SHOT Show 2026 Recap: Supplier Recognition, Growth, and What’s Ahead
Mar 6th 2026
Our SHOT Show 2026 recap reflects a week defined by strong partnerships, meaningful recognition, and forward-looking conversations about supply, performance, and growth in the knife industry.
From January 20–23, 2026, Tim Gelnett and Carl Stroud represented Niagara Specialty Metals at SHOT Show in Las Vegas, including participation in the Supplier Showcase on January 19–20. Throughout the week, they met with customers, partners, and manufacturers from across the global supply chain.
Tim Gelnett and Carl Stroud at the Niagara Specialty Metals booth during SHOT Show 2026 and the Supplier Showcase.
What stood out most wasn’t just attendance; it was validation.
Benchmade Supplier of the Year Recognition
One of the most significant moments of the week took place during Benchmade’s supplier recognition event. Benchmade presented awards to their top 16 suppliers out of a supplier base exceeding 100 companies. Niagara Specialty Metals was honored as one of those 16 suppliers and received a Supplier of the Year award.
Benchmade leadership team members, including CEO Jon DeAsis, Petra Polson, and Joel Kershaw, during the Supplier of the Year award presentation.
During the presentation, the Benchmade team made it clear how critical Niagara Specialty Metals are to their supply chain. Their remarks reflected not only appreciation, but recognition of consistency, reliability, and performance over time.
Beyond Business: Relationships Matter
SHOT Show isn’t just about transactions, it’s about relationships.
Tim Gelnett with Anne Reeve of Chris Reeve Knives during SHOT Show 2026, highlighting longstanding partnerships within the knife industry.
Trade shows are always busy, but some of the most meaningful moments often happen away from the booth. After SHOT Show, we had the opportunity to spend some time with Eric and Bethany Glesser to catch up on business and the continued growth of our partnership. Moments like this are a reminder that the strongest business relationships are built on more than contracts or purchase orders. They’re built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to each other’s success. We’re grateful for the partnerships we’ve built and proud to work with people who value relationships the same way we do.
The team connected with long-standing partners, industry peers, and friends throughout the week. One lighter moment included meeting the band Crazy Train at the Benchmade event, a reminder that strong industries are built not just on supply chains, but on community.
What This SHOT Show 2026 Recap Means
This SHOT Show 2026 recap reflects three clear takeaways:
- Niagara Specialty Metals is recognized as a critical supply chain partner.
- Demand for premium knife steels, including CPM® MagnaCut, remains strong globally.
- Manufacturers are prioritizing stability, diversification, and long-term partnerships.
For customers and partners, this signals continuity, forward planning, and a commitment to dependable supply. The conversations that began in Las Vegas are continuing, and the momentum from SHOT Show 2026 is carrying forward into the year ahead.
Looking to learn more about industry relationships? Check out some of our related blogs here:
Erasteel Powder Metallurgy Innovation: Meet Viktor Sehlstedt
Niagara Specialty Metals Knife Steel Collaboration with Larrin Thomas: What It Means for Makers
Entrepreneurship in the Knife Industry: Lessons from Chris and Anne Reeve
For more information, check out our other blogs.
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