Although the “S” in SHOT stands for shooting, there is always a lot of associated gear at the show every year. Knives are no exception. I spent four days racing through nearly 14 miles of SHOT Show aisles, scouting out the new tactical knives. The list isn’t comprehensive, and if I missed some companies, it was simply due to running out of time.
20 Tactical Knives from SHOT Show 2026
5.11 Tactical CFK 5 Camp Field Knife
5.11 Tactical didn’t actually have their new knives on display. However, I did get a chance to talk about them and follow up when I got home. The new CFK 5 Camp Field Knife looks like it’ll make a great tactical offering. This compact 5-inch fixed blade knife features a durable 4135 alloy steel blade (0.2″ thick, 58–60 RC hardness) for durability and longevity in outdoor use.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Its grippy, removable FRN scales should provide excellent traction while allowing easy maintenance. Balanced for camp and general utility, it includes a field-ready sheath configurable for left or right-hand carry.
MSRP: $110.00
Artisan Cutlery Mousebird
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
The Artisan Cutlery Mousebird, a forthcoming folding knife designed by Dusty Rhodes, is slated for release this year. It features a 3-inch blade made from premium S35VN stainless steel, with a thickness of 0.12 inches for balanced strength and slicing capability. The handle measures 4 inches long and 0.45 inches thick. It uses titanium scales in a dark bronze anodized finish, complemented by a matching lighter bronze clip and backspacer.
Equipped with a reliable button-top liner lock, the knife has an overall length of 7 inches when open. While the official MSRP remains to be determined, it is expected to fall in the $200 to $250 range. This positions it as a high-end, stylish everyday carry option from Artisan Cutlery.
MSRP: TBD
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
ASP Police Duty Knife (PDK) Push Knife
ASP launched their Police Duty Knives two years ago at SHOT, and they’ve added another new model this year. This time it’s the PDK Push Knife. It has a 2.25-inch single-edge blade of AUS-8 stainless steel with a black PVD finish. It comes in two versions, a G model and an S model. Both use T-shaped grips.
The “G” variant features a textured polymer overmolded grip, while the “S” model is skeletonized to minimize weight and bulk. Both come with a polymer sheath with molded-in retention. The sheath has a removable, heavy-duty spring steel clip that fastens securely to belts or web gear. Likewise, it features 1.25-inch slots for directly threading on thinner belts or webbing. There are also grommet holes for lanyard carry or for lacing to duty gear.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
MSRP: $37.00 (G version), $35.00 (S version)
Bear & Son Nekama I
Bear & Son had a ton of new models as well. The Nekama I folding knife jumped out at me with its Racing Green & Black color scheme. It features a 3.5-inch blade made of Sandvik 14C28N steel hardened to 58-60 Rockwell for strong edge retention and corrosion resistance. It opens to 7.875 inches, closes to 4.5 inches, and weighs a lightweight 3.2 ounces.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
The aluminum handle features an ambidextrous pocket clip, dual thumb studs, and ball-bearing washers for smooth, reliable action. This knife is made in Jacksonville, Alabama.
MSRP: $99.99
Benchmade Selfridge
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
This folding EDC knife from Benchmade Knife Company features an 8.25-inch overall length and a 3.5-inch drop-point blade made of CPM Magnacut steel with a plain edge and 0.114-inch thickness. It has an ambidextrous design and uses Benchmade’s reliable Axis lock.
Unlike earlier Benchmade knives, its orange G-10 handle or wood handles are designed to come off easily for cleaning. This should also open up the design to cool aftermarket handles as well. Made in the USA, it is built for everyday carry. A fixed blade version will be available as well.
MSRP: $300.00
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
CJRB Mega Maximal
The CJRB Knives Mega Maximal, designed by David C. Anderson and releasing this year, is a follow-up to last year’s popular Maximal. This lightweight folder weighs just 3 oz. It features a 3.45-inch AR-RPM9 stainless steel blade with a flat grind and 0.1 inch thickness. It opens on ceramic ball bearing pivots for smooth action and comes with Micarta handles.
