Supersteels. Amazing handles. Smooth actions. Unique designs. The 2023 SHOT Show dazzled with a vast selection of new knives that will hit the market in the coming months. The SHOT (Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoors Trade) Show is a massive tradeshow, with an estimated 2,400 exhibitors in 2023.
Among the myriad guns, apparel, tactical gear, and outdoor products, thousands of knives had a very strong presence at the show. These are a few of my favorites.
Benchmade Narrows 748
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Benchmade’s booth buzzed with energy at the show. Attendees packed the aisles to check out the brand’s major offerings in 2023. And the star of the show was the Narrows 748.
It’s the thinnest folding knife Benchmade has ever made. It rocks a titanium handle slimmed down, but still very rigid, thanks to I-beam architecture.
Benchmade modified its popular Axis lock with a unique spring for this knife to save space. Bohler M390 steel gives the blade exceptional toughness, great edge retention, and very good corrosion resistance.
The Narrows is 33% narrower than the popular Bugout and weighs just 2.41 ounces, making it an exceptional EDC knife that should handle outdoor use wonderfully. The only ding against it is the price. The Narrows 728 will hit the wallet at $580.
Buck Alpha Hunter and Alpha Hunter Scout
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Hunters, campers, and anyone who likes to carry a beautiful fixed-blade knife take note: The Alpha Hunter and smaller Alpha Hunter Scout from Buck are absolutely gorgeous and packed with excellent ingredients.
Both the Alpha (8.125 inches overall) and Alpha Hunter Scout (6.625 inches overall) start with a full-tang S35VN steel blade with a very deep belly. The drop point borders on a skinnier design. I adore the shape for cleaning game, as well as the grippy textured richlite handle.
Buck’s BOS heat treatment of S35VN steel has proven excellent over several years of use in other blades, so it’s exciting to see the brand launch another high-quality hunting knife. This one sits so nicely in the hand I can’t wait to get one in the field. And I can’t ignore the luxurious leather sheath for belt carry. Gorgeous!
CRKT CEO Microflipper
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Spyderco Military 2
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Case Westline
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Böker 1969 Z28-Damast
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CIVIVI Button Lock Elementum II
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