An Already-Exceptional USA-Made Backcountry Knife Just Got a Major Blade Steel Upgrade

And that’s just one highlight of a masterful update to this marquee New West KnifeWorks offering.

Published May 22, 2025

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Updated May 22, 2025

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Introduced a little over six years ago, the New West KnifeWorks 4″ Outfitter quickly announced itself as a premium USA-Made hunting and backcountry knife.

Emerging as it did from the premier hunting destination that is Jackson Hole, Wyoming, that was perhaps not a surprise.

nwkw outfitter 2.0 magnacut full — The Outfitter 2.0 proudly advertises its steel on the display side of the blade, in case there was any doubt.

But even the most seasoned outdoorsperson will likely do a double-take at the sight of the brand’s excellent update of the knife, which boasts a number of improvements over its predecessor.

As its name suggests, the Outfitter 2.0 MagnaCut Edition’s most notable upgrade concerns its blade steel, but that’s not the only that makes this version significantly better — and only a bit pricier.

Superior steel

The original knife features S35VN blade steel, which is a pretty high-performance material in its own right.

However, NWKW spared no expense in swapping it out in favor of MagnaCut, by far the industry’s hottest super steel.

MagnaCut makes this particular knife eminently equipped for rigorous use, whether you are field-dressing game, tackling essential cutting tasks around camp or simply slicing an apple.

Developed by metallurgist Dr. Larrin Thomas, MagnaCut boasts an unrivaled combination of toughness, edge retention and corrosion resistance.

This quality justifies its inclusion in dozens of knife upgrades, not only fixed blades but a number of folders as well.

nwkw outfitter 2.0 magnacut duo — Two handle options are available — the high-visibility SureGrip (left) and refined-looking Ironwood (right).

It makes this particular knife eminently equipped for rigorous use over the long haul, whether you are field-dressing game, tackling essential cutting tasks around camp or simply slicing an apple.

Clutch carry

While the blade steel is the headliner, the Outfitter 2.0 offers two other tweaks that optimize its appeal.

The first is a shortened SureGrip handle that is easier to manipulate and hold onto, courtesy of its unique construction — alternating G10 and rubber layers that deliver a reliable grip, even when wet.

nwkw outfitter 2.0 magnacut handle detail — Layering G10 and rubber on either side of the full-tang blade maximizes grip, even when the knife is wet.

While a classy Ironwood handle is also available (for $25 more), the SureGrip option has one more compelling attribute: a flash of high-visibility orange that will make it easy to spot in outdoor environments.

Last but not least, the Outfitter 2.0 comes with a rugged, weatherproof, NWKW-made Kydex sheath.

nwkw outfitter 2.0 magnacut kydex sheath lifestyle — Offering eight different carry positions, the Kydex sheath fits belts up to 2 inches wide.

Precision molded so that the knife locks securely in place, the sheath offers eight different carry positions, making it a snap to mount on a belt, chest rig or pack.

The best bet is to place and orient it however is most convenient for you, because it houses the kind of knife you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.

Availability and pricing

The New West KnifeWorks Outfitter 2.0 MagnaCut Edition is available now with two handle options starting at $325.

New West KnifeWorks Outfitter 2.0 MagnaCut Edition

Starts at $325

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.