Backpacking & Survival

MARAUDER

MARAUDER XL

REAPER

SHEPHERD

SHEPHERD XL

SUMMIT

VALOR

WAYFINDER

BONFIRE

HAMON

WILDFIRE

The Marauder delivers unstoppable performance in a compact survival frame. Built for hard use and relentless environments, it balances brute strength with refined precision—ready to command the wild with authority.

SHOP MARAUDER

RAINSTORM

WILDFIRE

The Shepherd stands its ground when trouble circles—quietly powerful, always prepared. Compact, capable, and built for the outdoors, it’s the blade you can trust to help you keep what matters.

SHOP shepherd

RAINSTORM

WILDFIRE

Built for the wild and fit for duty. The Shepherd XL takes our classic field design and scales it up for maximum versatility and cutting power. Go XL and tip the odds in your favor.

SHOP shepherd XL

HAMON

RAINSTORM

The Marauder XL is the definitive survival blade—bold, powerful, and unmistakably Dawson. With a larger frame and commanding reach, it’s built for those who lead from the front and never hesitate when the challenge rises.

SHOP MARAUDER xl

HAMON

WILDFIRE

The Reaper is built for those who operate where failure isn’t an option. Rugged, balanced, and always prepared, it’s the knife you reach for when skill and precision are the only path forward.

SHOP REAPER

WILDFIRE

RAINSTORM

Valor is the classic woodsman's knife, built for everything from shelter building and wilderness survival to processing game. The height of the blade's grind is calculated to create a thicker, more robust edge that stands up to the kind of heavy-duty use that would make a lesser blade tuck tail and run.

SHOP VALOR

HAMON

RAINSTORM

The Summit is adventure refined. Lightweight, efficient, and purpose-driven, it’s designed for the modern explorer who values strength without excess and elegance without compromise.

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RAINSTORM

WILDFIRE

Part parang, part machete, 100% competent. Wayfinder blasts through branches and underbrush and dominates at shelter building. Weighing in at just twelve ounces, this trim titan will more than earn its keep while still leaving plenty of room in your pack for other essentials. Lead the way in every survival situation with the Wayfinder.

SHOP WAYFINDER

The Reaper is built for those who operate where failure isn’t an option. Rugged, balanced, and always prepared, it’s the knife you reach for when precision and dominance are the only path forward.

HAMON

WILDFIRE

SHOP REAPER

The Shepherd stands its ground when trouble circles—quietly powerful, always prepared. Compact, capable, and built for the outdoors, it’s the blade you can trust to help you keep what matters.

RAINSTORM

WILDFIRE

SHOP sHEPHERD

Built for the wild and fit for duty. The Shepherd XL takes our classic field design and scales it up for maximum versatility and cutting power. Go XL and tip the odds in your favor.

RAINSTORM

WILDFIRE

SHOP sHEPHERD XL

The Summit is adventure refined. Lightweight, efficient, and purpose-driven, it’s designed for the modern explorer who values strength without excess and elegance without compromise.

HAMON

RAINSTORM

SHOP SUMMIT

HAMON

RAINSTORM

SHOP VALOR

HAMON

RAINSTORM

SHOP WAYFINDER

WILDFIRE

RAINSTORM

Compact yet powerful, Bonfire is equal parts utility and craftsmanship—an essential tool for camp, cabin, and backcountry survival.

SHOP BONFIRE

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Send us your questions by filling out the form below, we will be happy to assist you.

Sharpening

Q. What edge angle are Dawson knives sharpened at?

A. 18 degrees

Q. What blade sharpener should I use?

A. We recommend the Warthog V-Sharp A4 Knife Sharpener for home use. We also offer free professional resharpening of your Dawson knife.

Q. My sharpener only adjusts in 5-degree increments (15, 20, 25, etc.). What angle should I set my sharpener at to resharpen my Dawson knife?

A. That depends on the model and intended use. For a thinner steel with a fine, sharp edge intended for game processing or food prep, go with 15 degrees. If your knife is built from a thicker steel and intended for heavy chores like batoning or chopping, we recommend going for the more impact-resistant edge at 20 degrees.

