First Look: New WE & CIVIVI Knives at Blade Show 2025 (With Hands-On Video)

Knife fans, Blade Show 2025 brought out some serious heat. WE Knife Company and CIVIVI didn’t hold back, showing off new prototypes and production-ready blades that have everyone in the knife community talking. We got a close look at everything from sleek titanium folders to innovative fixed blades and, yes, even a folding fillet knife. Whether you’re a collector, outdoorsperson, or everyday user, there’s something in this lineup that’ll grab you.

The Inmate: First Design From Neeves Knives

Let’s kick things off with the prototype that had everyone stopping to listen—the Neeves Knives Co. model known as the Inmate. If the name doesn’t make you curious, the ting it makes when snapping open certainly will.

Key Features of the Inmate:

• 20CV blade steel
• Hollow ground blade, thin behind the edge for smooth slicing
• Sleek, neutral handle for comfort and close-up control
• No flipper tab, keeping things streamlined

This blade is designed for those who like to choke up near the edge for precise cuts, which it accomplishes without the use of a finger choil and while maintaining ease of sharpening. The handle shape is roomy enough for big hands yet never gets in the way. The finish stands out, too: the different versions blend shiny, polished sections with graphite-like coloring for a sharp, modern look.

There’s a front flipper for easy one-handed opening that even new users were nailing by the end of the demo. The ‘Special Ting’ comes from designer Jared, whose personal story is woven into the knife’s name and ethos.

Availability:

• Expected end of June 2025
• Estimated retail price: around $300

New In-House WE Designs: Corwin and Skynix

WE Knife’s own designers stepped up with new folder prototypes that stick to the company’s strengths while offering fresh touches.

Corwin: Classic WE, Made Fresh

The Corwyn is a titanium frame lock flipper built from M390 steel, sporting carbon fiber inlays. The inlays aren’t just for show—they’re milled with a unique pattern that adds grip and visual pop. The blade shape echoes some of WE’s past successes, but the profile has been refined for even more comfort and usability.

• Full four-finger grip
• Carbon fiber inlays with texture for extra traction
• Flipper tab for smooth, fast opening
• M390 blade for proven longevity and edge retention

WE titanium flippers are some of the best in the industry, period. They’re reliable, they flip with authority, and they look sharp—in more ways than one.

Estimated Market Release:

• Still in prototype, so likely 6–12 months out from the show

Skynix: Attention to Detail

Skynix brings a hand-rubbed, horizontal-grain finish to its M390 blade, offering a slightly different tactile experience and appearance from the Corwin. The carbon fiber insert on the handle is matched by a titanium pivot collar and a concave pivot detail that adds grip when pinching during use.

• M390 blade steel with hand-rubbed finish
• Titanium and carbon fiber for strength and weight savings
• Custom pivot and collar details for aesthetics and function

Skynix flips cleanly, like all WE frame lock flippers, but the finish and hardware push it over the top. If you like your knives to feel just a bit more dressed up, this one’s for you.

Standout Fixed Blade Introductions

This year, WE and CIVIVI put notable energy into fixed blades, appealing to everyone from outdoor enthusiasts to those who just want a solid workhorse.

Terscane: Tactical Flair Meets Utility

The Terscane caught many eyes with its almost 5-inch Nitro-V blade and striking handle options.

Key Details:

• Nitro-V blade steel; blade length of roughly 4.8–5 inches
• Hidden (but full-length) tang, with the tang concealed by the scales for comfort
• Multiple handle options—wood grain (with aggressive checkering) and G10 for durability
• Strong but subtle guard for minimal interference
• Pronounced palm swell for secure grip, whether in wet conditions or while wearing gloves

The vibe leans military/tactical, but the smart design allows it to moonlight for camping, field dressing, or even yard work.

Sheath Features:

• Kydex with checkering details matching the handle
• T-clip for multiple carry options

Why Choose This Fixed Blade?

• Light enough for all-day carry
• Comfortable regardless of grip or gloves
• Handle and sheath materials fit both rugged and refined styles

Modern Hunter: A New Take by Kyle Lamb

The Modern Hunter, designed with input from Kyle Lamb, is aimed at those who want function first—without giving up style.

• Unique grind: hollow from the spine down to a secondary flat above the edge, making meat processing and slicing much smoother
• Tactical-inspired handle allows secure pinky placement, boosting control during skinning or butchering
• Drop point blade shape familiar to hunters
• Kydex sheath with options still in development (expect a belt loop style, but no pocket clip or hook on the sheath here yet)

This fixed blade balances the needs of modern EDC and hunting. It’s slim enough for easy carry but tuned for heavy use in the field. Expect updates as final sheath options come out.

The Shawka: A True Folding Fillet Knife

Fans have been waiting for an innovative folding fillet knife, and WE delivers with the Shawka. This knife stole the spotlight thanks to its practical build and flexibility—literally.

• Thin Nitro-V steel blade that is flexible and corrosion-resistant
• Specially designed handle mechanism that folds open to accept the extra-long blade for storage, and closed to provide a comfortable grip when deployed
• Liner lock secures the blade during use

The Shawka will hit the market in July or August 2025. It’s already proving to be a crowd favorite, especially with fishermen. This one will go fast once it’s out.

New CIVIVI Folder Models: Kavaris and Mini Shakan

CIVIVI brought variety with both large and compact locking folders to fit nearly any EDC style.

Kavaris: Larger Crossbar Lock Folder

• Wood inserts with a checkered, almost vintage-gun grip appearance
• Crossbar lock for strength and ambidextrous use
• Thumb studs and flipper for multiple opening methods
• Large hollow grind for high slicing performance
• One of the largest crossbar lock models CIVIVI has produced

Kavaris Quick Highlights:

• Comfortable grip, even for large hands
• Ideal for users who need a big folder without sacrificing style
• Expands CIVIVI’s growing crossbar lock lineup

Mini Shakan: Discreet Button Lock

Based on the original limited edition Shakan, the Mini Shakan brings the size down for those who want minimalist carry without losing features.

• Aluminum handle with textured milling for grip
• Button lock action—fast, smooth, and satisfying
• About 2.48 inches of usable blade with a full flat grind
• Multiple colors will be available (at least four by first release)

It’s perfect for pocket carry, blending in whether you’re dressed for work or out for a weekend hike. Many users found themselves reminded of other compact CIVIVI folders like the Altus.

Outlaw Muk: Trey Sprinkle’s Take on a Hunting Knife

Bringing in outside voices often sparks real innovation. That’s exactly what happened with the Outlaw Muk, which was dreamed up by Trey Sprinkle in partnership with Jason Knight and WE’s design team.

Why the Outlaw Muk Stands Out:

• Curved belly that slices and skins with ease
• 14C28N blade steel optimized for edge retention in field work
• Button lock for simple, secure closing
• Pivot close to the end of the handle, so you get maximum blade and minimum wasted space

Price is set to be around $70, making this an accessible tool for hunters and anyone seeking a tough, affordable folder with a Nessmuk-inspired blade. The design focuses on comfort and practical use in wild settings but won’t look out of place in an EDC rotation. This knife is the result of a true partnership between a content creator who lives outdoors and makers who know how to build for the real world.

Conclusion

Blade Show 2025 made it clear: WE Knife Company and CIVIVI are not letting up. Whether it’s the satisfying “ting” of an expertly tuned flipper, comfort and control in a rugged fixed blade, or an innovative folding fillet knife, their lineup speaks to enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone halfway serious about sharp things.