The handle is 4.43 inches long and 0.46 inches thick, for an overall length of 7.88 inches. It includes a deep carry pocket clip. I was a big fan of the Maximal, and as much as I liked it, I think the Mega fits my hand even better.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
MSRP: $66.66 – $239.99
Condor Tool & Knife K-Night Bowie
If Hobbits were native to Appalachia, those little barefoot red necks would be packing the K-Night Bowie like short swords. Designed by Jason Breedan for Condor Knife & Tool, this big fixed blade features an impressive 11.38-inch blade made of 1075 high-carbon steel with a blasted satin finish and convex grind.
It has an overall length of 17.36 inches, a blade thickness of 0.24 inches, and weighs 26.10 ounces. The full tang construction is complemented by durable Micarta handle scales, and the knife comes with a handcrafted welted leather sheath. I have one of these in hand now, and it’s an impressive chopper.
MSRP: $159.98
Demko Knives AD22
Demko Knives has premiered the AD22, a new model set to release later this year, with some details still pending. It features an ambidextrous deep-carry pocket clip integrated into the standoffs for improved everyday carry.
The blade is made from premium CPM MagnaCut steel, known for excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. Handle options include G10, titanium, and camo carbon fiber. The knife uses Demko’s signature Shark-Lock mechanism for secure, reliable operation.
MSRP: Pricing is not finalized, but is expected to be around $450 for the G10 version and $700 each for the titanium and camo carbon models.
Eikonic’s SIG SAUER Rose
I discovered Eikonic Knives two years ago at SHOT. They had some great-looking designs at good prices. Last year, they teamed up with SIG and have another model with them this year. The SIG SAUER x EIKONIC ROSE Knife is a compact, purpose-built everyday carry folder. It features a black PVD-coated Nitro-V blade, with a blade length of 2.93 inches and a thickness of 0.110 inches.
The handle is black G10 with SIG ROSE logo engraving, measuring 3.67 inches long, for an overall length of 6.6 inches and a weight of 2.75 ounces. Key elements include a secure liner lock, smooth flipper opening with ceramic ball bearings, ROSE-branded pivot, integrated window breaker, and a contoured, tensioned stainless steel tip-up pocket clip. It’s a good-looking knife to pair up with the SIG SAUER ROSE pistol.
MSRP: $125.99
Heretic Knives Kobold
The Heretic Kobold is a compact, full-tang fixed-blade pocket knife designed for everyday carry and built in the USA. A Kobold is also a small draconic humanoid from Dungeons & Dragons fame. I’m a nerd, I love that.
Heretic’s Kobold features a 2.80-inch clip-point blade with a tanto edge made of premium CPM Magnacut steel. Available finishes include Battleworn, Cerakote, DLC, and stonewash, with standard or serrated edge options. Sculpted G10 scales in multiple colors (green, black, orange, blue) are secured with press-fit pins for a reliable grip. Overall length is 6.00 inches, handle 3.20 inches, and weight 6.5 ounces.
The Kobold looks capable of offering serious performance, despite its small size. This would come as no surprise to veteran D&D players considering its namesake.
MSRP: $265.00
Hogue Knives Mysto Folder
I only have so many pockets, but this is another one I really want to check out. The Hogue Knives Mysto is a lightweight manual-folding knife weighing just 2.5 ounces. It features a 3.4-inch drop-point blade made of cryogenically heat-treated CPM MagnaCut stainless steel. It has a black stonewash finish, flat grind, and hand-honed edge. Anodized titanium thumb studs provide smooth, one-handed opening.
The knife uses the ambidextrous ABLE Lock mechanism for secure blade retention. It has a 4.4-inch closed length (7.8 inches open), Richlite handle scales available in a variety of colors, titanium backspacers, a deep-carry pocket clip (right- or left-hand, tip-up), and a lanyard hole.