Blade Care

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Q. Are Dawson blade finishes safe to use around food?

A. Yes. All of our finishes are brought of the steel itself using a special custom process. We do not use any kind of chemical coating that might end up wearing off into your grub. We also use only food-grade blade protectants.

Q. Which blade finish is best for food prep?

A. With proper care, our silver-toned finishes (Rainstorm, Stonewash, Monsoon, etc.) stay looking their best longest when coming into frequent contact with food acids.

Q. Are Dawson blade finishes sprayed or painted on?

A. No. We have developed our own customized heat treatment processes that draw the unique tones and patterns of our signature finishes out of the steel itself. Each finish is 100% one of a kind.

Q. How do I care for my blade?

A. After use, we recommend immediately cleaning your blade with a mild dish soap and warm water, then drying thoroughly. Apply a food-safe blade protectant (we recommend FrogLube Paste), allow it to sit on the steel for about 30 seconds, then rub clean with a soft cloth. Store your knives in a dry place, away from extreme temperatures.

Handle Care

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Q. How do I care for my G10 handle?

A. G10 is a very tough and low-maintenance material. If it becomes dirty or stained, remove the scales from your blade using a hex head driver or Allen wrench. Clean the scales with a strong, clear alcohol (e.g., Everclear or isopropyl alcohol) and a cloth or old toothbrush. Once scales are clean and dry, apply a coating of FrogLube or Wicked Wax to restore the G10’s rich color. Re-assemble the blade and handles, making sure to thoroughly tighten all fasteners.

Sheath Care

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Q. How do I set up my sheath for different carry styles?

A. Check out the Videos tab on any model page for a step-by-step guide on adjusting your sheath mounts to accommodate your preferred carry.

Q. How do I attach/use the UltiClip with my Dawson sheath?

A. Check out the Videos tab on any model page for a step-by-step guide to installing and using the UltiClip 3.3 Slim.

Sheath Care Note: To avoid scratching your blade finish, we recommend using a blast of compressed air to blow out any accumulated grit inside the sheath. You may also rinse it out, allowing it to air dry thoroughly before storing your knife inside. Avoid exposing your sheath to extreme heat, such as leaving it inside a closed vehicle. Doing so can deform the Kydex and ruin its precision fit to your knife.

About Us

Warranty

Shipping & Policies

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97%

(3262)

(65)

(13)

(2)

Amazing Blade.

Contractor bliss

The perfect size and strength to allow every day carry. I get nonstop compliments about it. This is my third knife from Dawson and I will be a regular customer.

Outcast knife

Well very nice knife easy to carry good grip on the handle and the finish is great I will buy more from you guys for sure.thanks

Clip

Thank you for the clip! It fits perfectly with the small edc size of the companion! Great knife and set up.

My favorite EDC knife!

This is my first Dawson knife. It’s the Smuggler with Black handles and Hamon blade finish. I use it for every day tasks such as my food prep, and also every day tasks! It came sharpened right out of the box and one of the things I like best about it is the handle. The grip is EXCELLENT and rounded which is my preference. I carry other knives also
(Ka Bar Investigator). The Smuggler can be used in a similar manner, but it not limited like the Investigator may be. I really like the blade length! I carry it in my pocket using the Ulticlip.

Thank you Dawson’s knives!!!

Hello Dawson Knives!!

I just received my 2nd Dawson knife and could not be more impressed with your quality & craftmanship! My first purchase was the harvester, as I'm a huge whitetail deer hunter....the balance & feel of that knife was amazing and it cuts like butter. The season was over when I purchased, so I haven't used yet but cant wait for next season.

As a huge knife collector I had to purchase another, this time going for a larger model, the summit, which is now my new all-time favorite knife, and I have over 100.

Thank you for crafting such beautiful knives, I'm excited to be able to pass your knives onto my boys.

Look forward to building my Dawson collection.

Thanks again - Tonino Alteri

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Frequently Asked Questions

Let customers speak for us