Blade Magazine

13/09/2025

SOG and designer Kiku Matsuda launch the Hidaka XR folder and FX fixed blade—rugged, Japanese-inspired knives built for outdoor adventure:

SOG and designer Kiku Matsuda launch the Hidaka XR folder and FX fixed blade—rugged, Japanese-inspired knives built for outdoor adventure.

12/09/2025

First Look: SOG Hidaka XR and FX Folding Knives

https://blademag.com/buyers-guides/first-look-sog-hidaka-xr-and-fx-folding-knives

SOG and designer Kiku Matsuda launch the Hidaka XR folder and FX fixed blade—rugged, Japanese-inspired knives built for outdoor adventure.

SOG has never been afraid to push boundaries, and the brand’s latest collaboration with master Japanese designer Kiku Matsuda proves it once again. August 2025 marks the debut of two new additions to the Hidaka series—the Hidaka XR folding knife and the Hidaka FX fixed blade. Both builds reflect Matsuda’s trademark blend of Japanese tradition and Western practicality, creating tools that are as striking to look at as they are dependable in the field.

The Hidaka XR takes the foundation of the original folder and turns up the performance. This isn’t just a cosmetic refresh. SOG gave the XR a 4-inch modified tanto blade made from CPM 3V steel—steel that’s known for taking abuse and holding an edge long after lesser alloys give out. Designed with outdoor use in mind, the XR can chop, pry, and slice with equal confidence. The textured Micarta handle not only looks the part, it locks into the hand, even when wet, and the company’s XR lock system secures the blade under up to 1,500 pounds of force. In practice, it feels closer to a fixed blade than a folder, making it a smart option for anyone who needs a folding knife that can survive hard use.

Then there’s the Hidaka FX, a fixed blade that ticks all the boxes for serious outdoorsmen. Its 4.8-inch CRYO 3V steel blade, satin-finished for clean cuts, is built for durability and edge retention. A linen Micarta handle ensures a secure grip, while resisting heat, moisture, and impact. Add in the streamlined Kydex sheath, and the FX becomes an easy-carry knife ready for camp chores, trail tasks, or emergency situations.

Together, the Hidaka XR and FX show where SOG is headed—knives that merge artistry, ruggedness, and advanced engineering. With Matsuda’s design touch and SOG’s proven reputation for innovation since 1986, these new Hidakas aren’t just fresh models. They’re proof the brand is still redefining what a modern survival and outdoor knife can be.

11/09/2025

Explore 11 jaw-dropping custom knives featuring premium damascus steel blades, exotic handle materials, and master craftsmanship:

Explore 11 jaw-dropping custom knives featuring premium damascus steel blades, exotic handle materials, and master craftsmanship.

09/09/2025

Hot factory drops that made their debut at BLADE Show 2025:

Hot factory drops that made their debut at BLADE Show 2025. See the new knives that have and are about hit the market.

07/09/2025

We review four exquisite factory-made damascus folders that deliver the elegant look of custom work at a more affordable price:

Discover four of the best factory-made damascus knives on the market, blending elegant design with practical performance.

05/09/2025

First Look: Bear & Son’s White Smooth Bone Professional Fillet Knife

https://blademag.com/buyers-guides/first-look-bear-sons-white-smooth-bone-professional-fillet-knife

Bear & Son Cutlery’s new White Smooth Bone Professional Fillet Knife delivers precision, durability and American craftsmanship for serious anglers.

Summer fishing season just got a serious upgrade. Bear & Son Cutlery has introduced the new 11 7/8-inch White Smooth Bone Professional Fillet Knife, a purpose-built tool for anglers who demand precision from dock to dinner table.

Crafted in Alabama by a company known for keeping every step of production in-house, the WSB66 combines classic styling with modern steel performance. Bear & Son Cutlery’s fully self-contained factory handles everything—from blanking dies and heat treating to grinding, assembly, and hand-finishing—ensuring consistent quality and genuine American craftsmanship in every knife.

At the core of the Professional Fillet Knife is a 7-inch Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel blade, engineered for razor-sharp cuts, long-lasting edge retention and resistance to corrosion, even in saltwater environments. Whether trimming trout in the mountains or breaking down snapper on the coast, the blade delivers clean, efficient slices with ease.

