At the cutting edge: why IWA’s Knife Award is key to community

These mini ‘communities within the community’ are part of what makes IWA such a valuable and enjoyable experience for visitors and exhibitors alike – and perhaps one of the strongest of these over the past few editions is the knife sector. Knives and blades play an essential part in a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts’ lifestyles, from hunters to hikers, target shooters to fishermen. So, it stands to reason that this segment has blossomed at IWA – and to celebrate that, this year’s event had a special BLADE Demo Area, aimed at becoming a meeting place for the international knife industry.

Companies from around the world attended, showcasing different ideas and innovations for specific applications and trends. This culminated in a showpiece event – the IWA Knife Award 2026 – which was making a highly anticipated return after it received a record number of entries in 2025.

Judged by a panel of international experts in the blade sector, brands entered the awards in two new categories for 2026: EDC Folding Knives and EDC Knives Fixed Blade. As well as prizes in these two categories, an overall Visitors’

Favourite award was also handed out – all aimed at recognising innovation in design, manufacturing, and quality. But the IWA Knife Award seemed to become something much bigger this year: the celebration of a community and everything it stands for.

Building a strong international knife community

“Maybe it’s easy for us to say this, because we have won and finished second in the awards for a few years, but we think the Knife Award is a really great part of IWA OutdoorClassics,” explained Frauke Wahrmann from German knife brand Otter, which collected second place in the EDC Folding Knives category for its Kumpel.

The Kumpel, which means ‘friend’ or ‘mate’ in German, was designed to be just that. This pocketknife features a stainless steel blade and fork/bottle opener attachment set into a bog oak handle, making it a reliable and trustworthy companion for any outdoorsman.

Halfbreed Blades is a relatively new kid on the block at IWA, making only its second appearance this year. Another fresh face was British brand BMC, making its debut in 2026. BMC claimed third place in the fixed blade category with its M13 Imp Neck Knife.

While owner Ian Lowsley was delighted with that, he was also really moved by the strength of the community in the global blade sector at IWA: “There were so many beautiful knives on display in the competition that I was just happy to be among them,” he explained.