Four new folders are coming, each with a different flavor of traditional.
It’s almost all slip joints with clip points as far as the eye can see at Case right now. They’re bringing one old design back, updating two known and loved designs, and bringing their Bill Ruple design into full production.
You can read up on the releases on their own website if you like, but here’s our slightly pared down version.
The XR Updates: Sod Buster Jr. and a Barlow
Two classic designs are getting materials updates through Case’s XR line. The Sod Buster Jr and a barlow slip joint are getting S35VN steel blades, and each have varied options for handle materials:
- The Sod Buster Jr options will be black burlap, blue denim, or wood laminates scales paired with G10 liners.
- The Barlow XR will feature Richlite scales with a G10 bolster.
They’re both still slip joints with no pocket clips, sporting the patterns we’ve known for a long time. If you are looking for something a little more unique and fun, check out the new PB&J version of the Crossroads Barlow.
The Collab Update: Case Axe Handle
The Axe Handle will be the production version of the collaboration Case did with Bill Ruple back in 2024.
It’s a non-locking folder with a handle curvature doing double duty emulating an axe handle and providing a little more natural resistance to the blade disengaging when it’s open.
That first run was meant to be near-custom quality, and they only made a thousand. Starting in 2026, though, it will be more widely available.
The Vault Release: Case Cheetah Cub
This is Case’s Vault release of the year, bringing back a pattern from 2005. It’s a little thing, totaling three-and-a-half inches closed with a swing guard in the handle. It’ll be dropping with a wide variety of handle options in typical Case fashion, featuring a few dozen colors and patterns in bone and synthetic materials.
The blade will also be available in Case’s Tru-Sharp stainless steel or 1095.
As a Vault release, the Cheetah Cub will only be available this year for a limited time.
We will be headed to SOT Show 2026 soon with plans to preview these knives to see if any are worthy of being included in the NBK article showcasing our favorite slip joints.
