Five decades ago, when the trade fair was founded as an accompanying exhibition to the annual meeting of the Association of German Gunsmiths and Gun Dealers, the three letters in the name of the IWA OutdoorClassics stood quite simply for "International Weapons Exhibition". Civilian sporting and hunting firearms still take center stage at the world's leading trade fair in Nuremberg, Germany, which starts at the end of February. But now that the term outdoor has been included in the name of the trade fair for some time because the area has become increasingly extensive and important, this segment is to be expanded even further from 2026. "Strategic realignment and a clearly structured area concept" is what this means in trade fair parlance, but what does it actually mean? And why is the merger of knives and outdoor in Hall 4 more than just an organisational measure?
IWA OutdoorClassics 2026 with strategic restructuring and Hall 4 as the new center for knives, outdoor and survival
The most important change at a glance: the previously separate Outdoor (Hall 4) and Knife (Hall 5) segments will be presented together in Hall 4 in future. Both segments complement each other in the product range of the specialised trade and together form one of the largest and liveliest halls at the IWA. The merger means that there will no longer be any atmospheric voids, and visitors will benefit from higher foot traffic, clearer routes and thematically coherent orientation. For exhibitors, this means above all more visibility, increased foot traffic, and better business opportunities.
The logic behind this is simple: the specialised trade is oriented towards application scenarios, not hall designations. Anyone who sells knives usually also sells outdoor equipment – from bushcraft tools and camping equipment to cooking gear and first-aid kits. The new structure creates a coherent product range, simplifies the purchasing process for retailers and strengthens the trade fair as a central platform.
IWA OutdoorClassics 2026: Survival and crisis preparedness as a growth area, no longer scattered across the halls but concentrated in Hall 4
With a view to 2026, the IWA is also picking up on a trend that has long since extended beyond the outdoor community: survival and emergency preparedness. The demand for crisis preparedness products is growing – not only among classic preppers, but also among a broader target group that places greater emphasis on safety and independence. This opens up new sales potential for retailers, but also increases the need for advice.
The focus is on products that are functional, rugged and versatile. These products are increasingly no longer seen as niche products, but as a useful addition to the hunting and outdoor range. IWA takes this development into account by not presenting survival as an exotic side show, but as an integral part of the outdoor range.
IWA OutdoorClassic 2026 continues to focus on the BLADE DEMO Area as a platform for knives and innovation
The BLADE DEMO Area, which will also be relocated to Hall 4, remains a central highlight. It is much more than just a presentation area: it acts as a stage for the culture and innovative power of knife-making. Visitors can look forward to designer talks, live demonstrations and the renowned IWA Knife Award, which will also be presented in two new categories in 2026. This will provide new impetus for design, materials and functionality. The BLADE DEMO Area is a must-attend event for retailers – not only because of the new products, but also as an important networking platform.
Our conclusion: the merger of Knife and Outdoor segments is far more than just a logistical step. It is a strategic signal! The IWA wants to be perceived not only as a gun trade fair, but also as a platform that covers the entire value chain of the specialized trade. In future, retailers will be able to think more holistically about product ranges, utilise synergies and integrate trends such as survival and crisis preparedness more strongly into their business models. For exhibitors, visibility, frequency and sales opportunities will increase in equal measure.
And of course all4shooters.com will report directly from the IWA on how the new concept is received and all new products we will be able to discover there.
Important tips for the IWA OutdoorClassics 2026:
- Date: Thursday, February 26, to Sunday, March 3, 2026
- Venue: NürnbergMesse
- Website IWA OutdoorClassics 2026
- Rules for the admission of trade visitors
- Exhibitor database: filter by segments, brands and innovations
- Interactive hall plan: Optimise routes, synchronise dates
- Preliminary report on the IWA OutdoorClassics 2026 by all4shooters.com, part 1
