Benchmade’s New Outdoor Knife Does Something No Other Blade Has Ever Done Before

In case you somehow missed it, Benchmade came out of the gate swinging with its early 2026 catalog announcement. Some of the highlights include the lightest take ever on its fan-favorite Bugout, a Special Forces-inspired dagger, a pared-down paring knife (pun intended) and a second, stunningly high-end take on the Bugout.

As it turns out, the brand had another sneaky drop lined up for this year’s SHOT Show — one it was a lot less forthcoming about. Called the Benchmade Codex87 Horizon Edge, it turned out to be the most innovative blade of the bunch, courtesy of a highly unique blade execution.

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Cutting-edge cutting edge

The Codex87 Horizon Edge’s most innovative feature can be found at the pointy end (I know, everyone’s favorite bit). It comes in the form of a “first-of-its-kind” bi-metal blade.

This fixed blade’s base steel is Hakkapella Damasteel, one of the most beloved, recognizable versions of Damascus steel currently available. However, a section of the cutting edge is fused with Rex121. This patented blade design is manufactured using a unique process that allows a secondary alloy powder to be laser-fused along the blade’s edge.

Benchmade

According to the brand, “One section of the edge is engineered for high hardness and wear resistance, optimized for fine slicing and long-lasting edge retention. Adjacent areas are tuned for strength and toughness,
providing the durability required for tasks such as prying or breaking down game.”

The intention of this bold innovation is to solve an age-old problem faced by knife users: the choice between precision cuts and overall strength. By offering this bi-metal one-two combo, both are possible in a single tool.

And while the Codex87 Horizon Edge is the first platform to feature this technology, if successful, it could have a ripple effect across the entire knifemaking industry, altering its course forever (likely for the better, at least for users).

Benchmade

More than innovation

The innovative blade is the star of the show. It’s such a focal point, in fact, that many other elements of the knife remain a mystery. However, we can glean some elements just by looking at it.

For instance, the knife boasts a full-tang construction, meaning the blade doesn’t end at the handle; it extends all the way to the butt. This allows it to maintain strength and rigidity, making it ideal for outdoor use. And yes, despite its clear beauty, this fixie is very much designed to be put through its paces in the backcountry.

Benchmade

That tang is sandwiched between a pair of wooden scales, another classic element that screams “this is a knife meant for hunting, hiking, camping and so on.” Unfortunately, it’s unclear what wood this is, whether it’s a laminate (which is likely, as laminates are more durable and stable than traditional wood and previous versions of the Saddle Mountain Skinner have boasted laminate handles) and what its other properties are.

It’s also unclear what else the knife ships with, like a sheath. It’s likely that, based on the style of this knife, it will include a leather sheath, as that’s been a standard for the Saddle Mountain Skinner as well.

Benchmade

Perhaps the most frustrating part of this reveal is that Benchmade has not announced when the Codex87 Horizon Edge will be launched or how much it will cost.

Based on the prices and materials of other Saddle Mountain Skinners, it’s safe to assume this knife will cost over $500, but it could easily soar above $1,000 due to the innovative blade.

Benchmade

Benchmade Codex87 Horizon Edge

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