Favorite Production Knives of 2025

[Chronovore]

We already have a thread for our favorite acquisitions. Here is a place to honor our favorite releases of 2025. What are your picks for the top production knives of 2025? There are lots of categories so don't be shy!

Being the last Titanium Tuesday of the year today, I find myself thinking about all the cool new frame locks we saw. The two that instantly come to mind for me both happened to be from KB Knives (Kubey) . I also just happened to get both of them with their flame finish. Both are truly excellent and different enough to make choosing between them difficult.

First is the KB Mantra, designed by PG Knives . It sports a wicked Wharncliffe, awesome action, and an interesting grip shape that works better than I thought it would.

Second is the KB Taurus, designed by Panurin Design . The ergonomics are fantastic. I don't usually like thumb rises but this one is perfectly placed for me. It hugs the natural contour of my thumb with fine jimping that is both grippy and comfortable. The two opening methods, front and traditional flipper access, are balanced better than I often find on folders that do this. I can't quite describe it but something about the blade shape in relation to the overall design just speaks to me.

 

[The True North]

Benchmade Seven-Ten.

 

[beeinak]

Axial Alpine Ultralight in MagnaCut and under 2 oz is a pretty awesome knife.

 

[WedgeAntilles]

If the Hawk Talon counts, that's my vote. But that is more midtech, small batch bordering on custom.

 

[luethge]

* not models released in 2025, just my favorite production models in 2025

Though the Enerson was made in 2025 ( originally released in early 2000’s. The Wilburn is probably from 2020 - 2022 ).

 

[Terry M.]

Hawk Talon gets my vote as well but if it doesn’t count then I’d say the Monteray Bay Knives Rosalinda

 

[Tsujigiri]

I had to look up which knives in my collection actually got released in 2025, I guess it's the year of the oversized finger choil:



CKF Snafu 4.0 Large, seems to be a culmination of incremental improvements on all the Snafu variations, and has a few advantages over the Persian like a more usable choil. Looks tough but feels as refined as a knife can be.

North Mountain BBNM, much more affordable and accessible alternative to the ever-popular Strider SnG. Rare combination of the quality of China's best manufacturing with the rugged simplicity and aesthetic longevity of America's best designs.

Arno Bernard Orca 2.0, new variation of their house design that adds a finger choil along with a harder-wearing stonewashed m390 blade and a more locked-in grip. One of the nicest knives out there IMO but I don't feel bad about making it a daily user.

 

[Grip]

Been absolutely chuffed with every Benchmade I've gotten this year.

Another Griptillian 550
Custom Bugout S90V
Tagged out Limited Edition S45VN

Benchmade is my favorite brand by far.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

So I'm going to start with Christmas 2024 and say that the Cold Steel 5Max was way more useful than I thought it would be, but it's such a robust and well thought out design, I had to put it on the list.

Next would be the bladeless Vicrorinox Companion Slim. Yes, I know it's not really a knife, but the modified can opener that now functions as a package opener is WAY sharper than you would think. Honestly, between that and the always excellent scissors, I had very little REAL use for a pocket knife at the office. I purchased it to be more friendly with the culture on a trip to Ireland, and what was supposed to just fill a niche has ended up in my EDC. Not rotation. EDC.

Bringing up the newest addition that I just really really clicked with, it pairs perfectly with the mentioned Vic Companion Slim...the Cold Steel Recon One XL. I just got mine for Christmas, but I had been wanting one since they were announced. The standard Recon is a great SHTF knife. If you could have just one folder for any emergency, they are hard to beat. However the design, IMHO, scales up beautifully. A long 5+" blade, wide, clip point, and clocking in around 8oz despite being a foot long when opened. I'm having a hard time coming up with a knife to buy to take it's place. When it seems like it may be too much overkill to whip out in public...well that's when the little Vic comes into play

 

[edgelion]

It's the Bel Air. It just is.

 

[Ajack60]

ZT 203

 

[Java1911]

I have to go with the Kershaw Bel Air XL. It takes the already great regular Bel Air and makes it awesome.

 

[norcalAF]

ZT 203

View attachment 3063161

This gets another vote from me. I love mine, it's an absolute unit!

 

[highcoast56]

I absolutely love my porcupine. I got three different corgis this year. Full size, pup, and corgi v. Great knives.

 

[donnord]

I have to say the Spyderco release of MT46 Magnamax, and the surrounding story on the retrieval of the ingot(s) from the closed factory. I hope we see some more of this steel in 2026.

 

[mitchnola]

The Les George Myna is by far my favorite new knife of 2025. It’s not often that Les releases a new model and he killed it with this one. It just begs to be used.

 

[DaveHS]

Assume it’s OK to drop a traditional in the mix? This ‘25 GEC Bayou Trapper is excellent in every way.

 

[Alberta Ed]

Buck's new crosslock Range line.

 

[ricklikesknives]

BM 710-25 was a standout for me this year. ZT 0044 and 0203 were nice. Finishing out the year strong with the Spyderco Edgerati - knew I'd like it, but wow, I LIKE it! I have high hopes for the Starmate (ordered but won't arrive until 2026). Microtech also bringing the end of year heat with the MSI Mini and Socom RAM-LOK.. both awesome.

 

[Chronovore]

Alright! Thinking about my favorite production fixed blades of the year. I feel like I'm missing something but these are the two that immediately stood out to me.

The first (left) might be a cheat because it's a new version of the Real Steel Receptor in 14C28N and Micarta, designed by Ostap Hel. The older version in 9Cr18Mov and G10 has been discontinued for years. So this release was a fun surprise!

Second (right) is the Begleiter Fix from Kizer. It's thin, light, comfortable and streamlined. There are a bunch of different versions in three blade shapes, three different steels, and a few different handle materials. This one is coated 3V with burlap Micarta. My actual favorite isn't pictured here because it's one I Frankensteined together to get the non-coated sheepsfoot with green Micarta.