Smuggler

$ 190.00

Smuggler

$ 190.00

TOTAL LENGTH

8.25"

BLADE LENGTH

3.375"

THICKNESS

0.125"

WEIGHT

4.00 oz

The Smuggler's classic clip point profile delivers the best in compact carry and precise cuts—crafted for those who demand professional quality in the field and on the job. 

Blade Finish
Handle Color

The Smuggler's classic clip point profile delivers the best in compact carry and precise cuts—crafted for those who demand professional quality in the field and on the job. 

  • size guide

  • handle & sheath

  • handle pairings

  • steel

Sheath:

 

Our custom-fitted Carbon Fiber Kydex sheath features an improved, rattle free fit, and can be carried horizontally or vertically. MOLLE compatible.   

•Designed to fit the 3.3 UltiClip Slim for secure, beltless carry

•Slim & rattle-free Carbon Fiber Kydex sheath design  

•MOLLE Compatible

LEARN HOW TO CONFIGURE YOUR SHEATH

Handle:

 

Our American-made G10 handle stands up to rain, snow, mud and just about anything else you can think of. We designed all our handles for secure, comfortable, hot-spot free use in all seasons and textured them for improved grip when the going gets wet. 

•Precision milled, interchangeable handle scales 

•Textured G10 handle will not swell, split, warp or crack  

Handle Pairings

Each Dawson model shares a handle shape with at least one other model. 

These handle bodies allow you to interchange handles on compatible models.

Steel

Dawson has spent more than 50 years closely connected to our steel. We meticulously select specialized alloys for traits like toughness, durability, impact resistance, edge-holding capability and more. A superior heat treat is the soul of an heirloom quality blade, and we leverage decades of experience to create custom processes that develop each of our chosen steels to the fullest. Trust Dawson to deliver unrivaled excellence in every detail.  

 

The Smuggler is available in 1/8" 80CRV2, one of our Heritage steels. These steels are tried-and-true high carbon alloys, paired with our own specialized heat treat for exceptional strength, flexibility, edge hardness and impact resistance.  

 

Rockwell C hardness, by blade finish: 

  • Wildfire 61-62
  • Rainstorm 62-63
  • Hamon 63-64 grind/edge, 20-25 on spine 

100% USA MADE

Heat treated in house

Food safe finish

Forged in the fire

A hamon (刃文) is the visible, flame-hardened temper line on a traditionally crafted blade, marking the boundary between the hardened cutting edge and the softer, more flexible spine. Originally developed by ancient Japanese swordmakers, our modern hamon represents decades of Dawson blademaking mastery, our own custom techniques, and the finest time-honored steels.    

Differentially hardened

The Dawson hamon is the visual representation of an elite, differentially-hardened heat treatment inspired by the master swordsmiths of ancient Japan. The dark area along the edge is the hardest (Rockwell C 63-64) part of the blade, and the lighter area on the flat and spine is tempered much softer (Rockwell C 20-25). This produces a superior blade with exceptional lateral strength, edge sharpness and retention, and impact shock resistance.

 

This legendary heat treatment is available exclusively by selecting the Hamon -  differential heat treat Blade option. 
 

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Textured G10

Originally developed for use in commercial electric and aerospace applications, American-made G10 is renowned for its extreme toughness and durability. Our G10 handles are ergonomically designed, lightly textured and feature our signature Topographic contouring for a comfortable, secure grip no matter the conditions.

Finest steels

We utilize both time-tested and technologically advanced steels for our knives, leveraging more than 50 years of expertise to develop custom heat-treats that emphasize the strengths of each one. Trust Dawson steel to deliver where it counts—with exceptional strength, impact resistance, sharpness and edge retention. 


 

Customer Reviews

Based on 134 reviews
96%
(129)
4%
(5)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
R
Robert O. (Lancaster, US)
Hamon - Differential Heat Treat / Black G10
Smuggler

Knife is top notch! Beautiful piece, not to mention it’s razor sharp. Could easily shave with it. Love it!

J
Josh P. (Salt Lake City, US)
Wildfire / Black G10
Amazing blade!

This is my first Dawson blade and I’ve got to say it is perfect. It fits my hand like it was made specifically for me. Love it.

D
David W. (San Antonio, US)
Hamon - Differential Heat Treat / Black G10
Great knives

Every one has been awesome

M
Morgan F. (Mesa, US)
Hamon - Differential Heat Treat / Black G10

Smuggler

S
SJ (Las Vegas, US)
Hamon - Differential Heat Treat / Black G10
Well Done!

This is quite the knife...heirloom quality you can see and feel. The balance in your hand is hard to explain, it just feels right. Really looking forward to putting it through its paces!

S
STEVEN S. (Cumming, US)
Wildfire / Black G10
Amazing knife. Beautiful except for the billboarding.

Just an amazing knife. Finding out it was even hollow ground was a pleasant surprise. The firestorm is one awesome finish. I just wish it didn't have so many large white logos on a black and gold knife. Writing takes up about 1/3 of the blade on each side. Do you need this much writing on a knife finished for aesthetics? Dawson logo, a small american flag over it, since 1973, another flag with the another another Dawson D in it, USA made, Christian mark, blade steel, and serial number. Maybe if it was darker lettering it would flow better.
Blade quality is just outstanding though. Better fit and finish than knives i have that cost twice as much.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Thanks for contacting us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

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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. We do not use any chemical coatings on our blades, and 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, Riverborn, 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 Dawson Blade Balm or 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 Dawson Blade Balm 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 our Care + Keeping page for step-by-step videos 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 our Care + Keeping page for a step-by-step video 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.   

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