Knife Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Folding Blade, Fixed Blade, Side Slide), By Material (Steel, Titanium, Ceramic, Others), By Application (Kitchen, Survival/Hunting/Adventure/Tactical, Weapon, Sports, Others), By Region, By Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The Global Knife Market will grow from USD 4.83 Billion in 2024 to USD 6.93 Billion by 2030 at a 6.20% CAGR. A knife is a fundamental cutting tool characterized by a blade, typically affixed to a handle, serving diverse functions across various sectors including culinary arts, industrial applications, outdoor recreation, and personal utility. The global knife market's expansion is fundamentally driven by consistent population growth, increasing urbanization, and a rising global interest in culinary pursuits which elevates demand for specialized kitchen implements. Furthermore, the sustained growth in outdoor and recreational activities, such as hunting and camping, along with general industrial requirements for precision cutting tools, significantly contributes to market buoyancy. According to the American Knife & Tool Institute, in a survey concluding early October 2025, 81% of industry respondents reported a demonstrable decrease in sales volume within the U.S. knife market, indicating prevailing challenges.

A significant challenge impeding global market expansion remains the escalating regulatory complexities and trade tariffs, which directly impact manufacturing costs and consumer accessibility. The imposition of import duties, as evidenced by recent industry surveys, leads to increased operating costs for manufacturers and retailers, often translating into higher consumer prices. This dynamic can dampen consumer purchasing power and restrict the smooth flow of goods, thereby hindering overall market growth and profitability.

Key Market Drivers

The global knife market is significantly propelled by rising culinary trends and the expansion of the food service industry. An increasing global interest in diverse cuisines, home cooking, and professional culinary arts directly fuels demand for a wide array of specialized kitchen knives, from chef's knives to utility blades. The robust growth of the food service sector further amplifies this, as restaurants, hotels, and catering services continually require high-quality, durable cutting tools for their operations. According to the National Restaurant Association's State of the Restaurant Industry 2025 report released in February 2025, the entire foodservice industry is forecast to reach $1.5 trillion in sales in 2025, representing substantial underlying demand for culinary implements. This pervasive trend underscores the ongoing need for both innovative and traditional knives that meet the evolving standards of culinary professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Concurrently, increasing participation in outdoor recreation and adventure activities serves as another vital growth catalyst for the knife market. Activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking necessitate specialized knives designed for durability, utility, and safety in challenging environments. Consumers involved in these pursuits invest in robust tools, including fixed-blade knives, multi-tools, and survival knives, reflecting a consistent need for reliable equipment. According to the Outdoor Industry Association's 2025 Outdoor Participation Trends Report cited in August 2025, outdoor participation in the United States grew by 3 percent in 2024, engaging a record-breaking 181.1 million people and driving demand for related gear. This expanding engagement in outdoor pursuits contributes directly to the sales volume of various knife categories. Furthermore, the same report indicated that the number of "core" outdoor enthusiasts in the United States grew by 5.7% in 2024, highlighting a dedicated segment of consumers who frequently purchase and upgrade their outdoor equipment, including knives.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

The central challenge directly impeding the expansion of the global knife market stems from escalating regulatory complexities and trade tariffs. These factors directly influence manufacturing costs and consumer accessibility by increasing the financial burden on manufacturers and retailers. The imposition of import duties, for example, necessitates higher operational expenditures for companies, which are often subsequently passed on to consumers through increased retail prices.

This upward pressure on pricing can significantly diminish consumer purchasing power, especially in price-sensitive segments. When knives become more expensive due to tariff-related costs, demand can soften, leading to reduced sales volumes and slower market growth. According to the American Knife & Tool Institute, in its survey concluding early October 2025, 90% of industry respondents believe tariffs will increase the overall cost of knives and related products. This dynamic ultimately restricts the smooth distribution and sale of products across international borders, thereby hindering overall market profitability and impeding sustained growth.

Key Market Trends

The global knife market is experiencing notable shifts driven by product innovation and evolving distribution strategies. Advanced material innovation for enhanced performance represents a significant trend, as manufacturers continuously integrate superior alloys and composites to elevate product durability, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. This focus addresses consumer demand for tools that deliver consistent, high-level functionality across diverse applications, from demanding culinary environments to rigorous outdoor activities. For example, powder metallurgy steels are increasingly prominent for their balanced properties. According to a 2025 Knife Making Industry Survey by Red Label Abrasives, 64% of knife makers selected high-carbon steel as their favorite blade material, reflecting a preference for materials that offer superior wear resistance and can achieve a sharper edge.

