Knives might not be the core of SHOT Present, however they nonetheless had an enormous presence among the many firearms and searching, out of doors, tech, and tactical gear filling the huge conference middle in Las Vegas this week. I spent sooner or later speeding among the many 55,000 individuals who packed the commerce present to seek out the cream of the knife crop.
Out of the 1000’s of knives displayed at SHOT Present 2025, these have been the first head-turners.
The Finest Knives of SHOT Present 2025
I’ll be frank; discovering the finest knives at a large tradeshow is slightly daunting. So I targeted on bigger manufacturers which might be available to most shoppers.
I picked knives for his or her probability to make a big effect on the business, or as a consequence of superlative design or engineering. For transparency, I’ve solely dealt with, however not examined, the knives listed under.
Civivi Elementum II Button Lock
The unique Civivi Elementum is a favourite worth knife for a lot of aficionados. It’s merely a implausible pocket knife for the cash.
Nicely, Civivi simply pushed the envelope of worth knives once more with this replace, the Elementum II. The Civivi Elementum II rocks a superb Nitro-V metal at a 2.96-inch size. It has a really mild aluminum deal with and button lock that enables for super-smooth deployment.
If all that sounds good, now word you could get this knife for simply $90.
Buck 791 Vary Elite
Whereas the knife model Buck has been a powerhouse in searching knives for many years, it has fallen off the radar for a lot of EDC lovers lately. However it’s time to concentrate as Buck enters the market with its first crossbar-locking EDC knife, the Vary sequence — highlighted by the premium 791 Vary Elite.
The enticing EDC-style knife has a MagnaCut blade, aluminum deal with, crossbar lock, and {smooth} motion at an approachable $275 MSRP (which ought to go for about $220 at most retailers). The Vary sequence additionally encompasses mini, and extra inexpensive Professional fashions.
CRKT Twist Tighe
Designed by veteran knifemaker Brian Tighe, the CRKT Twist Tighe Compact Computerized is tremendous mild (1.6 ounces!), useful, and exquisite. Made within the USA in collaboration with Hogue Knives, the CRKT Twist Tighe Compact is a double-action, out-the-front automated knife.
It has a double-edged MagnaCut spear-point blade and light-weight carbon fiber deal with. The Twist Tighe Compact is constructed to suit comfortably within the hand and tackle nearly any chopping process.
The Twist Tighe Compact will probably be obtainable in three fashions adorned with a mesmerizing “Twist” camo sample on one facet of its deal with. This premium mannequin hits the marketplace for $300. Maintain tuned to GearJunkie for a evaluation quickly!
Benchmade Bugout 535-09
Benchmade had a buzzing sales space at SHOT Present 2025, and as typical, launched a slew of top-tier knives, from the Water sequence to some slick premium searching fashions. However amongst these, none are extra impactful for the model than an improve to the Bugout.
The Benchmade Bugout drove a large pattern on the planet of knives. Initially launched as a light-weight knife for backpacking, it rapidly grew to become one of many top-selling knives in North America. Benchmade simply put a premium spin on the Bugout, and it seems higher (and dearer) than ever.
Launching all through spring 2025, Benchmade will add a number of premium fashions to its Bugout line with improved deal with scales and top-tier blade metal. The 535-09 Bugout, pictured above, packs deal with scales contrasting a grey anodized 6061-T6 aluminum bolster with a Redstone Richlite onlay and a CPM-S90V stainless-steel stonewash polished blade.
It retains the outstanding light-weight performance of its predecessors with enhanced deal with look, stiffness, and edge retention.
UCO Whidbey
The UCO Whidbey may be the very best worth knife at SHOT Present 2025. For $59, you get a smooth-operating knife with a glass-reinforced nylon deal with and D2 metal blade. It’s mild, tipping the dimensions at 2.8 ounces, and has a super-safe button-locking mechanism that operates an inner liner lock from the skin.
It retains fingers away from the blade; simply press the big pivot to unlock the knife. The Whidbey is user-friendly, inexpensive, and simply what many of us search in a worth pocket knife.
Morakniv Companion Spark Emergency
Morakniv is understood for distinctive worth, and the Companion Spark gives it. This evolutionary mannequin provides a serrated blade and blunt tip to the model’s emergency knife. This makes the knife simpler in chopping rope or fabric whereas additionally enhancing security throughout disturbing conditions.
It additionally packs a ferro rod within the deal with for emergency firestarting. And finest, it prices simply $50.
Spyderco Edgerati
The Edgerati is a wild design from the thoughts of Spyderco founder Sal Glesser. Impressed by Maserati’s “birdcage” design used within the Maserati Tipo 60/61 racecars from 1959 to 1961, the Edgerati has an intricate machined aluminum deal with that gives useful rigidity and nice grip.
It carries a compression lock and S30V metal. It’s anticipated to retail for about $330, however is offered for preorder at $262.
COAST Contra
With a beefy 2.5-inch tanto-point 7Cr17 metal blade and a $30 price ticket, the COAST Contra is constructed for abuse.
At 6.25 inches general, the Contra goals for good grip, versatile chopping efficiency, and worth. The stubby blade and durable deal with ought to permit customers to place plenty of stress on the tip or leading edge.
And if it does get wrecked throughout powerful duties, properly, it’s not going to interrupt the financial institution. It’s a worth play for positive, however one that ought to present good utility to lots of people.
Case Crossroads Sod Buster Jr.
The Sod Buster is a Case Knives cornerstone. However for 2025, Case is upgrading this American traditional.
The Crossroads upgrades the slip joint with S35V metal and a good-looking burlap laminate deal with to deliver light-weight beauty to this pocketable heirloom with upgraded match, end, and supplies.
Boker Meteorite Damast
Boker constructed an actual showstopper with the Meteorite Damast. The small flipper pocket knife carries a hefty $567 (!) price ticket, however for some people, it would positively be value it.
Chad Nichols hand-forged this ball-bearing clip-point blade from non-stainless meteorite Damascus, a composite of real iron meteorite and carbon metal. The result’s a wide ranging “Mosaic Crossed Damascus Sample,” because the model calls it.
A titanium deal with enhances the blade, secured by a discreetly built-in framelock with a hardened lockbar insert. A discreet flipper disappears utterly when open. It’s a surprising knife positive to dazzle a number of excessive rollers.
Outside Edge RAZOR APX
Outside Edge upgraded its removable-blade system with the RAXOR APX. Obtainable in 2.5-inch and 3-inch variations, it permits for personalization that enables the person to adapt the knife to particular searching eventualities.
It shops two spare blades on all sides of the deal with, permitting a hunter to hold 5 blades complete on a hunt. Or, take away the silicone scales to rework the knife right into a smooth, skeletonized design. The three-inch model even has an interchangeable bone noticed and polycarbonate blade storage pod.
Not a Knife: CRTK Provoke X
OK, so the CRKT Provoke X isn’t precisely a knife. However it’s wild and uneven in all the very best methods. The complete-size tomahawk folds right down to an 8.69-inch metal rod. It is going to actually slot in a big pocket, defending the provider with its folding design.
However pull it out and provides it a tough ahead flick, and the 2 blades on the finish fly open with an intimidating clank. The software shouldn’t be precisely sensible for out of doors use, however it’s downright cool. And in the event you do occur to seek out your self in plenty of knife fights, this is able to be a go-to product that may in all probability go away most adversaries working for the hills!
