2024 Year in Review: A Blade HQ Retrospective 

Well, the great year of our Lord 2024 has come to a close. And I’ve gotta say, it’s been quite a ride for us here at Blade HQ. The knife industry is always evolving, and this year is certainly one I will remember for its highs and lows.

In this article, I’m going to break down the biggest things that happened this year in the knife world, make some predictions for the future, and hopefully solidify 2024 as "the good old days" in the collective memory of the knife community forever! 

In This Article

• The Highs
  • Blade HQ Store
  • Knife Trends of 2024
  • Hot Items of 2024
• The Lows 
  • Knifemakers RIP
  • Censorship & Economic Impact
  • The Way Out is Forward
• To The Future

The Highs 

Blade HQ Store: The Triumphant Re-Opening 

2024 marked the grand re-opening of our Pleasant Grove, Utah storefront! We closed our storefront back in 2020 to comply with lockdown regulations, and eventually moved it, as well as the entire warehouse, to our Marion, Virginia location.

But early in 2024 we re-opened it and had a giant party to celebrate. If you’re ever in the area on a Tuesday-Saturday, stop by and see us! 

Knife Trends of 2024: Not Your Granddad’s Knives 

I observed two huge knife trends this year that personally, I find exciting.

First is the utility knife. These replaceable sharpened steel trapezoids are anything but new, but they’ve become more popular than ever in the knife community. We’ve seen them find their way onto OTFs, EDC-size folders, and even gravity knives, and the demand just keeps going up. These offer great performance, easy maintenance, and accessibility to so many people. So, it’s no wonder they’re so popular. 

The second is the EDC pocket fixed blade knife. Once again, this idea has been around for a while, but this year it took off. Now it’s not just custom makers and smaller companies making them, it’s the big dogs in the mainstream. People love pocket fixed blades because they are just as easy to carry as a folder, but just as strong and dependable as a fixed blade. It’s the best of both worlds! 

Hot Items of 2024: Kershaw Writes You a Love Letter 

The last couple of years have shown us just how well Kershaw understands your needs, wants, and budget. They have the best-selling new knife of the year two years running now, with the Iridium in 2023 and the Bel Air in 2024.

I think people keep coming back to Kershaw because of how much value they offer. It’s not just that they’re some of the best knives for the price, it’s that they’re some of the best knives—and they just happen to be super affordable. It’s obvious how much passion and attention goes into every Kershaw knife, and as a result, knife collectors keep on buying them. 

The Lows

Knifemakers RIP: Until We Meet Again

The greatest losses the knife community felt in 2024 were some of our beloved friends.

In January, we lost Bob Cargill, the president of the National Knife Collector’s Association. Just a few days later, Ray W. Ennis, custom maker behind EnTrek knives, passed after a long battle with Parkinsons. And in May, only a few days before Blade Show, American Bladesmith Society chairman and master blacksmith Steve Dunn finished his mortal journey. 

These men made immense contributions to the knife community and the craft of the knifemaker. It is giants like these whose shoulders I stand on every day, and I’m deeply grateful for all they’ve done for those who love knives. 

Censorship & Economic Impact: The Bitter Truth 

Like any industry, the knife industry is vulnerable to the ebbs and flows of the economy. And thanks to record inflation, 2024 was a bit more ebb than flow, and just like many American families, many knife companies have felt the strain.

Adding insult to injury is the fact that many social media platforms are suppressing knife content, so marketing is harder now than ever before. The best way to stay in contact? We recommend joining our newsletter so you don’t miss out on our latest news, best deals, and more.

The Way Out is Forward

But as rough as it has been, I’ve been inspired by how the knife community has reacted to challenging times. Instead of wallowing in self-pity and begging for support from an already stretched customer base, knife companies have rolled up their sleeves and got to work.

They’ve employed creative tactics to increase quality and give more value to their customers, and it’s led to some amazing collaborations and exciting innovations. To quote my friend Ben Peterson, founder of Knafs, "The way out of it is forward," and I’m thrilled that the industry is moving in that direction. 

To the Future 

2025 is here, and I think it’s going to be the best year yet. As an industry insider, I can’t tell you much, but what I can say is that from what I’ve seen, it’s going to be big. Nobody is resting on their laurels and coasting to the finish. Everyone in the knife world is hard at work to bring you the best of the best in the new year. 

Expect to see companies you know making knives for the first time, established knife companies spreading their wings into new territory, innovations in material and manufacturing technology, and a whole lot more. 

There has never been a better time to be a part of the knife community. So, strap in and enjoy the ride, because there’s a lot of sharp and pointy fun coming your way soon!