Name: Smuggler
Brand: Dawson Knives
SKU: 6361
Price: 205.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Smuggler

$ 205.00

Smuggler

$ 205.00

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

Hamon - Differential Heat Treat

Wildfire

Rainstorm

Handle Color

Black G10

Red & Black G10

Ultrex Camo G10

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
features video
sheath & handle
Handle Pairings

Sheath:

Our redesigned GEN 2 Carbon Fiber Kydex sheath features an improved rattle free fit can be carried horizontally, vertically, beltless and is MOLLE compatible.

•Designed to fit the included Slim 3.3 UltiClip for beltless carry

•Slim & rattle-free Carbon Fiber Kydex design

LEARN MORE ABOUT SETTING UP YOUR SHEATH HERE

Handle:

Our American-made G10 handle stands up to the rain, snow, mud and any harsh condition. We designed all handles for secure, comfortable, hot-spot free use in all seasons; textured 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.

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.

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.

Amazing Blade.

Hamon - Differential Heat Treat / Black G10

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.

Hamon - Differential Heat Treat / Black G10

Smuggler Hamon

This knife makes for the perfect EDC—which is how I use it. Well balanced, wonderfully nimble, and wickedly sharp. This is a knife that has outsized purpose that you can feel from the moment you pick it up. Everytime I use it, it just gets better. The included kydex sheath is well thought out. It’s tight and nimble; however, I think this particular knife begs for a high quality leather option. Thank You Dawson—well done!

Rainstorm / Black G10

handle and sheath

handle **** holes are sharp they need to be hit with a bigger drill bit to smooth out the holes on the outer edge and I don't like the belt loops on the sheath I love the knife the best edge I have felt and good balance you asked!

I have owned several Dawson knives beginning in the 90's. This one is at least equal to those. I think it will be an essential part of my EDC rotation. I am very happy with my purchase of the Dawson smuggler with Hamon. If your thinking of buying a Dawson I think you should do it. Lifetime warranty and sharpening. Nothing to worry about. Thank you Dawson clan. God Bless!

Wildfire / Black G10

Excellent Knife

Looks good, cuts good and feels good. Nothing more you can ask from a knife

1 2 3

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

Title

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

Title

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

Title

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

Title

97%

(3262)

(65)

(13)

(2)

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.

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

Smuggler

Smuggler

Handle Pairings

100% USA MADE

Heat treated in house

Food safe finish

Forged in the fire

Differentially hardened

Textured G10

Finest steels

Customer Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Let customers speak for us