Must-Have New Knives for 2017

by
posted on August 16, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
new_knives_2017.jpg

Bear Edge Double-Blade Guthook
This new knife from Bear & Son Cutlery is a dual folder sporting a 440 stainless steel skinning blade that measures just under 4 inches as well as a gutter. With a price that fits most budgets, it’s a great do-it-all pocket knife that features an aluminum handle, side pocket clip and liner lock. MSRP: $44.99.

75th Anniversary Buck 119 Special
The 119 Special turns 75 this year. To commemorate the life of this iconic hunter with a 7-inch 420HC stainless-steel clip blade, Buck has embedded a custom medallion in the handle and stamped the blade and leather sheath. This limited edition is also available with a gorgeous cocobola handle and brass trimmings. MSRP: $96.

CRKT Homefront Hunter
Designed by legendary bladesmith Ken Onion, the Homefront Hunter’s big-bellied 3.5-inch blade is ideal for field-dressing large game. And when the knife is finally covered in blood or mud, CRKT’s Field Strip design lets you take it completely apart, without tools, for easy cleaning of all the nooks and crannies. MSRP: $99.99.

Cold Steel Pendleton Custom
This beautiful limited-edition replica of the original drop-point hunter by California knife maker Lloyd Pendleton is hand-crafted and polished from strong Japanese steel. It has a thick, 3.5-inch blade, stainless steel bolster, tapered full tang and a beautifully polished black linen micarta handle. It’s a showpiece that begs to be worn belt-side. MSRP: $499.99.

Benchmade Nestucca Cleaver
Based on the traditional Alaskan ulu, this knife is the ultimate utilitarian. Arched blade, handle and finger hole allow multiple hand positions for wielding 4.75 inches of cutting edge. Perfect for skinning, cutting and even chopping, there’s a reason Alaskans still use this design: it works. Proudly made in the USA. MSRP: $150.

Western Crosstrail
From the brand that brought the Bowie knife to the masses, the new 9-inch fixed blade Crosstrail from Western sports a 3.75-inch titanium-bonded stainless steel drop-point, a full tang and a Delrin handle. Included nylon sheath and lifetime warranty make this a steal for the price. MSRP: $21.99.

GATCO Edgemate Knife Sharpening System
This package system from GATCO Sharpeners contains everything you need to put a professional edge on virtually any blade you own. Included in the hard case is a knife clamp/angle guide; extra-coarse, coarse, medium, fine and serrated sharpening hone; honing oil; and easy-to-use instructions that even you can follow. MSRP: $59.99.

Outdoor Edge Sharp-X Sharpener
This little pocket-sized sharpener houses a coarse tungston-carbide bit for reshaping a blade and fine ceramic rods to give it that razor edge. The X-base pivots out for a secure footing, and the sharpening angle is set at a universal 22 degrees. It’s ideal for pack or pocket carry for in-field tune-ups. MSRP: $12.50.

Work Sharp Combo Knife Sharpener
With the best of manual and electric in one unit, this may be the ultimate in simple sharpening systems. A fixed sharpening guide and abrasive flexible belt create a lasting convex edge with just a few passes. Fine-grit ceramic rod hones your cutting edge and is tapered to handle any size serrations. MSRP: $59.95.

Latest

Fenson Deep Rooted Venison Stew (6)
Fenson Deep Rooted Venison Stew (6)

Recipe: Deep-Rooted Venison Stew

Several friends and I often circle back to the same campfire debate about which wild game makes the best stew. Mule deer usually leads the pack, with moose close behind, but any well-handled game meat can stand out when you build the right layers of flavor. The real magic starts long before the broth simmers. It comes from the vegetables and mushrooms you choose.

61-Year-Old Elk-Hunting Dream Fulfilled in Michigan

Michigan elk hunters faced challenging weather and storm-ravaged terrain to harvest 153 elk in 2025. That didn’t deter Bruce Nelson of Hastings, Mich. He applied for an elk license every year Michigan has held a drawing.

New for 2026: Blaser R8 Professional 2.0

The Blaser R8 Professional 2.0 promises to be the modern evolution of the iconic straight-pull rifle. The rifle features a new, ergonomically optimized vertical pistol grip for increased comfort and improved control when firing, and its ambidextrous palm swell fits both right- and left-handed shooters.

New for 2026: Leupold BX-6 Range HD Rangefinding Binocular

Leupold has launched its BX-6 Range HD rangefinding binocular. With fast, accurate ranging capabilities out to 6,000 yards, an advanced ballistics intelligence and precision GPS pinning, the BX-6 Range HD is looking to carve out a space for itself as a feature-rich rangefinding offering.

(Squirrel) Dog Days in the Delta

In the Deep South, Ringo and Max prove the sole purpose in the life of a feist is to hunt squirrels.

Primos Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

Primos, now a Revelyst brand, will continue its 50th anniversary celebration throughout 2026 with a brand refresh, new product launches, storytelling initiatives and moments that honor the hunters and traditions that made the brand what it is today.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.