Each month we share the current month’s Knife News column here on the website. While it might not always be the freshest by the time it hits here, it is a good survey of what we here at KNIFE feel is noteworthy enough for limited space in Print.
Orbital Knives Taps Paul Munko for First Collaboration Release
Eddy Martinez is no stranger to the knife industry. He started his knife journey as an enthusiast, later designing his first knife for Kansept, the Dako, in 2023. He enjoyed the process, but wanted more control over the final product in the future. Subsequently he partnered with Lucas Albertson to launch Orbital Knives, in their home state of Idaho. Their first model was the Martinez-designed Callisto, and now they have brought in their first outside designer, Paul Munko. Together they are releasing the new Orbital Fornax, this time tapping premium Chinese company Kizer for the OEM production work.
The Fornax blends Munko’s futuristic aesthetic (the knife is named for the constellation Fornax – the “Forge” or “Furnace)”, with practical EDC features such as dual thumb studs, caged ball bearings, and titanium frame lock construction. The 3.65” blade is crafted from S45VN with a pronounced swedge. The single position pocket clip is configured for right-hand, tip up carry, and the handle offers a contrasting titanium inlay and ergonomic milling for enhanced grip.
The best way to reach Orbital Knives is via their website contact form at www.orbitalknives.com. MSRP is $199.
TOPS El Chete Mini is Kind of a Big Deal
The original TOPS Knives El Chete was released in 2017. It quickly gained popularity for both its unique hybrid cleaver/machete styling, as well as its versatility as a brush clearing tool. It was a true chopper with a 12” blade, 17.5” OAL, and tipping the scales at a robust 29.5 oz. TOPS was not intending to make a mini version at all, until they gave a series of shrunk-down wooden Christmas ornaments of the model away to staff. That an El Chete in that size might make a great belt-carried fixed blade EDC was quickly apparent.
Enter the TOPS El Chete Mini. It maintains the same highly rockered profile, 1095 steel, and micarta handle, but scales it down to more carry friendly proportions. With its reduced weight and thinner blade. (0.19” vs. 0.25”) it trades brute force or everyday utility. The El Chete Mini is 8.75” in overall length, with a 5.5” blade, weighing in at a relatively svelte 5.4 ounces. A Kydex sheath with belt loop is included. (MSRP $230)
The Mini El Chete is not the only new “mini” model TOPS has in their 2025 lineup. Also recently released is the Frog Market Special Mini ($190), another scaled down version of a popular blade. For more information on Idaho Falls’ TOPS Knives, visit www.topsknives.com or call 208-543-0113.
Demko Knives Adds a Splash of Color to their Shark Cub Line
Henry Ford once said of the Model T, “You can have it in any color, so long as it’s black.” That was once true of Demko Knives’ popular Shark Cub model, which until now was available in full G10, Glass Reinforced Nylon (GRN), or full aluminum, all in black.
For 2025, they have added two new color options for the Shark Cub. OD Green and Orange G10 Peel Ply material is affixed to the knife’s steel liners. This new Shark Cub model features a premium CPM20CV blade. Available in “Shark Foot” and “Slicer Shark” profiles, it measures 2.5” in length. Demko’s signature Shark Lock mechanism, which combined with a reversible deep carry clip, make the knife fully ambidextrous. Caged bearings and a Demko Knives pivot pin round out the package.
Made in Taiwan, MSRP for the new Peel Ply G10 Demko Shark Cub is expected to be around $190, which is in line with the other 20CV options (GRN/AUS10 version is $89).
If you have questions, or would like more information, there is a contact form on the www.DemkoKnives.com website.
Terrain 365 Releases Narwhal-AT
Terrain 365, co-founded by Patrick Ma and Michael Vagnino, is a knife company focused on crafting high-performance, corrosion-proof tools for outdoor and everyday use. Ma, the designer of their new Nawhal-AT describes it thusly, ““I wanted to design a full-sized folder that was inspired by the simplicity and ergonomic balance of a capsule shape. In keeping with the streamlined design direction, I used a low-profile flipper tab that could easily flip open the blade with your thumb or index finger. Something about the final appearance reminded me of the predatory marine mammal the narwhal, so the name stuck.”
The 3.54” blade, crafted from Terrain 365’s proprietary Terravantium dendritic cobalt alloy, is completely rustproof, has excellent edge retention, and is guaranteed for life. It deploys smoothly via a low-profile front flipper tab, running on ceramic bearings for a fast, reliable action. Its symmetrical spear-point design is accented with a fuller and laser-engraved logo. The handle, built around a titanium framelock chassis, offers options like full titanium, or a G10, Micarta, or carbon fiber scale, with weights ranging from 4 to 4.5 ounces. Signature details include Hyperglow pivot collars and 5 parallel grooves on the handle, enhancing both grip and style.
MSRP for the new Terrain 365 Narwhal-AT range from $377 to $390, depending on choice of handle scale. Visit www.terrain365.com to find out more.