MSRP: $184.95
KA-BAR Les George Cool Name Series
The KA-BAR Cool Name Drop Point, designed by USMC veteran and award-winning knifemaker Les George, is a fixed-blade knife made in the USA. It features a 4.25-inch drop-point blade of 1095 Cro-Van steel that offers excellent toughness and edge retention. The overall length is 9 inches, with a 1.3-inch blade width and a weight of 0.4 pounds.
The transparent, smoke-colored polycarbonate handle showcases the full-tang construction. It comes with a USA-made sheath. Reverse tanto and sheepsfoot versions are also available.
MSRP: $181.05
KM Tactical Javelin and Mini Javelin
I was surprised to see knives at the KM Tactical booth, as they’re an AR parts manufacturer. The Javelin is a double-action OTF auto that features a 3.5-inch-long, 5Cr13 stainless steel serrated tanto blade, heat-treated to 53 HRC. The handle is 5.125 inches, for an overall length of 9 inches and a weight of 7.9 oz.
It has a reversible pocket clip, a glass breaker tip, stainless hardware, and includes a nylon belt sheath. An optional Cerakote handle finish is available. A dagger blade option and a Micro version are also available. While the steel is pretty basic, it seems well-made and should make a great beater and shop knife.
MSRP: $39.99 (Micro), $49.99 (Full-size)
Spartan–Ronin F/S Dagger
The Spartan–Ronin F/S Dagger is a collaboration with Tu Lam, founder of Ronin Tactics, that modernizes the WWII-era fighting knife by addressing wartime limitations, including material shortages, rushed production, and basic heat treatment. It features a thicker blade profile for superior strength and balance, along with hollow-ground geometry for enhanced penetration and cutting.
The CPM MagnaCut stainless steel with double deep cryogenic treatment provides exceptional toughness, edge stability, and durability that the original Fairbairn Sykes daggers never had. Precision milling ensures consistent quality far beyond 1940s mass production.
Like all of Spartan Blades’ knives, these are designed as a reliable, real-world tool trusted by Special Forces—not a display piece. Overall length is 11.875 inches with a 7-inch blade. Handle and fittings are 303 stainless steel. Finishes include black PVD or satin bead-blasted. Correspondingly, sheath options come in black Kydex, FDE Kydex, or leather. I can’t say I really need another dagger, but I want one of these pretty bad.
MSRP: $575.00 (satin finish), $610.00 (black finish)
TOPS Knives Pontiaxe
TOPS Knives’ latest release, the Pontiaxe hatchet, was co-designed with Chris Pontius, of TV’s Jackass fame. It’s an unusual collaboration, but it turns out Chris is a knife guy. The Pontiaxe is a woods-oriented chopper with an aggressive profile. It features a sharp front chopping edge, a rear piercing spike, and a weighted head for deep wood penetration.
The black G10 handle provides excellent purchase and balance. This prototype stands out with a really slick color-shifting Cerakote finish that shifts from blue to green to metallic gold. Despite the fancy looks, though, it should be a solid, working tool. Which shouldn’t be a surprise coming from TOPS. No price or release date yet, but keep an eye out for this one.
MSRP: TBD
Work Tuff Night Hunter Gen 2
I’d wanted to check out Work Tuff stuff for a while and finally got my chance at the very end of SHOT Show on Friday. The Work Tuff Night Hunter Gen 2 is a no-nonsense, full-tang fixed blade knife designed for serious hard use. Did I mention it’s massive?
It measures 18.7 inches overall with a 12.4-inch blade of tough Böhler K329 steel with a hand-applied satin finish. It features a kukri-style Bowie profile with a forward weighted curve for powerful, efficient chopping.
