Product Reviews

Case Knives: Modernized Classics — SHOT Show 2026

February 12, 2026

At a time when tactical flippers, OTFs, and tip-up carries are filling the shelves, Case Knives is opening 2026 with a mix of heritage returns and modern reinterpretations.

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All three knives lying on a black table, blades open, tips to the left. — New, old, and re-imagined: That’s the theme for Case this year.

The Cheetah Cub Vault pattern, the Crossroads XR Barlow, and the all‑new Axe Handle. Together, they show how Case continues to balance collector interest with practical everyday carry.

The Cheetah Cub returns in 2026 as the Case XX Vault Pattern, reviving a compact design originally introduced in 2005.

The Cub is a scaled‑down version of the original Cheetah, measuring 3.5 inches closed, and is immediately recognizable by its integrated swing guard and slim profile. The original was a sophisticated design in the late 1800s.

Close up of the guard with another knife behind it on the table. — The Cheetah Cub’s swing guard is a novelty with a purpose.

The knife features a clip‑point blade and traditional lockback construction, with blade options in Case Tru‑Sharp stainless steel or 1095 carbon steel, depending on configuration.

As a Vault release, the Cheetah Cub will be available only during 2026, with a wide variety of handle materials planned throughout the year. Case has an actual vault where they store the tooling for their knives.

Close up of the bolster and guard with the knife close. — The guard is on both sides and folds completely flat.

For collectors, the appeal is scarcity. For users, the appeal is a small, distinctive lockback that carries easily while still offering positive hand protection.

The Crossroads XR Barlow is a modernized take on one of Case’s most enduring patterns. While it retains the familiar Barlow silhouette and elongated bolster, the XR Barlow is built using modern materials and a screwed‑together construction rather than traditional pinned assembly.

Two knives on a black table, one folded and one open. — This barlow is a new take on a classic design.

The knife features a CPM S35VN clip‑point blade, chosen for its balance of edge retention and corrosion resistance. Handle scales are made from Richlite, paired with G‑10 liners and bolster, keeping weight down while adding structural rigidity.

At approximately 3.4 inches closed and about 1.3 ounces, the XR Barlow is notably lighter than many traditional counterparts. It feels really good in your hand.

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two knives, one open, the closed one set on its back edge. — The liners are G10 with G10 and Richlite scales — and a CPM S35VN blade.

The XR Barlow remains a non‑locking slipjoint, preserving traditional operation while quietly updating the materials and build quality for everyday use.

The Case Axe Handle is a completely new pattern for 2026. Co‑designed with custom knifemaker Bill Ruple, the Axe Handle adapts a profile previously seen only in the custom knife world into a full production knife.

Three knives in various colors with the center one open. — The Axe Handle comes in a variety of handle types.

The knife takes its name from the flared handle shape, which subtly resembles an axe handle and provides a natural grip. It is a non‑locking slipjoint with a clip‑point blade and a 4‑inch closed length, placing it in a comfortable medium‑size category for traditional carry.

The Axe Handle is built in Bradford, Pennsylvania, and launches with multiple handle materials. It also introduces a new pattern stamp, marking it as Case’s first in‑line collaboration of this type.

These three knives illustrate Case’s 2026 approach. The Cheetah Cub speaks to collectors and longtime fans through the Vault program. The XR Barlow updates a century‑old pattern with modern materials. Finally, the Axe Handle signals a willingness to introduce entirely new patterns when the design warrants it.

Rather than chasing trends, Case appears comfortable in their identity, offering knives that feel familiar in the pocket but current in execution. Seen them all here.