IWA OutdoorClassics is one of the most important trade fairs for outdoor and hunting equipment in the world.
Every year, it brings together industry experts and aficionados to present the latest innovations and classic designs. A highlight of the show is the IWA Knife Award, which recognizes exceptional knives in various categories. In this article, we take a look at the winners and outstanding features of the award-winning knives of 2024, as well as a look ahead to 2025.
IWA Knife Award - The Winners in 2024
The new IWA Knife Award was presented for the second time in a row this year and caused quite a stir. The participating companies exhibited more than 50 impressive knives in the BLADE Demo Area over the entire duration of the trade fair. The independent jury, consisting of proven experts from the knife industry, made the difficult decision and selected ten finalists from all submissions in the first two categories, which could be admired in the BLADE Demo Area during the IWA. The fascinating knives in the category “The Best of 50 Years” were also exhibited there, and visitors had the opportunity to vote online for their favorite.
The jury selected a total of three outstanding knives. In the “Classic” category, the PUMA White Hunter from PUMA Solingen took first place. In the “Innovation” category, the Metamorphosis from Fox Knives came out on top. The Polarstern knife from LAGUIOLE EN AUBRAC won the coveted title of “Trade Visitors' Favorite”, impressing the trade visitors on site.
PUMA White Hunter - The classic
The jury's laudatory speech shows that the Solingen-based bladesmiths had positioned their successful model just right. “The PUMA White Hunter with its distinctive blade shape and complex grind has become an icon among hunting knives. The current new edition differs only in details from the successful model that was launched on the market in 1956. The special shape of the blade allows it to be used for a variety of hunting purposes, even splitting wood is possible with its axe edge on the back of the blade. Original pieces from the 1960s are now highly priced, sought-after collector's items. And even today, the workmanship and the handle material still stand out from the crowd. It's hard to beat a knife like this when it enters an award for traditional knives.” That tells you everything, doesn't it?
The PUMA White Hunter is characterized by its centre of gravity above the blade axis, which enables a larger cutting surface. The robust tip is ideal for levering, the heavy front section is suitable for slashing. A saw in the rear third of the blade and a secure grip thanks to the parrying element and serrated thumb rest complete the versatile functions. In the 1950s, it was mainly hunters in Africa who tested this knife, and the local hunting staff gave it the name “White Hunter” - in reference to the European hunters who used it. You can find out more about the history of the White Hunter here.
The Fox Metamorphosis FX-556 - innovation & versatility in one hand.
This year, the Fox Metamorphosis FX-556 received two awards. In addition to the IWA Knife Award, the elegant Italian also won the European Product Design Award, a recognition for its outstanding design and functionality.
The Fox Metamorphosis FX-556 impresses with its modular design. Users have the freedom to choose from different basic configurations and can customize colors, blade shapes and materials according to their taste. This customizability allows everyone to put together their own personal and unique knife.
With two different blade shapes and the choice between Damasteel and Böhler M390 blade steel, the Metamorphosis FX-556 offers a wide range of options. The variety also extends to the handle materials, colors and designs of the bolsters and backspacers as well as the different colors of the screws. The possible combinations seem almost endless.
The awards received are a confirmation of Fox's commitment to innovation and their pursuit of design excellence. The Metamorphosis FX-556 also features the innovative Radius Lock, which takes safety and ease of use to a new level. The Radius-Lock combines the thumb rest for opening the pocket knife and the locking mechanism, which makes handling much easier.
Laguiole en Aubrac Polar Star - The public's favorite
The straight-lined Laguiole “Droit” is considered the archetype of all Laguiole knives. Based on this iconic design, Laguiole en Aubrac has developed the elegant anniversary model “l'Étoile Polaire” (“Polar Star”). This knife masterfully combines modern, technically sophisticated materials with a classic yet contemporary design, clearly setting it apart from its competitors.
The blade is made of Japanese VG-10 layered damascus and has a hollow grind - an unusual choice for these traditional French knives, but one that ensures excellent cutting properties. The handle impresses with stabilized mammoth ivory, which is complemented by a generous end piece made of genuine iron meteorite.
The crowning touch is the filigree, hand-crafted decoration of the back spring, plates and the characteristic “bow tie”, which emphasize the extraordinary aesthetics of this model.
IWA OutdoorClassics - engine for innovation and success
IWA OutdoorClassics has established itself as one of the most important meeting places for the international knife and hunting industry, not only in Germany but worldwide. This is particularly evident in the growing importance of the BLADE DEMO Area and the Knife Awards, which give the trade fair a new dynamic.
The BLADE DEMO Area has taken on a central role at the IWA by providing a bustling center for meetings and networking. “Not only big names in the industry come together here, but also smaller partner companies and numerous knife designers use the ‘Knife Lounge’ to exchange ideas and forge new contacts,” explains Christoph Daim, knife designer and moderator of the Blade Demo Area. The highlight of the event is undoubtedly the presentation of the Knife Award, which honors the best innovations and designs. But the varied stage program is also very popular with manufacturers and visitors alike.
With around 40,000 visitors from 120 countries and over 1,072 exhibitors, the trade fair was a central point of contact for technical discussions and orders in 2024. IWA OutdoorClassics has been attracting visitors from all over the world for half a century and remains the driving force behind the industry.
Outlook for the IWA Knife Award 2025
IWA OutdoorClassics 2025 will take place from February 27 to March 2, 2025. The world's leading trade fair for the hunting and shooting sports industry thus continues its tradition and remains an indispensable meeting place for the industry. The IWA Knife Award will once again be presented at this event, providing a stage for the diversity and innovative strength of the knife industry. The award will take place in 2025 with two new categories, replacing the categories of the last two years.
The outdoor category includes knives that have been specially designed for use in the great outdoors, such as survival and bushcraft knives. These models impress with their robustness and versatility.
The second category, kitchen and cooking, is dedicated to high-quality kitchen knives. These products are characterized by a combination of outstanding design, sharpness and functionality and appeal to both amateur chefs and professionals.
A jury of experts will evaluate the submitted knives. The focus will be on aspects such as the quality of craftsmanship and the choice of materials. Functionality and aesthetic design also play a decisive role. In addition, the innovative strength of each product will be assessed - creative innovations such as special handle designs or unusual blade features can make the decisive difference here.
There is also the option for the expert jury to award a special prize for very special models, the “Special Jury Prize”. Just like last year, trade visitors to IWA OutdoorClassics will have the opportunity to vote for their “Trade visitors' favorite” on site using digital voting. So it will be exciting and visitors and exhibitors alike can look forward to the award ceremony on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 4 pm.
For the winners, the IWA Knife Award offers numerous benefits that go far beyond the actual award. The exhibits will be presented by the presenter as part of the stage program during the trade fair. The prominent presentation of the award-winning products at IWA 2026, supplemented by appearances in the BLADE Demo Area, offers an ideal platform for showcasing the company's own expertise and arousing the interest of new target groups.
Sources & further links
https://www.iwa.info/de-de/ausstellen/sonderformate/iwa-knife-award
https://www.knivesandtools.de/de/ct/fox-metamorphosis-fx-556-preisgekroentes-taschenmesser.htm
https://www.pirsch.de/ausruestung/jagdzubehoer/die-messerlegende-das-puma-white-hunter-37650
