Adam Scepaniak 09.05.25
Hunting seasons are upon us as innumerable species will soon be opening up for hunters to pursue this fall, and that means we need to get our gear on point. One of the most most critical tools in our kit are our hunting knives. They can obviously help us field-dress a successful harvest, but a lot more than that as well. From starting campfires to clearing brush and even assisting us with eating our lunch, quality hunting knives are worth their weight – and then some! So, we are going to take a look at some of the new hunting knives that have been recently announced for this fall. Let’s dive in!
Hunting Knives Coverage on OutdoorHub
Bear OPS Nekema I Pocketknife
To kick this off, we have the Bear OPS Nekema I, which is a new Alabama-made pocketknife featuring a Sandvik 14C28N blade, ball bearing washers, and lightweight aluminum handle. The name “Nekema” is derived from Hebrew meaning revenge, or “inflicting punishment in return for injury or insult.” The Bear OPS Nekema I is available in Black & Copper accents (MC-1000-ALBK-B) at an MSRP of $94.99 and Grey & Blue accents (MC-1000-ALGY-S) for a retail of $89.99.
- Blade Material: Sandvik 14C28N
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Rockwell: 58-60
- Closed Length: 4 3/8″
- Locking Mechanism: Slidelock
- Edge: 3 1/4″
- Weight: 3.1 oz.
- Extras: Ball bearing washers, Pocket Clip provides for Tip-Down Carry, Lanyard Hole
Cold Steel Frenzy II Folding Knife
The Cold Steel Frenzy II Folding Knife has an MSRP of $179.99 and lends its design from the ancient Japanese Kabutowari. Its thick spine, slender blade, needle-sharp piercing point, and long, flat cutting edge embody the legendary weapon’s form and function. Reincarnated for everyday use, this knife has a pocket/belt clip to easily take it along with you hunting or for errands in town.
- Weight: 2.6 oz
- Blade Thickness: 3.3mm
- Blade: 3.5″ S35VN Powdered Steel in a Sheep’s foot design
- Handle Length/Material: 4.5″ with G10 Handles
- Overall Length: 8″
- Locking Mechanism: Tri-Ad Lock
Camillus Explorer Edge Folding Knife
The Camillus Explorer Edge Folding Knife is built for precise cutting and piercing tasks in the great outdoors. Whether that entails processing wild game or getting a fire started, this affordable knife has plenty of utility. The Explorer Edge Folding Knife check all the boxes at a very affordable price point of $24.99.
- Blade: 3″ Black Drop-Point 3Cr13 Stainless Steel
- Handle Material: Black Glass Filled Nylon
- Lock Type: Cross Bar Lock
- Overall Length: 7.5″
- Weight: 3 3/8 Oz
Bear & Son Cutlery Professional Fillet Knife
The Bear & Son Cutlery’s Professional Fillet Knife (Model: WSB66) is another Alabama favorite with a moderate MSRP of $139.99 per fillet knife. Whether you’re looking to process fish for a fish fry, a little bit of dockside grilling, or some good ol’ campfire cookouts, the Bear & Son Cutlery White Smooth Bone Professional Fillet Knife is built for anglers who demand performance on and off the water.
- Blade Material: Sandvik 14C28N
- Handle Material: White Smooth Bone
- Overall Length: 11 7/8″
- Blade Length: 7″
- Weight: 4.9 oz.
SOG Hidaka XR and FX Knives
The Hidaka XR and Hidaka FX have been crafted in collaboration with the renowned knife designer, Kiku Matsuda, and imbued style from Japanese aesthetics. Matsuda’s unique method of fusing traditional techniques with modern designs promotes a balanced blend of elements from both Japanese and Western styles resulting in tools that are visually stunning, incredibly sharp, and ideal for survival, tactical, and outdoor uses.
Hidaka XR – MSRP $249.95
Reimagined for the extreme, the Hidaka XR builds on the legacy of the original with upgraded performance and a longer, more capable blade. Featuring a modified tanto shape, the new 4-inch blade—now crafted from ultra-tough CPM 3V steel—offers exceptional durability and edge retention for demanding outdoor tasks, like those that require chopping and prying. Attached to the redesigned blade is a lightweight, textured Micarta handle that provides a solid, slip-resistant grip even in wet conditions, while the rock-solid SOG XR locking mechanism holds firm under up to 1,500 pounds of force. And, thanks to a lock-up that mimics the strength of a fixed blade, the newly enhanced Hidaka XR delivers unwavering reliability in the toughest outdoor environments.
Hidaka FX – MSRP $309.95
CRYO 3V steel. Check. Satin finish. Check. Linen micarta handle. Check. Kydex sheath. Check again. Meet the Hidaka FX—a fixed knife purpose-built for the outdoors. This 4.8-inch blade features premium CRYO 3V steel with a satin finish and a razor-sharp edge that’s ready for any outdoor challenge. And its Micarta handle isn’t just beautiful, it offers a secure, no-slip grip and resists moisture, heat, and impact for season-after-season reliability users can count on. Paired with a molded Kydex sheath for streamlined carry, this is the one do-it-all blade every adventure kit’s been missing.
Cold Steel Recon XL Folding Knife
Our last selection for newly announced hunting knives comes from the Cold Steel Recon XL Folding Knife. This hunting knife boasts a kingly MSRP of $329.99 and should be able to pull double-duty as both your hunting blade and potentially for everyday carry (EDC) as well. It features an ambidextrous pocket/belt clip and it has been built to withstand extreme outdoor adventures as the price implies. With a robust clip-point blade that delivers exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance, those characteristics are further enhanced with a tough black PVD coating to match.
- Weight: 8 Oz
- Blade Thickness: 3.8mm
- Blade: 5.25″ Clip Point Blade with XHP Steel and a PVC Coating
- Handle Length/Material: 7″ G-10 Panel
- Overall Length: 12.25″
- Locking Mechanism: Tri-Ad Lock
Final Thoughts
Hunting knives are just as important as the ammunition or arrows that we bring with us into the field. A successful harvest can be quickly spoiled if it is not properly processed in a timely manner, and a quality knife will aid in that every time. As always, let us know all of your thoughts about all of these new hunting knives that were discussed here today from Cold Steel, SOG, Camillus, Bear OPS, and Bear & Son Cutlery in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
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