Weighing just 4.9 ounces, the knife offers balance and control that make quick work of everything from panfish to redfish. Its White Smooth Bone handle provides a secure, comfortable grip while adding a touch of traditional character. A protective plastic blade guard ensures safe transport and storage, whether stowed in a tackle box or kitchen drawer.

True to Bear & Son’s mission of building affordable, American-made knives, the Professional Fillet Knife is designed for anglers of all levels—weekend fishermen, seasoned guides and anyone who values a dependable blade at camp or on the water.

White Smooth Bone Professional Fillet Knife Specs
Blade Material: Sandvik 14C28N Stainless Steel
Handle Material: White Smooth Bone
Overall Length: 11 7/8″
Blade Length: 7″
Features: Protective Plastic Blade Guard
Weight: 4.9 oz.
Origin: Jacksonville, Alabama
MSRP: $140

03/09/2025

Cold Steel’s Frenzy II: Folding Knife With Samurai Swagger

https://blademag.com/buyers-guides/cold-steels-frenzy-ii-folding-knife-with-samurai-swagger

Discover the new Cold Steel Frenzy II folding knife, designed by Andrew Demko and inspired by the Japanese Kabutowari.

Cold Steel has never been shy about bold designs, and the new Frenzy II folding knife is no exception. Designed by custom knifemaker Andrew Demko, the Frenzy II takes its cues from the ancient Japanese Kabutowari and morphs those warrior-worthy aesthetics into a mega-folder ready for today’s EDC crowd.

Let’s start with the blade. At 5.5 inches, it’s not subtle—but it is refined. Forged from premium S35VN powdered steel, the long, flat edge and needle-sharp point make it as functional as it is fearsome. You get top-tier edge retention, durability and slicing performance, all dressed up with a satin line-grain polish and a deep fuller that plays with light like a katana in the sun.

But Cold Steel didn’t stop there. The Frenzy II is all about balance—of power and precision, size and slimness. Despite its impressive blade length, the handle is slim, flat and built for pocket comfort. Crafted from dual-tone, 3D CNC-machined G-10 scales, it’s grippy, eye-catching, and disappears under a shirt tail. This knife may look large, but it carries light and lean.

And yes, the Frenzy II comes equipped with Cold Steel’s bombproof Tri-Ad lock, so when that blade is deployed, it’s staying put. That kind of confidence is why Cold Steel has earned the trust of law enforcement, military and serious knife users for decades.

So, who’s the Frenzy II for? Anyone who appreciates a fusion of heritage-inspired design and modern performance. Whether you’re a collector, a gear geek, or someone who just wants a folding knife that can go toe-to-toe with fixed blades, this one’s worth a serious look.

Frenzi II Specs
Weight: 5.7oz
Blade Thickness: .14″
Blade Length: 5-1/2″
Blade Steel: American S35VN
Handle Length/Material: 6 3/4″ Long Duo Tone G10
Overall Length: 12-14″
Additional Features: Pocket / Belt Clip
Knife Type: Folder
Blade Length Range: 5+ in
Steel Family: CPM
Blade Shape: Sheepsfoot
Locking Mechanism: Tri-Ad Lock

28/08/2025

Explore the world of build-your-own knives with firsthand reviews of Medford’s TFF-4 folder and Architect’s AK 5.5 fixed blade: https://bit.ly/4lIHJEh

26/08/2025

Learn how to spot flaws in Damascus steel blades, like delamination and inclusions, with expert tips from master bladesmiths: http://bit.ly/4mk2Rli

24/08/2025

Discover the new Cold Steel Frenzy II folding knife, designed by Andrew Demko and inspired by the Japanese Kabutowari: http://bit.ly/4oL2UYV

23/08/2025

⚔️ Meet the Mega-Folder: Cold Steel Frenzy II 🔪
Inspired by the ancient Japanese Kabutowari and designed by Andrew Demko, the Frenzy II brings serious edge to your EDC game.

With a 5.5" S35VN blade, razor-sharp point, and Cold Steel’s bombproof Tri-Ad lock, this beast blends samurai vibes with modern performance. Slim in the pocket, bold in the hand—this is folding power redefined.

📲 Full specs + deep dive at the link in bio.

22/08/2025

Spartan Blades and KA-BAR announce the launch of Euro Blade Worx (EBX), a new joint venture in the Czech Republic: http://bit.ly/4mPy6V4