CRKT Celebrates 25+ Years of the Kit Carson M16
This summer, CRKT is honoring one of the most influential tactical folding knives ever. The M16, designed by Hall of Fame knifemaker and retired Master Sergeant Kit Carson, has been a pocket staple for over 25 years since its 1999 debut.
“Kit Carson was a legend before CRKT ever had the privilege of working with him,” said Rod Bremer, CRKT Co-Founder and Chairman. “The M16 helped build this company, and more importantly, it changed what people expected a folding knife to do.”
CRKT’s “M16: Carried” campaign includes an episodic video series, written stories, and community spotlights highlighting the knife’s origins, Carson’s influence, and user experiences. Knife owners are encouraged to join the conversation using #showmeyourM16 to share their own carried examples and stories.
CRKT is also releasing two new Crossbar Lock M16 models, the M16-10XK (black) and M16-10 XD (tan). Both feature IKBS ball-bearing pivots for smooth action, lightweight glass-reinforced nylon handles, and a slim 2.1 oz carry weight, as well as the fast flipper deployment that is a hallmark of the M16. (MSRP $48 each)
The event started in May, but you can still head to crkt.com/m16 to watch the series and participate in the celebration.
Work Sharp Introduces the Madrone EDC Folder
Work Sharp Tools has been making sharpeners for more than 50 years, though they are somewhat new to the knife production, with their inaugural RMX and RMX compact debuting in 2025. Inspired by the tough, resilient Madrone trees of their Southern Oregon home, Work Sharp’s new Madrone is a no-nonsense everyday carry knife built for real-world reliability and long-term serviceability.
The Madrone features an integral billet aluminum handle machined in Oregon and a premium M390 clip-point blade. Like the RMX, it offers a pair of configurable deployment options. Users can set up the Madrone as either a manual folder or push-button automatic using the included components. Aggressively priced with an MSRP of just $179.95, it is available with Black, Copper Suede, or Titanium Blue handle finish.
The Madrone is designed, built, and quality-checked in Oregon using foreign and domestic materials. Available now at WorkSharpTools.com.
CAS Iberia adds Tim Bujnock to APOC Design Team
Cas Iberia is the leading wholesaler of high quality swords, knives, and reenactment gear. APOC is one of their sub brands, with a focus on tactical knives, camp and utility knives, axes and accessories. They have added custom knifemaker Tim Bujnock to their stable of designers, joining the likes of Angus Trim, Andrew Demko, Mike Wallace, and Jason Breeden.
The APOC team has been working on several of Tim’s designs since 2024, which will debut at the Atlanta Blade Show. Product Marketing Manager for CAS: “Tim is a CAS sword aficionado and collector, which spawned our friendship at Blade Show 2024. I happened upon a couple of designs at his custom knife table that I knew would fit our APOC brand.”
Not only will Bujnock be bringing his designs to APOC, he has a signature dark-oxide finish which will appear on his knives.
For more information visit www.apocsurvivaltools.com or www.casiberia.com.
Ocaso Partners with Toor Knives for USA Made Sevra
Founded by long-time industry veteran Ric Valdez, Ocaso Knives has built a strong reputation for sleek, elevated everyday carry designs. This year they are branching out and releasing two new models that are Made in the USA. In the case of the new Sevra, they are partnering with Toor Knives. Based outside of San Diego, California, Toor Knives is a veteran-owned company, founded by Connor and Cameron Toor, and is known for hard-use, American-made fixed blades. This new collaboration successfully blends the strengths of both companies.
The Sevra is a slim, capable fixed blade built for real-world use. It features a 3.25-inch CPM MagnaCut blade, stonewashed and heat treated to 62-63 HRC for exceptional edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. The Sevra weighs just 2.8 ounces with an overall length of 6.625 inches. Scales are either milled black G-10 handles for a modern look or premium ironwood scales for a warmer, natural aesthetic. Both versions come with a high-quality Italian leather sheath featuring a pocket clip for versatile, low-profile carry.
According to Valdez, “The Sevra is a fixed blade that feels elevated without becoming delicate. Slim enough to slip into a suit pocket or carry clipped to your belt through a full day at the office, capable enough for the trail or the field when the week is done.”
MSRP $275 ($295 for ironwood). Made in the USA by Toor Knives. Available now at OcasoKnives.com.
Lynn Thompson Returns: Launching Lynn Thompson Tactical Knives
After founding Cold Steel in 1980 and building it into one of the most influential tactical knife brands in the world, Lynn Thompson sold the company to GSM Outdoors in 2020, and has maintained a low profile since.
While “nondescript” is not a word one would typically use to describe Thompson, he was honoring a non-compete agreement that ran through approximately June 2025. Now, the “Father of the American Tanto” is officially back in the game with his new venture: Lynn Thompson Tactical Knives.
In a recent appearance on The Knife Junkie Podcast (Episode 671), Thompson confirmed he is moving forward with renewed focus on the kind of robust, no-compromise tactical and fighting knives that defined Cold Steel’s classic era. Expect the same emphasis on rigorous testing, innovative designs, and hard-use performance that earned him a loyal following among military, law enforcement, and civilian users. While full product details are still emerging, Thompson has already begun sharing content on the Lynn Thompson’s Tactical Knives YouTube page and on Instagram: lynnstacticalknives.
According to Thompson, “To me, a knife is a weapon first and a tool second. Now, that’s why I called my new company Lynn Thompson Tactical Knives, because this time around, I’m going to pursue my interest in almost wholly martial things.”
Thompson’s Tactical Knives plans (as of this writing) on making its public debut at the Atlanta Blade Show. This announcement has been met with significant anticipation in online forums and message boards. Thompson’s absence has been felt around the industry, and people are anxious to witness his return.