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MOST INNOVATIVE NEW KNIFE 2016: Meet the Contenders

November 19, 2016

Presented by: Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpeners

The KnifeNews Dealers’ Choice Awards recognize extraordinary achievement in the production knife world. KnifeNews turned to knife dealers to determine the winners. With hundreds of new production knives passing through their hands and many hours spent interacting with end-users, dealers have the most comprehensive and informed perspective. 21 of North America’s top dealers cast their votes in 10 different categories to choose the best of the best in 2016.

Most Innovative New Knife
Each year manufacturers try to push the envelope with innovative knife designs that stand apart from conventional models. A new idea could give a brand a competitive edge. Often they fizzle out and die. But they always attract attention and keep people talking.

In alphabetical order, here are the three most innovative knives that garnered the most votes. Visit KnifeNews.com tonight to find out which one is taking home the KnifeNews Dealers’ Choice Award for Most Innovative New Knife 2016.

CRKT Homefront (Field Strip Technology)
The Ken Onion-designed Homefront features the knife maker and inventor’s most innovative technology since the SpeedSafe mechanism. New Field Strip technology allows users to quickly take this knife apart for cleaning and maintenance without the need of a single tool.

CRKT Homefront

Kershaw Barge (Built-in Pry Bar)
Kershaw Barge blurs the line between folder and multi-tool. On the business end of the knife is a useful 2.6” modified wharncliffe blade. A thick steel pry bar built into the tail end means this is a folder it’s okay to pry with.

Kershaw Barge

Lionsteel KUR (Color-Changing Handle Scales)
The KUR is a scaled-up version of the fan favorite TRE – but with an additional trick up its sleeve. At 73 degrees Fahrenheit, the KUR Metamorphosis’ aluminum handle scales change from black to a camouflage pattern right before your very eyes.

LionSteel KUR Metamorphosis

AWARDS SCHEDULE

Best New Tactical Fixed Blade:
Top 4 Contenders
CRKT Clever Girl (WINNER)
Friday, November 11th

Best New Outdoor Fixed Blade:
Top 4 Contenders
Mora Garberg (WINNER)
Saturday, November 12th

Best New Fixed Blade for EDC:
Top 4 Contenders
TOPS C.U.T. 4.0 (WINNER)
Sunday, November 13th

Best Knife Upgrade:
Top 5 Contenders
Benchmade G-10 Griptilian (WINNER)
Monday, November 14th

Best New Automatic Knife:
Top 4 Contenders
Kershaw Launch 6 (WINNER)
Tuesday, November 15th

Best New Assisted-Opening Folder:
Top 4 Contenders
Benchmade 490 Amicus (WINNER)
Wednesday, November 16th

Best New Value Folder (MSRP under $100):
Top 4 Contenders
Cold Steel Pro-Lite (WINNER)
Thursday, November 17th

Best New Manual Folder:
Top 5 Contenders
Zero Tolerance 0456 (WINNER)
Friday, November 18th

Most Innovative New Knife:
Top 3 Contenders
CRKT Homefront (WINNER)
Saturday, November 19th

Best Overall New for 2016 Lineup:
Top 5 Contenders
Benchmade Knife Company (WINNER)
Sunday, November 20th

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