit and finish carries over to the EXO-U. The handles were shown in a variety of anodized colors and multiple milling patterns. It feels good in hand and will carry flat in your pocket with a deep carry pocket clip.
The knives are expected to be available in April. While I didn’t get a firm price (or didn’t hear it over my constant clicking of opening and closing the knife), I heard some rumors of a sub $100 price tag. While some of you may think that’s a lot for a box cutter, it’s quite affordable for a Reate. Especially considering this isn’t built like a regular box cutter.
If you have a job that requires you to use a box cutter regularly, there’s no reason it has to be a boring one!
MSRP: TBD.
For more information, please visit ReateKnives.com.
25. Sencut ArcBlast
Not all of the knives at SHOT were creeping up on gun prices. Sencut is WE Knife’s value line, but it offers very solid knives for the money. The Arcblast is a button lock model with an aluminum frame and a 2.98 inch hollow ground, 9Cr18MoV stainless blade.
The blue anodized scales and satin-finished blade make for a nice change from the solid black tactical folders. But they are still not flashy. At less than 3 ounces in weight, with a deep carry pocket clip, they should make a great EDC knife.
MSRP: $55.00.
For more information, please visit Sencut.com.
26. Spartan Harsey Clandistina
Okay, I’m deliberately a fanboy, but I always find myself drawn to Bill Harsey’s designs. The new Clandestina from Spartan Blades is no exception. It’s a sleek, clean, fixed blade with a 5.5-inch spear point and flat ground blade of CPM MagnaCut.
The handle material is either black or camo canvas micarta, and the knife comes with a MOLLE sheath. Kydex options are available. You can also get the Clandistina with black and FDE PVD coatings and a Double Deep Cryogenic Treatment.
MSRP: $360.00.
For more information, please visit SpartanBladesUSA.com.
27. Spyderco Bodacious
The Spyderco Bodacious has a 3.66-inch, flat ground, leaf-shaped blade of CPM S30V stainless steel. Correspondingly, it is available with either Spyderco’s PlainEdge™ or serrated SpyderEdge™. The handle uses G10 scales with skeletonized stainless steel liners nestled inside for strength.
It uses Spyderco’s Compression Lock system mounted on the spine of the knife. I have become a big fan of this lock with the Para series. A reversible pocket clip is provided that allows for left- or right-hand, tip-up, or tip-down carry. The weight is a bit less than 5 ounces. Spyderco’s latest is a most bodacious tool indeed.
MSRP: $350.00.
For more information, please visit Spyderco.com.
28. The Survival University Series
The folks from The Survival University were camped out at the Condor Tool & Knife booth. That’s because Condor is the OEM for their blades. The blade designs are all their own, though, with some mentoring from knife designer Jason Breeden.
The series consists of the Courage, a fixed blade with a 6.5-inch blade; the Spirit, a more compact 4.5-inch fixed blade; and the Gallantry, a Philippine-style Ginunting-designed chopper with a 16.25-inch blade. All of the knives are full tang and made from 1076 high carbon steel and have a stonewashed finish.
The handle materials are gray/green micarta, and they come with black Kydex and Cordura sheaths with fire steel holders.
MSRP: $180 (Spirit), $220 (Courage), $300 (Gallantry).
For more information, please visit TheSurvivalUniversity.com.
29. TOPS Minis
Even though TOPS Knives makes a wide variety of fixed and folding knives, as well as axes and other tools, they have a reputation as a large knife brand. This made it surprising that the big hit at SHOT Show was their Mini prototypes. The company has a mini version of the Frog Market Special, El Chappo cleaver, and El Chete chopper.
These little guys are 60% miniaturized versions of their bigger siblings. However, they’re still built with the same quality and ruggedness that TOPS is known for. They use the same materials, heat treat, and finishes as the full-sized models as well.
Despite being charming pint-sized replicas, they’re fully functional in their own right and would make slick pocket or neck knives. They aren’t on the website yet, and there are plans for more Mini models to come. So, keep an eye out for drops later in the year.
MSRP: TBD.
For more information, please visit TOPSKnives.com.
30. UCO Gear Ingalls, Nason, and Tinkham
UCO is best known for outdoor and camping gear, especially mess kits, lanterns, and fire-starting gear. This year at SHOT, the company brought out its own line of folding knives. These aren’t expensive high-end knives made of super steels, and they aren’t designed with tactical use in mind. They are slick, practical, and affordable knives geared toward basic everyday carry and outdoor use.
They use D2 steel blades and glass-reinforced nylon handles with a terrain contour pattern for both looks and texture. In addition, they’re available in ocean, coal, and tiger colors. The two biggest models, the Ingalls and Ingalls Switch-LOK, are slipjoints, as is the mid-sized Nason. However, the little Tinkham is a liner lock with a flipper opener.
They all have removable pocket clips as well. The Ingalls Switch-LOK is a slip joint, as noted, but has a secondary push button lock located at the pivot pin. As a result, this adds an extra degree of safety during use. The Nason is actually a multi-tool and incorporates a great set of scissors as well as a sturdy pair of tweezers.
MSRP: $69.99 to $39.99 (depending on model).
For more information, please visit UCOGear.com.
31. WE Knife Hyperactive
WE Knife company had a slew of new designs out and it was hard to pick one. The titanium frame lock Hyperactive was impressive, though. It’s a 6AL4V titanium frame lock that uses a caged ceramic ball-bearing opening system. The blade is a healthy 3.8 inches of Vanax stainless steel with a drop point and a flat grind.
It’s made to WE’s usual impeccable level of fit and finish, and the aesthetic touches are one of the things that set the Hyperactive apart from its peers. If you want a top-tier production folder that isn’t just built well from top materials but looks amazing as well, then the WE Hyperactive should be on your list.
MSRP: $494.00.
For more information, please visit WEKnife.com.
32. White River Knives Skinner
White River Knives has a slick new knife based on its proven and popular M1 knife. The M1 skinner has a 3-inch blade with plenty of belly. It feels good in the hand, just like the original, which happened to be one of my very first knife reviews way back in the day.
It uses CPM S35VN steel and textured G10 grip scales. Overall length is a handy 7 inches, and weight is only 3.8 ounces. It comes with a Kydex sheath, so the whole package should stand up great to harsh weather and blood.
MSRP: $160.00.
For more information, please visit WhiteRiverKnives.com.
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