Gen 2 upgrades include a high-saber grind with a mirror-polished convex edge for reduced binding during batoning. The textured black G10 handle (with red liner) ensures a secure grip in any condition. It weighs 35 ounces and comes with a modular black TACO-style Kydex MOLLE-compatible sheath. Designed by Isaac Thill in Michigan.
MSRP: $299.00
Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Lightweight
For 2026, Spyderco gave its popular Paramilitary 2 folder the lightweight treatment. The PM2 has been a staple of cops, soldiers, and anyone else who needed a rugged full-sized folder for the past decade and a half. By swapping out the frame and scales with a black FRN handle, Spyderco was able to get this formidable PM2 down to just 2.75 ounces.
It still packs a 3.47-inch clip-point blade of CTS-BD1N stainless steel with a full flat grind. Blades are available in black or satin finish, and plain edge, as well as a serrated edge. Overall length is 4.82 inches closed and 8.29 inches opened.
The FRN handle houses a secure compression lock and mounts a wire pocket clip capable of ambidextrous tip-up carry. The Paramilitary 2 is manufactured in Golden, Colorado.
MSRP: $202.00
Cold Steel 5-Max Scout
The new 5-Max Scout represents the next step forward from Cold Steel’s bestselling 4-Max folder. It’s a budget-friendly take on the popular 5-Max platform. Designed with renowned knife maker Andrew Demko, this full-size folder features an impressive 5-inch drop point blade. The blade is crafted from premium AUS-10A stainless steel with a rugged black stonewashed finish. It is a stout and rugged 0.188 inches thick. Demko’s Tri-Ad lock provides rock-solid blade security.
The 5-Max Scout features a big 7.3-inch black GFN handle that should provide a secure, non-slip grip even for folks wearing gloves or with big meat paw hands. A reversible pocket clip supports right- or left-hand, tip-up carry. With an overall length of 12.3 inches, the 5-Max Scout offers enhanced reach and cutting power in a pocket-sized package.
MSRP: $209.99
SOG Rapid Hawk
SOG launched the Rapid Hawk for 2026. It’s a compact karambit-style fixed blade they say is designed for superior control in a minimal footprint. It has an aggressively curved hawkbill blade paired with an ergonomic finger ring. It’s made 420 stainless steel with a satin finish, and is a full tang design for strength.
The Rapid Hawk has a textured GRN grip and an aluminum pull ring. It is designed to be carried discreetly on a keychain or lanyard. Likewise, it’s made to be easy to carry and deploy. MSRP was not listed at this time. However, the original Rapid and Rapid Rescue have an MSRP of just $24.95. So, I’d expect the Rapid Hawk to be plenty affordable as well.
MSRP: TBD
CRKT M16-03BALIBalisong
One of my first real tactical folders that I carried in the service was a Columbia River Knife and Tool M16 folder designed by Kit Carson. Since that time, the M16 line has continued to grow. However, the latest is more than just a change of steel or lock setups.
The M16-03BALI blends the features of the proven M16 series with the traditional balisong format. While balisongs certainly have a fun fidget factor, the CRKT Bali is built as a serious cutting tool as well.
Crafted in Colorado by Live Sharp Industries, it preserves the core DNA of Kit Carson’s original design while delivering a balanced, lightweight package at just 2.60 ounces. The 3.37-inch MagnaCut stainless steel drop point blade features a flat grind with a stonewash finish. It flips open on IKBS ball bearing pivots.
The black aluminum handle offers subtle contours where you can see that M16 handle lineage at work. A secure latch lock is fitted to the butt, as well as a removable tip-up, right-hand carry pocket clip. Closed length measures 4.56 inches, with an overall opened length of 7.75 inches and a blade thickness of 0.120 inches.
MSRP: $300.00
WHY OUR ARTICLES/REVIEWS DO NOT HAVE AFFILIATE LINKS
Affiliate links create a financial incentive for writers to promote certain products, which can lead to biased recommendations. This blurs the line between genuine advice and marketing, reducing trust in the content.