Concurrently, the expansion of e-commerce channels and the increased visibility of niche markets are fundamentally reshaping how knives reach consumers. Online platforms enable direct-to-consumer sales, providing specialized brands with broader reach beyond traditional retail limitations and allowing consumers to access a wider array of unique and custom-made knives. This digital shift facilitates targeted marketing and fosters direct engagement with specific enthusiast communities. The digital landscape supports brands in reaching global audiences efficiently, bypassing geographical barriers.

Segmental Insights

The folding blade segment is experiencing rapid growth within the global knife market due to its inherent versatility and portability, which align with contemporary consumer needs. This accelerated expansion is primarily driven by the increasing worldwide participation in outdoor recreational activities, such as camping and hiking, where compact and reliable tools are essential. Furthermore, a growing consumer preference for everyday carry items underscores the demand for multifunctional and convenient knives that integrate innovative designs and advanced materials for enhanced safety and performance. Technological advancements in metallurgy and ergonomic designs have also contributed significantly to the segment's appeal, offering durable and efficient solutions for both general utility and specialized applications.

Regional Insights

Europe leads the global knife market due to its deeply embedded culinary heritage and a strong consumer preference for premium, durable kitchen tools. This dominance is significantly driven by established manufacturing traditions in countries like Germany and France, renowned for their artisanal craftsmanship and innovative designs. European consumers consistently demonstrate a willingness to invest in high-quality knives, supporting brands known for precision and performance. Furthermore, stringent quality regulations and safety standards, such as those upheld by the European Union, ensure a consistent supply of reliable products, reinforcing the region's strong market position. The flourishing hospitality sector and growing interest in home cooking across the region further amplify demand for professional-grade and specialized knives.

Recent Developments

• In June 2024, W.R. Case and Sons announced their inaugural collaboration design with a prominent Cutlery Hall of Fame member. The new offering, named the Bill Ruple x Case Axe Handle™ lock back folder, was unveiled at Blade Show 2024. This collection featured six distinct varieties, including a highlight model with a raindrop-carbon Damascus blade and English Walnut Scales, available for $697.99. Other versions, featuring different scale options, were released at $539.99. These knives were produced in limited quantities, with runs of 100 or 200 pieces, and showcased a one-piece liner/bolster construction with a distinctive arrowhead shield.

• In January 2024, Spyderco introduced new additions to its highly regarded Salt Series of corrosion-resistant knives, a significant development in the global knife market. Among the new releases was the Manix 2 Lightweight Salt, featuring a 3.4-inch blade crafted from CPM MagnaCut steel. This specific steel was engineered to deliver exceptional blade retention, strength, and corrosion resistance, enhancing the knife's durability and performance in challenging environments. The expansion of the Salt Series underscores the company's commitment to providing specialized tools for users requiring superior resistance to corrosive elements.

• In January 2024, the tactical brand 5.11 launched two new tactical folders, the Braddock DP Full and the Braddock DP Mini, reinforcing its presence in the global knife market. These new knives were designed for practical use across various scenarios. Both models featured D2 drop-point blades with a prominent swedge and a stone-wash finish. The DP Full included a 3.5-inch blade, while the Mini had a 3-inch blade. Available in black or tan, both knives incorporated G10 handles with liner locks and deep crimping, offering enhanced grip and security for users.

• In January 2024, Outdoor Edge introduced a new line of knives at SHOT Show, notably the VX series, which features replaceable blade technology. This product launch addressed a market demand for efficient and easy-to-maintain cutting tools. The VX series comprised five different styles with multiple options, including models like the VX5 with a carbon-fiber handle and ceramic ball-bearing pivot release, priced at $70. Other knives in the series ranged from $40-$70 and offered various features, handle types, and blade-holder options, catering to diverse consumer preferences for outdoor and utility applications.

Key Market Players

• Olfa Corporation
• Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
• Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
• KA-BAR Knives, Inc
• Kai USA LTD.
• Hyde Tools, Inc.
• U.S. Blade Manufacturing Company Inc
• Roberts Consolidated Industries, Inc.
• Apex Tool Group LLC
• Klein Tools, Inc.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Knife Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Knife Market, By Type:

o   Folding Blade

o   Fixed Blade

o   Side Slide

• Knife Market, By Material:

o   Steel

o   Titanium

o   Ceramic

o   Others

• Knife Market, By Application:

o   Kitchen

o   Survival/Hunting/Adventure/Tactical

o   Weapon

o   Sports

o   Others

• Knife Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Knife Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Knife Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global Knife Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]