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It doesn't get any sharper than this: How the IWA Knife Award selects the best blades and knives
When blades meet perfection and knives are not just tools but works of art, excellence becomes tangible. The IWA Knife Award 2025 honors traditional craftsmanship and technical innovation in the knife industry. Find out why this award is a must for companies that want to put their products in the spotlight. Discover the new categories, judging criteria and the many benefits of entering, from increased exposure to exclusive marketing opportunities.
The IWA Knife Award - A competition for perfection in blade and sharpness
IWA OutdoorClassics, the world's leading trade fair for hunting, shooting, outdoor and safety, is once again setting a benchmark for the knife industry with the IWA Knife Award 2025. The award is presented in two new categories and honors outstanding achievements by exhibitors in the field of cutlery.
The XPERIENCE surface of the blade segment, known as the BLADE Demo Area, will once again provide the perfect setting for this year's award ceremony. Here, visitors and experts can experience innovations and top achievements in the knife industry up close and pay tribute to the best products in the field of knives and cutlery. The best knives will be honored in the following categories.
- Outdoor knives: Knives and cutlery specially designed for use in the great outdoors, such as survival and bushcraft knives.
- Kitchen and cooking: High-quality kitchen knives and cutlery that combine design, functionality and sharpness in the kitchen.
What counts: The jury criteria for an excellent blade
- The evaluation is carried out by a jury of experts who assess the submitted products according to clear criteria:
- Workmanship and material: High-quality knives impress with their precise manufacturing and the choice of excellent materials such as hardened steel.
- Functionality and practical use: Whether for use when cooking, outdoors or for craft purposes - the focus is on functionality.
- Aesthetics and design: A fine balance between beauty and practicality is crucial.
- Idea and special feature: Innovations in handle design, blade length or special purposes can make all the difference.
This mixture of craftsmanship and creativity makes the IWA Knife Award one of the most coveted awards in the industry.
A competition with added value: Why it's worth taking part
The IWA Knife Award is not just an award – it is a unique opportunity to put the company's brand in the spotlight and position itself as a top supplier in the industry. Participants benefit from numerous advantages that go far beyond the award ceremony:
- Raising awareness: Multichannel communication measures bring the winning product - be it a chef's knife, outdoor knife or pocket knife - to the attention of experts and the target group.
- Exclusive marketing tools: With the print file provided, success can be communicated directly in the product and store design. Labels or shop windows with the title "IWA Knife Award Winner 2025" make an impression and are an important testimonial to stand out in the market.
- Presence at the next IWA: The winning knife will be prominently displayed at IWA 2026 and you will have the opportunity to give a presentation at the BLADE Demo Area - a perfect platform to showcase your expertise and create awareness for your brand.
- Recognition and prestige: The framed certificate and the trophy make the success visible and strengthen the reputation in the industry.
Use the IWA Knife Award as a stage to put your products and your company in the spotlight. This opportunity combines media attention, industry prestige and new opportunities for positioning.
Skillfully refined: Puma produced a limited edition of the “White Hunter” to celebrate winning the IWA Knife Award and the trade fair anniversary. Razor-sharp for success: what winners do right
The previous winners of the IWA Knife Awards, including renowned names such as PUMA, Windmühlenmesser from Solingen and Otter Messer, impressively demonstrate how participation in such a competition can be used successfully. The key lies in the consistent focus on quality, because high-quality workmanship, durable steel and ergonomically designed handles make all the difference.
At the same time, these companies unite tradition and innovation by combining classic values with creative, modern ideas - an approach that appeals to a wide audience when it comes to products such as high-quality kitchen knives.
Clever marketing also plays a decisive role. Winners use the award specifically to strengthen their brand, for example through special editions such as PUMA's "White Hunter" series or by increasing their presence at the next IWA.
After an absence of over 20 years, we exhibited at the IWA again this year for the first time - with a range of newly developed pocket knives and other knives with a historical background. We were naturally delighted that we were able to impress the jury with one of our products as a 'newcomer'. This award has not only led to increased attention, but has also made new customers aware of us. The real advantage of such an award lies in the appreciation that our product receives, which is then passed on to our customers. This has sparked new interest in our brand and our products.
Invitation to participate
The IWA Knife Awards 2025 ceremony will take place on Saturday, March 1 at 4 p.m. in the BLADE Demo Area. Interested companies can already register online. The conditions of participation and further details can be found here.
Knife and cutlery companies that want to put their products in the spotlight – be it chef's knives, multi-tools or outdoor knives – have a unique opportunity here.
The IWA Knife Award - A catalyst for success
The IWA Knife Award is far more than just an award – it is a stage that combines the best of tradition and innovation. For companies, it offers a valuable opportunity to make a name for themselves in the industry and put their products in the spotlight. Whether through extensive media coverage, exclusive marketing opportunities or presentation at the IWA 2026 – the benefits for winners are diverse and sustainable. Who knows, maybe your knife will be the next big success that shapes the industry. Use the IWA Knife Award to showcase your innovations, open up new markets and strengthen your brand.
About the Puma factory in Solingen
The PUMA factory in Solingen is one of the oldest and most renowned manufacturers of cutlery in Germany. Since 1769, PUMA has stood for the highest level of craftsmanship and innovative designs.The product range includes high-quality hunting knives, sports and leisure knives, kitchen knives, pocket knives and limited edition collector's knives.
About OTTER-Messer GmbH
OTTER-Messer GmbH is a traditional manufacturer based in the world-famous blade city of Solingen. Since its foundation in the 1840s, OTTER-Messer has stood for excellent craftsmanship and high-quality cutlery.About Windmühlenmesser-Manufactur Robert Herder GmbH & Co.KG
Windmühlenmesser, a traditional brand from Solingen, has stood for the highest quality and craftsmanship for over 150 years. The knives are manufactured in the company's own factory and are characterized by their sharpness and durability.
