Knives may not be the core of SHOT Show, but they still had a huge presence among the firearms and hunting, outdoor, tech, and tactical gear filling the massive convention center in Las Vegas this week. I spent one day rushing among the 55,000 people who packed the trade show to find the cream of the knife crop.
Out of the thousands of knives displayed at SHOT Show 2025, these were the primary head-turners.
The Best Knives of SHOT Show 2025
I’ll be frank; finding the best knives at a massive tradeshow is a little daunting. So I focused on larger brands that are readily available to most consumers.
I picked knives for their likelihood to make a big impact on the industry, or due to superlative design or engineering. For transparency, I have only handled, but not tested, the knives listed below.
Civivi Elementum II Button Lock
The original Civivi Elementum is a favorite value knife for many aficionados. It’s simply a fantastic pocket knife for the money.
Well, Civivi just pushed the envelope of value knives again with this update, the Elementum II. The Civivi Elementum II rocks an excellent Nitro-V steel at a 2.96-inch length. It has a very light aluminum handle and button lock that allows for super-smooth deployment.
If all that sounds good, now note that you can get this knife for just $90.
Buck 791 Range Elite
While the knife brand Buck has been a powerhouse in hunting knives for decades, it has fallen off the radar for many EDC enthusiasts in recent years. But it’s time to pay attention as Buck enters the market with its first crossbar-locking EDC knife, the Range series — highlighted by the premium 791 Range Elite.
The attractive EDC-style knife has a MagnaCut blade, aluminum handle, crossbar lock, and smooth action at an approachable $275 MSRP (which should go for about $220 at most retailers). The Range series also encompasses mini, and more affordable Pro models.
CRKT Twist Tighe
Designed by veteran knifemaker Brian Tighe, the CRKT Twist Tighe Compact Automatic is super light (1.6 ounces!), functional, and beautiful. Made in the USA in collaboration with Hogue Knives, the CRKT Twist Tighe Compact is a double-action, out-the-front automatic knife.
It has a double-edged MagnaCut spear-point blade and lightweight carbon fiber handle. The Twist Tighe Compact is built to fit comfortably in the hand and take on virtually any cutting task.
The Twist Tighe Compact will be available in three models adorned with a mesmerizing “Twist” camo pattern on one side of its handle. This premium model hits the market for $300. Keep tuned to GearJunkie for a review soon!
Benchmade Bugout 535-09
Benchmade had a buzzing booth at SHOT Show 2025, and as usual, released a slew of top-tier knives, from the Water series to some slick premium hunting models. But among those, none are more impactful for the brand than an upgrade to the Bugout.
The Benchmade Bugout drove a massive trend in the world of knives. Initially introduced as a lightweight knife for backpacking, it quickly became one of the top-selling knives in North America. Benchmade just put a premium spin on the Bugout, and it looks better (and more expensive) than ever.
Launching throughout spring 2025, Benchmade will add several premium models to its Bugout line with improved handle scales and top-tier blade steel. The 535-09 Bugout, pictured above, packs handle scales contrasting a gray anodized 6061-T6 aluminum bolster with a Redstone Richlite onlay and a CPM-S90V stainless steel stonewash polished blade.
It retains the remarkable lightweight functionality of its predecessors with enhanced handle appearance, stiffness, and edge retention.
UCO Whidbey
The UCO Whidbey might be the best value knife at SHOT Show 2025. For $59, you get a smooth-operating knife with a glass-reinforced nylon handle and D2 steel blade. It’s light, tipping the scale at 2.8 ounces, and has a super-safe button-locking mechanism that operates an internal liner lock from the outside.
It keeps fingers away from the blade; just press the large pivot to unlock the knife. The Whidbey is user-friendly, affordable, and just what many folks seek in a value pocket knife.
Morakniv Companion Spark Emergency
Morakniv is known for exceptional value, and the Companion Spark provides it. This evolutionary model adds a serrated blade and blunt tip to the brand’s emergency knife. This makes the knife more effective in cutting rope or cloth while also enhancing safety during stressful situations.
It also packs a ferro rod in the handle for emergency firestarting. And best, it costs just $50.
Spyderco Edgerati
The Edgerati is a wild design from the mind of Spyderco founder Sal Glesser. Inspired by Maserati’s “birdcage” design used in the Maserati Tipo 60/61 racecars from 1959 to 1961, the Edgerati has an intricate machined aluminum handle that provides functional rigidity and great grip.
It carries a compression lock and S30V steel. It’s expected to retail for about $330, but is available for preorder at $262.
COAST Contra
With a beefy 2.5-inch tanto-point 7Cr17 steel blade and a $30 price tag, the COAST Contra is built for abuse.
At 6.25 inches overall, the Contra aims for good grip, versatile cutting performance, and value. The stubby blade and sturdy handle should allow users to put a lot of pressure on the tip or cutting edge.
And if it does get wrecked during tough tasks, well, it’s not going to break the bank. It’s a value play for sure, but one that should provide good utility to a lot of people.
Case Crossroads Sod Buster Jr.
The Sod Buster is a Case Knives cornerstone. But for 2025, Case is upgrading this American classic.
The Crossroads upgrades the slip joint with S35V steel and a handsome burlap laminate handle to bring lightweight good looks to this pocketable heirloom with upgraded fit, finish, and materials.
Boker Meteorite Damast
Boker built a real showstopper with the Meteorite Damast. The small slip joint pocket knife carries a hefty $567 (!) price tag, but for some folks, it will definitely be worth it.
Chad Nichols hand-forged this ball-bearing clip-point blade from non-stainless meteorite Damascus, a composite of genuine iron meteorite and carbon steel. The result is a breathtaking “Mosaic Crossed Damascus Pattern,” as the brand calls it.
A titanium handle complements the blade, secured by a discreetly integrated framelock with a hardened lockbar insert. A discreet flipper disappears completely when open. It’s a stunning knife sure to dazzle a few high rollers.
Outdoor Edge RAZOR APX
Outdoor Edge upgraded its removable-blade system with the RAXOR APX. Available in 2.5-inch and 3-inch versions, it allows for customization that allows the user to adapt the knife to specific hunting scenarios.
It stores two spare blades on each side of the handle, allowing a hunter to carry five blades total on a hunt. Or, remove the silicone scales to transform the knife into a sleek, skeletonized design. The 3-inch version even has an interchangeable bone saw and polycarbonate blade storage pod.
Not a Knife: CRTK Provoke X
OK, so the CRKT Provoke X isn’t exactly a knife. But it is wild and choppy in all the best ways. The full-size tomahawk folds down to an 8.69-inch steel rod. It will literally fit in a large pocket, protecting the carrier with its folding design.
But pull it out and give it a hard forward flick, and the two blades at the end fly open with an intimidating clank. The tool is not exactly practical for outdoor use, but it is downright cool. And if you do happen to find yourself in a lot of knife fights, this would be a go-to product that will probably leave most adversaries running for the hills!
