Have A Knives Day 2026

Wednesday, 17 June 2026

HAKD Festival 2026

This year, the HAKD Festival is leveling up once again! On 5 September, we’ll be kicking things off with a record number of over 50 brands in attendance. It promises to be an event you definitely won’t want to miss. Connect with your favourite brands, enter the raffle for a chance to win great prizes, meet our mystery guest, and take part in inspiring workshops.

As you've come to expect from us, we're pulling out all the stops again this year. Think great deals on a wide selection of knives and other cool products, special guests and a day packed with everything that gets knife enthusiasts excited. Once again, the event will be split into two sessions: a morning session and an afternoon session. This way, we ensure everyone has plenty of opportunity to connect with brands, explore products, and fully enjoy the festival. Have A Knives Day!

The tickets for the HAKD Festival are sold out. Keep an eye on this page if you don't want to miss out on updates!

Updates

28 July: Mystery Guest revealed: Eric Glesser from Spyderco is coming to Have A Knives Day!

Over the past few weeks, we've enjoyed watching everyone piece together the clues. There was plenty of speculation, plenty of theories, and lots of great guesses. Some visitors quickly worked out who it was, while others were happily led in the wrong direction for a little longer.

Now it's finally time to make it official.

Our Mystery Guest at Have A Knives Day is none other than Eric Glesser from Spyderco!

For experienced knife enthusiasts, Eric Glesser needs little introduction. As a key figure within the family-owned company Spyderco, he plays an important role in developing the innovative knives that have made the brand famous around the world.

Spyderco was founded in 1976 by his parents, Sal and Gail Glesser, and has grown into one of the most influential brands in the knife industry. The company helped popularise features that are now considered standard on many modern pocket knives, including the round opening hole, the pocket clip, and the use of advanced blade steels and innovative handle materials.

Eric continues that tradition of innovation. He is closely involved in new designs, prototypes and product development, and is renowned for his extensive technical knowledge, keen eye for detail and infectious enthusiasm for knives. During his presentations, he not only introduces new models but also shares the stories, design choices and philosophy behind them.

His visit to Have A Knives Day is a unique opportunity to meet one of the leading figures in the international knife industry in person.

Eric Glesser. Spyderco. Live at Have A Knives Day.

23 July: Have A Knives Day sells out

All tickets for Have A Knives Day sold out within just 13 days, making this the fastest sell-out in the festival's history. This year, there were also 150 more tickets available than last year.

On 5 September, knife enthusiasts from all over the world will travel to Apeldoorn. The day is all about sharing knowledge, discovering exceptional knives and, above all, meeting fellow enthusiasts. It is a festival for everyone who shares the same passion for knives and craftsmanship.

Preparations are now well underway. It promises to be a special edition, and we are looking forward to a day filled with great conversations, inspiring encounters and outstanding craftsmanship.

22 July: Even more brands confirmed for Have a Knives Day

The list of brands attending Have a Knives Day keeps growing. We can now also confirm the following names: Kershaw, Zero Tolerance, Casström, Ledlenser, Daily Customs, Straightline, ANV, Jack Wolf Knives, Hultafors, Liong Mah, KNAFS, Eutektik, LionSteel, HORL, The James Brand, Maserin, Tormek, WERA and Temple Tool. That means even more knives, tools and accessories to discover, try out and, of course, an opportunity to meet the people behind the brands.

Another hint about the mystery guest...

The mystery guest is keeping everyone guessing, so it's time for another clue. Some people know him as an entrepreneur, others as a designer. Anyone who has ever met him describes him above all as a true enthusiast.

Here's one more hint:

** His company's logo is one of the most recognisable symbols in the knife world.**

Have you worked out who it is? Let us know who you think will be joining the Have a Knives Day festival.

21 July: Morning session of Have A Knives Day sold out

Tickets for Have A Knives Day sold out remarkably quickly this year. Within just two weeks, the entire morning session was fully booked, a new record for the event.

That enthusiasm is easy to understand. This edition features more participating brands than ever before, giving you the perfect opportunity to discover products, meet makers and experts, and enjoy everything this special day has to offer.

A limited number of tickets are still available for the afternoon session. Want to join us? Don't wait too long, once they're gone, they're gone!

16 July: The first brands attending the Have A Knives Day festival have been announced!

The first names for the Have A Knives Day festival are now confirmed. It's a great opportunity to take a closer look at their products, ask the experts your questions and meet the people behind the brands.

The first confirmed brands are Helle (with Joe Price), Roselli, Benchmade, Victorinox, Kizer, Leatherman, Dutch Bushcraft Knives (DBK), Work Sharp, Doble O Knives, Demko, Ocaso and Savotta.

And this is only the beginning. Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing many more updates about the brands, activities and... the mystery guest!

12 July: The Early Bird tickets for Have A Knives Day sold out in no time.

Just five minutes after ticket sales opened, every ticket for those quick to decide had been snapped up.

The overwhelming interest shows just how enthusiastic the Have A Knives Day community is. If you managed to secure an Early Bird ticket, you're guaranteed a place at the festival at the discounted rate.

9 July: The first hints about the Mystery Guest

Every year, we aim to bring something special to the Have a Knives Day Festival. This year is no exception, and we're proud to welcome another true knife celebrity. Our special guest is travelling all the way from abroad to join us. Someone who has left their mark on the knife world for decades, with an influence that can be found in collections, pockets, workshops and adventures across the globe. For now, we're keeping their identity under wraps, but we'll be sharing more hints soon. Who do you think it is?

17 June: ticket sales announced!

Want to be there? Mark 11 July in your calendar, because that’s when tickets for the HAKD Festival go on sale. Early birds benefit from a discount, so don’t wait too long. This year, we’re once again working with a morning and afternoon session, so you can choose the time that suits you best. During both sessions you can meet brands, take part in workshops, enter the prize draw for a chance to win great prizes and, of course, benefit from sharp festival deals.