Blade Show West 2026 Recap - Tons of New Models!

Ketuo USA at Blade Show West 2026

Blade Show West 2026 brought the knife community to Salt Lake City on October 9–10 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. With collectors, makers, and enthusiasts filling the show floor, the event provided an opportunity for Ketuo USA to present its latest production models, new prototypes, and developing designs. Booths 113 and 115 featured a broad selection of knives reflecting the brand’s continued focus on distinctive design, practical ergonomics, and precision manufacturing.

A Focus on Design and Execution

This year, the Ketuo USA lineup covered a wide range of design approaches, from compact everyday carry models to more unconventional profiles and integral constructions. Alongside established production knives, the booth featured custom modifications, one-of-one pieces, show exclusives, and prototypes representing the next stage of development.

The emphasis remained on the details that define each design. Handle geometry, deployment methods, blade profiles, and mechanical execution were all central to the lineup, offering collectors a closer look at the direction Ketuo continues to pursue.

So Many Prototypes!

Eight featured prototypes highlighted the Blade Show West lineup, each bringing a distinct design perspective. The Jessicut, the third collaboration with Happy As Larry and designer Jake Diaz, featured a button liner lock, slim ergonomic handle, teardrop studs, distinctive Mohawk spine, and Wharncliffe blade.

The Commoner, designed by Mantis Bladeworks, took a more compact and understated approach to modern EDC. Its lightweight liner-lock construction, reversible pocket clip, and multiple deployment options offered versatility in a small package. The Baby Claw, the first collaboration with Dusty Rhodes, introduced a compact fifth-pocket hawkbill design, while the Zegato IF1 showcased an integral construction with an integral inlay, spoke-style pivot, and multiple planned colorways, including a mirror DLC finish with Zircuti trim.

The lineup also included the Banshee, Hydropres SD-01, Hydropres DD-02, and Mamba. Together, these designs demonstrated the range of concepts currently in development, from distinctive blade profiles to more complex construction techniques.

The response to these prototypes provided valuable opportunities to discuss design intent, ergonomics, and potential production development with collectors and industry peers. Direct feedback remains an important part of refining new models and evaluating how each design performs beyond the drawing board.

Show Exclusives and Community Giveaways

Beyond the prototype lineup, Ketuo brought special items and new colorways to the event. The Griffin G10 in 14C28N featured four new color options, adding another variation to the brand’s lineup. Daily giveaways gave attendees an additional opportunity to participate to win a Ketuo Griffin and Rike Bumblebee awarded each day!

A Strong Showing in Salt Lake City

Blade Show West was about more than the knives on display. From conversations with collectors and fellow makers to team dinners and time spent with friends across the industry, the weekend brought plenty of memorable moments. The opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new members of the community, and share the work behind each design remains an important part of attending these events.

Ketuo USA extends its thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth, handled the knives, shared feedback, and spent time with the team. The interest in our latest models and developing prototypes made Blade Show West a rewarding event and provided valuable momentum heading into the next stage of the year.

We look forward to building on that momentum and bringing more new designs to the knife community at upcoming shows.

Check Out Some Highlights!